[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] Small but perfectly formed sums up Guerlain’s seasonal offerings this year. I’m glad of it – brands are really paring back and I don’t know if they’re bracing themselves for reduced spending, taking account that skin care is winning in the beauty market just now or if it’s a question of just realising that less can be more. There’s a beautiful palette which I don’t have here but it’s just the one. It’s not so long ago that brands were producing multiple colourways every season and we probably passed peak palette a few years back.

The item that has caught my eye is the Gel Mirror Effect Eye Gloss – very different for this brand. At first glance, I think traditional Guerlain customers would wonder how this can be used on the eyes but actually, just keeping it to eyes is not using it at its full capacity. You do have to like sparkle though because wherever you put it, you will shine!

Despite it being a gel formula, it’s probably a bit tacky to feel entirely comfortable on the lids but a sweep above will be no bother at all. You can add this to creme blush to bring more light to it (just mix it in the palm of your hand) using a brush to add the combined gel/blush to your cheeks. You can also dab it over lipstick for a twinkling sheen to the lips and on that note, blend it into your gloss for a new dimension to lip shine. At £29 HERE it’s not exactly a bargain but does have multiple uses. I always think that gels like this dry out relatively quickly in relation to other beauty products so be generous and aim to have it all used up by February :-).

Guerlain has experimented with many colours and textures for their Rouge G cases but this year, it’s a very simplified version with a gold front etched with stars, £32 HERE. Shown with it is a star printed Rouge G Matte Velvet Lipstick in Berry Alchemy – a deep raspberry shade that’s one the right side of vampy. It’s £30 HERE.

It’s a shame I haven’t caught the rose gold reflect on the gel – trust me, it’s there! But, that’s the shade of Berry Alchemy. Also, not swatched is the special edition Terracotta Shimmering Bronzing Powder, £43, HERE. These light shade bronzing powders never show up well on a swatch but I can tell you it still has the most gorgeous, sweet and holiday-ish scent. For a second I wasn’t at my desk looking out at the rain, I was somewhere tropical and sunshiney.

Non-affiliate link is HERE.