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Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder Review, Photos, Swatches

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder ($56.00 for 0.22 oz.) is described as an “ultra-absorbent blend [that] perfectly sets makeup and adorns skin in a matte veil.” It’s a sheer, tinted powder that mattifies the skin–my normal-to-dry skin looks like the smoothest velvet after applying over foundation. The texture is incredibly finely-milled, silky smooth, and blends easily across the skin.  I used shade Medium, and it only comes in four shades–Light, Intense, and Dore are the other three.

I’ve used it primarily with Guerlain Tenue de Perfection, and it increased the longevity of that foundation by two to three hours. The most stunning aspect of this powder is really how much smoother and pore-less the skin looked after applying a light veil of product. This powder is a touch darker than my skin tone, but as the foundation I often used it with was slightly too light for me, the two worked perfectly together to give me a really nice shade match. (This is also something I’ve done in the past with Guerlain’s Les Voilettes loose powder.) It’s a very close match to my arm when I swatched it, so it may be difficult to see it there, but I think you can easily just how smooth and velvety this makes the skin look in the photos below, which is really what its purpose.

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Tenue de Perfection / Tenue de Perfection with Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Tenue de Perfection / Tenue de Perfection with Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder
Guerlain Tenue de Perfection with Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder

159 Comments

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Mariam Avatar

Yes is the answer to your question. The pressed illuminating and mattifying one has been replaced by this. I was worried about it but not anymore since Christine has given this one such a good rating!

Christine Avatar

My skincare routine changes in some capacity every 2-3 weeks (I swap something out for something new to test), so I don’t really have a “routine,” I guess! I would credit my skin to prescription products – a topical antibiotic and Differin, as those are the only constants I use (and ones I know have made an impact on the clarity of my skin).

Otherwise, at this exact moment…

Cleansers: shu uemura cleansing oil, bareMinerals Deep Foaming Cleanser, La Prairie Foaming Cleanser
Moisturizers: L’Oreal Ideal Moisture Even Tone SPF 25 (day), Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica (evening)
Extras: LUSH Let the Good Times Role (exfoliates), bareMinerals Exfoliating Treatment

Maggie Avatar

You don’t find that the combination of clindamycin and Differin causes dryness & flakey skin? This might sound intrusive, but may I ask how often you use each? (i.e. 2X daily for both? Once every other day?)

I just wonder bc though these prescriptions help with my acne, I get dryness and flakiness all over. Exfoliating to take care of the flakes would just make the situation worse.

Christine Avatar

Hi Maggie,

When I started using Differin, I actually gave up because it was really drying for me. My doctor had me switch to twice a week, then build up over the next several weeks. I use Differin once at night, and I use clindamycin twice daily – morning and pm. I started clindamycin maybe three months ago for my face (I had used it previously on my back in college for bacne–sexy!), and I haven’t had any problems. Even though we’re almost to December, I have no dry patches, no flakiness, etc. My skin type has stayed about the same, though I’d say it seems a bit less dry overall compared to two or three years ago.

I don’t know how long you’ve been taking yours, but you might ask your doctor/dermatologist if there’s a way to ramp up.

Kristin Avatar

thanku for the antibiotic name! after i read on another post u used one i wanted to ask the name and i spaced. My skin gives me grief, i been on two antibiotics for a sinus and ear infection for over two weeks and my skin looks amazing!! but once i am over the meds i know the evil will return, so i will be asking my doc for a script of that! so thank u very much Christine!

Christine Avatar

Good luck, Kristin! Nothing ever worked to really get rid of my acne – some products helped take care of active acne or help minimize post-acne marks, but the cause of my acne seems primarily hormonal. Differin took care of all the little bumps I was getting (milia), and I’ve been using that for years now, and clindamycin worked to get rid of my cystic acne (especially around the chin/jaw). I’m not 100% acne-free 24/7, but it’s just a couple small pimples maybe once a week or less – definitely way, way less. But I’m convinced that if your acne isn’t caused by a particular ingredient, it’s worth talking with a doctor or dermatologist to get help!

Holly Avatar

Christine, it looks beautiful on you. I’ve been looking for a new mattifying powder, especially with the holidays coming up. I was leaning towards the givenchy le prisme visage mat soft compact face powder, but I might be liking this one instead! Thank you! 🙂

Sunny Avatar

Oh want! Since my T-zone is on the oilier side, something mattifying is always welcome! For the moment I have the Tarte one for this purpose, but I’m not entirely happy with it (it looks too flat, and it could really grab onto the foundation to stress my pores instead of covering them up). Hmm maybe I should spend my coupon (which expires in December!) on this! Thanks for the review, Christine!

