Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Guerlain Les Fauves Ecrin 4 couleurs palette - Review & Swatches!

I have been meaning to write this post for a very long time since I've had this Guerlain palette since January (I think?) but things have been so busy, I've barely had time to blog at all!

Either way, here it is! The famous Guerlain Les Fauves palette!

I got this palette for free as I redeemed my Shoppers Optimum points for it. It's pretty much the only good rewards program in Canada, so I take full advantage of it!

Les Fauves consists of 4 warm-toned eyeshadows that go very well together. I'm especially fond of the shade on the right, and the left. I tend to use those two most, with the right shade all over the lid, and the left shade in the crease.



The packaging of this palette is absolutely stunning. I think that of all my collection, this is my favorite packaging ever (with the Estee Lauder Violet Underground palette coming in a close second). It's sturdy, but hefty, and doesn't leave finger marks. And well, it's gold. Enough said.


The texture of the shadows is excellent. They're a dream to work with - pigmented, but soft enough to blend easily.

Swatches in the shade, shadows from the left to the right of the palette.

Swatches in the sun, same order.

And here's a quick eye look with the Guerlain Les Fauves palette. It is truly a combination of shades so easy to use together!

I must say, I really love this palette. However, I did have a couple issues with it personally - and honestly, these tiny little problems might not even affect you.

First off, I thought the wear time of these shadows was a bit poor. Perhaps it is simply because the texture is so smooth, but these eyeshadows creased on my oily lids by the end of the day, even with a primer. That rarely happens to me. I've had to use a primer and MAC's Painterly Paint pot in order to get the shadows to stay all day. Definitely not something that's ideal for a palette that is that expensive, but hey, I'll do it if the shadows are pretty enough.

Second, the colors are a bit too warm for my skin tone. This isn't necessarily a bad thing for people who like a pop of color, or bright shadow, but I had a hard time wearing this palette as casual work makeup. The colors were too bright, vibrant and warm to look natural. Except perhaps the color on the right - that one is quite neutral. Again, might not affect most of you, especially if you already like warm colors, but I guess I know now that I prefer cool tones on my eyes. Lesson learned.

Honestly, I still highly suggest this palette. It is stunning, and I definitely don't mind layering on the bases in order for the shadows to stick. While I don't wear this too often as work makeup, I really enjoy playing with the colors for a night out. The coral color in the middle looks amazing with a winged liner. Up next, I think I will purchase (with Shoppers Optimum points again hopefully!) Les Fumes, or Les Cuirs! I'm still so bitter about missing out on Turandot!

Hope this was interesting for you and has helped you decide whether this palette's hefty price tag is worth it for you ($64). If you don't mind splurging on cosmetics, like I know I do, I think it is worth it. Otherwise, I'm sure most of these colors are dupeable. In fact, please leave me a comment if you're interested in comparison swatches!


11 comments:

  1. Even though you say you prefer cooler tones on your eyes, I have to say I think these shadows work really well with your coloring. And MY GOSH this palette is stunning! I would wear all four shades in a heartbeat, and now I'm only wishing we had some sort of free cosmetics program in the States (if there is one, I don't yet know about it!).

    Also, not sure why because they hardly look like each other, but this palette reminds me a lot of Clinique's Pink Chocolate? Either way, it's stunning and I want it. :)

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    1. Do you guys get Ulta points maybe? I might be wrong but I thought they might have a rewards program. The Shoppers Optimum program is phasing out though, so I'm making the best of it while I can!

      Thanks for saying it works with my coloring - I'm so not used to those shades, it's hard to tell!

      Oooh, I think I know which palette you mean from Clinique, and yes, I think it's similar. I have the Chocolate Pink duo, and I'd say the Guerlain pull more orange than the Clinique shades. It's definitely similar though!

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  2. OH my goodness, I've been waiting for this review from you! I'm so sad I missed out on this, I was actually debating getting this with my Optimum points (then I succumbed to Chanel). I don't think it's too warm on you -- in fact, it makes even that tiny bit of iris in your photo look extremely blue.

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    1. Do you have Chanel at your Shoppers Drug Mart? So jealous if you do! I have Guerlain and Lancome and that's pretty much it. :(

      Glad you don't think it's too warm on me! It's good to hear what other people think! :)

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  3. Haha Shoppers Optimum point redeeming is the perfect excuse for fancy products. Such a shame that they don't last on the lids :( I actually think these colours look beautiul on you and suit your colouring! I wonder how the peach shade would perform as a blush since you don't like it on your eyes?

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    1. I never thought of using it as a blush but I'll give it a go! You're so resourceful Christine! Love your suggestion! :)

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  4. I don't buy nearly as much stuff as I used to at Shoppers, but my goal is that when I can, I'm buying one of these Guerlain palettes!! It just needs to happen :) I like this a lot on you Annick - I think it looks great but I can see how it might be a bit more maintenance if the colors are warmer than your comfortable with, and especially with the wear time. I'd still love to own it though!

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    1. Thanks! Saving up points is definitely worth a Guerlain palette. I think from now on I'll be buying my eggs and milk from Shoppers too! (I hear it's the best price for it in the city, so why not!)

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  5. I agree with the other comments, I think the shades look lovely on you, Annick! It's a shame wear time's a bit poor, but the colours are very pretty!

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    1. Thanks Nat! Glad to hear you say that - it's hard to tell sometimes when you're out of your comfort zone whether it's flattering or not.

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  6. This looks so incredibly gorgeous on you! I've been having my eye on this palette for a long time and you finally made me decide that I absolutely need it in my life! And I was wondering what lip product are you wearing?!? I think it goes beautifully with the rest of the face and eye makeup and this would be exactly how I would wear the look, but I have such a difficult time finding lip colors like that? If you remember could you also tell me what cheek products you used? This makes me so excited for the fall season! x

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