This week I have been trying to add some new beauty products into my already established makeup routine. Since summer has officially come to a close calendar-wise (although the actual feeling of it hasn’t left Southern California), I have been trying to break out of my normal five-product routine and add some autumnal oomph. With Autumn already in effect and Winter in the horizon, I often am one to change my foundation as my skin gears up for the weather change. Recently I was given the chance to try out some new Laura Mercier products and hands down I am more IN LOVE than ever. As avid readers of Makeup Life and Love know, I have always had a bit of an obsession with Laura Mercier products. Something about the sleek packaging and the amazingness of every product I have tried: from my coveted Secret Camouflage Concealer all the way to my holy grail of Tinted Moisturizers, Laura Mercier just seems to tick all the boxes making it a MUST go-to brand in the makeup game. Needless to say Laura Mercier is the epitome of simplistic, flawless chic.
A few weeks ago I had the chance to head to my local Laura Mercier counter at Nordstrom to meet with Laura Mercier specialist Patrick to find out some tips of the trade, application techniques, ‘foundation wardrobing’ with Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide Foundation and the cult classic Tinted Moisturizer, as well as the story behind Laura Mercier and the Flawless Face.
ABOUT THE BRAND AND THE “FLAWLESS FACE”: When it comes to simplistic, chic makeup, Laura Mercier owns the term to a T. The key to a flawless face in the Laura Mercier brand comes down to one simple mission: Enhancing Natural Beauty. Laura Mercier’s “Flawless Face” contains four key steps to prepare the skin prior to color, similar to how an artist prepares a canvas before paint. The four key steps are: Primer the Skin- to prep the skin’s canvas for the perfect base of makeup application // Apply Foundation- Apply foundation in the most natural way possible with one of many options from Laura Mercier to choose from // Apply Concealer- Concealer application in just the areas that need a bit of disguise such as: discolorations, scars, imperfections, and under-eye circles // Set with Powder– The last step in the Flawless Face regimen is to apply powder for a long-lasting, perfectly finished look all before adding color to the skin. Patrick also suggests a theory called “foundation wardrobing” which basically in Laura Mercier terms is to keep makeup as natural looking as possible by finding the right foundation for you based on finish, color, texture, and formula. Laura Mercier specifically created a collection titled “The Foundations” and “The Tinted Moisturizers” so that every woman can stay natural with a formula and coverage to suit their unique need. I have been utilizing ‘foundation wardrobing’ a lot lately, as the seasons change and my skin changes- I tend to change-up my coverage level, staying power, the type of finish, and consistency of the foundation (thin, thick, creamy, etc) I want to achieve.
THE MAKEUP: When meeting with Patrick, I had the chance to learn about the newest addition to “The Foundations” wardrobe from Laura Mercier. The 24 shade release of the Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide Foundation is the newest staple in my foundation wardrobe and man oh man, it’s a good’un. This long-wearing, light as air foundation is summed up in one word- PERFECTION. A bi-phase, two-part formula, this foundation is a thinned consistency of pure pigment that blurs the lines between skin and makeup. Pure pigment and reflective waters within this foundation are instantly activated when shaken. When applied to the skin, skin is left simply beautiful and flawless. KEY TIP: Patrick recommends to shake the bottle vigorously for about 10-15 seconds and tap the lid a few times in order to ensure that all extra product settles back inside the tube- Or else you may end up with a bit of product spurting out as you take the lid off. Apply the foundation to the back of your hand and distribute on the skin with either a sponge or your fingers. I have been using this foundation for a few weeks now, and I am loving- I repeat LOVING this satin/matte-like finishing foundation. It is sheer perfection for ALL skin types including sensitive skin. I find that literally 3 drops of this miraculous foundation covers my entire face with a medium coverage. If I add another layer of a drop or two to the skin- I find that it gives skin full coverage without looking cakey at all like other products. The product applies thin on the skin, and literally within 20 seconds or so, you are left with long-lasting, all-day, budge-proof makeup- score! Moving on to “The Tinted Moisturizer” wardrobe is an oldie but goodie.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 has been a long time go-to for the past few years. Ever since I decided to lay off a full face of unnecessary makeup- a la cake face- and reach for a more natural look, I seriously love this stuff. Sheer, dewy but covers just the right amount to hide any issues that my skin may or may not be experiencing. It is seriously THE perfect product for summer or for anyone who is trying to embrace a lighter, more airy base to achieve the ‘I woke up like this’ no-makeup look. This tinted moisturizer seriously is the solution to great skin with minimal effort and all-day staying power. KEY TIP: Apply with Laura Mercier foundation primer for a smooth, flawless, all-day coverage. Primer is a MUST have particularly if you have dry or flakey skin, this will help create a smooth base for the tinted moisturizer all while adhering the formula for a long-lasting base. The coverage is buildable, so you can add an extra layer without it getting cakey or heavy. If you have not tried this stuff, you are seriously missing out!
