The latest foundation innovation from Laura Mercier is her new Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide Foundation. She’s well known for her “Flawless Face” concept which includes four easy steps to achieving the most natural and smooth complexion for your skin type. The main steps include Prime, Cover, Conceal and Set. I used to use the Tinted Moisturizer religiously many years ago when I was in college with near-perfect skin. These days my face needs more than sheer coverage. I have some acne scars and areas I need medium to full coverage, but I still want something that looks natural. The new Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide offers medium to full coverage that looks like skin. It comes in 24 different shade options with a multitude of undertones which made me very excited.
I had an appointment with a Laura Mercier artist last month to tested the new Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide. The artist swatched several shades of the foundation along my jawline and on other areas of my face to find a good match. The foundation comes in a sleek tube that requires shaking to mix the formula inside. It’s very fluid but blends nicely on the skin to give medium coverage. If you try this at the counter, you will need to smooth it out with a finger to see how it wears on your skin – the color adjusts as you blend. I was matched to Honey. The foundation is designed to offer 12 hours of wear. It’s described as humidity-proof, sweat-proof, water resistant, oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-greasy and non-drying. It’s formulated to be suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin). I found that it worked well with my sensitive acne-prone skin.
Since it had been a while since I had used any of the Laura Mercier foundations, the artist walked me through the Flawless Face process as a refresher.
- After cleansing and moisturizing my face, she used the Radiance Primer to prep the skin. There are multiple types of primers. My main concern was that I wanted a medium to full coverage foundation but didn’t want it to look too matte. The Radiance Primer was suggested to give a glow-from-within look.
- Next she followed with a thin layer of the Tinted Moisturizer in Sand. For good skin days she recommended the Tinted Moisturizer all over and then using a more pigmented foundation on areas I needed more coverage. She used the Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Honey on the forehead and cheeks for more coverage.
- For spot coverage and under the eye brightening, she mixed the two shades of the Secret Camouflage Concealer in SC-3. Concealer was set under the eyes with the Secret Brightening Powder.
- The final step was to set with the Loose Setting Powder in Translucent (a classic that I’ve never stopped using).
At home, the same Flawless Face look was easy for me to replicate. I added some color to the cheeks for a natural glow with the Matte Radiance Baked Bronze Powder in Bronze 02. For the eyes, I’ve been layering the cream shadow Caviar Stick Eye Colors. Three easy-to-use colors for a classic no-fuss look include Rosegold, Amethyst and Tuxedo. Rosegold highlights the entire lid naturally Amethyst gives a nice medium contour and is layer able for a natural or smokey look. Tuxedo doubles as a smokey liner. All the shades are blendable and layer well together. For the lips, a thin layer of the Lip Glacé in Pink Pop brightens the face with a sheer wash of color.
Above: Radiance Foundation Primer, Spiced Rose Creme Lip Color, Tinted Moisturizer in Sand, Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Honey, Lip Glace in Orchid, Bare Baby, Pink Pop and Nectar, Matte Radiance Baked Powder 02, Secret Brightening Powder and Caviar Eye Stick in Rosegold
What I used at home for a flawless face with a very natural look:
I’ve been really pleased with the way the Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide foundation in Honey wears. At first swatch I thought it would be too warm but it blends in flawlessly with my skin. The warmth in it adds a bit of color to my face but is still an exact match. It has a thin fluid texture but isn’t too runny as long as you shake the bottle properly before use. It blends easily onto the skin and covers dark spots and uneven areas quite well while still looking natural. I’ve been using the fingers to apply or a damp sponge and the coverage is quite nice. Those sensitive to fragrance will be happy to know that there is no detectable scent in this foundation. As a plus, it photographs well with a flash. Lasting power is quite good when set with the Translucent powder, I was able to get 10 to 12 hours of wear each time I tested without any touch ups required mid-day.
Have you tried the Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide foundation? What shade do you wear? If you haven’t tested it, I highly recommend you give it a look the next time you’re at the counter.
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Special thanks to Laura Mercier for sponsoring this post. For more information, refer to my Disclosures page.
I really like the flawless look the three products combined gives. I will have re-sample the LM TM because last time I swatched the lightest shade it was too dark for me.
