Guerlain • L'OR Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold • Primer/ Corrector

*TOP REVIEWER* amyfarrahfowler on 4/16/2013 12:00:00 PM more reviews by amyfarrahfowler

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I got a deluxe sample of this primer and had high hopes. Based on what, I don't really know since having flakes of gold seems rather irrelevant to a makeup primer's purpose and more of a "look at meeeeee.... buy meeeee" marketing ploy. Anyway, the product is packaged in a glass bottle. I'm not a fan of glass bottles for my makeup primarily because they're typically used in a bathroom and glass can shatter if dropped. Secondarily, they're really just too heavy to be practical for traveling these days (especially air travel). The primer itself is nothing special and certainly not worth the $70+ price tag. My foundation didn't apply better or last longer. It was actually worse when worn alone because if you ask me the worst thing about this primer IMO is the actual flakes of gold. Do I really want glitter-sized specs of gold randomly scattered on my face? In a word, no. I don't recommend and I would not (re)purchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* LeMinx on 4/8/2013 5:52:00 PM more reviews by LeMinx

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I bought a deluxe sample of this primer because I wanted to make sure it actually worked before plunking down $71.00. I've been sucked into buying far too many primers that look cool in the bottle and end up doing very little. Add L'or Radiance Concentrate to the pile.

I'll start with the good points. This primer looks amazing in the bottle. Even though I only got a generous sample of this, the Guerlain workmanship is still there. The bottle is glass (which I like as plastic gets boring after a while) and contains a clear liquid/gel with bits of real 24 carat gold flecks. Very appealing and very "I must have this now!". The primer itself is very smooth and has a bit of a perfumed scent not unlike Météorites. I don't mind the scent because it sort of adds to the luxury in my mind but if you're bothered by such things, the scent does disappear after the gel is worked into the skin. Unlike so many primers that promise to brighten, L'or doesn't leave behind a trail of glitter. The gold flecks just disappear. I've used this for about two weeks and it never suffocates my skin like some primers do. No heavy oily/silicone-y I've-got-a-mask-on feeling. It also hasn't caused any break outs to speak of.

All that said, this primer did nothing for me. It didn't brighten or enhance my complexion in any way, shape or form. I first tired this under a BB cream and, after getting no results, I tried an illuminating foundation and non-illuminating foundation. The results are the same - nada. I don't have any fine lines just yet so I can't comment on its claims that it softens fine lines. As for the finish, I didn't notice a great difference between this or any other moisturizer and/or primer I applied before putting on foundation. It just sank into my skin without a trace. I even tried this on my bare face (on a day I didn't have to go anywhere) and still didn't notice any difference.

I didn't give this product a one star rating because it is well made, it just didn't seem to do much. I get much better and obvious results from Tarte's Smooth Operator Illuminating Serum which is at least half the price of L'or Radiance Concentrate. I'll probably always want a full sized bottle because it is so pretty to look at, but I can't rationalize spending $70 on this for that reason alone.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Karin1539 on 2/1/2013 11:23:00 PM more reviews by Karin1539

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I like this primer very much. I have used it with the Parure Gold foundation as well as all other Guerlain foundations, and I think I've tried about them all. This product sinks quickly into the skin and will not add grease or give a suffocating feeling to the skin. It will improve the staying power of any Guerlain foundation. It adds a little radiance and will not clog pores whatsoever. A little goes a long way so this usually lasts me a while. I have repurchased a couple of times and will again.

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aliceayres18 on 1/24/2013 5:35:00 AM more reviews by aliceayres18

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This primer brings radiance to my skin and is neither drying nor oily. The only cons are the cost and the fact that it doesn't do much for large pores, but other than that great primer!

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Sean06 on 11/23/2012 6:15:00 AM more reviews by Sean06

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This primer is the best primer I've ever used. I've been trying out many other primers hoping to find something that works without costing so much but have not found any that can be compared to this one.
The foundation I put on after this primer stays where I put them and my skin looks so young and healthy and moist even after many hours
.
However, this primer can feel like too heavy and sticky during hot sweaty season.

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jjenellinora on 11/6/2012 11:23:00 PM more reviews by jjenellinora

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

For my combo skin type, using this primer made no noticeable difference compared to using no primer at all.

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Danniil on 8/1/2012 11:03:00 AM more reviews by Danniil

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I have very strange skin. I was on Roaccutaine for acne a few years back and since then I found it very hard to find a liquid foundation and primer to suit my skin. I'm a makeup artist and fairly knowlagable about different skin conditions and reasons as to WHY different products don't work on skins but I could never pinpoint my condition! (thank goodness it's gone now)
On saying that, THIS PRIMER WORKED FOR ME! I don't know why! But it enhanced my foundations wear (where all other primers just made my foundation look like it had been eaten by my skin). It made my skin look hydrated and radiant which is what it needed because the Roaccutaine really dried my skin out.
My skin is fairly normal and good with other products now, But this primer still has a soft spot in my heart because I almost lost faith in finding anything that worked and this baby came along <3
Only thing that I dislike is the pricetag. But I'm happy to pay it because THIS PRIMER IS AMAZING!

