Nobody does luxury like Guerlain, but not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined something as glamorous as their new Écrin 6 Couleurs eye shadow palettes that came out this fall. The pictures speak for themselves: just look at that filigree cover, the little bee (symbol of Guerlain that dates back to XIX century) on it, and the large beautiful mirror that opens up to the side of the palette. It was only appropriate to name each of the five palettes after a Guerlain boutique in Paris!
The one I ended up buying is named after Guerlain’s flagship boutique at 68, Avenue des Champs-Elysées. My choice was partly due to the fact that I like purple and don’t have enough grays, and partly because I really like the thought of looking at Champs-Elysées in the morning (who wouldn’t? 🙂 )
But enough about the packaging, and on to the product. Each palette features five neutral shades in different finishes and a pop of color at the center. The shadows are finely milled, quite pigmented and long staying, at least when used over a primer (I use UDPP under all eye makeup, otherwise it all migrates up onto the crease in the first half an hour). I have had fallout issues with all the eyeshadows I have ever used — from Revlon to Dior, so I am happy to report that Écrin 6 Couleurs have no fallout whatsoever. Having said that, I still do not think the quality justifies the price ($84).
Shimmery white highlight color (sheer compared to others), light matte gray (the little glitters were left on the brush from swatching the shimmery white), blue tinted gray with satin finish, purple with satin finish, dark matte taupe gray, and a charcoal liner. The latter is also a powder eye shadow, but feels somewhat creamy compared to the other shades.
To me, no makeup product can be worth that much — at least, not worth it in the practical sense. But if I was practical about my makeup, my entire beauty stash would fit inside a TSA approved ziplock baggie, which it certainly does not. The main reason why I wear makeup on the first place is that I love the process of putting it on, or, rather, taking the time out of my day to do it. Spending 15 minutes in the morning at a vanity table, buried deep inside a traincase, sets the tone for the entire day. This is why packaging is almost as important to me as the product itself, so I am willing to pay a little extra for the pretty case as long as the quality is superb as well. Feel free to borrow this motivation when you really want to splurge on something but don’t want to feel guilty about it. 😉
PRICE: $84
AVAILABILITY: sephora, nordstrom
RATING: 9/10 overall (as much as I love the palette, I have to take off a point for the price)
Love those colors! I so need to find a dupe for that palette, I know what I’ll be doing this weekend
Either way, I love Guerlain. <3 Thanks for the swatches and review!
how gorgeous… ive never bought anything from guerlain, and i think you may just have persuaded me!! xx
I saw the palettes on Sephora and absolutely adore the filigree packaging, but $84 is pretty steep for any makeup or beauty product in my opinion. That kind of money can buy a lot of drugstore products or a couple mid-grade products. It’s really pretty to look at though and your pictures ARE dazzling. 🙂
Thanks Lauren! I know what you mean about the price, I spent a month drooling over these palettes until I finally decided to get it over with and pick one up 🙂 I don’t wear eye makeup that often, so it will last me a looooong time!
What a great post! I’ve never used any beauty products from Guerlain (my wallets groans just thinking about it) but if I ever find a hundred dollar bill in the street I may have to consider indulging.
Thanks for the review and swatches. The palette looks very pretty. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive.
I want to buy it just for the pretty packaging! $84 bucks is a lot pretty packaging or not. I’ll be able to do that after nursing school.
The packaging is certainly stunning (and I love the Guerlain bee). When I hear Russian and DC, I immediately think of Caps hockey. 🙂 Are you a fan?
Haha, no Kim, although I probably would be if I followed sports 🙂
The filigree design is gorgeous….but I can’t help but think how many other products I could get for $84.
Exactly… But I figured there is nothing makeup wise that I really *need* at this point, so I might as well buy something I really want 🙂
Wow at that packaging – its so beautiful! 🙂
Thanks for the review Olga 🙂 The colors are gorgeous, but $84 seems too steep 🙁
Thanks Appu 🙂
I’ve already commented about these extraordinary palettes on some other blogs, but I still get excited when I see another gorgeous review such as yours. The more I use the palettes I bought, the more I love them for the superior quality of the shadows themselves, the coordinating colors that serve to enhance the beauty of each other, and the jaw dropping beauty of the case. And like you, I love the ritual of applying make-up: luxurious textures, sophisticated colors, elegant packaging all help to set the tone for the day so, for me, the splurge was well worth it.
Your comment would make a great summary for my review; ditto! 🙂
Way too much money for shadows that don’t look very pigmented. Pretty packaging, but I’d rather put my money towards a product that delivers without having to try too hard. Thanks for saving me money Olga!
You are welcome 🙂 And it is true, these are not the most pigmented eye shadows I’ve tried.
Olga, great post. I love what you said about taking time for yourself to dress your face. I too, enjoy this aspect of making myself up. From perfume to pearls to a slim bullet of lipstick, I just love being a lady!
Thanks Anne! I agree, being a lady can be a lot of fun 🙂
I have been lusting after this palette ever since it was featured in Allure! …. but there are other beauty products I’d like to buy first with $84. Oh well. Maybe for Christmas!
That palette is outrageously gorgeous, every part of it from the packaging to the colors. I love purples and grays. Too bad about the price though, definately not in my budget 🙁
I totally agree with you. I am a sucker for packaging — especially those that make me feel pretty just by holding it. I wouldn’t get it JUST for the packaging, but if two equally good products in different casing, i’d definitely pay more for the extra frill
84 is steep… but i caved and got rue de passy >.< don't regret it one bit though 🙂
Rue de Passy is gorgeous!!! I really liked that and Rue de Sèvres, but there was no way I was getting more than one palette for that price so I bought the one I will make the most use of 🙂
Yes, those 15 minutes in the morning! They are mine and mine only 🙂
The total packaging is very glam. I love the purples and grays shades. I also have to agree with Lori- I’m a sucker for packaging too! 🙂
Wow, that is beautiful…
This is absolutely gorgeous. Now I must forget I ever saw it!
Thanks so much for such an awesome review. I lust after such a palette but sadly don’t think I can find it in my budget to acquire my own.
What area of Physics are you in? I happen to also be majoring in Astrophysics in University (final year undergrad) and I find it awesome to meet a fellow beauty blogger in the same field. I’ll have to add your blog to my blogroll. 😀
Thank you, Miel! I am in theoretical condensed matter, great to see another physicist in the beauty blogging community 🙂
I’ve never used any beauty products from Guerlain. I wish it wont be so expensive. Love your review. Great post.
There has to be wet n wild Dup for this !
Great Post!
Michele
I’ve seen these in person and I didn’t like them at all. So not typical Guerlain when it comes to eyeshadow color payoff, but when it comes to price – oh, it’s really Guerlain 😀
The packaging is drop dead, that’s for sure, but the price is really steep if you ask me. I did expect much more from these palettes. :/