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Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier

New Laura Mercier Caviar Collection Launch

October 1, 2024

New Laura Mercier Caviar Collection Launch

Laura Mercier revamped quite a bit of their makeup recently with the Caviar Collection. The lipsticks, lip liners, cream shadow sticks and mascara have been completely redone with new formulas, colors and packaging. I received the entire launch in PR and have been playing with the items over the past few weeks. Here are my thoughts on each new product with swatches of everything below.

Caviar Stick Eye Shadow (new formula)

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow (new formula)

I’ve been such a long-time fan of the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyeshadows ($33 each) with my top three most-used shades being Rosegold, Copper and Cocoa. They really did improve the formula with smoother application and better pigment. I love that they don’t dry too quickly – I do have enough time to blend before it sets, but once it sets, it does not budge.

A lot of the shades have noticeable improvement in the finish and color payoff. Some of the shades in the original formula like Strapless barely showed up on me. Other more shimmery shades like Sugarfrost or Metallic Taupe were a bit chunky feeling with the sparkle but they have a better smoother texture now.

There are a few of the darker shades that apply patchy like Smoky Quartz, Nuit and Celestial Noir but they can be layered for smoother application – they just take a bit more layering and blending.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow (new formula)

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow swatches (new formula)

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow (new formula)

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow swatches (new formula)

I’m very sad they discontinued Copper but Bobbi Brown’s Golden Amber is similar.

Caviar Extravagant Mascara

The new Caviar Extravagant Mascara ($29) is a hit for me. I don’t know that I could call it a must-have or favorite for my super straight sparse lashes, but I think it’s a great formula. It defines and lengthens without any clumping. The brush does an exceptional job at coating all the lashes. I do wish it had more volume but it didn’t smudge or clump and did a pretty good job at holding the curl. I feel like I have the saddest lashes in the world (even my dog Ollie has better lashes than me and my husband has AMAZING lashes) so if it works for me, I think there’s a high chance it will be a good one for most of you.

Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick

Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick

I love a good lipstick launch especially one with beautiful packaging. Unfortunately the Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipsticks ($45) were a miss for me. The pros include beautiful luxe packaging, smooth swatching, opaque rich color payoff, lots of bold colors. Unfortunately these didn’t look so great on my lips. I did not try every single color but I did swipe on 6 of them and all were very dry looking on my lips. I think they could be better if you dabbed them on as a stain but alone they looked very dry. I did love the pigment – they are one swipe wonders. The neutral colors unfortunately do not work with my undertone. I feel like none of neutral shades worked for my olive medium tan complexion. They made me look like death which is too bad because I’ve seen them applied in other videos and they are STUNNING! The bold shades have a better undertone but they are SO bold I would never wear them.

These are also heavily scented with an almost soapy-like floral rose. Granted the scent does fade after a few minutes after applying but it’s a scent my nose does not like.

Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick

Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick

Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick

Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Refillable Lipstick swatches

The Caviar Lipsticks are a miss for me, however if you like a matte finish and find it challenging to find shades that are cool-toned enough, check these out. I know a number of you have told me my personal favorites for neutral lips sometime look straight up orange on you if you have fair or cool-toned complexion. This range has a lot of cooler undertones.

Caviar Perfecting Lip Liner

Caviar Perfecting Lip Liner

Last we have a look at the Caviar Perfecting Lip Liner ($29). You girls know I am pretty brutal with lip liner reviews but I want to add a disclaimer that it’s mainly because my lips are on the pigmented side so most of those viral neutrals that look stunning on 99% of you just simply do not show up on me.

I think the new formula is a very nice classic kind of lip pencil. No fuss, nothing fancy, great tones, good pigment. They do feel a little dry on the lips but I really like how they adhere to the lips and they have a relatively smooth looking finish. Lasting power is very good. They aren’t the best but I do like the colors and if you’re looking to try something new I think they are worth checking out since they have a lot of great tones.

Caviar Perfecting Lip Liner

Overall, I am very happy that the reformulated Caviar Stick Eyeshadows are a solid A+ formula still. I plan on taking a few of these with me on an upcoming trip. The mascara is also a solid A formula. I do like the tones and formula of the lip pencils, but I think there are better formulas out there like the new Glossier ones, Chanel, Pat McGrath, Huda Beauty to name a few. Lipsticks are a miss for me because of colors and scent, also I tend to not like matte finishes in general so I may have been a bit biased anyways.

