I’ve been working my way through some new foundation launches and today I have a review of the new Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation ($48 for 1 oz/30 ml) along with her Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Glow ($39 for 1 oz/29 g). The new foundation is probably my favorite that I’ve tested this year. Both the powder and foundation are crazy good for a flawless luminous finish and I find both are still suitable for normal/combination skin even with the luminous finish. The powder launched last year but I never did a dedicated review (you can see it on the face in this post with a full makeup look). Several of you have been asking for more swatches so I have it in today’s post for you!
To date my favorite Laura Mercier foundation has been her Flawless Fusion Ultra Longwear Foundation. Looking back at the archives I’ve been using this for almost 2 years now and it’s one of my favorites for humid Florida weather. It’s natural full coverage with a matte finish. Finding a good matte finish is hard for me because my skin tends to look better in something with a little glow. The Flawless Fusion is long wearing, matte but not flat, and the color range is pretty good. The new Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation by comparison is a lot more luminous. Coverage is medium but buildable to full for me. It definitely has a more hydrating luminous feel to it but isn’t too dewy and has no greasy feeling. For me her Tinted Moisturizers simply don’t work well in Florida humidity (it’s too dewy and too luminous). The Flawless Lumiere has a natural finish with a lot more coverage compared to her Tinted Moisturizer.
Shade options come in C for cool, N for neutral or W for warm. I’m normally in the W range for yellow tones but some of the options are a little too yellow and I find N works best for me. On shade matching the Laura Mercier team sent me my normal shade Buff 3N1 and one lighter color Cashew 2N1 as press samples. One was too dark and one was too light so I went to the counter to shade match myself.
For shades across different formulas I found that the new Flawless Lumiere runs a bit darker than the Flawless Fusion. In the matte Flawless Fusion I wear Buff 3N1, but in the Flawless Lumiere I wear a lighter shade Latte 3N1.5 – by this naming convention it would seem like 1.5 should be darker than 1, but in both formulas if you swatch them side by side for some reason you’ll find 3N1.5 slightly lighter and more yellow/gold than 3N1. At the store I did a couple more side by side comparisons between formulas and it seems most of them run darker in the luminous formula but I’m not sure if this is the case across the entire shade range. I could have also gone with one of the W colors like 2W1.5 in Bisque, but it was just a tad too light.
Swatches of the Flawless Fusion Foundation, Flawless Lumiere and Flawless Concealer (all colors of concealer swatched here):
For application I find the Laura Mercier bases work best with her primers. In general I try to match the brands foundations with their primers because they’re often formulated to be compatible with each other. Laura Mercier has a wide range to suit different skin types. My favorites are her Radiance and Primer Protect with SPF 30.
They also sent their new Flawless Finish Sponge which I was really excited to try. It has a really nice bouncy squishy feel but I found the shape really awkward to work with. It has a shape designed to help you work with the contours of your face or get foundation into detail areas. No matter how I held it I found it hard to apply. I really hands down just prefer the classic beautyblender.
A look at her three of her loose powders. OG Laura Mercier fans will remember she used to have tinted loose powders I used to use Beige and her Stardust. She also had some lovely mineral loose shimmers which I was sad to see discontinued. I’ve loved her powders for years. Her Translucent Loose Setting Powder comes in two colors, clear and deep. I use the white/lighter option and it doesn’t leave a white cast. Last year she added two shades of Translucent Loose Setting Powder Glow in Translucent and Translucent Medium Deep. These can be used any way you want. I tried it all over as a setting powder and found it too glowy for all over the face or even under the eyes. As a highlighter it adds a luminous sheen much like a liquid luminizer but in powder form. The lighter option has a soft yellow gold champagne pearl and deeper is a soft bronze. I love both with the Glow Powder Brush.
You can set with a regular powder brush or puff. I have found myself reaching for her Powder Brush and Powder Puff frequently. I also love the Cle de Peau puff which I find slightly fluffier and softer in finish. For those curious about other setting powders I’ve done a few roundups of the best ones I’ve tested. My most recent Best Pressed and Loose Powder review is here.
Swatches, I also added her Face Illuminator to show how soft the shimmer is in the loose powder compared to her highlighters. With the Glow Powders there’s no flash back in flash photography, it gives the skin a soft glow.