Some of the other goodies I was able to try out are:
Foundation Primer: This perfect lightweight creamy gel that leaves the skin smooth and primed for perfection for foundation. I have used this for quite some years and I love that it never leaves the skin feeling like makeup that slides right off like other primers. Instead it allows the skin to breathe, blurs the fine lines, and primes the skin unlike no other. A serious winner and must have for all!
Foundation Primer- Radiance: This primer is one of my hands-down FAVORITES of all time. It is simply amazing on the skin. A bit of needed oomph added to the skin, with a slight illuminating effect giving the skin a slight dewy finish and healthy glow. This primer adds natural highlight to the skin without adding a disco ball finish all while giving some solid longevity to your base. KEY TIP: Mix a few drops of Radiance Primer into your favorite foundation for a healthy, dewy, long-lasting finish. Patrick had me add a few drops into the Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide and OMG, I am obsessed with the look and feel of the look. A dewy yet matte finish filled with pure perfection! I now have my eyes on Foundation Primer in Radiance Bronzer- simply beautiful!
Creme Smooth Lip Color in: Red Amour, Creme Coral, and Spiced Rose: Talk about a wonderful lip color that gives just the right amount of oomph, without the need for a gloss afterwards- these are them! The formula is creamy in texture,long-lasting and sheeny on the lips- you know how I love a good sheen. Red Amour– is hands-down the perfect neutral red for all, and I repeat ALL skin tones. Creme Coral– a beautiful tawny peach. Spiced Rose– this is my must-have shade in the form of dusty rose. This is the perfect ‘your lips but better’ shade. With an array of 34 shades to choose from, I know I will be picking up a few more shades of these beauties.
Lip Glace in: Bare Baby, Orchid, Nectar and Pink Pop: When adding a gloss into my stash it must have one key thing- NO STICKINESS! Let me tell you these lip glaces are phenomenal. On the lips they feel like a lip balm/gloss hybrid almost. They are thick in texture yet über light on the lips. With a solid 26 shades of gorgeous, these lip glaces simply hit the right spots in my needs for a lip gloss. Bare Baby– is a beautiful milky pink with a hint of iridescent shimmer. Nectar– a beautiful sheer coral peach. Pink Pop- A gorgeous vibrant hot pink. Orchid– is a perfect color for Fall with its deep purple, berry-like shade. The lips glaces are scented with a light vanilla-like scent that I love, and the pigmentation is outstanding with a pretty good wear time of about 2-3 hours. Subtle, neutral, and gorgeous sum up these lip glaces.
Full Blown Volume Supreme Lash Building Mascara (Black): OMG this mascara has seriously BLOWN me away. This mascara gives lashes a va-va-voom like no other; its wet yet slightly dry formula that I love is brilliant. It seriously gives the lashes volume, length, and just the right amount of curl in one. I have found this becoming a very reached-for addition in my beauty stash as it sculpts the lashes with its soft black shade. I am utterly in love with this mascara.
Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Amethyst, Rosegold, and Tuxedo: Caviar sticks have been a solid staple in my routine since they were released. Creamy, long-lasting, and gorgeous on the eyes are words to sum up these sticks. Literally just apply on the lids and the color is locked down for hours. I received the shades: Tuxedo– a matte black that is perfect for lining the lids or adding some depth to a smoky eye. Rosegold- A dirty pink with a hint of golden shimmer making it the perfect stand-alone shade on the eyes or a brow bone enhancer. Amethyst– a soft mauve with a pearl shimmer. I am obsessed with this shade as it is buildable to make it darker or just a pure wash of perfect color.