You can find the Caviar Collection out now. Available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Kohl’s, Laura Mercier and all other Laura Mercier retailers. Have you tried any of the new formulas? What did you think?

Caviar Collection provided for review.

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Laura Mercier

Everyday Natural Look with the Laura Mercier Rose Glow Collection

August 3, 2021

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Collection Review

I have a look at the Laura Mercier Rose Glow Collection today. The new Caviar Stick Eye Colors (6 shades, $29 each) and Highlighting Powder ($30) launched earlier in the summer and there are some really pretty options if you like shimmer or rose tones! I’m late to review this as it launched several weeks ago but I thought I’d add some comparison swatches in case you still haven’t had a chance to check it out.

Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Colors

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Color

There are six new shades of Caviar Stick Eye Color and they are all in a pink rose or plum tone theme. The shimmer is pretty high with these so if you feel like you can’t wear shimmery tones on your lids these may be too much for you. I still think you can use the deeper tones or layer 1-2 with your other shades without having it look too frosty. I really love that they did eye look swatches with all the shades on multiple skin tones and eye colors for their promotional photos (all available side by side on Lauramercier.com). I think these are so helpful!

I found these to have a little bit more shimmer than colors like Copper or Rose Gold. Similar to what I see in the Caviar Stick Eye Color in Sugar Frost. They’re easy to blend but they do set quickly and lasting power is excellent once it sets.

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Colors

Some colors have sold out on different retail websites but I’ve seen them restock. You can still find all the shades at Laura Mercier, others also available at Nordstrom, Saks, Ulta, Bloomingdale’s. Colors include:

  • Wild Rose is a shimmery champagne rose
  • Kiss From A Rose is a soft pink shimmer
  • Bed of Roses is a mauve shimmer
  • Strike a Rose medium soft plum rose
  • Forbidden Rose copper rose
  • Rose Thorn deep plum shimmer

Laura Mercier Rose Glow Caviar Stick Eye Colors

I did a look layering 3 shades including Wild Rose, Bed of Roses, Forbidden Rose + the Makeup By Mario Master Mattes. Also wearing:

Laur Mercier Rose Glow Look

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye in Wild Rose, Bed of Roses, Forbidden Rose

Comparisons below to Bobbi Brown, By Terry, Charlotte Tilbury and a few other Laura Mercier colors

Rose Pink Cream Shadow Swatches Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, By Terry

Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow

Laura Mercier Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow

The new Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow is a soft shimmery pale rose. It has a beautiful soft texture but the highlight is quite intense on my medium tan skin tone because it’s paler than my natural skin tone. Shimmer wise it’s smooth but for me it requires a light hand. I prefer it mixed with a regular satin or matte blush for a softer diffused look.

Below wearing Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow on top of Blush in Strawberry

Laura Mercier Highlighting Powder in Rose Glow look

Swatch comparisons next to Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight 01, Face Illuminator in Devotion, Chanel Eclat du Desert (reviewed here) and Pat McGrath Divine Glow in Golden Nectar (on the face here)

Pale Pink Highlighter swatches Chanel, Laura Mercier, Pat McGrath

I love the texture of the powder but color wise I have a lot of similar colors so I wouldn’t call it super unique for my skin tone. Performance wise it’s excellent and I do think it’s a beautiful highlighter.

Everyday Makeup Look Laura Mercier

Everyday Makeup Look Laura Mercier 3W1

You can find the Laura Mercier Rose Glow collection out now. Available at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Ulta, Saks, Bloomingdales and all other Laura Mercier retailers.

Shop the Post:

 

Rose Glow Collection provided for review.

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Laura Mercier Roundup

Best of Laura Mercier

April 6, 2020

Best of Laura Mercier

Today I’m doing a best of roundup of one of my favorite makeup brands Laura Mercier. I have swatches of the new Caviar Stick Eye Colors and thought it might be a good time to do an updated round up of my favorite everyday makeup staples from the line. I get asked for my everyday makeup staples quite frequently and I’ve done several with a mix of brands. Some of you have asked for round ups by brand so I’ve decided to start with Laura Mercier. I’ve used them for years and even through numerous reformulations and revamps still find I use something from the brand almost daily.

If you like classic easy to wear looks and are in search of makeup staples I’m rounding up my favorites today.

