Review of Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation in Beige Clair-Have I Lost My Mind!?

I would like to share with you all my latest cosmetic indulgence: Guerlain's Parure Gold Foundation in Beige Clair ($78.00 USD). I have either lost my mind or I have made a sound investment for my skin. I am not sure which!

Let me tell you, I have never in my life spent this much for a beauty product! The most I have spent is around $45.00. Normally, I will buy MAC Prolongwear Foundation for $29.50 USD (before my 30% MAC Pro discount).

When I read the review for Guerlain's Parure Gold on www.temptalia.com late last year, I felt compelled to try it but the steep pricetag was holding me back. However, having recently found myself disappointed with my current foundation, I decided to cave and go for the "Gold."

So, what in 'Sam Hill' makes a $78.00 foundation worthy of its lofty cost? Well, according to the information detailed on Neiman Marcus' website, Guerlain Parure Gold is described as follows:

"A Rejuvenating Golden Light Foundation contains an exclusive double-sided Gold Radiance Pigment: the opaque side targets imperfections and dull zones, while the golden side reflects light. Combined with the regenerating properties of Myrrh Oil and the lifting and smoothing properties of Peptides, long-term results include the diminishment of fine lines and smoother, softer skin. The luxurious golden flecks leave the complexion with an aura of vitality and beauty. Dull skin zones are illuminated, while wrinkles and under-eye circles are subdued. Its shine and color combats sallow tones and lifts lackluster complexions with a healthy golden glow. The light formula glides onto the skin without thickening and envelopes the face with a lightness that does not accentuate lines. Subtly concealing spots, irregularities, and dilated pores."

We all know that companies and stores can proclaim their products to be miracle-making elixirs but at the end of the day, it's about real results. Now, Guerlain may never be the 'make-all-my-skin woes-fade away' magic potion but it certainly does something for my skin!

Before I begin with my review, let's start with the glamorous packaging:

The bottle is a heavy, solid black glass container adorned with gold writing. The top of the bottle cap boasts the traditional Guerlain logo. The bottle just looks luxurious on my vanity! I feel like a vintage movie star every time I see it!

In addition, the pump bottle has a 'see through' window on the side so you can see how much product is actually inside:

The Parure Gold comes in six shades, the lightest being the one I bought, Beige Clair 02. I heard there was a lighter shade, 01, but I read somewhere that it is not available in the United States.

In regards to shade reference (for those of you familiar with MAC), I am a NW15. I have very sensitive, very pale skin (and very oily) with a pink undertone but I also have a touch of yellow in my complexion.

When I received my package from Neiman last Friday afternoon, I excitedly opened the box and pulled out my brand-new, posh foundation. I immediately pumped a small dot of liquid on the back of my hand and to my surprise and almost-letdown, the foundation looked too gold/yellow:

At first glance, I thought I needed to put the foundation bottle back in its box and ship it back. But something told me to try it on my face. I felt like I had to give it a proper chance to make it work since I spent so much on it!!

I went into my bathroom, and removed the foundation I was wearing (MAC Prolongwear) on the right side of my face. I again pumped out a tiny amount of foundation and applied it. I stood back from the mirror and thought, "It *looks* okay but I can see a difference in tone." Instead of 'throwing in the towel,' I decided to wait until the next day so I could apply the foundation to my entire face.


The next morning, I washed my face, put on my skincare, brushed my teeth, and put on my usual makeup along with the new foundation. I used one pump for my entire face using a sponge. I set my face with Coty Airspun Loose Powder in Translucent. I looked in the mirror and Holy Toledo, my skin actually looked good! There was a slight glow to my face and my light rosacea, acne scars, along with a few breakouts and some enlarged pores, appeared to be diminished.

Here is how I look overall wearing Guerlain Parure Gold (Still in my nightgown no less!):

I am impressed that a foundation that looked brassy on my hand seems to have transformed into a perfect shade for my skin. I suspect that the gold effects blend onto facial skin better than it does on the body. I wish my camera could capture the soft, ever-so-slight pearl effect. Unlike like some highlight powders that can make skin look oily or like a disco ball, the gold pearl in the Parure Gold formula is very subtle. Moreover, the foundation is a medium coverage that does not feel heavy on my skin. It actually feels light, like my skin can breathe.

I have been wearing the foundation every day since last Saturday. So far, I have not experienced any irritation and/or breakouts. The foundation does not cake, slide off, turn color, or look heavy/unnatural. Since I only need one pump to cover my face, I can see this product lasting me a long time.

Overall, I think this foundation is worth the investment because it makes my skin look amazing.

So, what do you think? What is the most you have spent on cosmetic/beauty items?