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Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder Review, Photos, Swatches

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

If You’d Like a Little Luxury in Your Makeup Bag…

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder ($170.00 for 0.26 oz.) is really meant to be the creme de la creme of luxury compacts and powders. This holiday’s refillable compact is a black lacquered metal case that has a lot of heft–the whole compact clocks in at just under 5 oz. The top of the compact is raised with Guerlain’s signature rosette, and the interior of the rosette is made up of gold mother-of-pearl.

Wulong is a sheer veil of warm, golden ivory glow. It’s glow in a compact, really, but in a subtle, barely-there way. According to Guerlain, the powder “combines six shades to ensure a pure, flawless and luminous complexion regardless of skin tone.” It is subtler compared to Perles du Dragon. I used it dusted all over my face as a finishing powder, though I also used it to set my makeup when I tested it (so you would only see the effect of this product). Without the powder, my foundation only lasts around eight hours, and while it’s good, it’s not pristine after eight hours. With the powder, my foundation lasted well into the tenth hour, and I didn’t get any afternoon or evening shininess on my t-zone.

The effect of Wulong is lightly mattifying but mostly softening and diffusing; it makes my pores (almost) disappear and softens lines.  It’s kind of like real-life Photoshop for your skin.  What it does is similar to what regular Meteorites do, but the compact version is more travel friendly.  I applied it with a large tapered brush like MAC’s 184.  The texture is softer than silk, smoother than butter; it’s finely-milled to the point where it melts against the skin.  It never looks powdery or cakey, and on my medium skin tone, it’s not at all ashy.

I’m not certain that the actual shade of Wulong will be later available in a refill, but Mythic Voyage is at present  and the refill is $55, to give you an idea of the cost of the product compared to the cost of the product and compact. I haven’t tried Mythic to my memory, so I don’t know how comparable it is. I would expect a similar effect overall, because the formula is so transparent and finely-milled.  The back of Wulong says “Refillable with Mythic 01.” You might also consider Guerlain’s Illuminating & Mattifying Pressed Powders, which are also part of the Meteorites family, though those are more matte than Wulong.

There’s no planet where I would feel comfortable saying this is a must-have–not at $170–but it’s a lovely product that performs well by making my skin look 15-20% better than it is and extending the wear of my base.  I’d be more apt to purchase a refill and skip the compact to save $115.  The compact is gorgeous.  It’s exactly what luxury beauty packaging should be.  I’m just not that much of a packaging junkie, but I routinely use pressed Meteorites to finish my foundation.  Wulong is one piece I’ll treasure and enjoy for years.  It’s very much a collector’s item, and I can see why some Guerlain collectors make sure they’re first in line for these compacts.

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Before Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
After Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder
Before / After Guerlain Wulong Meteorites Pressed Powder

133 Comments

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Inge Avatar

I will say at $170.00 it may be a must-have… Your skin always looks good but the effect of this product is noticeable… WOW! I love when things do what they are supposed to do!

Leslie Avatar

You are so young and beautiful, but I can still see a difference in your skin in the before/after. I suspect that my 39 year old face could benefit greatly from Guerlain powders. Adding to Christmas list!

KK Avatar

I love the packaging, but I could never justify spending this much money on this product. I did buy the Pucci Meteorites (my first Guerlain purchase!) but I feel like long after the product is gone, I can use the containers for the little pearl shaped ones for many different things. This packaging can pretty much only be refilled, or be a mirror, maybe a pill box. I plan to use my Pucci container to store something like clips or push pins on my desk at work and pretty it up! 🙂

Sasha Avatar

Sigh. I’m still torn between meteories, the mattifying and illuminating powder and now this. I’ve tried the meteorites on one side of my face and the mattifying in beige on the other and I liked the brightening and lifting effect of the meteorites better but that might have been because of the dark shade. This is also gorgeous and lovely. Do you find yourself refreshing it throughout the day and thus using the compact or does it just sit at home?

