Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural Foundation | Review and Swatches

Gone are the days when makeup was used to cover and conceal! Natural, glowing skin is the hottest trend at the moment and Guerlain is taking things up a notch with their latest L’Essentiel Natural Glow 16H Wear Foundation SPF20. This much anticipated fluid foundation was finally released here in the States a few weeks ago and comes in 30 shades, suitable for all skin types. What makes it special? It’s a long-wearing foundation with 97% naturally-derived ingredients and that combines the power of makeup with the benefits of skincare! Let’s dive in, I’ll tell you all about it!

Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural Glow 16H Wear Foundation SPF20

This new formula from Guerlain is enriched with skincare benefits to hydrate and balance the skin, helping to improve the complexion over time.

What it is: A long-wearing liquid foundation with 97-percent naturally-derived ingredients

Skin Type: Suitable for all skin types

Coverage: Medium

Finish: Natural, dewey finish

Texture: Fluid

SPF: Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen

Key Ingredients:

• Red Algae and Tara Gum Extracts: Allow the skin to breathe and help support skin’s ability to defend against pollution
• White Cocoa Bean Extract: helps to maintain the skin’s natural balance, supports skin’s moisture barrier and hydrates

Clinical Results (from Sephora’s website here): In a clinical evaluation by a dermatologist on 38 women, after 4 weeks:

• Bare complexion is more even, the appearance of pores reduces by 49%
• Appearance of imperfections reduces by 39%
• Made-up skin appears smoother, looks refined, and the complexion is more radiant

My Experience

The clinical results really caught my attention. After watching several YouTube videos and seeing this foundation in action, I didn’t hesitate. I took advantage of the Sephora Summer Event and purchased Guerlain L’Essentiel for 20% off. Using the Sephora Shade Finder, I ordered No. 04N Medium, which I’m happy to report is an exact match for my skin tone.

To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect and typically, approach a new foundation (especially one as hyped-up as L’Essentiel) with skepticism. I have previously reviewed their Lingerie De Peau Aqua Nude Foundation here. Guerlain L’Essentiel offers a bit more coverage than Lingerie De Peau Aqua Nude, but feels just as lightweight and comfortable on the skin. It takes about 1.5 pumps to cover my entire face and blend down onto the neck area. The texture blends like a dream. The foundation provides a soft, natural, glowy finish which, in my humble opinion, is more modern and youthful-looking than a full coverage, matte foundation.

The foundation lasted really well on my skin for the first 7-8 hours. After that, it began to separate around my T-zone, see photo taken 9 hours after the initial application. It has been incredibly hot and humid here in Florida. I’m curious to see how this foundation will perform when it cools off, if it does last for up to 16 hours.

Final Thoughts

This foundation is a big winner for me. I’m very impressed with how it feels on the skin and the natural, luminous finish it provides. And how gorgeous and elegant is the glass bottle? It truly is unique. It’s another feature that immediately caught my eye.

The Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural Glow 16H Wear Foundation SPF20 is available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Have you tried it yet? What’s your go-to foundation at the moment?

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