La Poudre C'est Moi by Guerlain c1925

La Poudre C'est Moi by Guerlain: launched in 1925. This ultra fine face powder was scented with Shalimar. Originally created as a tribute to the Sun King Louis XIV, who famously pronounced "L'état c'est moi puisque le Roi c'est Moi."

A 1933 Guerlain ad states:

"Thrice artful is the Shalimar Powder of Guerlain. The tint for you is so marvellously [sic] blended that your skin blooms afresh at its touch ... with its texture so soft, so flattering that even in the glare of day the years seem to melt away ... and it clings through the hours with a consistency that you will adore. Scented with the fragrance of Shalimar, it is the ultimate touch of elegance in the art of make-up. At all smart shops in six marvellously [sic] perfect skin shades"

The Famous Powder Box:

La Poudre C'est Moi was contained in an elegant cylindrical powder box made up of wrapped cardboard embossed with a gold and black filigree design evoking foliage and interlacing in the Louis XIV style. The drum shaped box measures 8.5 cm in diameter.

photo by Lombrail-Teucquam

photos by Art Francais

The Sample Size Box:

photos from ebay seller regalestatescompany

Shalimar Poudre C'Est Moi Compact c1927:

The metal face powder compact was designed by Bernard D'Escayrac (the then Vice President of Guerlain, Inc in New York)

Fate of the Powder:

This powder was discontinued for a very long time, but was reformulated and relaunched in Christmas 2006 as a limited edition highlighting/finishing face powder, scented with violets. "La Poudre C'est Moi - Divine pressed powder with white sapphire sparkles for the face". The box held 0.22 gr and a face brush was included inside. It retailed for about $72 US dollars.

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