I had originally wandered over to Avenue des Champs-Élysées to admire this year’s Christmas lights and window displays. While they were all grandiose and beautiful, one in particular caught my eye…
Guerlain’s dazzling white and gold display is inspired by the brand’s famous gold bumblebee, with Paris itself as its enchanted garden. Sparkling perfume bottles were nestled in faux-snow dotted with oversized metallic flowers. Crystal chandeliers could be glimpsed inside, illuminating marble walls lined with more of the signature fragrance bottles. With my eyes a-glitter, I knew that I had to pay the store a visit.
Security guards graciously opened the doors for me and I was welcomed by several beauty consultants. One of them stepped forward and introduced herself as my personal shopper. While I hadn’t actually planned on purchasing anything — I just wanted to peruse the displays — I changed my mind once my consultant presented a range of different perfumes to me. Admittedly, while they all smelled wonderful, I was not quite sold on a scent for myself.
At the Champs-Élysées location, it is possible to have any perfume packaged in a custom bottle. They come in a variety of colours and sizes and styles. On this particular day, the engraver was in, further customizing bottles with silver or gold. It was very tempting…
My consultant then led me upstairs, where she could show me this year’s limited edition bottle, away from the other customers. Upstairs is generally reserved for private shopping experiences, where guests can rest their feet and enjoy a beverage or two while being shown more prestigious product lines. Of course, because of Covid this was not possible, but I was able to get a closer look at this year’s gold and amethyst inlaid bottle. It was truly a work of art.
I still had not really found a perfume that WOWed me enough to buy. But, I had been eyeing this holiday’s edition of Rouge G Prestige lipstick. Also customizable, I was able to choose my shade (rich deep red with a light shimmer) and a case which also includes a built-in makeup mirror. The case itself is covered in red and gold rhinestones. So fun!
We headed back downstairs where I opened a Guerlain account and paid for my purchase. While waiting for my consultant to gift wrap my lipstick, I noticed a gorgeous red perfume bottle. This was not displayed with the other custom bottles, so I inquired if it was available. Turns out IT WAS.
Someone close to me always wanted a bee-bottle filled with the signature Mon Guerlain perfume. I knew that this was the gift for her. We excitedly had a bottle filled and I asked that her name be engraved on the bottle in gold. My consultant also included a kit which featured a little gold funnel and a frosted bee perfume bottle with a vaporizer. This was a lovely gift as the custom bottle is meant for dabbing instead of spraying, which can be inconvenient for some. I was also surprised with a bunch of other delightful beauty goodies and my consultant handed me her card so that she can personally assist from now on 
I was given permission to take photos and videos inside the shop and one of the security guards also helped make sure that no one stepped into my photos. I normally detest shopping, but this was such a magical experience that I am definitely a new fan of Guerlain and I can hardly wait to return!
The best part, though, was seeing the expression of the lucky lady when she opened her gift 
Big THANK YOU to Guerlain for such a wonderful experience!