Guerlain Ombre Fusion Bahia Review and Swatches

 Eyeshadow, Guerlain  1 Response »
May 102011
 

Guerlain’s limited edition Terracotta collection for Summer 2011 includes Ombre Fusion in Bahia ($35), a creamy light multi-dimensional light peachy pink shadow.

Unless this color is applied sheerly, it does not work well as an overall lid color unless you are going for a retro-60′s beach look.  Rather, it’s best to use with a deeper color, such as Guerlain’s Ombre Fusion in Maya (or Havana) layered on the outer 1/2 of the eye or a deeper powder shadow.  It’s a pretty highlighting color on the browbone, again with a sheer touch.  Here’s a comparison with the light and dark swatch:

You can see how lightly the creme skates over the texture of the skin.  This next picture really drives this point home.  Here is a comparison between this Guerlain Ombre Fusion with my pink Chanel Ombre D’eau in River #87.  You can see how different the texture of these products are.  Bahia sits nicely on the skin, filling ridges, where the Chanel looks dry.  I must admit that this comparison is a bit unfair.  This is because this particular Chanel River does not have a good texture and seems flat compared to the other Chanel Ombre D’eau line (many of which are much nicer than River).  But you can certainly see that Guerlain Bahia has a much nicer texture and richer tone.

 

 

Guerlain Ombre Fusion Maya: Review and Swatches

 Eyeshadow, Guerlain  15 Responses »
May 092011
 

Every year, Guerlain releases a unique summer formulation for their Terracotta line, each limited edition.  This year, Guerlain’s Terracotta 2011 includes Ombre Fusion Water-Resistant creme eyeshadows in three shades–01 Bahia, 02 Havana and 03 in Maya ($35 each). Today, we’ll look a close look at #03 Maya, a deep brown cream.

As you can see on the swatch on paper, above, Maya is deep bronzy shade with a slight bronze shimmer. This formula is dreamy to work with, much better than last year’s pencils (discussed here).  The color is extremely complex and gorgeous on the lid.  The formula skates over and covers lid imperfections and gives a deep, sultry glow.  Gorgeous.

Although some have compared these to Chanel’s Ombre D’eau line, I don’t find them terribly similar.  Although both come in a square tube with a doe-foot applicator, Guerlain’s Ombre Fusion have a true light cream texture.  In contrast, Chanel’s are more like a loose pigment that can be foiled on the eye in their ever-present water base.  Above, you can see that the look that you can get with Guerlain’s Ombre Fusion Maya depends very much on the pressure that you use.  Although you can lightly brush the color on, a deep swatch will give a sexy, dark look.  These can be worn with a powder over the top, although I prefer to use Maya alone.

I did some comparisons with a few bronzy browns in my stash.  On the left is Guerlain’s Tajine Eyeshadow, a former Terracotta limited edition, in Dark Metal.  Next is a Chanel Ombre D’eau applied very heavily in #75 (I’m sorry, the box had the name but I’m unable to track it and it’s no longer available).  Next is a powder shadow, Chanel Le Bronze Ombre Essentialle.  Finally, MAC’s legendary, warm Veluxe Pearl in Elite (this was from back in the day, limited edition and no longer available).  On the far right are two swatches of Guerlain’s Maya (lightly and heavily swatched, as marked).

You can see that Guerlain Maya most closely resembles Chanel Le Bronze, although it is deeper and more brown.

I’ll give Guerlain’s Ombre Fusion eyeshadows two thumbs up for texture.  Of the three, which you prefer depends on your color choice.  Stay tuned, I’ll be featuring the others tomorrow.