Foundation Primers

Laura Mercier New Primers

I have a love/hate relationship with most primers. In my opinion there’s no one-primer-fits all formula. While I do find many will smooth and prep skin and also extend the wear I think finding a good primer depends on your skin type and also what foundation formulas you wear. As a good starting point, I’d recommend sticking with the same brand of primer and foundation as they usually make formulas that are compatible with their entire brand. For example I do think if you use an oil-free primer it might not be compatible with an oil-based foundation. If you find your foundation is separating on your skin I’d suggest looking at the ingredients and taking a look at what moisturizer or primer you are using underneath.

All that said, I put all of the new Pure Canvas Primers from Laura Mercier to the test. Since I use the Flawless Fusion or Flawess Lumiere Radiance formulas most frequently, I felt the new primers would all be compatible. Out of all the new ones my top three are the Protecting SPF 30, Illuminating (when I want more glow) and the Perfecting. All three will smooth the skin to give you better foundation application and help extend the wear. I don’t use them everyday as I think the foundations I have are quite good with lasting power and application, but I do think these are nice ones to try. They’re unscented and silicone-free for those looking for options suitable for sensitive skin.

Foundation and Concealer

Best Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and Foundation

I’ve written about the Laura Mercier Foundations countless times. Brands often reformulate and revamp and I have been really happy with all of the bases I’ve tried from the brand. My top 4 favorites:

Setting Powders

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder

I use the classic Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder on a regular basis with their Powder Puff or a Powder Brush. I also really like their Loose Glow Powders which I use more as a highlighter (lighter shade) or bronzer (for the deep color). The classic Translucent Loose doesn’t add any color and is compatible with all of the foundations I use regardless of brand/formula. Even though it’s white it doesn’t add any white cast to my skin. If you’re a long-time Laura Mercier fan you might remember she used to have tinted versions of the matte loose powder, I really wish they would bring those back!

Eyeshadows

For eyeshadows my absolute favorites are her Caviar Stick Eye Colors. I use Rosegold and Copper religiously for an all over wash or as a base for powder shadows. Rosegold is the best neutral shimmer – it looks good alone or with other shades. For her cream shadows I find they are creamy and easy to blend. Pigment ranges from sheer to full depending on how much you layer or blend (with fingers or a brush). Once they set they stay put on my eyes but they remain creamy long enough to work with.

She launched 12 new shades recently, I swatched and played with 10 of them (the ones I thought I would actually wear). They run warm and on the pink side. The fuchsia colors or pinks aren’t really my vibe but I swatched them anyways. I was able to wear Raspberry and Magenta when layered/mixed with other shades though. My favorite of the new ones are the pinks in Sunrise and Nude Rose.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color new shades

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color swatches

I swatched 10 of the 12 new colors (there are 2 blue shades I didn’t swatch), new ones include:

  • Pearl is a pale cool white shimmer
  • Sunbeam is a pale yellow shimmer
  • Golden is a yellow gold shimmer
  • Sunrise is a satiny soft warm light pink with a slight sheen
  • Nude Rose is a shimmery rose pink
  • Sienna is a shimmery orange
  • Raspberry is a shimmery mauve rose
  • Burgundy is a slightly deeper plum shimmer
  • Magenta is a hot pink shimmer
  • Violet is a shimmery violet

I wear Rosegold, Copper and Sandglow the most frequently. In pulling the products for my roundup it occurred to me that it has been a while since I swatched the colors I have. These are the shimmer colors. There are also matte options but I find they pull a little dry on me. Colors swatched: Beam, Sugar Frost, Rosegold, Magnetic Pink, Moonlight, Grey Pearl, Intense Moonlight, Metallic Taupe, Sandglow and Copper.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color swatches

Purples and deeper shades: Rush, Orchid, Intense Amethyst, Violet, Burgundy, Amethyst, Burnished Bronze, Plum, Cocoa and Smoke. I use the last 3 colors swatched as liner, I’ll apply them onto a detail brush and then smoke or smudge them along my lash line.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color swatches

Highlighters

The world has gone highlighter crazy and the trend doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Even with all the new launches I think the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator remains a good everyday staple. Indiscretion is the best neutral champagne in my opinion. It has enough warmth to not look overly frosty or pale on my skin. I ordered the two newest ones with the floral pattern from Nordstrom and think they’re beautiful!

