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Guerlain #02 and #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powders Reviews, Photos, Swatches

Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 and #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powders ($55.00 for 0.35 oz.) are being repromoted in two shades–#02 and #03–with special, removable silicone-like shells in turquoise and coral respectively. The shell removes, so you can put it on your next Terracotta bronzing powder, should you finish the first one. They’re easy to remove and reapply, and it’s an interesting option. It costs $2 more compared to the standalone Terracotta bronzing powders ($53), but you are limited to two shades and each comes with a specific shell color, so you cannot pick and choose. There are actually nine shades in the Terracotta bronzing range to choose from.

The Terracotta Bronzing Powder formula is supposed to have a “light texture and natural finish” with a “fine powder” that goes on “seamlessly.” It is also heavily scented–smells more generically perfumed and powdery to me, but Guerlain describes it as a “joyful blend of bergamot and mandarin blended with sunny, femininen notes of gardenia [with] woody, vanilla notes.” Both powders performed similarly for me: they were fairly silky, finely-milled, easily blended on the skin, and they sat well and gave a soft sheen but didn’t emphasize pores. #02 is actually darker and redder in comparison to #03, which is a bit lighter and more yellow-based.

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder ($55.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a medium-dark red-toned brown with warm undertones and a fine gold shimmer-sheen. It wore well for almost nine hours on me. MAC Scone (LE, $25.00) is lighter. Guerlain Moyen Brunettes (05) (LE, $75.00) is less red. Wet ‘n’ Wild Bikini Contest (P, $3.99) is slightly yellower. Le Metier de Beaute Sun Drenched (P, $55.00) is darker. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder ($55.00 for 0.35 oz.) is a medium brown with warm, yellow and red undertones and a soft golden shimmer-sheen finish. The pigmentation on this one was slightly less than #02, while the texture seemed a smidgen drier, but I didn’t notice either issue when actually applying to the skin. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me. Tom Ford Beauty Gold Dust (P, $65.00) is similar. Hourglass Radiant Bronze Light (P, $50.00) is lighter, yellower. MAC Scone (LE, $25.00) is less shimmery, cooler-toned. Urban Decay Strip Bronzer (P) is more shimmery. Guerlain Moyen Brunettes (05) (LE, $75.00) is darker. MAC Love, Rihanna (LE, $25.00) is yellower. Wet ‘n’ Wild Bikini Contest (P, $3.99) is darker. Burberry Copper Glow (P, $48.00) is darker. MAC Golden (LE, $25.00) is lighter. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #02 and #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Guerlain #03 Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Guerlain #03 / #02 Terracotta Bronzing Powder

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation
  • Urban Decay Naked Loose Setting Powder
On eyes:
  • bareMinerals Color Compatibles Palette
  • Sephora Sun Tan Eyeliner
On lips:
  • Sephora Fresh Peach Ultra Shine

55 Comments

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Abbie Avatar

Nevermind! Figured it out. Just have to vote myself under the Glossover summary. Smart how you have to choose without letting other people’s votes influence yours.

Mariella Avatar

Honestly, having tried Guerlain bronzers before, I honestly don’t think they’re worth the price – there are very similar bronzers (colour, texture, application results, etc.) that cost half this much or even less (WnW, Rimmel, etc.). Maybe because I’m not wild about bronzers generally, I don’t see the difference or the need to spend quite so much but for me, these are sort of “Emperor has no clothes” products.

rachel c Avatar

Oh noes! I don’t know if I should be looking forward to that review or not, lol! I mean, on the one hand sometimes things are just so bad that they’re verging on funny, but on the other it’s also just… sad. Guerlain doesn’t really seem to be hitting it out of the park with this collection, do they? I really like the reusable shell-case thing they’ve done with these bronzers though, and hope they’ll maybe do it again sometime. And hopefully with a more mix-and-match approach so we’re not so limited with shade selection!

Lori Avatar

Thank you for the review, Christine. I’ve been wondering about these bronzers. Are they definitely the same as 02 and 03 in the permanent line?

Noha Avatar

Great reviews as usual, what is the nail color u’re wearing ? It matches the silicone cases beautifully. Can you plz review the nail color with this collection ? it seems nice.

MichelleChefNYC Avatar

Is it just me, or do many of the bronzers being released lately read very orange? Pretty texture and finish, but much warmer than I prefer.

Wednesday Avatar

oy..hope my offhand comment didn’t come out harsh and critical because I’m not that type and I never comment with the intent to offend. In light of that, more specifically, I think it is the colour and the density of the pigment in this product which doesn’t appeal to me. And while most things look fantastic on you, and this certainly does not make you look like Oompa Loompa (LoL Nicole.. I look the same in 99% of bronzers) these powders don’t gel with my tastes. There is too much pigment in the product (can you believe I said that) Anyhow..There, now I feel better now that I have been clearer.;)