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ofkittens on 5/23/2012 4:06:00 PM more reviews by ofkittens

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I really love this primer. It is light and airy, as opposed to being heavy and waxy, as are many primers. I wouldn't say that I saw much "radiance" from it, but that's probably because I wear a heavier foundation on top of it. The packaging is so pretty and the little gold flecks just look luxurious.

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Sarsonator on 5/21/2012 12:15:00 PM more reviews by Sarsonator

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

It's ok. I don't really see any amazing radiance, and for this price, I would expect noticeable results. I don't mind spending the money on a product that really delivers, but for me, this isn't it. Its not bad, but not awesome. I think you can do better for much less money. The pretty bottle isn't enough to make me repurchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ilymed2 on 3/3/2012 8:46:00 PM more reviews by ilymed2

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I keep two primers on hand. A silicon based one, which the brand always alternates, and this one.


Pros
-Never had an adverse reaction.
-A bit of hydration to my dry winter skin.
-Mixes to thin foundation or lotion for subtle added glow.
-Lovely glowy dewiness when used alone.
-Classy upscale bottle. Shouldn't matter but I love seeing it on my dressing table.
-Good lasting power given to foundations used under.
-Nice light scent.
-Only takes a little to cover entire face.
-----------
Cons
-Expensive.
-Performance not phenomenal.
-Very minimum blurring of pores and fine lines (The stable primer which can do this will be my HG).



I use this primer occasionally and like the versatility of it. Won't rush out to replace it but will eventually repurchase as long as I have the funds. If you only want one primer or have oily skin, this probably isn't for you.

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roubella on 2/2/2012 9:24:00 AM more reviews by roubella

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this product along with guerlain parure aqua and parure extreme foundations and I have only ever really used it alongside these two foundations and also without foundation solely with my moisturiser at times too. I gave this primer overall rating of five because of it's performance which I've noticed not many people have commented on in their reviews. I did my own makeup during my sisters wedding for which i was the organiser and i used this primer and parure extreme, my foundation lasted ALL day from about 2pm to 2 am during which i was extremely hot and flustered and stressed, photographs were taken constantly and in no photo including ones taken by digicams did i look at all shiny or oily and uneven-toned. I just looked glowy and as though i had satiny skin. So obviously I was impressed. When I have used this product without foundation i have found that it gives a nice glow too again confirmed by photos lol. The gold particles aren't life-tranforming but they do melt into the skin nicely and catch the light and i can noticeably feel a tightening effect on my skin when I use this. I have only bought this primer twice mainly because it does last as the texture is watery and thin and i usually save it for special occasions anyway... ofcourse I have tried other primers including laura mercier (which I consequently requested a refund for as it was really dissapointing). I haven't yet used this primer with other foundation brands which I will do in future but I think anyway that brands do design their primers to be used with their own foundations obv.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ilove6kies on 11/20/2011 8:38:00 AM more reviews by ilove6kies

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

I have been eyeing this primer for years...yes, for about 10 years to be exact.


I was still in college when I first spotted the former version of this gorgeous primer. Back then I was very intrigued by the concept of a primer (I thought moisturizing would be enough to make my foundation last, but alas was I wrong). The bottle looked, well, beautiful, but it is Guerlain so no surprise there. The consistency back then was a lot more waxy than the current version, I am thinking because of the silicon content. But anyhoo, it was way too pricey for me.


Started using primers about two years ago when I noticed that my oily face doesn't hold onto any foundation anymore...due to the constant blotting in four hours there would be hardly anymore foundation left. I starting using MAKE UP FOREVER HD primer (I use yellow and it is awesome for my NC35 skin). While it certainly helps a little with the staying power of my foundation in general, I am still blotting about 3-5 times per day!!! :(


So here I am, back to looking for a replacement primer. When I was at Sephora, I naturally wanted to try out the most expensive primer I have been drooling over for 10 years ($88 CDN after tax, YIKES!). The guy that was helping me was super nice and gave me a generous sample of it - I was so excited and started using it right away next morning.


First thing I noticed was that the consistency is a lot different than 10 years ago...the older version was a lot more waxy and I was concerned about blocking my pores and causing breakouts, but the new version has almost like a water-like consistency which is very pleasant especially in the harsh Canadian winter. A little goes on smoothly over my entire face, and it sets within a few minutes. Together with my new Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation it created a FLAWLESS finish that lasts ALL DAY, and I only need to blot once!!!!


