My sister persuaded me to buy what has turned out to be one of the greatest cosmetics items of the year so far. As much as I am, let’s fact it, a make-up junkie…. I don’t tend to invest in luxe products unless they at least appear to a) work wonders b) have amazing packaging c) be portable. The latter being especially important as I fully return from maternity leave and have off-site meetings, photoshoots and promotional events coming out of my ears.
This product is kind of ridiculous. It’s essentially a rather large yet extraordinarily pretty pot of candy coloured….balls. But they are not just any balls, oh no. The combination of pastel hues and shiny bits make your complexion GLOW. And not is a glittery ballroom dancing way, in a “Gee I’m so healthy, I drink 3 litres of water a day…and I’ve just been getting up to no good with someone really hot” way.
The balls (I can see myself repeating this word far to often in this feature, Lord knows what kind of google search traffic it will generate….I digress) Anyway as I was saying, the balls are by Guerlain, they smell like Parma violets and are 100% impractical. They look lush on your dressing table admittedly but won’t fit in your handbag, unless you are ok with a weird bulge…(You know what I said about google traffic?)
Part of the Meteorites range (originally launched in 1987, renowned for creating a radiant complexion) this “Blossom Collection” is specifically targeted at colour correction “mauve to catch the light, pink for youthful glow and yellow to illuminate and counter redness”. Goodness, how very scientific.
I can’t vouch for what each individual ball does per se but what I can tell you is that the “medium” shade does all kinds of wonderful to your mug. My skin is super dry at the moment (I think I’ve probably bored the pants off you all with this fact) so I need products that make me appear dewy not dehydrated. This does that for me – and my sister too whilst simultaneously getting rid of her midday oily T-zone.
I wear it on it’s own with blusher and concealer, my sister wears it over the Guerlain Parure De Lumiere foundation (which incidentally she says is the best base she’s EVER used) and it sets it beautifully with absolutely zero caking.
Here’s the scary bit – these balls are £36. Quite expensive for something you can only apply whilst at home. When my sister and I discovered there is in fact a compact version we were very excited indeed, until we found out it was a hundred and five quid. Then we cried a bit.
Do you have an amazing yet slightly impractical make-up item that you just can’t give up?
What is your make-up item spend limit? I can’t justify £105, no matter how much I love the stuff.
P.S Dear Santa, I have been mostly good this year so if you’re stuck for ideas more lovely balls would be super. As I’m sure you are moving into modern times these days and shopping online you can purchase these at Feelunique.com. Thanks in advance.
Just perusing John Lewis and noticed the compact refill is ‘only’ £33! The remaining £72 must be for the snazzy case!
I think so Julia – it must be a VERY snazzy case!
Oh dear, I think I might have to get this. I don’t need it. Don’t quite understand how to use it. However, I am getting a new dressing table and this will look perfect on it… Is that a valid reason?!
Sian, I realised this must have been the most useless post I have ever written – I didn’t even explain what you actually do with the balls…….
You essentially use them as powder, I sweep a brush over them, tap off excess and then apply it all over x
do you put them all over your face? x
Hi Becks – yes! I do, although you can add extra down the centre of you nose and on cheekbones to highlight x
oh dear, looks like a purchase will be made then! I’ve just received my Cocoa Brown tan as recommended by another reader in one of your posts last week, too! x
I received mine yesterday!!!! can’t wait to try it 🙂
I have a wedding tomorrow, so will be slapping it on tonight, I hope that I don’t have another streaky patchy leg disaster.
Actually, I’d better go and slap some moisturiser on my legs now!
Charlotte, your posts are costing my alot of money…. having discovered FeelUnique…. I blame you entirely but I love these posts and will be making yet another purchase. Anything that makes me look oh so healthy…..
Hi Kate, I would apologise but I won’t as I can tell you are enjoying the small thrill of putting lots of lovely things in your virtual basket and pressing “buy”. You will LOVE the balls.