Before and after application of Flawless Lumiere Foundation in Latte, set with her Translucent Loose Setting Powder, and full natural makeup look, wearing:
- Base – Laura Mercier Radiance Primer
- Foundation – Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation in Latte 3N1.5
- Powder – Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder set with Cle de Peau Puff
- Glow – Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder Glow
- Bronzer – Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Bronzer Shade 02
- Cheeks – Laura Mercier Cheek Color in Peach
- Eyes – Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Sticks in Sand Glow, Copper and Burnished Bronze layered
- Brows – By Terry Brow Mascara in #4
- Liner – Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero
- Lips – Pat McGrath LUST Gloss in Belladonna + Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Sparkling mixed
- Top – Nation LTD Dakota Tank
Overall a solid thumbs up for the new Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation. It’s a winner and I’m happy I was able to find a shade match. Lasting power is very good, I do need a touch up on warmer days mid-day, but it lasts long on my skin and I love how natural it looks. It gives that glow from within kind of finish and has good medium buildable coverage – enough to cancel redness and dark under eye circles on puffy eye days.
I have a few extras that I’m giving away! ONE winner will be picked within 48 hours and emailed to win: 1 Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder (winner can pick color), 1 Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder Glow, 1 Powder Puff, 1 Glow Powder Brush, 4 Caviar Eye Sticks in Copper, Rosegold, Beam and Rush. Open internationally to 18 years and older. Enter through the widget below. Giveaway will run through March 27th, 2019, 11:59 PM EST. Note the first option is MANDATORY to qualify for this giveaway (you must subscribe to my newsletter). Not sponsored or affiliated.
You can find the Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation out now. Available at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and all other Laura Mercier counters.
Shop the post:
All Laura Mercier items featured are press samples except the foundation in Latte which was purchased by me.
top 3 right now for my normal but very red toned skin – it cosmetics CC cream, nars sheer glow, and the hourglass vanish cream stick. i finally realized that due to wearing a dental mask all day, my foundation is always going to rub off, but it’s easier to wear something sheer so it’s not as noticeable and easier to touch up. this was after many painful months of trying to make estee lauder double wear work. still love that foundation but not under a sweaty mask!
Thank you for a great post! My skin is very oily. I have used Tarte’s BB cream, IT Cosmetics CC cream, and I am really enjoying WInky Lux’s tinted veil moisturizer as my foundation.
I’m enjoying the new Loreal Infallible Freshwear foundation, the classic Estee Lauder Double Wear, and Lancome Renergie Lift. I have normal to dry skin and I need foundation that lasts a long time.
Thanks for the great swatches as always!
I have dry skin and I’m currently loving Dior Glow, IT Cosmetics CC cream and Too faced Peach Perfect xx
Beautylymin
I have dry, combo skin. My favorites right now are Cle de Peau cream, Cle de Peau Radiant, Lancome Teint Idole Ultrawear.
I have dry skin, I really need to start buying products that cater to dry skin! I tend to pick up whatever I fancy without looking into it – oops!
JLSTx | Food, Health & Lifestyle
xx
I have normal to dry skin. I don’t have a top three foundation because I hate foundation and none of them match me, so I use a combination of my Mac Lightboost prep and prime, Nars pot concealer, and sometimes I’ll dab a tiny bit of Lancome Teinte Idol foundation that I got from Asia if I need a bit more coverage overall.
I have a combination skin, with slightly oily T-zone and the borders of my face being normal. But I think it is due to the hot and humid climate that I experience in this country.. Right now I am loving the Too Faced Born This Way, NARS Natural Radiant Longwear and L.A. Girls PRO matte!
I have combination skin. Right now my three favorites are NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, IT CC Cream, and the NARS Tinted Moisturizer. I still have some Laura Mercier Mineral Powder, and I’m said that you said it was discontinued. It was very effortless and natural looking. I’m glad my container is almost full!
I have dry/combo skin. I love wear Mac Face and Body for a natural look. Or mixing Mac Face and Body with Nars Tinted Moisturizer for more coverage.
I love trying new foundations, always on the lookout for one that stays on my super oily skin without looking like foundation. Currently mixing Charlotte Tillbury with MAC and a drop of marula oil.
I have normal skin that can sometimes be a bit dry and my current fave foundations are Diorskin Forever, Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water and Perricone MD No Makeup Foundation.
