Being a slightly OCD type when it comes to most things, I am really frustrated buying cosmetics and skincare most of the time, because I long to have everything from the same brand, all lined up on my dressing table like a department store counter. But years of make-up trial and error means that I know the best products don't all come from the same manufacturer. I totally love Chanel for example, but can't live without Touche Eclat and Beauty Flash Balm, so I can't always be loyal to the brand.

Guerlain Bronzing Powder is one of those products, like the two I've just mentioned, which stand out over all over brands, and provide simply the best version of what it is. It was launched in 1984 and has been a bestseller ever since - when I was growing up I always saw it recommended in my Nana's glossy magazines, but never had the cash to splash to give it a go. I was lucky enough to get one for Christmas about ten years ago, and I have never been tempted to buy any other sort since (though I have tried loads out at friends, and coveted Chanel Special Editions quite a lot) because its basically perfect for me.

There are actually eight Terracotta Bronzing Powders currently available from Guerlain, including a powder spray, and one for men (!). The one that I am reviewing, is in a luxurious brown faux-tortoiseshell compact, with the swirly Guerlain logo on the top. It has a single shade of powder, which looks a lot deeper in colour than it actually ends up being of your face, like most bronzers I suppose. I say this because I have very pale skin with a tendency to freckle rather than tan, yet the product adds a healthy glow rather than a Dale Winton tan to my cheek. The texture is absolutely gorgeous - really velvety and if you use a decent quality brush you get a perfect finish with the absolute bare minimum of effort. The effect is luminous at the same time as being matte, if that is possible, and I have always been impressed at the fact that it lasts pretty much all day at work without re-application.

It's really expensive compared to others you can buy - I get mine online for around £28, and the RRP is a few quid more - but it lasts for years, literally (I've only ever had three, and I wear it every day), and in terms of quality of the actual product and its end result, I don't think anything else comes near.