Sasha Avatar

Since you don’t need to touch it up/bring it with you, do you think the meteorites are a more economic option since you don’t need travel friendly packaging or do you actually notice much of a difference in finish?

Wwendalynne Avatar

Yeowch! Meteorites are one of my favourite products of all time. One of those little touches that seems invisible, but adds a certain something something worth the price of entry. But for me, this particular compact is just not necessary given my current lifestyle. Were I to be travelling at my former rate, I would definitely grab this as it is a really sophisticated amazing compact to pull out of your handbag for touch ups.

Anne Avatar

Dammit, now that’s one expensive item! I can’t afford half of the price, but the product itself does look gorgeous and it makes your skin absolutely fantastic! I get why some would pay its full price. (And I really, really love the makeup you’re wearing, the whole look (even with different colors on each eyes) is just so harmonious. Even the sweater is gorgeous!)

On a side-note: did you get rid of the packaging rating? I can’t see it. If so, how come this is not an A+?

Anne Avatar

Hi Christine,

I checked on my computer and I do see an shining A+ there. I see a mere A when I’m on my phone, apparently! I’m not sure why. It’s probably my phone having trouble adapting with the code of the page.

I think it’s easier to get rid of packaging indeed, as it’s much less a matter of quality than of taste. Will you be taking points for products with problematic packaging though? (like the ridiculously tiny brushes of some NARS lipglosses?)

Christine Avatar

Thanks, Anne! What phone are you using – Android or iPhone? I will have Shaun look into it! 🙂

If the packaging interferes with one of the categories, you’ll see it have an impact – so in the case with the NARS glosses, application is harder. Or if it’s spectacularly bad, it might impact the overall quality rating of the product (Benefit’s Stay Don’t Stray packaging sticks out in my head as some really awful packaging).

Janeen Arias Avatar

Wow, this product is amazing! What is your foundation? It’s not listed under the products you’re wearing…or I’m blind. The foundation looks amazing even before the powder.

Ryou Avatar

I’m about Christine’s shade, but maybe a little lighter and a bit less warm. I’m still undecided between 2 and 3, although it might be easier to get 2 and set it with a darker powder. >.<

Liz Avatar

The effect that you mention from the powder reminds me of Coty Airspun. It’s not sparkly, but gives a slight luminescent effect. Of course Coty Airspun is quite inexpensive.

Melissa Clendenin Avatar

Wow – that’s beautiful. But I’m not going to lie, I don’t think I could ever spend $170 on the entire compact (even for a compact that will last). At first I thought you wrote $70 and I was considering. Instead I’m considering just the pressed meteorites – esp. since I can tend to get shiny throughout the day even with a setting powder.

Kasumi H Avatar

This product looks amazing, but the price is heart attack inducing. Christine, I don’t know if it’s the product though or the glow of being a newly wed, but you do look stunning in the full face pictures. Your hair off your face suits you and your makeup looks immaculate.

Kasumi H Avatar

You are so welcome! I shall be checking out your foundation tomorrow as a start – can’t be putting this compact on my Christmas present wish list if I don’t have a decent base to start with 😀

Christine Avatar

The type of powder, yes, but I don’t think Wulong specifically is available in refill format. The only one I saw available (at least online) was Voyage – similar concept, but it has a different color composition, and I haven’t seen it myself.

Ryou Avatar

Christine, can you check if Wulong is the same size as the Meteorites pressed powder?

I’ve recently became a Meteorites convert and I think I may need the Voyage version… But I don’t think I can justify paying $115 for the compact alone. >.< Might as well get a refill of Mythic and try to find a compact that fits, you know. :/

blueraccoon Avatar

That makes me wonder – my first pressed Meteorites compact broke; the case is fine, the powder shattered. So I bought another one, but now I have an empty compact. I wonder, if I bought Voyages, if it’d fit in there!

Mariella Avatar

The effect on your skin is lovely but I’m one of those people who doesn’t collect, save or care about makeup packaging, so long as it’s functional so I would be loathe to pay THAT much extra for some packaging I don’t value in any case.