I have normal skin and my top 3 are the new Bare minerals foundation stick, Becca skin love, and the it cosmetics cc cream
I have combination skin and my current favorite foundations are Guerlain Lingerie de Peu, Armani Luminous Silk and Nars Sheer Glow.
I have normal skin and currently using the Laura Mercier Fusion foundation, which works well esp when I mix in a luminizer (elf jelly highlighter is a great cheap option), but I would love to try the new lumier one to have that natural glow without any other additions! I also have tried the new Dior foundations, but I couldn’t have a perfect color match :<
Right now I use either it Cosmetics cc cream or Tom Ford traceless foundation stick.
My top 3 foundations are: MAC Face and Body in C3, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Bisque (winter), and Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer in Medium (summer). Really, though, I only wear F&B these days.
I’ve always wanted to try Laura Mercier, it seems like an amazing brand. I have combination skin so at the moment I’ve found the perfect combo of primer+concealer+foundation that works perfectly but it’s always nice to know what’s out there.
Marta – http://www.aroundcolours.com
I have been using the Stila stay all day foundation and concealer for a long time and there is something to be said for the convenience of it. Plus the shade suits my skin tone perfectly so I find myself reaching for it again and again. I bought the cover fx natural finish foundation not too long ago but it’s a bit dark for my skin tone so I usually just end up mixing it with something else. I have combination skin with some hormonal breakouts and I usually prefer a luminous foundation but hate it when it starts looking greasy too quickly.
Over the past year I have been loving the Diorshow Forever Foundation (the original, not the glow one). In the summer, for more natural days, I use the Nars Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. And if I want a more glam look/more coverage, I go for the Lancome Tient Idole.
With my mature, oily skin, I have several go to foundations. For photographs, my skin loves Koh Gen Do aqua foundation. For lazy days, I combine Erborian BB cream in clair & dore for the right shade. A rediscovered love is Jouer matte moisture tint mixed with their luminizing moisture tint. It has a polished, yet effortless look.
I have dry skin and the only true foundation I use is giorgio armani luminous silk foundation. Also a big fan of Laura mercier tinted moisturizer and hera’s uv mist cushion compact.
I have combination/oily skin & I’ve been using Givency Photo Perfection, Estee Lauder Double Wear Light and Tarte Amazonian Clay foundation. It’s my first time owning Givency foundation and I’m totally in love so far. We’ll see how it fares in 100 degree weather soon!
Right now my skin is dry and stressed. Ugh. I need some help. I have been going for light and glowy- Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow with Light Wonder foundation. Dior Airflash for a night out. With summer approaching, I will be using NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. The Laura Mercier foundation sounds lovely. I will definitely look for a color match the next time I go to Nordies.
Thank you for this review! I’ve been meaning to try this foundation. My skin type is dry combination with oily t-zone. My top 3 foundations right now is Bobbi brown skin foundation, too faced born this way and maybelline fit me.
Ooh been waiting for this review. candleglow is my go to foundation and I think this is its replacement. How does it compare I wonder? I also use Laura tinted moisturizer on foundation free days. My skin type is mature, slightly dry.
Looks beautiful! My top 3 foundations are Wet N’ Wild Photofocus, No. 7 Stay Perfect, and Wet N’ Wild Mega Cushion (my #1).
I’m glad they have some cool toned ones in this as a lot of the previous LM bases pulled too yellow on me. Does it seem like it could be good for dry skin? As for my top three foundations at the moment- definitely NARS Sheer Glow, NARS Tinted Moisturizer, and the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation. Good for my skin type (which is hella dry) and doesn’t set of any sensitivity I have, and the Magic foundation is great at covering up any redness on me.
This is definitely in my top three now! I also love Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation and the Bobbi Brown Skin Longwear Foundation. Skin type is dry with oily t zone!
I currently use Bare Minerals in matte finish with a NARS concealer. I use a little bit of a liquid foundation by Prescriptives. I have combination skin so I find this trio works best for my face. After your post I am curious about Laura Mercier products so I may go stop at the make up counter to test these out.
Love the chanel smooth effect foundation for our hot and humid weather! Also I like Estée Lauder double wear light and the GA Power Silk Foundation.
