Guerlain Parure Extreme Foundation Review!

Guerlain Parure Extreme Foundation

Guerlain Parure Extreme Foundation ($58) is a luminous, extreme-wear foundation with SPF 25 that is water resistant, non-transferable and long lasting.

"Guerlain Parure Extreme Luminous Extreme Wear Foundation leaves the complexion glowing with a naturally matte finish. This Tibetan Rhodiola plant formulation helps cells withstand temperature variations, intense heat, and stress—making this product last for at least eight hours."

Guerlain Parure Extreme is available in nine (9) shades: 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 13, 23, 24 and 25.

I debated whether to purchase #3 or #4, and I ended up purchasing #4 Beige Moyen. It turns out that the shade is a bit dark and pink for me, but if I mixed it with a lighter, golden foundation it works fine - or if applied very sparingly. I did end up purchasing shade #3 and it works much better. *Guerlain numbers their foundations with the even numbered shades being pink toned, and the odd numbered shades are yellow-toned. 

It's pretty unfortunate there are only nine shades, so there's only a limited range of skin tones that can wear this foundation.

The consistency of this foundation is very light and creamy. It's not heavy at all - in fact, it's somewhat runny. If you apply a pump on the back of your hand, it will start to run, but it's not thin/watery.

You must give this foundation a good shake before applying it for the best results. My favorite way of applying this foundation is actually with my fingers. I start off by moisturizing my face, and dot the foundation on each area of my face and blend together with my finger tips in circular motions (as if I was applying a moisturizer). After it's all blended, I like going over my face with a flat-top foundation brush to further buff it it in. Less is more. I have found that when I've applied too much, I look very unnatural - it seems to oxidize slightly, and when I apply too much, it looks like I'm wearing a mask. Start out with 1/2 a pump, and when you're done blending it in, add more if necessary. The result is completely flawless. It dries to a satin-matte finish. For my balanced skin, a powder isn't necessary, and I prefer not wearing a powder because the finish is beautiful.

The coverage varies on how much product you apply. With a 1/2 pump, it provides a light-medium coverage and with a full pump it provides a solid medium coverage. With additional product, it's buildable to full. It completely evens out the skintone and makes the skin look healthy, natural and flawless. It really gives the illusion of perfect skin. I'd like to say it's somewhat similar to Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (but with better wear).

(Here is my face with and without the foundation in shade #4. As you can tell in the after photo, my face has a pink cast and isn't the best color match for me.)

(Here I am wearing Guerlain Parure Foundation #3 - a much better match!)

The wear time is very good. I notice a little shine mid-day, so I usually dust a little Guerlain Meteorites on my face, so I won't use a powder that takes away from the luminous finish.

This foundation has a scent, for those sensitive to fragrance in their cosmetics. The scent is very soft and pleasant. I absolutely love it. It reminds me a bit of the smell of Chanel Bronze Universel. 

From left to right: Guerlain Parure Extreme #4, Nars Sheer Glow in Barcelona Nars Sheer Glow in Stromboli, MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC40 and Estee Lauder Double Wear in Tawny.

Additional swatches:

Out of the bunch, Guerlain is the most pink toned, Nars Stromboli is the most yellow toned and Estee Lauder is the most Neutral. Nars Barcelona & MAC are practically identical and are warm. All shades are in the medium range.

Overall, I'm really happy with this foundation and it has become one of my top foundations! It's a bit expensive though, for daily wear. 

Price: $58, Sephora.

Have you tried Guerlain Parure Extreme? What are your thoughts? Have you tried any other Guerlain foundations?