  • Affection (new) is a light pale champagne shimmer, it has a good amount of shimmer in it but is smooth
  • Sensation (new) is a shimmery copper, on me it pulls more like a shimmery blush/bronzer but isn’t too orange
  • Devotion is a pale pink shimmer
  • Addiction is a pale yellow gold shimmer
  • Indiscretion is the best neutral champagne highlighter
  • Inspiration is a lovely pink mauve frost (detailed review + look here)

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Swatches

Color: Blush, Lipstick + Gloss

Classic Neutral Makeup Laura Mercier

For color all the Laura Mercier products have gone through a reformulation at some point. I like what I’ve seen so far! The Blush Color Infusion in Fresco is a perfect everyday neutral blush. It has a tiny bit of shimmer so it’s not flat. I like that it adds a bit of warmth and color without darkening or oxidizing like a lot of nude blushes can do. For the lips the Rouge Essential Silky Creme Lipsticks are the best no-fuss classic lip formula. They’re creamy with full coverage but feel weightless. There’s a bit of shine in the finish which gives them a more natural lush look. I love all the neutrals but find Brun Pale and Nu Prefere are my kind of everyday nudes. I’ve used the Lip Glace since my high school days long before the repackaging and reformulation. I actually really liked the original perfume scent these had back in the day. Right now they’re vanilla scented and have a slightly sticky feel but it’s not too thick. Opal is my favorite for layering on practically everything.

A couple close ups wearing:

 

Everyday Neutrals with Laura Mercier

Everyday Neutrals with Laura Mercier

Best Everyday Makeup from Laura Mercier

That wraps up my favorites from Laura Mercier! I hope you found the favorites helpful. If you want any other brands featured in a Top 10 or Best Of post let me know in the comments.

You can find Laura Mercier available online at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and all other Laura Mercier retailers.

 

Most Laura Mercier products featured are press samples. Items purchased by me include the Face Illuminators in Indiscretion (repurchase), Affection, Sensation, Lip Glace in Opal, Tinted Moisturizer in Sand 3N1.

 

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Base Makeup Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer New Formula Review

September 3, 2019

New Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Formula Review

Laura Mercier just revamped her Tinted Moisturizer and Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating into new formulas and I’ve been testing them for the past couple of weeks. The original was considered a cult-classic for that dewy no-makeup makeup look and while it was wildly popular I found it hit or miss for me with the colors and formula. The new versions now come with higher SPF 30, new packaging and new ingredients. The active ingredients for the sunscreen include Octinoxate 7.49%, Avobenzone 2.5%, Octocrylene 2% and Oxybenzone 1%. You can find the new versions out now at Laura Mercier and Sephora.

If you were a fan of the original I’d recommend you buy a tube or two sooner than later as they usually pull them from stores and counters when new formulas are released. You can still find it online at a few places right now but I suspect they will be pulled eventually.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer NEW Formula Review

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New Tinted Moisturizer – Sand 3N1

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer New Formula Sand 3N1 Review

It has been a long time since I’ve worn her original Tinted Moisturizer. I reviewed it numerous times over the years and have always had a love/hate relationship with it. In San Diego I could only wear it in winter and even though the formula was sheer I never found the colors to be a good match. Sand is what I wore back in the day but it was always a touch too warm and oxidized just slightly giving my skin a peach look that didn’t quite go with my yellow/golden neck. The new Tinted Moisturizer works much better for my skin type and skin tone right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what your skin can tolerate for sunscreen ingredients but I had no issues, irritation or clogging of pores. There are 20 shades and she has three different color undertones C for Cool, N for Neutral and W for Warm. I find the colors work better for me now with my sunny Florida tan.

The Tinted Moisturizer has a dewy look with a very sheer finish. Coverage is barely there but it does a decent job at evening out the skin in the most natural fresh way. I fully expected it to be too dewy for me and did not think it would last the day in Florida humidity but it surprised me! Indoors it holds up pretty well. Outside even at the beach it holds up ok, it stayed put even after some swimming, but it does get more dewy looking when you sweat. Since I don’t have perfect skin and need more coverage I find layering her Flawless Fusion Concealer and setting with her Translucent Loose Powder or Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Finish Pressed Powder on top gives me a good look.

I was sent the color 3W1 Bisque which I can definitely wear but I felt it warmed up just a little when it set and was a bit too dark so I bought 3N1 Sand at Sephora. I have a look below with bare skin vs. tinted moisturizer vs. full makeup look below. Coverage is very very sheer. I’ve tested it over bare skin and also over other moisturizers and it works well either way. Moisturizers I’ve tested it with include the Chanel Camellia Water Cream, Farmacy Honey Drop Moisturizer and Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream.

