Guerlain Perles d'Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls Review, Photos, Swatches
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls ($60.00 for 0.88 oz.) is a softened, medium beige with golden shimmer. I expect mine is leaning a bit more obviously beige/warm, since some of the pearls (and it appears the bronzy ones!) were crushed. Cle de Peau Sand Beige (13) (P, $55.00) is more golden. NARS Hot Sand (P, $30.00) is liquid. theBalm Cindy-Lou Manizer (P, $24.00) is pinker. bareMinerals The Magic Moment (LE, $26.00) is pinker. Becca Rose Gold (LE, $38.00) is more shimmery. Laura Mercier Spellbound (LE, $42.00) is darker, more shimmery. Chanel Lumiere d’Artifices Beiges Illuminating Powder (LE, $65.00) is more shimmery. See comparison swatches / view dupes.
I’m going to refer you to the promotional image for the Meteorites here, as a few pearls in mine were pretty crushed up, which gives mine the appearance of being all gold and bronze pearls. Trying to dust them off was a bit like excavating at a dig site (and didn’t go so well for me). The promotional image shows pearls that range from beige, gold, pink, berry, and bronze (there are supposed to be six, but I could only really see five distinct shades). It comes in a gold case with a “bow” on top and a red pouf. The product that comes off from the pearls once you touch it (whether with the pouf or a brush) is soft, silky, and finely-milled with a low-level sheen without any over-the-top sparkle. The gold and bronze pearls bring a lot of warmth to the party, but it is sheer enough that it can be dusted all-over for a warm, luminous glow. Applied more heavily, it warms up my cheeks and gives off a glow that doesn’t emphasize pores. It wore well for eight hours on me before fading. Meteorites are somewhere between a highlighter and finishing powder, as they can be used all-over or applied more heavily as a targeted highlighter (though they’re subtle applied that way). They seem to give the skin a softer, glowy look that’s more, “Your skin looks great, did you change your skin care?” and less “What highlighter are you wearing?” I was bummed to see this year’s tin only contains 0.88 oz. compared to last year’s 1.05 oz.
Update (10/9/14): I’ve added photos of a second one, where the pearls aren’t crushed (purchased from Sephora). The effect is still the same applied–a light warmth with soft shimmer–but a smidgen more beige overall.
Perles d'Etoiles
LELimited Edition. $60.00.
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls (Purchased Version)
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls (Purchased Version)
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls (Purchased Version)
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls (Purchased Version)
Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites Illuminating Pearls (Purchased Version)
Oh what a gem… 🙂 Actually, it’s a whole box of little gems!
Haha! 😉
DAMMIT I didn’t even want it at first, and now I do.
LOL! Awwww. I am tempted to purchase one so I can see the pearls intact.
Oh darn! I thought the red/pink balls would give a little bit of a pink flush. This would look like a bronzer on my fair skin. 🙁 I was dead set on getting this, but now I’m not so sure because I never wear bronzer nor do I like adding “warmth” to my skin. I barely touch my Pucci balls for that reason. Decisions, decisions!
Thanks for the review Christine!
I think mine is leaning a lot more bronze than most will, since it looks like at least one, if not a few, bronze pearls were crushed!
That’s what I’m hoping. I do love the packaging, so I’ll probably pick it up anyway.
I had this happen to me with one of them and it took a few weeks to get back to normal. Once it did, it looked TONS different.
I am not sure if this may sound dumb, but how do you use it. i am lost. also can darker skin tones, like nw 40 use them.
thank you 🙂
It’s a highlighter/finishing powder. You can use it all-over or targeted on the high planes of the face.
I don’t collect Meteorites because I find most of them look too similar to each other, but this one looks rather unique because of the bronzy base! Do you know how they compare to the darkest permanent shade (or its past iterations).
I agree with you for sure – they are pretty to look at usually, but they don’t differ much on!
I think this is more bronze, but again, mine might be leaning that way. I really tried to dust away the excess, but it wasn’t a particularly fruitful endeavor.