Kim Avatar

Beautiful! This is off-topic but, Christine, what is your face-shape? I have the same shape and I never know what it is called. Heart? Oval? Square? Thanks for all you do.

Ryou Avatar

You have pretty cheekbones and your chin is on the pointier side compared to your forehead, so you fall under the definition of someone with a heart-shaped face, I think. <3

Gen Avatar

I want this soooo bad! I have the regular meteorites that I love, but I like the idea of the travel friendly compact. I know I will get a lot of use out of it, but I am having a hard time swallowing the hefty price tag. I will be adding this to my ever growing wish list…

blueraccoon Avatar

I can actually *see* the difference this makes, and wow, it’s lovely. I just don’t know if I can justify $170 for a compact. But if Sephora gets it in and I get the 20% off (I’m a VIB) it might work…

Sophie Avatar

the difference it makes does not justify the price!!!! i would only spent so much on a compact, that doesn’t really do anything, if i was filthy rich!

Bengisu Avatar

If that first “1” was taken off, I’d say it deserves 70 dollars, though even that would be crazy. You definitely look amazing in those photos but not making me go nuts to give that amount of money to just one product. That is crrazzy!!

radiofireworks Avatar

It really does make a difference, but christ on a stick, $170?! I could never imagine spending that much on one piece of makeup! If they brought it out in non-limited packaging I would consider it.

Ryou Avatar

They have a non-limited packaging for this product, only in different shade (makes very little to no difference, due to the translucency of the product). Sadly the non-limited packaging is the same price as this one, but it does come as a refill for $55!

AuntSat Avatar

I would like to thank you, Christine, for my newly found obsession with all things Guerlain. Sooooo preeeettttty…soooo expeeennnnsive.

Somebody slap me.

SunshineAz Avatar

I know what you mean, I have never wanted a Guerlain product as much as I want this one… Then I’m afraid that once I start with the brand, the obsession will consume me!

Veronica Avatar

Unrelated to this product, but I’m amazed at how much lighter Revlon’s Red Velvet shows up against your skin. o_0 It’s a deep red on me. It’s very pretty, though!

This is so far out of my price range it almost hurts to look at it, but it does have a very beautiful effect. I might eventually bite the bullet and check out some of their non-LE meteorite collections.

SunshineAz Avatar

Is there anything else you would suggest in place of this? I want it so bad but $170 is a bit hard to swallow. I start drawing the line at $60 LOL

Christine Avatar

You could try the Illuminating & Mattifying powder, which is a little more matte and less glowy. You could just try the Voyage refill powder (I haven’t seen it myself, so I don’t know how 100% similar it is to this one, but because they’re all so transparent/translucent, it’d be hard to tell once applied!), which is $55, and either keep it in the packaging it comes in (plastic sleeve/box) or put it into a freestyle palette.

Jasmine Avatar

I was totally ready to put this on my list because I do like their reg meteorites but when I saw the price–WHOAH! No thank you. Your skin does look fantastic with it in though 🙂

Tamara Avatar

You look beautiful! For $170 though, robbery. I understand its good quality and beautiful casing, but seriously, I couldn’t justify buying it.

Stacey Avatar

Thank you for sharing items like this one…..Even if I had all the money available, I would not get this…there are other things to get…in my younger years, I got a Stratton compact from I’Magnins for over 100 dollars…now I see it on eBay for about 20 dollars….So it is nice to have window internet shopping at Temptalia….swoon by no purchase.

Coraline Avatar

Much lust for the product, but I can’t personally justify the price, so I’ll have to pass.

I do like their Meteorites, but also I finish my first box, I’m not sure I’ll be getting another.

Meg Avatar

Wow- yet another great review, and you look just beautiful.

Is the mother-of-pearl bit on the compact *real* mother-of-pearl, or is it just enamel that looks like mother-of-pearl? I’m trying hard to justify the compact, and if it’s the real deal, then its basically like jewelry for the vanity, right? And what a bargain for a piece of jewelry that is also makeup!

Christine Avatar

Hi Meg!

