Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Duty Free Goodies


As much as I miss home and the convenience of things in the states.. one thing I do enjoy is being able to go through Duty Free as much as I do hahaha.


While waiting for our flight back to Frankfurt I popped into one to pick up my usual Chanel powder foundation that I've been using for nearly 10 years now!  Old habits die hard.. I've tried using other powder foundations everything from Lancome to Shiseido but for whatever reason end up back with Chanel.  I think it just works the best with my skin.. I don't use a lot of it I usually just use it to set my liquid foundation and then use it for touch ups during the day. 


I do have to admit that I always find it humorous that it comes with a little black dust bag.. just like a real Chanel bag does hahaha.



As I was headed to the cash wrap to get my foundation rung up I happened upon the Guerlain meterorites illuminating balls.  I've seen this mentioned on a number of beauty blogs and always thought it was SO cute (I know, I know I'm a total sucker for cute packaging WHYYYYYYYYY?!! HAHAHA)


At Duty Free it comes 2 in a box with a the pretty pink Guerlain brush.  They only sold the Rose Teint 01 which was fine by me.. this one apparently is a little more of a light pink color.  The price is $80 Euros which roughly translate to $100 USD.  I checked the prices on Sephora.com and the price is $57 USD for one + the price of tax.  So if you're ever flying international I would definitely try and pick this up because it is quite a bit of savings.. they also have a smaller travel sized version that comes two in a pack as well for $50 Euros.  But I heard the smaller one is difficult to use because it doesn't allow you enough room to "swirl" your brush over the balls to pick up the powder.

I looked up online people seem to say these little balls don't really "expire" not sure if that's true or not but we shall see.. I'm thinking that if you kept them in a relatively dry place these little balls could last for a really long time.  I actually slipped the 2nd Meteorites in a plastic zip lock baggy and added in a few silica packets to keep moisture at bay.


To be totally honest I'm still not ENTIRELY sure what the purpose of this because the box really doesn't say but I'm assuming that it's the same concept as my MUFE microfinish powder.  Basically you buff it on after you finish applying your foundation to give yourself a radiant illuminating glow.


I've actually really enjoyed using my MUFE powder however in the last year since I started traveling the container actually EXPLODED and there's white powder everywhere.  My biggest complaint is that the packaging is awful.  I sort of wish that MUFE would put the microfinishing powder in a plastic twist tube brush applicator so that you can just twist the amount you want and then it comes out on the brush and you can just buff it onto your face.  Having the powder all loose in the little plastic container really makes it difficult to put on my brush.



Now I can't say for sure because I've never purchased this in the US before but looking on Sephora.com it appears that when you purchase the Meteorites it does NOT come with this brush. They do however SELL the same exact brush but it retails for $36 USD!  So if that's the case then this 2 for 1 + brush set is seriously an amazing deal!


I haven't actually used the Guerlain brush itself yet.. I'm kind of a closet hoarder especially when it's something I deem "pretty" so right now it's sitting on my vanity haha.. sorta like how people have "decoration towels" you know the towels you aren't allowed to use they just make the bathroom look pretty.  You know what I'm talking about BAHAHAH :p  The bristles I read online are actually made out of goat hair and are meant to be stiff so that it can pick up the powder off the balls easier.


It comes with a sponge on top which is probably useful in keeping the balls from rolling around and cracking if you plan on bringing this with you when you travel. 


But I would definitely recommend not using the sponge as an applicator.. as you can see in the picture it picks up A LOT of the color and you don't want to end up looking like a clown.. unless of course that is the look you are going for.. then by all means haha. ok I know bad joke hahahah.  The Hubs likes to tell me that nobody thinks I'm funny but me ::CRIES:: HAHA.


So I've been on the hunt for something that would give me a radiant glow and be easy to travel with.  And I have to be honest I don't think I'm going back to MUFE microfinish powder anymore!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Guerlain meteorites the packaging itself is so pretty and how could you not love the different colored beads haha.. but mostly the beads are in compact shape they won't explode everywhere when I travel!  I was a little hesitant the first time I put it on because of all the colors.. but if you take your brush and gently run it over all of the colors and buff it into your face it really looks like your face is SERIOUSLY radiant and glowing!  Only a very light dusting is needed!  The beads also carry the signature Guerlain violet scent it smells so pretty every time I take off the metal lid.