Thank you! If they’re not all that different I’d probably hold off on the LE one, especially since it’s not so great quantity-wise.
This is definitely very bronzey but so so pretty on you! Can I say I actually prefer it to be more bronze than beige! 🙂
Thank you, Divya! 🙂
I know normally in holiday collections, we see a lot of gold/white gold highlighters/illuminators, but something about this just screams Christmas!
Must be all the gold and red 😉
Thanks for getting this up on launch day, Christine! Would you say that these are different enough from the regular Medium Meteorites to own both?
They seem to be darker!
Thanks; they certainly look it on you. It seems more like a glowy bronzer (that’s what HG Radiant Light is on me). I may rethink these and get the medium shade instead.
Today is the launch day?! I must have missed that info somewhere. I’ve got to run to the stores now and pick one up.
Guerlain told me the 15th… but some retailers have parts of the collection up already.
Sephora just launched these! I snagged one! Yay!
What do you use on your eyebrows? They always look so clean and natural!
MAC Espresso + Brun
Le sigh!
Good or bad sigh…
Good!
How is the scent on these? Is it strong or subtle? The violet scent usually bothers me, but these are so pretty, I want it to work!
It’s strong in the pot, but I don’t notice it applied. They have the signature violet scent, though.
I just ordered this and if it looks like your’s Christina, I’m returning it. It would be nice if like you said, you could see the individual colors.
I bet yours will be fine 🙂
You were correct Christine—It’s perfect. The individual pearls are smooth and retained their original colors.
Yay!! 🙂 What kind of overall effect/color is it, Joannie?
These are so beautiful, like Meteorites always are! The reduction in the content is disappointing 🙁 ! I guess Meteorites take quite a while to finish, but it´s always better to get as much for your money as possible!
True… they seem to last forever, lol!
I jumped on this as soon as it hit Sephora.com. Hopefully it will arrive before the weekend. Glad to see it received an A for performance. I feel much better now because I was kinda nervous about it since I hadn’t seen your review on it…till now. Should look nice on my NC45 skin tone.
Thanks for the heads up, Shelley! Just bought one myself… I don’t like that this might be more bronzy than it really is!
Bummer about it having less product than last years’ 🙁 I hated that version and keep kicking myself for not picking up Perles Du Dragon two years ago, so I had high hopes for this year’s Meteorites. The case is gorgeous and all, but I’m worried it’ll show up too bronze on my ghostly white skin tone as I’d like to use it as a finishing powder rather than highlighter.
I just bought one, so hopefully I can update this post!
That’s great! I’ve seen swatches by other people whose product arrived more “intact” and they did look less bronze, so I’ll look forward to an update from you 😀 it might be the product I’ve been looking for to warm up a touch my foundation make up!
I love what I’ve seen from the Guerlain holiday collection. I will have to try this on before buying it, I think, but if it looks half as good on me as it does on you, I will get it.
So far, it’s really nice!
Too warm for my pale, neutral skin! Thanks for the review! I was tempted before, but now I can save $60 for something else.
No prob!
The red powder puff is just the cherry on top! This is adorable! 🙂
It is a nice touch!
My first and only Meteorites was purchased in-store. Crossing all the fingers that this one arrives not too crushed! 😉
I bet it will be fine! Mine was a press sample, and those often go through some hoops before their arrival! 🙂
Fingers crossed! Though I am so sorry about yours and hope you get a nice full replacement for your own use since this color is amazing on you. I’ve had some issues with the Sephora warehouse on my last few orders. But I’ll keep faith because of how expertly they packed the MUFE 30 Palette.
The one in this post was a press sample, but I’m sure ones being sold through retailers will be okay! 🙂
Arrived today in good shape! I’m delighted to report it is not too warm on my pale skin. It really adds a truly candlelit glow and blends beautifully all over. Perfect for giving life to drier winter skin. So happy with it!
Woohoo!! So happy for ya, Celia!