This is what Guerlain has listed: “Black Dragon combines six shades to ensure a pure, flawless and luminous complexion regardless of skin tone. Matte shades are paired with two white and gold illuminating shades that add subtle radiance. The delicate black-metal powder compact is sculpted with a gold mother-of-pearl rosette and tucked inside a black suedette pouch bordered with red “

Meg Avatar

Thanks for the quick reply. The promo literature really does imply the compact has real mother of pearl, as opposed to the balls which is a rosette. I do think using expensive materials in premiere packaging can justify a price increase. $170? Sill debatable, but it’s not a egregious price grab like some companies who just slap a sticker on the normal jar, call it “limited edition” and jack up the costs.

Sara Avatar

Christine, what performs better, the meteorites or the pressed version? I decided on buying the meteorites a few months ago, and I love it but now I’m wondering if I bought it because of the tiny little balls and not the product itself lol. I have no regrets though, but I’m wondering how it compares to the pressed version in terms of effect, feel, lasting power etc.

VickyM Avatar

Very pretty product, really elegant and delicate, but definately too expensive for me. I even think my Chanel lipsticks are expensive and they are 30 not 170, lol being a broke college student leaves me just with my Chanel and Guerlain lipsticks which are already hard to buy because of price. You are very rich though Christine 😀 I´m happy that you are able to afford something like this and you really glow 🙂 congrats on getting something as nice as this, you deserve it.

Christine Avatar

MSFN doesn’t diffuse as much, and since it’s pretty matte, it doesn’t brighten/luminize at all. MSFN isn’t as finely-milled, so it can be more powdery/less forgiving. MSFN isn’t a bad product, I just wouldn’t compare it to this. If your skin isn’t sensitive to silicones, you may find that a silicone-based primer or even luminizer would work well under foundation instead 🙂

Alison Avatar

Wow. I know its near-impossible to capture the effect of this sort of thing in camera, but even I can see the difference in the before and after pictures. This sounds gorgeous! Yes, the price is gasp-worthy, but if you’ll love using it for years to come, I think its worth considering. Something you enjoy using every day is worth the investment.

Adele Avatar

This seems like a good product and I do love the packaging, but I cannot BELIEVE that anybody who wasn’t a millionaire (or getting free review copies) would ever spend this much on one makeup item!

pj Avatar

Hi Christine,

I was wondering how subtle the difference is between this product and the perles du dragon. Also, is the application different? I noticed that you applied this product all over you face and the perles du dragon just on parts that you want to highlight. You also mention that Wulong is lightly mattifying. Does that mean that perles du dragon is less mattifying? I guess I’m just trying to decide whether it’s worth shelling out $170 on this product or would I get the same results with the perles du dragon at 1/3 of the price.

Thanks!!

Neha Avatar

Hi Christine, I have been closely following your reviews on Guerlain Meteorites products since very long but was always discouraged by the price. This time, your pictures and review has blown me away 🙂 . Which meteorites shall I try first, the loose powder one or the pressed ones for subtle glow(I’m NC30). Will you be reviewing the Voyage Meteorites as well! I really don’t want to miss it as its LE. Thank you so much! If possible please review your foundation as well.

rouge-gorge Avatar

What if we try to combine Illuminating & Mattifying powder with any Meteorites(not pressed)?! Will we get the same effect? 🙂 Silly uh?? lol!
susana

Sruthi Avatar

Do you know if there’s anyplace else we can get this other than nordstroms? None of the ones near me in NJ sell it and am hoping to find someplace in philadelphia…

ann cosmetic beauty Avatar

I really like guerlain meteorite products. I actually own two of them and I like the light effect on your skin and the luxury glowy look that it give you. Also having their products make me feel special and like I treat well myself because of their packaging love love love luxury look 🙂

If you want to buy something pretty for a special occasion like a wedding I recommend it

Gordon115diy Avatar

Hey Christine! I’m sold on Guerlain, thanks to you 🙂 I’m NC42/45 and oily. Should I try Wulong or the Illumating and Mattifying in Teint Dore 03? I’m ready to splurge today lol

Saundra Avatar

Hi, you gorgeous as always.