My skin type is combo, and I like the dior backstage face and body, nars sheer glow, and the wet and wild photo focus.
My skin runs dry and it’s helpful to see the before and after photos, as well as read about the different finishes of her past fusion foundation. I appreciate the swatches!
I only have 1 favorite foundation: Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Weightless UD Liquid Foundation. However, I regularly alternate Laura Mercier’s original tinted moisturizer and BareMinerals Hydration Rescue Tinted Moisturizer depending on how glowy I want to be! I usually reserve the Urban Decay true foundation when I have a special event or big meeting and want that little extra polish. My skin type is normal to dry with few to no breakouts.
My top 3 favourite foundations are Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup and L’Oreal Paris Infallible 24hr Freshwear Liquid Foundation. My skin is dry.
I’ve been looking for a medium coverage foundation that looks natural, thanks for the review! My skin is combination and my current favorite foundations are Laneige BB Cushion Hydra Radiance, Clé de Peau’s radiant fluid foundation, and Bobbi Brown BB cream.
I’m still looking for a holy grail foundation for oily skin; right now I alternate between the Laura Mercier ultra longwear, Estee Lauder double wear, and the L’oreal infallible pro-matte. I can’t ever seem to find a foundation that is both yellow enough and deep enough in shade… for some reason the warm toned foundations run more orange as the shades go darker. Someone please help me!
I’m excited to try this! My current faves are Armani Luminous Silk, Laneige compact (especially for travel), and Cle de Peau concealer on the trouble spots on good skin days. I am normal-to-dry, especially in the winter, and like more medium coverage so I usually like a more luminous finish than you do!
I bought glow powder but still in drawer, will try this week 🙂
heh, coincidentally I am wearing a sample of the LM new radiance foundation as I type. I am wearing Ivory which is neutral, which i am finding slightly yellow. So far I am enjoying and its a bit cheaper than the other By Terry foundation I use, which is a bonus! For a budge option, I’m still a fan of L’Oreal infalliable pro glow.
Right now I am liking Bobbi Brown’s Intensive skin serum foundation, Bobbi Brown Skin foundation and Charlotte Tilbury Light wonder foundation.
I love Laura Mercier’s translucent loose powder and I have been using Guerlain Lingerie de peau. <3
My top 3 foundations… Smashbox Studio Skin, Dior Forever (old formula, haven’t tried the new formula yet) and Estee Lauder Double Wear Light (old formula as well). I have oily/combo skin so I tend to like long-wear/matte-ish foundations but I can usually get away with more luminous foundations in winter.
EL Double wear ( you can mix it with any primer/illuminator or foundation and it works like a dream) , Chanel Velver Perfection and Hourglass Vanish stick ( what’s said about EL Double wear,applies to this one too ) . I am so keen on getting a L.Mercier foundation but am a bit scared about the shades :/
I have dry skin and I love the It Cosmetics CC Cream, the Fenty Beauty foundation, and the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation.
I use only 1 or 2 foundations at a time and have cut back on using foundation all over my face, so I don’t really have a favorite one. I remember liking Lancome Teinte Idole, and UD Naked Skin. I have normal/ dry skin.
My skin type is normal-dry so I like the more moisturising-type foundations. My favourites at the movement are Estee Lauder’s Nude Water Fresh foundation, BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel and occasionally Tarte’s BB tinted 24h primer (as foundation).
I have dry skin and been using Chanel CC cream and the Le Beiges foundation and MAC Next to Nothing
Hi! My favorites right now are G.A Luminous Silk, Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation ( I am on y last two tubes), Nars Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. My skin is normal to dry. I’m wondering how similar is the new Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder Glow with the old Laura Mercier Loose Shimmer Powder Stardust. I follow you for a long time from your early posts and I remember you had it!
I have Sahara-like dry skin >__>; My top three foundations right now are Armani Luminous Silk, the Surratt Foundation Wand, and MUFE Ultra HD.
I’ve been wanting to try both the luminous and the original foundations but they don’t sell them in Spain.. I’m so bad at shade matching myself via online that I always buy the wrong one haha! Does anyone know ( that maybe has the same shades) If I wear shade 7 in the Armani luminous silk should the shade Buff 3N1 work for me in the luminous laura mercier? <3
My all time favorite combo is Armani Luminous silk + the LM translucent powder and the LM undereye setting powder. I’ve never tried any of the LM foundations, might have to rectify that situation! 🙂
I have combo skin and am using EL Doublewear and Shiseido Total Radiance foundation.
