Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and the products featured were provided for review.Following the launch of its L'Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation back in 2019 (reviewed
here),
Guerlain is expanding its foundation range with a high-coverage, long-wearing liquid foundation called
L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation 24H Wear ($69 for 30 ml). Available in 30 shades, this natural matte foundation is made with 96% naturally derived ingredients, including vegetable silk extract, red algae extract, and white cocoa bean extract. I've got reviews and swatches of the formulation to share with you today, along with the L'Essentiel Primer and Retractable Foundation Brush. To read on, click......
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| Guerlain | L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation 24H Wear & Pore Minimizer Primer |
Guerlain | L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation 24H Wear (C$69 for 30 ml):Promising a natural matte finish and a full coverage that feels lightweight and skin-like, the L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation 24H Wear comes in a frosted pump bottle very similar to that of the L'Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation. The foundation also contains some nano titanium dioxide, which provides a light sun protection of SPF 15 (although the claim is not substantiated on the Canadian market).
The L’Essentiel High Perfection Foundation 24H Wear has a creamy consistency. It provides medium-full to full coverage, depending on the application. It blends very easily, instantly blurring pores and camouflaging discolorations. I did find that the formulation clung to some dry patches so it's probably not great for dry skin. The formulation has a light powdery fragrance and it sets quickly to a natural matte finish that's flexible and breathable. In terms of wear, the foundation fared pretty well but there was noticeable creasing around my nose and some sebum breakthrough around the T-zone after a couple hours of wear.
I have swatched two of the lighter shades. "01C" (Very Light Cool) is a light porcelain beige with a soft peachy pink undertone. "01N" (Very Light) is a neutral light beige. Below I have a before and after comparison using the shade 01N. The foundation is applied directly onto moisturized skin and as you can see, the finish is quite nice and smooth. However, if you look closely, you will also notice some small dry patches where the pigments really took hold.
There has been a number of luxury high-coverage, long-lasting foundations introduced on the market in the past few years and I would say that this Guerlain version is on par with the likes of Dior Forever 24H Matte Foundation (reviewed
here) and the Givenchy Teint Couture Everwear 24H Foundation (reviewed
here). I personally find that the Dior and Givenchy ones wear a little better but the difference is not significant so it all comes down to brand loyalty. All in all, if you are looking for a natural, full-coverage foundation, then this is a great option!
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), C9-12 Alkane, Glycerin, Propanediol, Silica, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Titanium Dioxide [Nano], Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Parfum (Fragrance), Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-10 Decaisostearate, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Caesalpinia Spinosa (Tara) Fruit Extract, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Sodium Chloride, Stearic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alumina, Cellulose, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Kappaphycus Alvarezii (Algae) Extract, Polymnia Sonchifolia (Yacón) Root Juice, Aluminum Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Lactobacillus, Tocopherol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, [+/- Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 77947 (Zinc Oxide)].
Designed to be used with either of the L'Essentiel foundations, this is "a fresh, lightweight, and mattifying primer". The formulation contains avocado extract for absorbing excess sebum and white cocoa bean extract for minimizing the appearance of pores. With a runny, almost serum-like formulation, the L'Essentiel Primer dispenses from a dropper applicator and spreads very smoothly on the skin. The formulation is not super matte nor "pore filling", as compared to your traditional silicone-based primers. However, it does create a nice canvas for foundation and I've not experienced any pilling or patching during application. The formulation is alcohol-heavy (second ingredient) which is not the greatest but I feel that since it's layered over skincare, the drying effect won't be as prominent.
I am really not a primer person as I feel that a good foundation should have its built-in primer. Thick, silicone-heavy primers, in particular, are the bane of my existence so this Guerlain L'Essentiel Pore Minimizer Shine Control Primer is actually a refreshing surprise. I don't think it significantly improves foundation wear time but it does feel like a nice smoothing treatment before makeup application.
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Alcohol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, C9-12 Alkane, Cellulose, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyl Avocadate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Ci 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), Tocopherol, Lactobacillus, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract.
Guerlain | L'Essentiel Retractable Foundation Brush (C$65):Designed specifically for the L'Essentiel Foundations, this is a retractable foundation brush made with synthetic fibers. The shape of the brush mirrors the design of the foundation bottle with its circular handle and the off-centered brush head. The bristles are densely packed and super soft. They are protected with a retractable shield topped off with a white plastic cap. The design is great for application on the go but truthfully, I'm not a huge fan. The short handle is not as ergonomic as a regular-lengthed stem and additionally, retracting a used foundation brush with icky foundation remenants feels quite unsanitary. I feel inclined to wash the brush after each use, which, of course, is not realistic nor good for the longevity of the brush.