Not sure if I should get this or wait for the Chanel silvery powder that is coming out for Holiday. I’m pale NW20. I think the Chanel one might be more unique, but this is very pretty. I already have one tin though and I don’t use them that often. I also seem to be more into cool tones lately.
So hard to say! I haven’t seen Chanel’s.
I’m also NW20 and I’m getting some of these Meteorites to try. FYI, the swatches I’ve seen online of the Chanel stuff look gold-toned. I was so disappointed because I wanted the Chanel highlighter to be silver and cool like it looks in the pan.
Such a shame yours got crushed, it would have been nice to see the colours in all their glory in your photos. Oh well. I’m particularly happy this looks like it would be nice on darker skin tones. I’m not sure it’s different from the Ambient Lighting Palette to warrant a purchase, and with that I have fuller control of my look, but I will definitely check this out!
I hear ya! I bought one, so I can update this post with photos… I hate feeling so uncertain about it as is.
Oh, now I want them even more than I wanted them before! I’m happy that the quality matches the price with this product! Would you say that they would be appropriate for a light sweep with a large powder brush all over the face, or would that be a little too much, Christine?
Yes, I think it could work all-over! 🙂
This is pretty…Do you think it would be fine for deeper/darker skintones?
Yes, I think so!
Too warm for me but lovely on you!
Thanks, Erin!
Now I’m not sure if I want this one or the regular meteorites! What would you recommend, Christine? I’m an NC30. Thanks!!
I think this one is quite nice for NC30 skin – I am NC30.
This looks gorgeous on you but too dark and bronze for me. I don’t do bronzers at all. I do love the finish of the Météorites though. I have the lightest shade that they do in their permanent line and I love to use it as a finishing powder. I actually haven’t used it recently though so this has spurred me on to dig it out of wherever I stored it and put it to use. No point in paying that kind of money to leave it sitting around looking pretty. Saying that I wish I had an actual dressing table to sit stuff on because the Météorites would look so nice on display! Sadly I have to make use of plastic drawers and everything has to be stored out if the way because my flat is so pokey!
Thanks a lot, Gillian! 🙂 You can apply this all-over without it actually getting bronze, I’d say! I applied it more heavily on cheeks and lightly dusted all over the face.
The presentation is gorgeous and I’m tempted (hehe) but I already have two compacts and one Perles D’Or and don’t really notice much difference between the three….This is now available at Sephora BTW…Enjoy!!
They tend to run together, truly! They’re often lovely, but they look alike on!
Oh wow! Gorgeous on you! What skin tones would you suggest this for( I am light-med)? Also,I didn’t see a release date and/or where I can get it?
I think any could wear this, really! There is no specific date – it is available online at some retailers already.
These look absolutely divine on you. Just perfect for your skin. Too dark/bronzy for me, I think.
Thank you, Rachel!
Wow, these sure don’t look like the promo pic! I was planning on getting them, but the bronze look is not what I want. Hmmm.
Mine arrived with some of the pearls broken/crushed, so that changed it a lot.
I like it! If it has warm hues I’ll try it. The other ones seem more cool toned to me. Thanks.
Yya! 🙂
Hehe, I wondered when I saw the picture – I was like ‘I’m sure they usually have more than one colour of pearl?’. It does give a beautiful effect though. Someday I would love to own some meteorites – actually, my husband thinks they’re really cool, and has wanted to buy me some on two occasions but I wouldn’t let him because of the expense. Maybe I should take him up on the offer! 😛
Haha! Yes, lots of bits of bronzy pearls all floating around the bottom it appears!
These always have such amazing reviews! I need to get my hands on these when i can!
I hope you can, Stephanie! Do you have any?
I placed my order for these and can’t wait for them to arrive!
I bought one as well to compare… intact pearls, hopefully!
Thx so much for reviewing this. You’re rock as always. Will you review the eye and cheek palette as well? 🙂
No problem! 🙂
It looks so pretty on you!