Right now my skin is sitting in the normal-dry camp and is somewhat prone to redness. Lately I’ve been wearing Guerlain Lingerie de Peau, Laneige BB Cushion, or Kat Von D’s Lock-It mixed with Fenty primer. The Fenty is not labeled as a hydrating primer, which is what I would typically mix the KVD with, but I find the combo works really well and covers any of my drier patches admirably. I tend to set everything with LM Candleglow powder since I like a luminous finish.
Top three right now: (1) Armani Luminous silk, (2) Make Up Forever HD Foundation, and (3) IT Cosmetics CC cream (which goes on much more like a foundation in my opinion)!
Laura Mercier caviar sticks are a must for anyone who loves a quick and beautiful eye look.
I have fairly normal skin and use MAC face and body foundation, Bare Minerals tinted moisturizer and Lanomce skin feels good.
My skin is combination with some breakouts currently happening and my 3 favorite foundations at the moment are: Chantecaille Future Skin, Perricone face finishing tinted moisturizer, and MAC Prep + Prime BB. I don’t usually mess with full coverage – it always looks a little fake on me. 😀
I have dry to combination skin, I’m currently using the NARS sheer glow foundation, It Cosmetics CC cream, and Dr. Jart BB cream in the gold tube, my longtime favorite!!
I have combination to dry skin and my current favorite foundations are Armani Luminous Silk, Nars Luminous Weightless, and Natasha Denona Face Glow.
I have combination skin, and lately my top three foundations have been Clinique Stay Matte (all time fave #1), Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation (all time fave #2), and more recently Koh Gen Doh Aqua Foundation.
That luminere foundation is definitely at the top of my list!
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
very enjoy the Matte Radiance Baked Powder Compact highlight 01!!!
https://www.instagram.com/jloveusa/
I have combination skin, and lately my top three foundations have been Clinique Stay Matte (all time fave #1), Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation (all time fave #2), and more recently Koh Gen Doh Aqua Foundation.
Top foundations – Cle de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation, Chantecaille Real Skin and Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion. If I could pick a fourth, La Mer Soft Fluid Foundation.
Hi- I still prefer the LM flawless fusion
I’ve been using Mac foundations for the longest time, particularly the mineralize range as it’s not too heavy. My skin swings between hypersensitive and combination especially with the weather, so I don’t wear full foundation often (just concealer and powder). I’ve always been a big fan of the LM foundation powder as well, got a perfect shade match and the finish is incredibly smooth. I was invited to their Radiance foundation launch at my local LM branch a month ago and been testing it out (I’m the shade Linen 2N2). Really agree with your review, love how natural it looks too and it still manages to cover up any redness and blemishes. Big plus is it didn’t affect my skin at all after an entire day of wear. Thanks again for the great review!
I have a combo/sensitive skin and also live in Florida. My favorites are Armani Silk Luminous, Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation and By Terry Light Expert Click Brush. I have several primers but normally I just use Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow
i love seeing this on your oily skin as i am always leery of “luminous” or “dewy” products for my skin as well. nice tto see these go well. my fave foundations as of recent are the IT cosmetics CC cream (original formula), laura mercier tinted moisturizer and the estee lauder doublewear light. i have now been needing to add a setting powder on top of these since having a baby. oh the skin changes!!!
i love seeing this on your oily skin as i am always leery of “luminous” or “dewy” products for my skin as well. nice tto see these go well. my fave foundations as of recent are the IT cosmetics CC cream (original formula), laura mercier tinted moisturizer and the estee lauder doublewear light. i have now been needing to add a setting powder on top of these since having a baby. oh the skin changes!!!
Right now I use Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, Nars Radiant Longwear and IT Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
This foudation looks so flippin’ good. Just the bottle is already so pretty!
xxx – Nicolished.com
Brazilian Cosmetics Sales to all over the world !!
Private label cosmetic
MR; KAMIL
whatsapp +55 21 98495-0671
I’m really not sure about the Translucent Powder. It doesn’t work to set my makeup and is not glowy enough to give me the glow I want in my looks. It’s a pass for me!