Shown Below:

  1. Bare Skin
  2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand 3N1 and Bisque 3W1 swatched
  3. Sand 3N1 applied all over
  4. Full look wearing:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer New Formula Sand 3N1

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Sand Rouge Essentiel Beige Intime

Ingredients Tinted Moisturizer: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: AVOBENZONE 2.5%, OCTINOXATE 7.49%, OCTOCRYLENE 2.0%, OXYBENZONE 1.0%

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WATER, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, PEG/PPG-14/7 DIMETHYL ETHER, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE, PEG-5 GLYCERYL STEARATE, ISODODECANE, SILICA, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, TREHALOSE, PHENOXYETHANOL, TOCOPHEROL, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, ALEURITES MOLUCCANUS SEED OIL, RHUS VERNICIFLUA PEEL WAX, TAMARINDUS INDICA SEED GUM, SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, ISOSTEARIC ACID, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, POLYSILICONE-11, BEHENYL ALCOHOL, BEHENIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, BATYL ALCOHOL, HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE STEAROXY ETHER, PEG-30 PHYTOSTEROL, DISODIUM EDTA, SODIUM METAPHOSPHATE, CARBOMER, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, BHT, SODIUM CITRATE, CITRIC ACID, T-BUTYL ALCOHOL. MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE, IRON OXIDES.

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New Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating – Warm Radiance

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating NEW formula Warm Radiance

The new Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating formula comes in 6 shades and has a soft shimmer. It adds radiance all over. As long as I set with a powder the shimmer/dewy effect is cancelled out just enough that I don’t end up looking too shimmery. This has a similar effect to the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter on my skin, but the Laura Mercier is sheerer, more dewy and not quite as pigmented. Below is an application demo, the color sheers out when blended.

  1. Bare Skin
  2. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating Warm Radiance cheek swatched
  3. Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating Warm Radiance blended on part of face (cheeks to jaw)
  4. Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating Warm Radiance blended all over the face
  5. Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Concealer 3N added for more coverage and blended (blending step not shown)
  6. Added Laura Mercier Translucent Loose setting powder with brush and Rouge Essentiel Lipstick in Nude Nouveau

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating NEW formula Warm Radiance Application

Closer look at just the Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating Warm Radiance applied/blended all over:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating NEW formula Warm Radiance

Versus full makeup look with added concealer + powder etc. Wearing Kosas Color and Light Pressed Powder Duo in Papaya 1972 on cheeks and Laura Mercier Rouge Essentiel Nude Nouveau + Lip Glace in Opal on top.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating NEW formula Warm Radiance look

Illuminating Ingredients: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: AVOBENZONE 2.5%; OCTINOXATE 7.49%; OCTOCRYLENE 2.0%; OXYBENZONE 1.0% INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERIN, MICA, DIMETHICONE, PEG/PPG-14/7 DIMETHYL ETHER, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE, PEG-5 GLYCERYL STEARATE, ISODODECANE, TREHALOSE, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE, ISOSTEARIC ACID,SILICA, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, POLYSILICONE-11, BEHENYLALCOHOL, BEHENIC ACID, STEARIC ACID, BATYL ALCOHOL,HYDROXYPROPYL METHYLCELLULOSE STEAROXY ETHER,PEG-30 PHYTOSTEROL, SODIUM METAPHOSPHATE, CARBOMER,POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE,CITRIC ACID, SODIUM CITRATE, T-BUTYL ALCOHOL, DISODIUMEDTA, BHT, PHENOXYETHANOL, POTASSIUM SORBATE.MAY CONTAIN: TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CARMINE, IRON OXIDES.

Swatches next to some corresponding color names in other formulas, left to right, all Laura Mercier:

  • Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating Warm Radiance
  • Tinted Moisturizer 3N1 Sand
  • Flawless Fusion Concealer 3N
  • Flawless Fusion Foundation in 3N1 Buff
  • Tinted Moisturizer 3W1 Bisque
  • Flawless Fusion Concealer 3W
  • Flawless Fusion Foundation in 3W1 Dusk

Laura Mercier New Tinted Moisturizer swatches Warm Radiance, Sand and Bisque

A few swatch comparisons:

  • Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Tint in Medium and Medium Plus (review here)
  • Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating Warm Radiance
  • Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Sand and Bisque
  • NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in St. Moritz (too yellow for me now)
  • YSL Touche Eclat All-in-One Glow in B40 (too warm for me now)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer vs Chanel, YSL and NARS

New Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Formula Review

Overall I like both formulas a lot more than I anticipated. I have normal combination skin most of the year, although it does get quite dry with the weather changes here and non-stop AC. I almost always prefer medium to full coverage on most days so the Tinted Moisturizer formula isn’t something I feel like I’d gravitate towards on most days. I really love the fresh look it gives but I do need to add concealer and a tinted powder on top to even out my skin the way I want. If you have super oily skin I do think it might be too dewy for you. I like the new formula a lot better than the original.