The S.A. @ Duty Free also mentioned you could also double this up and use it as a blush.. I haven't gotten around to trying it yet.. but if anyone knows please let me know :)!


LOVE! :) :) :) :)!!!!  I cannot tell you how happy I am with this product! 


Requisite shot of my new addition to my makeup vanity :) hahahaha.  

45 comments:

  1. Very girly and pretty makeup ;) I would love to try the meteorites! Please do a follow up and let us know if you really do like it better then the MUFE HD powder - that's currently what I'm using!

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  2. I'm a closet hoarder with nice, pretty stuff too! And omg, on some trips, I KNOW I will spend more money at Duty Free than at the actual country I am visiting! Always want to get Chanel at Duty Free and love the exclusives! The Guerlain deal is probably a DF exclusive with the brush. What a great value! And I don't think they do expire. I have some shimmer ball things from years ago and they are still fine (I just rarely ever use them).

    xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

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  3. One of the reasons I like to travel is because I get to go through the duty free :P Lovely purchases

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  4. how gorgeous! can't wait to go duty free shopping in the fall... >:)

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  5. OMG!!! Drool!! I looooove guerlain meteorites! I actually have a fairly old version, where it's still pressed and I still use it LOL! I actually bought the holiday version of these balls but I sort of regret it now since there's a bit of shimmer, which is fine during the holidays but now I want a regular one to use for the rest of the year wth right? hahahaha Your vanity is getting lovlier by the day!!! <3

    P.s The brush is so adorable!!! Pink and white! I wish the silver part was gold though, I would never be able to say no to it then haha

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  6. You decorate beautifully! :) I wish you were my neighbor!

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  7. SO pretty, and your vanity is so gorgeous and sparkly!
    Do you have a pic of you after buffing the shimmer on?
    Sounds like such a great deal!

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  8. totally looked at all the pictures first without reading your captions.... totally was wondering why you were mixing makeup and candy together LOL

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  9. ohmygosh, it's so pretty! i like all the colors! and i loooove shopping at duty free! :)

    <3, Mimi

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  10. So girly! The Guerlain product looks SO adorable and I can definitely see why it would add a glow when used over your face. I <3 the Duty Free!

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  11. Pretty vanity! *^_^* I had that Guerlain product but had to return it b/c I did not see anything on my face...lol. The SA told me to try #2 instead which I may give another go at next time.

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  12. Lisa, thanks for the tip! I did use a light hand so that is very likely the reason why. XD

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  13. Those meteorites are so adorable! I first saw them on Sea of Shoes and ever since that, I've found them to be just so perfect for a radiant complexion. :)

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  14. I love the new additions to your vanity stuff. Haven't tried any of those yet... xP

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  15. great duty free buys!! the Meteorites kinda work as a highlighter. those always catch my eye at Duty Free too!!

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  16. I'm such a sucker for gorgeous packaging!

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  17. the chanel foundation powder iss look good! i've been trying to look for a prefect foundation and blush and i just love that make blush. hope you had great trip!

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  18. Lisa...this is such a great steal girl! I love a woman who does her comparison shopping, even at Duty Free :) My advice would be to use it like a highlighter (cheek bones, bridge of your nose, chin, temples and decolage, if you so please) This way, when light hits your face, it will highlight those attributes. LOL to the Hubs comment, because mine says the same thing. BTW I have my first giveaway, would love it if you entered, if you have time. :)

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  19. Oh your vanity table is looking more and more beautiful with ever purchase you make! I am a sucker for pretty packaging too :)

    Love, Rachel

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  20. OOOH! Maybe I'll try it :)

    richelle
    www.rarepersona.com

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  21. dam the Guerlain meterorites illuminating balls looks soo nice and they look so sweet....i would love to try it..wow nice post^^
    Mi_Mi
    x
    mi-miworld.blogspot.com/

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  22. Lucky girl with the duty free! I think one of the best parts of international travel is the duty free. I have yet to meet a duty free shop I haven't liked.
    I too use that Chanel powder, love it. I haven't tried the Guerlain Meterorites but I have been using their blush for awhile now and I love it. I will have to try the meterorites out. Thanks for the info. Your vanity travel is so pretty!!
    Best, M.