I must have these. They are pastel, they are pretty and well I just love them! x
The pot is very pretty. You could use it to store earrings in after the balls were used up? It’s practically an investment (who doesn’t need an earring pot?!)
The most expensive make up item I regularly buy is Estee Lauder Radiance foundation, which as I search for it seems to have been discontinued! Gutted! I do think it’s worth spending a bit more for a good foundation, I’ve been burnt so many times when they oxidise and change colour! I recently splashed out on a Chanel eyeshadow quad for £40 which is in the upper range for me, but it’s so gorgeous and makes me feel glamorous every time I use it, so well worth the money!
Kathryn you should so come shopping with me – I need those kind of justifications! An earring pot you say? obviously I need others for necklaces, rings……
Okay so these look pretty good… but are the essentially the same product as Bobbi Brown’s shimmer bricks? I *may* have three of those… so not sure I need another similar product…
I’ve spied that they do a darker version – Charlotte do you reckon the shade you use would be suitable for olive skin too, or would the darker one be better?
Is it too early to start my Christmas list too?!
I have those shimmer bricks too – they are amazing. I only use them on my cheeks though, rather than all over face which these balls do. Do you put the shimmer all over or just cheeks? xx
Just cheeks Sian – not sure if these balls will make me too shimmery!! (Now there’s a sentence I never thought I’d say….) x
Hi ladies
My sister also rates BB shimmer brick but only on cheeks, I use the balls all over as does she – they have a sheen rather a sparkle, if that makes sense 🙂 x
I am a highlighter addict and totally gutted that Topshop have discontinued my beloved Crescent Moon highlighter. A friend has recommended The Body Shop ‘Brush On Radiance’ which is also a pot of little pearly balls but is a more purse-friendly £14. Has anyone tried it? xx
Isn’t it rubbish when great things get discontinued? I haven’t heard of the Body Shop version but sounds like a great alternative x
I’ll give them a go and let you know what they are like! We’re off on honeymoon to the US in a few weeks so I am off to Sephora for some bits – Laura Mercier highlighter and the Bobby Brown Shimmer Brick in pink quartz are top of my list! Whyyyy don’t we have Sephora over here… Make-up heaven. x
I know right?!!! Although – I would literally be in there EVERY WEEK. x
WOW.. I need these, so pretty (And who doesn’t want to look a little perky) if they are any bit as loved as the 3 more inches I ran off and bought when you rated it, you will be simply the best in my book!!
Jules! so glad you loved the mousse! Now I am feeling the pressure…..x
This might have to be a paid day purchase! They sound great 🙂 what kind/size of brush do you/would you use to apply ‘The Balls’?? I’m a bit of a brush virgin!
I use a the Real Techniques “buffing brush” for more direct/specific area coverage, and a MAC 187 for all over slap dash (it doesn’t pick up much – which is a good thing in my book) x
AH HA!!!! Finally… A make up product that’s cheaper in Oz than UK!!
Also… Did you see the compact comes in a travel size loose powder?
No?!!!! Glowy – I’m unsure you actually need these 🙂
[…] flake. Now I feel at peace with myself after making you go and purchase those pretty yet expensive candy coloured balls last week (inserts winky emoji type face […]
http://www.johnlewis.com/guerlain-meteorites-compact-foundation-02-light/p1815228?colour=02%20Light
A compact version for (only) £40!
Hi Charlotte
I too am a fan of Guerlain, which version of the foundation does your sister recommend as there is a pot or a bottle – I’m fancying a new treat and thought of the new lingerie foundation but after stumbling across your post thought I may try the lumiere instead.
(It is eye watering expensive but a little treat is good for the soul, right?) I need to make the right choice as I’ve just returned to work part time after having my little boy, my funds are a little light at the moment.
Love your new kitchen – so pleased you went with the downpipe. It’s one of my favourite F&B colours – my favourite is Elephants Breath and also ammonite a close second. XXX