Guerlain Fall Collection: Review and Makeup Lesson Video

The Guerlain Fall Russian Beauty Collection is all about bohemian luxe with a smooth, radiant complexion, warm, shimmering eyes, and rosy lips – rich colors inspired by Russia and the sumptuous fabrics and beadwork of the dresses worn by Russian princesses.

Today I have a review of the collection and a wonderful new makeup video. I had the delightful opportunity to get a lesson at Saks San Francisco with Guerlain National Makeup Artist Marcus Monson, who is incredibly talented and fun, and has a client roster of celebrities, including Ivanka Trump. I just love the look he created for me. It’s tough to see the colors of the makeup in the photo due to the lighting – be sure to watch the video to see them better.

The Color Collection

I adore how Guerlain makes the experience of using their makeup so luxurious – from the impeccable formulas to the extraordinary details, like the fine etching in the Volga Princess makeup, the silvery accents on the Tsarina shadows, the patterns on the compacts, and the etched velvet bags and cases to protect those compacts. Even the blush bottle is chic, looking more like a flacon of perfume (top left).

The new, limited-edition Volga Princess Eye and Lip Palette ($69, above and at left) includes pink and violet shadows and rosewood and pink lip colors. The shadows look rather subdued but they actually provide a lot of rich color. Marcus used this palette on me and topped my lips with Rouge G de Guerlain Lipstick ($45, at left), which he calls a “weapon of mass seduction,” in the new, limited-edition pearly raspberry pink shade Graziella. Rouge G has the most luxurious lipstick case around and the lipstick itself is quite wonderful as well.

Marcus also gave me a delicate pink flush with the new Russian Doll Blush ($42, top left). It’s a very unique lotion-cream formula that quickly dries and looks totally natural. The collection also includes the new limited-edition Tsarina Ombre Éclat 4 Shades Eye Shadow ($56) with faded orange, brick red, rose, and aubergine shadows reminiscent of a golden sunset.

I learned a fantastic trick from Marcus. He used the new Silver Retractable Eye Pencil ($29) along my waterline to brighten my eyes with a beautiful silver sparkle. He also used the new, limited-edition, plum called Bohemian to make my eyes look more defined. There’s also a gold to pair with warmer colors. Last but not least, he added astonishing length to my lashes with Le 2 de Guerlain mascara ($35) in the new, limited-edition, deep plum Bohéme.

While we didn’t use the Brun Madoré shadow palette ($58, pictured next to the mascara), be sure to take note. It includes a decadent collection of beige, chestnut brown, bronze gold, and dark brown shadows all kissed with a golden, sparkly shimmer that would perfectly complement any eye shadow collection.

For a Radiant, Youthful Complexion

Marcus perfected my skin and made it look more radiant and even with the heavenly, new Parure Gold Collection: Rejuvenating Gold Radiance Fluid Foundation ($78, middle at left), a dusting of Rejuvenating Gold Radiance Powder Foundation ($45, compact shown with the eye makeup above), and strategic sweeps of Precious Light Rejuvenating Illuminator (a concealer, brightener, and shadow base in one convenient little pen, $48, far right).

They all include special gold pigments that add a lovely, youthful, natural-looking glow. I was amazed at how well the Precious Light concealed, brightened, and didn’t settle into fine lines, which happens way too often with concealers. He also used the 24 karat gold-infused L’Or Makeup Base ($70, far left) to prime my skin. It’s not new but it is stunning.

Everything is available at select Saks Fifth Avenues, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nordstrom.

The Makeup Lesson

I had such a great time with Marcus. He’s so much fun and has so many interesting tricks up his sleeve. Marcus is always traveling all across the U.S. for Guerlain. If he’s in your area for a special event, sign up immediately!

To see everything Marcus used, click on the face chart.

Do Tell

What do you think of the collection? Do tell.

P.S. Check out the Beauty Resources page for some amazing beauty deals from amazon.com, beauty.com, Sephora, and more.