Thanks, Ankita!
Hope it wont turn too bronze on my nc20 skin. I love the permanent Clair as it makes my skin look perfect when its not.
I think it should be okay 🙂
Thats great, it look great on you. I bought it but when i saw the review here thought i might regret it since it look very bronze.
I think it’s going to be more toned down, but I’ll update when I get my 2nd one!
Again, another great look………
Christine, how does this compare to Lorac Spotlight or Radiance? They are discontinued but I loved Radiance just as an all over to give me color and luminosity. I know Spotlight was the more popular but it added just a touch of ruddiness to my far neutral skin.
Can these meteorites be used all over for a light beige luminosity?
Or better yet, have you found a dupe for Lorace Spotlight or Radiance?
Thx
Rhonda
I
Hmm, I don’t think I have LORAC Spotlight/Radiance (they aren’t ringing any bells). These would be used all-over for sure 🙂
want it soooo badly 🙁 🙁
you are looking gorgeous Christine 🙂
Thanks, Rashmi!
Christine, I always worry that using pressed Meteorites as a setting powder will make me look ashy, even if applied lightly with a good powder brush (I’m NC42-44). Aside from these pearls appearing to have more of a sheen than pressed Meteorites, do you think that this product functions similarly to and as well as the pressed versions? I’d love to get the same effect that you describe in your reviews for the pressed products!
I wouldn’t use this as a setting powder, to be honest – it’s more of a finishing powder, IMO! It won’t really set makeup that well!
This will be my first Meteorites I will purchase :] What brush did you use to apply? Or did you use the pouf? Thanks Christine.
I used a fan brush 🙂
Christine, what skin tones do you think this would suit? I am leaning on light-med these days. I was wondering if this may appear bronzerish on me?
Ugh..so sorry for the double question! I didn’t see my first comment posted and am fighting with my “wallet will” on purchasing these..just so beautiful. Cant wait for your updated review!
I think all, honestly – it can be applied as a translucent glow or patted on with a denser brush for a light warmth.
Lovely! They belong on you, a beautiful glowing Christine! I’m cautious as I tread due to ball-misinterpretation and downsizing., Do you recommend??
It’s in my cart. The others would be lonely. 😛
Thank you! I love it – really pretty on. Not keen on the size, but knowing your stash size, it’s unlikely you’ll ever finish one up, so it doesn’t REALLY matter.
Really gutted they have sized down AGAIN! How small are these pots gonna get? The last release (blossom) looked almost empty. Also a bit said the hoilday release is leaning toward the terracotta range, but happy they havent overdone it on the sparkle I have every pot ever, so obviously if Guerlain release a pot of barley sugar dust im going to buy it then lock it away! I dont think this is going to be popular though, like other limited edition ballz
They have been looking emptier, lol!
I know it can be applied all over, but in the photo, it is just applied to your cheeks like a highlighter correct? Just wondering if it would give that glow if applied all over or if it would take a lighter hand if using all over the face as a finishing powder.
Hi Cat!
I applied it more heavily on cheeks and lightly dusted all over the face.
You bought one just to review? That’s dedication for you. Thank you for all your hard work for us. *hugs*
On the other hand, I REALLY like the effect of the more beige one… Welp, into the cart it goes.
I despaired at mine being horribly wrong in swatches/results! I’m glad it wasn’t all that different – a nuance, which is what I expected, but it didn’t go from bronze to… white!
Certainly still different enough from any of the permanent ones, dare I say it’s different enough from any Meteorites Guerlain has ever released? Or am I going nuts here?
They seem to release a lot of cool-toned, white, pink-ish ones, so it does seem different!
Yay! The shade being different is the only way to get me to purchase more at this point.
PS: You’re still my favorite enabler. 😉
🙂
It’s a big enough nuance to have caused me to pull the trigger on these. Sold! The earlier swatches looked bronze enough that I couldn’t have imagined wearing this all over; this one I can.
Thank you for investing the time and effort to get a second set!