I hope you are able to find a light enough shade, it looks like the shades have been extended, but the last time I looked at all the colors, it was quite a few years ago. You might also want to look into the Radiance version of the Tinted Moisturizer, there is a light shade which might work – that is if you like a bit of shimmer in your foundation/tm look. Good luck!
Stunning! It looks very natural and pretty–it is great to see a complete look on you-just beautiful! I haven't tried this foundation (yet) just ordered Charlotte Tilbury's so I am anxious to try that but I will definitely pick up a sample of this at Sephora.
What an amazingly comprehensive post, flush with gorgeous photos per usual:) That's why I keep coming back–you're the best! Enjoy your weekend:)
Thank you Michelle 🙂 Totally sweet of you!
I have been trying it out for the last week. Shell is a great match for me! I've been applying it with a brush and I've found it so easy to apply, it blends out so nicely, and I love the finish it gives, it really keeps my t-zone in check! I love the idea of applying it over the tinted moisturizer just in the spots that need extra coverage. I will absolutely be trying that out, thank you for sharing this!
Thanks Stephanie! Were you able to get a sample? I think it's great that the LM counters had large sample tubes for this one, the artists were super friendly and made a few sample shades for me to try even after matching me to Honey. I agree the TM + Foundation layering trick is really good.
Oh my goodness! Your ENTIRE oh so pretty face!!
Thank you Kica, so sweet of you.
Thanks for such a thoughtful and comprehensive review/post. Really helpful. And so nice to see your face! 🙂 You look beautiful. (Love that lip color!)
Thank you SoSuSam! Glad you liked the post and thank you for the kind compliment!
Beautiful FOTD! you are gorgeous! I love Laura Mercier products. I swear by the Translucent pressed powder compact. I need to try the loose powder, too.
Thank you Lorraine! The Translucent Pressed is awesome! I used up 2 compact several years ago. For some reason I keep repurchasing the Loose lol.
I got a pretty generous sample of this and really enjoyed it. It's one of those new wave of foundations that you have to shake vigorously before applying, like the Kett one. More and more brands are coming out with them nowadays. It's definitely different feeling than your more traditional foundation so it takes a moment to get used to, but I ended up really impressed with it
I thought the vigorous shaking requirement trend interesting too. I agree, the finish and texture is very different but I like it!
Yes, I tried a deluxe sample, but it was too matte for me. Might try the radiance primer underneath
Definitely try the radiance primer. It makes it look less matte. Also layering it with a sheerer foundation or tinted moisturizer gives the foundation some depth.
You look stunning. Pink pop looks gorgeous on you!
Thank you Velveteen Rabbit!
Just want to say that your blog is my favorite. I appreciate the time you put into your swatches–which are the best, imo–and comparisons. You always seem to have the products I'm interested in, and I value your opinions. Many a purchase has been made after stopping by here!
Thank you!
Thank you Anonymous, very kind of you to say and I'm happy you like the blog 🙂
OK. You're really going to make me kick myself for not getting the caviar eye sticks during the VIB sale. You look absolutely gorgeous! I love love this natural look. So very chic. Great blog post, as always!
I LOVE that we get to see your beautiful face!!!! You look gorgeous!!!!
And, of course, this stuff is on my radar. Going to have to give it a try!
Absolutely gorgeous, Sabrina…adore this look on you! Fantastic post!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you Beauty Professor 🙂 Loved your features too and all your swatches are awesome as always!
I got this foundation during the Sephora VIB sale and I love it!
Yay for VIB sales 🙂
This look suits you so well and your hair is just mesmerising. the couour, the shine and it looks so silky and healthy. Do you have it coloured?
Thank you Alexandra, so kind of you to say, I don't color my hair. My hair care loves here:
http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2014/10/the-beauty-look-book-hair-care-loves.html
Ohh, I've had my eye on this foundation for the past month or so….I think you may have pushed me over the edge! LOL Thank for this indepth review….might I add, you look lovely!
Best, Lisa
Thank you Lisa!
So beautiful!! Thank you for all of the lovely details of your make-over!! I loved every word! 🙂
The lipsticks are stunning
Lots of love, xx
http://www.marysreturn.com
http://www.marysreturn.com
I bought this foundation because of your review, love it. Thank you.