Bengisu Avatar

I was just intending to get this from Nordstrom last month when my cousin was in Chicago but I couldn’t be sure as there was no review post on it! Aaahh I feel sad now, God knows how much price difference will be here and when it will be sold, or it will ever be sold actually!

_An_ Avatar

Wow, I can see the difference in the pics where the light focus hits the top part of your cheeks.
I cannot see your pores at all in the 2nd photo.

How did you apply this powder? Did you use the puff that was included?

Adding this powder to my wishlist too, haha. I hope I can find the right shade out of their limited range though. :3

Lizzi Avatar

Very noticeable change. You look great. I like how you did before and after photos for this product. Maybe you could consider doing before and after pics for similar products just so we can see the impact and change a product has. But on for the ‘your skin looks different’ kinda products, you know.

Kate Avatar

Is this Limited Edition? How do the shades progress? I see 02 Clair, 03 Medium, 04 Dore on the G website; where does Intense fall in the spectrum – is it darker than Dore? Lighter?

Christine Avatar

Well, Nordstrom’s site not particular helpful on shades with numbers, and then Neiman Marcus is showing Light as 02, Intense as 03, and Medium as 04. Guerlain’s website has 02 Clair, 03 Medium, and 04 Dore… so I’m wondering if Dore = Intense?

However, the back of my compact says “3 Medium.”

Clara Avatar

I was thiniking about buying it, because it’s the follower of my nearly finished discontinued Guerlain Pressed Meteorites. But it looked sooo sheer when I swatched it. But your photos look stunning. The effect remains the same. Now I’m not sure *not to buy* it, anymore.

Ade Avatar

So, basically this is Guerlain’s blotting/mattifying powder? (compared to Guerlain Meteorites Compact Pressed Illuminating & Mattifying Powder *sigh that’s a mouthful! :D*)
I’m looking for tinted blotting powder, M·A·C Blot is the best mattifying powder, but oh God why it has to be sooo chalky?! I guess that’s the price I have to pay for such mattifying powder.
I quite like the one from Laura Mercier too, but this one comes in one shade only: white. If I look closely, it leaves a little bit whitish-cast on my medium-dark/tan skin if I’m not careful.

ilovemakeup Avatar

Do you think this would work better than NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder for someone with extremely oily skin? I know you’ve said in the past your skin is a little more dry. I get shiny so easily, so I’m looking for something that’ll better control the shine problems I have!

Christine Avatar

I would probably still recommend the NARS one over this for anyone with really oily skin – I say that because it’s loose, so you can apply more, but it’s translucent with no tint, so you could apply as much as you need without adding coverage.

Malu Avatar

They sent me an email. I ordered some stuff from them more than year ago. It was like a “come back discount” I was gonna share the code but there was no code. I just have to click the link from the email. And I thought I could use it several times til Nov 29 but apparently it was only a one time use.

Lauren Avatar

Oh boy… this has to be mine! The loose version is my HG in terms of finish, I just hated the packaging (always had to bang on it to get the powder out). This could be the perfect win-win situation!

Karla Avatar

Hey christine, between this and the nars light reflecting loose powder which one do you think is better as a setting powder for someone with normal/ combination skin??

Ashley Avatar

This looks amazing on you! It looks like you were photoshopped lol. How would you say this compares to the Illuminating & Mattifying powder? Do they do anything different/have a different look? I had bought that and haven’t used it yet, but this looks so beautiful!

Yin Avatar

Nooooooooooo! Stop giving A+ to all these Guerlain finishing powders! Lol I have the Wulong powder from last year and I swore I didn’t need the Crazy Meteorites compact this year until I read your review! Lol I have the mattifying guerlain compact that’s discontinued now? And yet I still want this one! Maybe I’ll cave closer to summer <3

lulee Avatar

hi, how long did this keep you oil free/mattified? also is the amount of product in this compact average or is it less than most powder compacts? thanks

Katy Avatar

Christine, after reading your review of this powder (it looks gorgeous on you, btw! I know I’m echoing the planet here) I fear I may have made a mistake in purchasing Hourglass’ Dim Light Ambient Lighting Powder as my finishing powder. When I was in the market for a new finishing powder, I thought I didn’t want matte, but this just looks so velvety and beautiful on the skin. What do you think, was I mistaken? Also, do I need this, too? Are they different enough? I love Guerlain AND Hourglass, so I’m very conflicted!