My question is what is the difference in “Wulong” and “Voyage” colorwise? I heard or read that “Wulong” was better for warmer skin tones and “Voyage” was better for cooler skin tones.

I was wondering like the other person if the refills would fit another compact. I wouldn’t use it without one as I would undoubtedly drop it and break it. I figure they’ll come out with the refills at some point just like they did “Voyage” specially since they do call it a refillable compact.

I just turned 50 and have oily skin and this does seem like a product that would give me a glow and not bring out more oilies. I bought the Pucci loose ones and find them too sparkly for me. Being a woman of a certain age I feel that I can spluge occasionally especially if it will perk up my 50 yr old skin. I would keep it at home as well. I would have to buy a little padded vault if I carried it around:)

Anitacske–Sorry I just have to ask. How did you get that discount?

I hope Sephora will do the 20% off soon. That’s how I bought my Clarisonic Plus a couple of years ago.

Layla Avatar

I *just* got this wholly based on your review above, and it is love love love. I wholly agree with what you say about the ‘effect being lightly mattifying but mostly softening and diffusing, making pores almost disappear and softens lines’ <– THIS is so true. Guerlain powders just have to be tried out in person. The make-up effect is so obvious to the wearer, but looks subtle to the observer, so it becomes normalised which works out great for me. Very pricey, but I'm really very happy so personally, that justifies this luxe buy for me.

Layla Avatar

Definitely. My husband said I looked so pretty when he picked me up from work. He is a big fan of all my Guerlain perles as well, but this one is the best to him (the only pressed one I have). The only one I don’t really like is Perles D’Azur – on my skin it makes me look a little sickly. Realised that I should always trust your reviews and not get stuff that you didn’t review hahaha.

Veronica Avatar

just a quick question, what is the difference between this pressed version and the actual pearls version? is it just that this is easier to travel with or is there a difference in quality/effect between this presses version and the pearls version? thanks!

Jennifer Avatar

Love it!!! Just rcvd today. Stunning product, stunning package! I see myself using the compact forever and passing it down to my daughter someday. If your a beauty junkie this is a piece to be loved forever. $170 is crazy but for me I ordered it because I equated it to a a piece of jewelry. Beautiful but usually a non-essential splurge. For me, Wulong is something I’m very happy I splurged on. 🙂
( my 1 caveat, I reallllly wish it came housed with a powder puff )

Brenda Avatar

I am just reading this review after seeing the post for Mythic. I have a couple brightening powders from Physicians Formula that are along the same line and I never use them. I didn’t really see how they worked – until now!! I can see how this powder just refines everything. I would definitely investigate Guerlain once I start work again, and for now, I will pay more attention to the ones I already own.

Thank you Christine!

Zoya Avatar

Love this powder!!! It is definitly A MUST Have!!! Gourgeous product!!! Excellent quality!!! Nothing can bit it. Once you try it you can not go back to anything else! I tryed every powder on the market including Cle de Peau, Tom Ford, Chanel…etc. Guerlain Wulong is The BEST out there!!!

Jess Avatar

I love this!!! Christine, if you could only have one – Perles du Dragon or Wulong, which would you choose? I’ve got them both in my cart but $245 is a tad bit high…

rashmi Avatar

hey dear 🙂 the collection launched here sometime back and i picked turondot palette …
i am dying to pick this and if you convert indian ruppes to USD I will pay around 101 $ for this … which sounds okay ( i mean greattttt ) ….
as in USA it is $ 170 + tax …
you think it will go well on my NC 40 skin tone ??
pls let me know ASAP … they have only 2 pieces left in stock 😀 😀

lulu Avatar

hey christine, i’m sorry i have to comment on this page instead, but what are your thoughts of the packaging of the terracotta bronzing powder? is it hefty or is it plastic and cheap? the comment box thingy wasn’t open on that page so i had to ask here-terribly sorry and thank you 🙂

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