All and all, I am more IN LOVE now with Laura Mercier than ever. Every product housed in sleek, simplistic packaging is nothing but pure perfection. Jumping into Autumn as October is starting- Laura Mercier is right on the top of my favorite products. With a complexion-perfecting foundation that leaves the skin with a satin-like finish, to a glossy berry lip and lash-vamping mascara- I am ready to take on Autumn full force…
Laura Mercier is available at select retailers nationwide: Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Laura Mercier online. Starting Tuesday October 17, 2014 Laura Mericer is holding an AMAZING Instagram contest! The rules are simple- Show Laura Mercier your Fresh Face and use the hashtag #LMFlawlessContest for a chance to win $1,000 of Laura Mercier Products! Yes, I said $1,000 worth of Laura Mercier products- amazingness! So don’t forget Tuesday October 17, 2014 to enter to win!
**Disclosure: This post was SPONSORED by Laura Mercier. While I was compensated to write this post about Laura Mercier, all opinions are my own.
[ReviewDisclaimer]
Nidia Doherty says
Wow, that’s a fantastic look. You look radiant! I want to try her foundation – I hate cakey makeup, but it too often happens that the really light stuff just melts off my face at the first sign of oil or sweat.
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Awwwww… Thanks girl! I hate cakey makeup or anything I can feel that is heavy on my face. But this light weight foundation literally sticks to the skin like glue. I am obsessed with it. Sweat, oil, everything it stays put.
Christine C. says
You look absolutely stunning!! I love Laura Mercier. One of my favorites from the beginning!!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Awwww thanks girl. I am obsessed with Laura Mercier. Started out with the Secret Concealer and my love has continued to grow. BTW- you would LOVVVVVEEEEE the caviar sticks. Amazingness!
Fi says
You looks gorgeous having used these products, your skin is glowing! I love the lip gloss shades.
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Awww thanks. The Radiance Primer really helps give glowy skin without the disco ball effect. And the lip glosses rock- not sticky! I am a huge fan.
erikatheicyone says
You look fantastic. I have a little Laura Mercier and love. I have my greedy eyeballs on a couple of items, right now… :)
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl :) Which items are you eyeballing? You would love the line, it seriously is amazing!
Deborah says
This look is really amazing! Hopefully I can get away with something more natural when I am done with my roaccutane..
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl! I am so happy you like it. I have tried her Smooth Creme Foundation which is like total full coverage and it gives a very natural look as well. The Flawless Fluide is probably my favorite right now, buildable and so light on the skin. How do you like the Roaccutane?
Deborah says
I only started just yesterday so no opinion yet. I’m taking a low dosage now and hopefully the side effects don’t get too bad! The foundation sounds good, too!
Holly Poole says
Your skin looks great! I love Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, it feels so light weight & clean when its on your face. Thanks for sharing great tips!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks Holly! I agree the tinted moisturizer is awesome. So light weight and awesome! Thanks for reading :) xxo
Brenda Lawrence says
Wow! it looks great on you. I’ve always loved their foundation primers!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl. I agree the foundation primers are awesome. I am obsessed with the Radiance once and seriously am eyeing the bronze one. lol xxo
Very Emily says
Gorgeous make up!! Really flattering and natural. Love it!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl. That is one thing I love about Laura Mercier products- a super easy natural look. :) xxo
The Dalai Lama's Nails says
wow, you DO look flawless!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl! The foundation is awesome and helped a ton!! xxo
Valesha from Peachy Polish says
I loveeee the end result! You look airbrushed! Perfection.
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl! The foundation literally blurs the skin to make it looks airbrushed and flawless. I am obsessed!
