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.