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  23. i really love the packaging, and um i would want to eat those lil balls since they look like easter MsMs :D

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  24. hahahaha. Now that you mention it, going through Duty Free that much would be nice! I love the packaging of Guerlain Meteorites! and the brush is soooo pretty I am sure I wouldn't use it until I find something prettier later! hahahaah

    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

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  25. totally obsessed with the chanel powder, have used it for the last 3 years and it is simply the best!

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  26. I've always been interested in the Geurlain Meteorites but never knew if it was worth the price or not. The colours inside are so pretty that I feel like I would hesitate to use it! The product does sound great to finish off any look! The packaging looks so pretty with the rest of the products on your vanity too! Since you have that extra one, you should come visit me and I will trade you a duck fat fried poutine for it LOL :)

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  27. Your makeup vanity belongs in a magazine, so pretty!

    Yes I am from Vancouver!! Good guess! Vancouver is beautiful in the spring/summer but winter is pretty blah. We get so much rain! My bestie and I have been wanting to go to San Fran (food mecca), so I'll be sure to ask you for recommendations as I have seen your food posts.

    I Love Froyo, which froyo places did you use to frequent when you were in San Fran? Hopefully the Germans will catch on to the froyo craze. :)

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  28. ahh you must show us what it looks like ON YOUR FACE! Post a pic!
    Guerlain makes this kohl eyeliner that is also amazing.
    They're products are luxurious...and I never use that word. hahah.
    xx
    The Fashionable ESQ
    http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/

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  29. Wow you've been using Mat Lumiere Powder for about 10 years?!?! =D That says a lot! I've only been into makeup for the past maybe less than 5 years so ^^ I'm still on the look out for great HGs

    Your vanity table is so gorgeousssss!!! Just like that Guerlain powder :) Guerlain packaging always sucks me in, too

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  30. that make-up vanity is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! love mirrors!
    xo TJ

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  31. Babe, you have sold me the Guerlain Meteorites, for real! It sounds amazing! I've been looking for something just like that to brighten up my face :)

    And don't you just love Duty Free! ;) I'm going to Singapore in July but I will be going NUTS at the airport there!! :)

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  32. J'adore Chanel make up, especially their lipsticks. Only one I can wear for hours without having to check it's still on.

    Ps. I tagged you in a post http://talesofalittlehazzelnut.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/11-questions.html

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  33. Great products !!

    Dear, I am hosting FoxHouse international giveaway currently, where you can win $50 worth of Apparels and Shoes....If you want we can follow each other !!

    Enter FoxHouse giveaway and win $50
    ♡ StylishByNature.com

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  34. looks like you got some amazing things! xx

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  35. Aww I love your lil Make-up vanity, so vintage. Amazing!

    www.styliststeph.blogspot.com

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  36. Ooh thanks for the review and yes I go nuts at duty free! Hmm perhaps I will get the guerlain and some YSL lipstick!

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  37. Lisa! how crazy, I picked this up in dutyfree in seoul before heading over to china. LOVE this product. It serves more as a highlighter/illuminizer more than anything else. After I put on foundation, I usually sweep this over the t-zone, cheeks and outer parts of my face for a great glow.

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  38. hahah -- i think you're funny =)

    i've been wanting to try the guerlain powder for awhile now - but mainly because of the packaging!!

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  39. I've been hestitaing if I should get this for such a looooong time..mainly because the coloured balls look so pretty toether (yes..yes dear, I am as "shallow" as you).

    I did read about people raving of the glow it gives them.

    Now you're rekindling my interest in them.. hmmm..

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  40. I have the meteorites, and they are my fav powder. I don't like the mat powders because they make my face look like a kabuki mask, really unatural, I need my shimmers. I have mine over a year, they are as good as ever, long lasting and fresh. Must keep the lid closed at all times so the humidity will not get it. Luckily here it is super dry, never had a problem. Amazing product, I also recommend it!
    IDK about the brush, I have another one. I'm jealous of yours though!!! lolz

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  41. Guerlain Meteorites are like my favorite powder for years. It is very silky and the mix of colors really gives a more even finish, in my humble opinion.

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  42. Lisa,
    Oh my god. The colours of the balls! So pretty! I'm amazed that such colours could be dusted on the face w/o looking like a clown. But since you say it glowed, I've to believe it's a miracle product. lol

    Seriously I didn't know your hubz is in the armed forces too! I always thought he looks like a successful businessman. Lol... Ok I'm so gonna trawl your blog more often.

    BTW, I like how he says you're the only person who thinks you are funny. Lol.. Quite funny!

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