Angelic @ SimplySinova.com says
Awesome review! I’ve been on the search for a new Foundation Primer <3
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks Angelic. The original and the Radiance primers are both awesome. Let me know if you try them <3 xxo
Nancy says
I swear my foundation goes on so much better with a beauty blender. I used to use Laura Mercier makeup ALL the time (I loved her concealer), but for some reason I guess as beauty people do, they hop around to try different things all the time. I’m not sure what kind of blush you have on, but wow it’s so nice on you.
jamie @makeuplifelove says
I agree with you. The beauty blender is the best thing ever! It is my go too. I am in love with the concealer too, and this foundation is for sure my new favorite. The blush is actually her new Bonne Mine Stick Face Colour stick in Pink Glow. It goes on like a gel like cream and stays put for hours!!!! And blends super easy!
Sheila Arkee says
Wow – your skin looks absolutely gorgeous!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks Sheila, the foundation did wonders for sure. I am in love!!! xxo
Emily Lacquerologist says
Wow! Your final look is absolutely beautiful, and great for fall! I love some of those lip colors! :)
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks Emily. I am in love with this line and so easy for Fall. The lip glosses are awesome too! Not sticky and super pigmented. <3 xxo
Brooke @ Blushing Noir says
Your final look is perfection! I love LM products!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks love! LM products ROCK!!! <3 xxo
Lindsay Does Nails says
Gorgeous… look absolutely flawless
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl! I am loving this foundation. The glowing flawless skin has me loving it!!!
Krystal Caracol says
I adore the Radiance Primer, I’m actually due to buy another one because the little travel size I received as a Sephora sample lasted me forever! You look gorgeous girl!!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
OMG me too! The Radiance primer is seriously amazing. I want the bronze radiance badly now. lol… Thanks girl!! <3 xoxo
Krystal Caracol says
I almost bought that one, it looks so nice!!
Andi Fisher says
I have been looking to change my makeup routine as well and want to simplify, I have thought about using a tinted moisturizer instead of a traditional foundation to lighten things up. I have heard great things about Laura Mercier. Your makeup turned out beautifully!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer seriously is the best. It is light, hydrating and gives the skin a great coverage. You would really like it a ton. Thanks for enjoying the look. :) <3 xxo
Christen says
This really looks beautiful on you! I will have to try these products. I have never used LM.
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks Christen. Let me know if you try any of the products. I highly recommend the foundation a ton!! xxo
Julie0728 says
I love the look you created! The LM undercover pot was my go-to concealer for years, and I’ve always wanted to try her loose powders. I’ll have to add some of these products to my wish list! xo
jamie @makeuplifelove says
The under cover pot is one of my faves. So is the Secret Camouflage Concealer Palette- obsessed! Her loose powders rock. I have also tried the Mineral Powders and they are great coverage in a loose powder form- super awesome. Let me know if you try any of the products!! xxo
Liesl says
You look GORGEOUS!! I’ve never been a foundation person and I’ve only within the last couple years truly embraced the bb cream/tinted moisturizer thing, but Laura Mercier sounds like a gal/brand/whatev after my own heart. You’ve got me super curious about that primer, especially.
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Liesl the primer is AWESOME. I used to be a foundation hater for a long time. I am a HUGE tinted moisturizer person, but this Flawless Fluide Foundation literally feels like a serum on the skin. I find myself reaching for it more than a tinted moisturizer. You have to let me know if you try the primer! <3 xxo
esther julee says
I love the look on you. I haven’t tried any laura mercier products, but everyone who’s used it loves it. I’ll add it to the queue of products to try. :)
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl! I am in love with the line. It is a for sure must try. Let me know if you try it! xxo
Anne S. - Betty's Beauty Bombs says
Fabulous and thorough review! And you look beautiful!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl. So happy you enjoyed it! xxo
Phyrra says
The lip products sound nice. You look amazing
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Awwww thanks girl! :) The lip products are quite nice. I love that they are NOT sticky at all.
Jessica Patterson says
Gorgeous Gorgeous Gorgeous!! I’ve always been meaning to try her face products but I’m going to splurge on the lippies first :)
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Awwwww <3 you will love the lippies a ton. Such great pigmentation and color without any stickiness. I love it!
Cosmetics Aficionado says
You look great! I would love to try the primer.