These companies think we are dumb not to notice the decreased amount.
With Guerlain, I wonder if it is intentional or if they’re so focused on the packaging that they don’t even pay attention to quantity!
By the by, I got some SUQQU products recently… probably will be a bit before I review anything, but thought I’d let you know 🙂
I feel like Guerlain wouldn’t concern itself with that because they’re aimed at a consumer for whom price is not a concern. IMHO, MAC’s shenanigans are much more concerning because they are inching their way up in price and the quality isn’t there to compensate.
I really like the box, but I think this might look a bit orange on me. Does it have the usual scent?
Yep, violet scented!
Too dark for me 🙁
Check out the updated review 🙂
I’m not sure If I’m crazy about these pearls. Probably something that needs to be tried on first. I’m still sad I missed Guerlain Perles du Dragon Meteorites. Aaaannndd the Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder! Which reminds me.
Have you ever used ‘Météorites’ Travel Touch powder in color Mythic? I’m very curious!
Thanks for another great and informative review, Christine!
I don’t think I have used that!
The pearls looks like little color pops.. so so prettyy!! The Packaging looks great.. i feel it will make a great highlighter for my warm NC40 skin tone! 🙂
It will be nice on your skin tone, Poo!
Welp, I still want it.
Do you know if you are going to review the Petrouchka palette, Christine?
Yay, glad you like it!
Gorgeous gorgeous!!! Christine, do you feel like the finish is *too close to that of the Extra Dimension Bronzer from Alluring Aquatic?
I don’t think I have even gone through half of my very first tin! And they are just too irresistible!
Oh no! This is subtler.
Thank you! 🙂
What specific brush did you use to apply this powder, or did you use the included pouf?
I used a fan brush!
Which fan brush worked for you, Christine? Did it pick up the product well?
I don’t remember which one I use, but I didn’t have any issues with the few I did use!
I love the packaging on this, feels so old world in a good way. Much better than the cardboard! 🙂
Very true!
I appreciate you going out of your way to update the post with a complete version. Thank you and it does not go unnoticed. Have a lovely weekend!!!
Thanks, Ana! Glad to know it was worth the $60 to do so, lol!
Thank you for updating this. I collect LE Météorites and would purchase this no matter what, but based on your swatch from the Sephora container–as opposed to the swatch from the Press Sample you were sent–it now looks like something I’d actually wear 🙂
No problem!
I have to pass. Too many dupes. 🙂
Not surprised 😉
How do the Guerlain Perles d’Etoiles Meteorites compare to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting-Dim Light and the Guerlain Météorites’ Pearls-Dore 04? Are they of similar color and finish? Thanks!!!
I don’t think I have Dore (not in the new formula). Dim Light is way less glow-y and more powdery. Heavier in that sense.
I have to have this 🙂 it’s just too pretty to pass up. I also want the Hourglass ambient lighting palette…I was planning on using dim light as a finishing powder. Do you think I need both?
I don’t think one really needs a lot of finishing powders, since they don’t add a lot of color, just that luminous finish, you know?
I received mine this morning and I must say…those in doubt…don’t play around. Just get ’em because Guerlain did a great job on this one as far as the end result (at least for me). On my NC45 skin tone this is definitely a hit. My only complaint is that I only received 2 red pearls. I’m going to order another one from Sephora and see if my luck is any better. I’m very happy with this collection
Glad you’re loving yours, Shelley!
How is this different from the pressed version such as Wulong? I’m about to commit to the expensive step of buying Wulong from ebay when I read about this new perles. Are they comparable? I noticed that you mentioned using the Les Voilettes Powder. Would you always use the Voilettes as setting powder under the perles or Wulong? Thank you. I enjoy reading your objective take on makeup and your readers’ views as well.
Wulong is a lot lighter in color – it doesn’t impart real color, just sheen. I prefer to use a setting powder and then use a finishing powder after, as finishing powders aren’t usually great for setting (but it can depend on the formula)!