Nicole Avatar

So, what is the purpose of the “shell”? I ordered mine during the sale to get them cheaper. But, these bronzers are driving me batty! I originally ordered #3 which I still have in my possession (in the box). After trying it on once, I thought it seemed a bit orange. almost like a nice blush. So, I scoured the internet and found some swatches and the closest to somewhat on the cool side I could see was #5 which I just received. It is pretty deep though which can probably work with by choosing the right tool. But, it is still petty warm/orange. I have another bronzer on my face right now . So, I just swatched it on my arm. Side by side, they both are warm toned and orange-ish. Yesterday, out of frustration and not wanting to miss the sale price- I ordered #2..so, I am waiting on that one. I am hoping one of them is not too orange. I know you like #3 Christine. I do like #3. but I like it as a stand alone product. So, it may be a keeper. But , I am looking for a bronzer to even out my pale face in the summer and layer with my other face color products. I have a drawer of bronzers and only like maybe 2-3 . I adore this formula..superb. But why so orange Guerlain?. I am warm/yellow undertoned as is. I feel like all the orange and I lookl ike an Oompa Loompa! I am hping # 2 works. It looks better. Now I kinda wish I had gotten the pretty shell! 🙁

Christine Avatar

I hope #2 works out for you, Nicole! Keep me posted.

Do you have any cooler-toned contours on hand? You might find mixing the two will give you that sweet spot (in which case, you may even want to try it with the bronzers you already have from awhile ago that haven’t worked out) and return the Guerlain’s!

Nicole Avatar

You are a genius! That never even occurred to me and I feel like a total idiot! I love the one of the bronzer In Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar. But, It is almost barely noticeable on me especially as I pick up a bit of color in summer. I love the almost creamy feeling of the Geurlain powders. I do like a bit of warmth to my bronzer when I get a tinge of tan without it going orange. Maybe I could mix a Terracotta with filmstar bronzer. I also have Kevyn Aucoyn’s Tropical days bronzer which is too dark and can be too shimmery. So, maybe just mixing filmstar and KA would be the “sweet spot” for me. If I keep a Teracotta, Do you know if you can buy the sleeves separately? I want one now to protect it! lol..Thanks for the idea! 🙂

Nicole Avatar

Another great idea! Too Faced Chcolate soliel and Benefit Hoola-love then both as far as tone and shade.but I feel like they are too flat for a brozer. I picked up the lighter hourglass “bonzer”.I have to apply it heavy to get a bronzing effect which goes into orange territory. Maybe That with Chocolate Soleil or Hoola?..Hmmm..I’m going to have the bronzers all over the place this weekend! lol!

xamyx Avatar

If you have access to a NARS counter, try Irresistiblement. Apparently, it’s supposed to lean more red/apricot, but I haven’t actually tried it. Laguna is the most well-known/overrated, and Casino gets some attention, but Irresistiblement seems to be completely off the radar. Casino may also be worth a look/swatch, as well. Although I’m pretty fair, I prefer it over Laguna, as it pulls more brown on me. I went back & forth for ages between the 2, but caved when each came in duos with blushes I had been itching to buy, LOL!

Eileen Avatar

I thought the shell was a cute summer concept but because I wear Guerlain in 00, neither 02 nor 03 is a go for me. I read what you said about the lack of innovation in bronzers with interest. Once I settled on a couple good ones–something matte for a bit of subtle contouring (Tom Ford Terra) and something with more glow (Guerlian 00) to replicate the look of sun bronzed skin–I really didn’t need anything else. This just hasn’t been a great year for new bronzers. It’s been more about repackaging what is already available.

Christine Avatar

I think the last bronzer that seemed more innovative was when MAC released their Pro Longwear Bronzers as well as the Extra Dimension Bronzers. They had slightly different textures/finishes.

The problem with bronzer is that everyone does a “golden tan” kind of range, and so you don’t see a lot of takes ON bronze – say a taupe-y bronze, plummy bronze, rosy bronze, silver-shimmered bronze, etc. It’s usually brown/tan with a more variable finish.

Kira Avatar

I really really loved the Guerlain bronzer I got in a palette and notice the difference in texture and longevity compared with Nars Laguna and Urban Decay bronzer. I’m not a fan of this particular packaging though. The silicone stuff looks kind of cheap for such a luxury product.

Tessa Avatar

Because I’m so freakishly pale yet absolutely non pink (my best foundation match to date is NARS Siberia mixed with white stage makeup), finding a bronzer is basically the hardest thing in the world. Even contour powders for pale skin are too cool for me and just look like dirt on copy paper. But it’s nice to have a bronzer on hand!

The last one that worked for me was the MAC “golden” one from the Lure collection back in, what, 2006ish? And even that applied with a duofibre brush!

I keep hoping I’ll be able to make a higher end one work, as I’ve fallen in love with Guerlain, Dior, etc — and these little silicone shells are the cutest! But I’m thinking even applied very lightly, they’d be too pigmented.

Sigh.

Tessa Avatar

Ha, EVERY foundation is too dark for me. But they tend to be too pigmented in a peach/pink/orange way, not tan, if that makes sense. Like… I can use “ivory” foundations as a subtle blush. I have done that.

On a random note, I remember you from the long ago world of LiveJournal and somewhat recently googled to see if you’d kept up with the impressive beauty review skills. … AND HOW!

I feel irrationally proud/nostalgic now. You’ve got a whole beauty review empire! And it’s well run and useful and searchable! So cool.

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