Pros:

- Hydrating
- Beautifully scented (as with all Geurlain products)
- 24k gold foil (not sure what it does but it sounds so cool)
- Contains no silicon
- Stunning packaging
- A little goes a long way
- Amazing staying power, no more lumpy looking face :)


Cons:
- The price (but it is Guerlain and plus you only need a little bit so all in all it is not as bad as I thought)


I am only still on my sample from Sephora after two weeks but I bought the real thing from the store already and couldn't wait to use it. I would have given it 5 lippies but had to take one off because of the price - but hey it is well wroth it in my opinion. Let's hope that this stuff works as well in the summer time then I will change it back to 5 lippies!!!! Highly recommended, very close to HG status!!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

alexandraxy on 11/16/2011 8:49:00 AM more reviews by alexandraxy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

It's expensive (58euro for 30ml in Germany), but a tiny bit (a couple of drops for entire face) goes a long way. I don't use foundation and I wear it mixed with another few drops of Perfectionist by Estee Lauder. Then a light diffusing lluminating corrector for undereye area), corrector for blemishes, liquid blush (for a more natural look) and I finish with a light, transparent powder. Sometimes I dab a little bit of l'Or de Guerlain on the cheeks as a finishing touch as it is not at all greasy. It gives my skin a radiant, dewy look. Very natural.
I bought this product after having used Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold by La Prairie, which was much more expensive (the reason why I didn't buy it a second time), but honestly it gives me the same results.
This other product was, if I remember correctly, a little bit less runny and the gold particles much smaller.
I often get compliments for my skin and its natural, glowy appearance.
I'm 45, but I look around mid 30s. So people say, at least. I'm too critical to be able to confirm this.
I firmly believe in beauty from within, in any case. The best make up can do nothing for you if you have bad skin. So the first step is: try to achieve the best skin you can.
I drink 8glasses (each 250ml) of liquid a day, preferably room temperature still water, among them one or two glasses of fruit juices (smoothies with no sugar or anything added) or fresh orange juice. Beware teas as they stain the teeth and a white smile is another precious asset.

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ieatmakeup on 8/3/2011 7:18:00 PM more reviews by ieatmakeup

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

The cost of this product may be enough to feed the population of a small African country for a month, but it really is worth it. I try to only use this product on 'special' occasions as I dread having to buy another, but it makes my skin look fantastic and my makeup looks 100 times better also. Definitely a product worth investing in - plus who doesn't want to say they apply real gold to their face?!?!?

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rebeccawangxiaoyin on 5/24/2011 1:26:00 AM more reviews by rebeccawangxiaoyin

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is a very moisturizing primer. But, it does not smooth out the surface of my skin like those silicon-based primers do. Though it claims to have 24K gold particles, I don't feel it gives my skin radiance or glow. Or probably it does, but the glow is so marginal that a tiny bit powder over the top can mattify. It has a guerlain signature scent, which does not bother me but may possibly bother some others. I don't hate this product, but would probably not repurchase it.

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wawapanda on 2/4/2011 1:43:00 AM more reviews by wawapanda

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I got this from my mom back in summer she said it's too oily for her. I didn't care for it too much at first because the running consistency of a primer just seemed strange. I started using it since winter and I found it moisturizing but not oily at all. I've been reaching for it every day now before I put on any makeup. I do think it's the best winter primer I've ever used. The smell is lovely too. I found it at Sephora for $70. No thanks. I think I can find something with better value.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* vmalenfant on 1/13/2011 4:59:00 PM more reviews by vmalenfant

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I purchase my first bottle 4 years ago. It was my first primer and I was so impressed by those gold flackes!!! For me it was pure luxery (still is!) I tried meteorite perles after and Or is my favorite between those two, My complexion does look more even and my makeup stay put all day. Each time I put it on my face I just feel special and that enough for me.

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RubyJuly89 on 12/5/2010 12:37:00 AM more reviews by RubyJuly89

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

Where do I begin? Let's put it this way, I am glad that I didn't bother spending my money on this. I was fortunate enough to have a friend give me a sample of hers. This did absolutely nothing for me at all and I cannot believe that they charge $76.00 CDN for this! Ludicrous in my opinion!!!

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SR19 on 11/2/2010 4:03:00 PM more reviews by SR19

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is a good primer. Not thick, more runny. The gold flakes do give a lovely sheen. I was told by the counter girl that I would not need to use a moisturiser underneath it. That's not true unfortunately. I use a moisturiser, apply this product then my makeup goes over it. Without a moisturiser, the product on its own is drying after a while (like most primers).

I think my skin doesn't break out because of the gold flakes which are antibacterial / anti-inflammatory, and overall this product adds clarity to the face.

I have not yet found another primer that I like better than this (and I have tried Laura Mercier, Smashbox etc etc), and so I will continue to use this until something better comes out. My only issue with this is the exorbitant price! Hence the 4 stars.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hothead on 7/31/2009 12:33:00 PM more reviews by Hothead

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

Not sure if I would repurchase... I like it, but I don't love it.

It is runny, and I don't see all that much of a benefit to my skin -- especially at the price.. ok, so I wanted a mini lifting!

Well, I just read all the reviews ex post facto as this gold flecked beauty is still sitting in my vanity since January... I will try it again and report back!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No