Kim Avatar

Just bought it today! Love it more than the ysl. It’s not as cakey. Since I wear foundation I don’t need more color, just something to set, mattify and even out where the foundation misses (I use hourglass) and this seems to do the trick. I purchased it from nordstroms and I can return it if It doesn’t work out,

Greta Avatar

I was going to get the mattifying and illuminating powder, but now I think I may need to get this. I wish it was packaged like the other powder, though. That one was so gorgeous and honestly I think this one looks cheap 🙁

Stephanie Avatar

Hi Christine! A really quick one, so im deciding between this or the Guerlain Crazy Metorites Radiance power, you seem to like both alot! Which do you prefer if im buying only one product!!

PS: I have dry -normal skin
I really need your help so would be great if you would answer me!
Many love from England!

Vi Avatar

Ah, no worries. That is what I figured and I will definitely check this out in person.

Thank you anyways. I always (and will always) appreciate all of your (behind the scenes people too) work/reviews. They are very informative with visual to back it up. It helps me determine whether or not that product could possibly be of value personally. :))

Vicki Avatar

Wow, Christine you look flawless! Funny how your reviews always come up at the right time. Was looking for a powder compact especially for the holiday season – touch ups needed for long hours, photos etc. I find that apart from my lip products in my purse, this would be a necessity for my oily T-zone. Eyes / cheeks set with primer are usually fine and don’t really need re-touching. I live in Asia and over here Johnson & Johnson face powder is very popular. I’ve just started using it and it’s a pretty good product, translucent and absorbs oil and does the job. But I wouldn’t want to be seen carrying it around and flipping it out from my purse / clutch as the packaging is very flimsy and cheap-looking. I need something like this, the Guerlain Les Violettes Translucent Compact Powder that looks luxe and complements my Chanel / Guerlain foundations, Chanel eyeliner and blusher etc. I believe it makes me feel all the more important and yes I’m shallow like that. Haha

Regards,
Vicki

abigailod Avatar

So beautiful! And I’m so happy to see that Temptalia Recommends (banner) on this product! I’m very much in love with the loose version – thanks to you Christine! And this one is next up on my list for powders!

abigailod Avatar

Is it as big/wide as the loose one’s packaging? And just flat? Or more like the recent compacts (Crazy meteorites or the 4 seasons, maybe)? Or more like the illuminating/mattifying compact?

jasmine Avatar

Christine, can you tell me which Guerlain Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder is the same colour as Guerlain Les Voilette Mineral Loose Powder in #03?

Alex Avatar

Christine, you are an absolute doll. I first came across temptalia in 2011 and found it an amazing resource for makeup maniacs everywhere. Today, I scrolled through comments hoping someone else might have already popped a question I have. While that did not happen, what I did notice was your graceful patience in answering the same three questions time and time again. You are absolutely lovely, and I am very glad that this wonderful library of paints and palettes was founded and is being maintained by a person such as yourself.

Sorry I’m writing a novel here. My question was pertaining to your “naked” look. I don’t usually see you rocking a “naked” face, and it’s exactly the look I prefer. I was hoping to find a “What Makeup Are You Using?” section, but no luck. I am guessing the blush is Zygomatic, if anything at all, but am lost beyond that. Since you responded to one inquiry that you don’t recall what lippie/gloss you used, a list of products would probably not be doable. Would you consider doing a “flawless naked face” – as in not one hint of makeup even visible – one of these days? Please, and thank you for starting this awesome community.

Christine Avatar

Hi Alex!

In this post, I’m not wearing any blush at all – the last image is just Guerlain Tenue de Perfection foundation set with the Les Voilettes Translucent Compact Powder. I have my brows filled in with MAC Espresso + Brun eyeshadows (which is what I always fill in with!) and maybe one coat of mascara (something barely-there, because after I take all these face photos, I usually test eyeshadow and have two separate looks, one on each eye, so I have to re-apply mascara so one coat is easier to apply over).

Thank you so much! 🙂

Rocio Avatar

I’m late to this party. But is this precious thing Limited Edition or Permanent? Thank you. Love Love to read Temptalia’s advice on beauty products!!!

Christine Avatar

Hi Rocio!

This is supposed to be permanent 🙂 I will say that based on experience, Guerlain doesn’t have a GREAT track record of keeping base products around forever – some things definitely stay around for a long time, others get discontinued.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!