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl! The primer seriously is awesome. You would love it!! xxo
Brianna G. says
You look stunning! This new foundation is on my list of things to try. I love Laura Mercier!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Thanks girl. You will LOVE the foundation. I seriously have been reaching for it a ton. Laura Mercier really does a great line. xxo <3
Laura says
Laura Mercier is definitely one of my favorite brands!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Agreed! Perfect line!! xxo <3
Anastasia says
Girl, you look absolutely fantastic and these products are so very “you”! I love this understated chic makeup look <3
jamie @makeuplifelove says
<3 thanks girl. The products seriously rock. I am obsessed!! lol xxo
FabZilla_Kath says
You are a vision of loveliness! You look flawless and radiant! Love!!!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Awwwww thanks girl. <3 You have me becoming a lippie lover!! You would love the Laura Mercier lippies for sure!!
Honeygirlk says
You look beautiful – gorgeous. Sadly I only have a handful of LM products… but I love them. I really want the tinted moisturizer… I have the bronzed primer… never use it – probably only used it once… but still love it :)
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Awww thanks girl <3 I want the bronzer primer badly. It looks awesome.
Carly Anderson says
I have heard a lot of great things about Laura Mercier products. Those lip colors are all so pretty!
Vic says
I’m loving the look of those glosses.
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Me too! I love love LOVE the fact that they are not sticky too! xxo
Sarah says
I’ve seen good reviews of Laura Mercier products, the lip colour look really good :-)
jamie @makeuplifelove says
Awww thanks. I am loving the lip colors and the glosses. Hydrating and not sticky. Laura Mercier products have been amazing. Every single one I have tried-phenomenal.
beautybymissl says
Beautiful look! I have never used Laura Mercier products, but I have heard that they are great.
jamie @makeuplifelove says
You would love them. Literally such a great line and everything I have tried has been awesome. Let me know if you try the line!
Lindsay says
I love Laura Mercier products!! I unfourtantly cant use them anymore though because they arent vegan!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
It is a great foundation, I do wish it was vegan though. It is very similar to the feeling of Hourglass cosmetics which is a cruelty free and vegan brand. Or even Tarte.
Lindsey ~ Wondrouslypolished says
You look beautiful! I’ve actually never used Laura Mercier because I have super sensitive skin and I’m always a bit leery of liquid foundations, but it’s great to hear that some of these products would work with sensitive skin as well! I’m one to change my foundation with the seasons as well so I might just take a look at these next time!
jamie @makeuplifelove says
It is a great foundation. I also used to be very leary of liquid foundation. This one is pheneomenal and is perfect for sensitive skin as well. Let me know if you try it! xxo-Jamie
cindyprimebeauty says
I adore Laura Mercier products–they are perfection!!
kelliegonzo says
I really like this brand!
Kristina says
Oh wow! You look stunning and so natural!
Lauren says
I love Laura Mercier primers and tinted moisturizer, so I am excited to see these in person!
Laura says
i’ve never tried Laura Mercier – but am loving my new foundation from Bare minerals, their bareskin line. yay for quality foundation!!!
Cosmetic Sanctuary says
I need to start adding more Laura Mercier to my collection. You look amazing
Erica says
I have never heard of those products but they look like they like they work great!
Jessica at Team Wiking says
This looks really great on you! I never use an actual foundation anymore but I really need to find a good one.
Rebekah says
Stunning :D I am loving those lip glaces!
Candace says
Beautiful! I love LM products.
Fatima B. says
I have always wondered how good Laura Mercier products are I am a MAC, NARS, and Urban Decay. The Laura Mercier products look great on you! Beautiful application I will have to check it out.
Alice says
I have always been a big fan of the Laura Mercier primer, ever since I got my first Space NK brochure and started spending more on makeup than i should have got away with :) it’s a great quality brand. they look good on you!
Erica Bodker says
I am in love with makeup primer. I will have to look into this one.
Kristen @ Treats and Travels says
great lip colors!
Allison @neversaydiebeauty says
I just ordered Secret Camouflage a couple of days ago, and I must break out my Amethyst and Gold caviar sticks. That new foundation and the primer are a must check out for me! Beautiful look!