Compared to other tinted sheer coverage bases I still love the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer but don’t have a good color match at the moment. The YSL Touche Eclat All-In-One Glow in B40 is too dark for me but I haven’t looked to see if the next shade down is a better match since I like other foundation formulas better.

I think it’s worth looking into if you don’t want or need a lot of coverage. You can find the new Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizers out now at Laura Mercier and Sephora. Some other stores still have the original but I suspect they’ll be pulling them soon.

 

Have you tried the new formula yet? What did you think?

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizers provided for review.

 

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Base Makeup Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation + Translucent Loose Glow Review

March 25, 2019

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation Review

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!

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation review

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere in Latte 3N1.5

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):

Laura Mercier Foundation swatches Buff

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.

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powders

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.

Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powders swatches

Before and after application of Flawless Lumiere Foundation in Latte, set with her Translucent Loose Setting Powder, and full natural makeup look, wearing:

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere Radiance Perfecting Foundation application, before and after

Laura Mercier Foundation Review, Flawless Lumiere in Latte

Laura Mercier Flawless Lumiere in Latte 3N1.5

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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.

 

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Highlighters Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Inspiration

September 12, 2018

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration Review and Swatches

This month Laura Mercier launched a new Face Illuminator called Inspiration ($44 for 6 g/ 0.20 oz). This shade was created to support the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund she founded back in 2012 to raise awareness and fund research to help diagnose and treat women with ovarian cancer. Each September she donates 100% of the proceeds from the specially curated product towards the fund.

Inspiration Face Illuminator is a pretty mauve tinged rose gold shimmer. It’s multi-faceted so it will look different in every photo you see depending on how the light catches it. In indoor light it appears softer and more diffused, in direct sunlight or with a flash the deeper mauve rose tones will shine through. On the skin it’s also multi-dimensional. Some angles will show a warmer finish, others will be reflect more of the lighter pink tones. It’s a really beautiful color and I think it will suit a wide range of skin tones. If you’re lighter than me it might almost be blush-like rather than highlighter material. Regardless of your skintone her Face Illuminators create a beautiful radiant glow that stay put and meld well with the skin.

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration review | The Beauty Look Book

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration Review and Swatches

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration swatches | The Beauty Look Book

Finish is smooth and luminous with a buildable coverage. You can use her Fan Powder Brush or really any powder / blush brush to apply. The denser the brush the more intense the color and shimmer will be. It’s something you can use anywhere – eyes, cheeks, temples, nose, forehead or shoulders. The quality with this is the same as her other Face Illuminators which are among my favorite. They stay put for hours without fallout or budging.

A look at how the color shifts when in direct sunlight:

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration Review and Swatches

Side by sides and swatches of all her Face Illuminators (previously shown in my Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder Review), the ones shown below are fresh backups of Indiscretion, Devotion, Addiction, Inspiration and Seduction:

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Indiscretion, Devotion, Addiction, Inspiration and Seduction Review | The Beauty Look Book

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Indiscretion, Devotion, Addiction, Inspiration and Seduction Review | The Beauty Look Book

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration Review and Swatches

Below are some comparisons to other pink highlighters including Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Afternoon Glow, Sunrise Glow, Tawny Glow, NARS Highlighting Powder in Maldives and Hourglass Ambient Lighting Strobe Blush in Euphoric Fusion. I feel like the ones from Bobbi Brown are a lot more shimmery in finish because of the pale sparkle. NARS Maldives almost looks like a pale pink next to it. Hourglass Euphoric Fusion is a deeper blush version with a hint of shimmer mixed throughout.

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder vs Laura Mercier Inspiration vs NARS Maldives swatches

Look featuring Inspiration wearing the following (press samples indicated with a *):

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Inspiration | The Beauty Look Book

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Inspiration

Overall a really pretty pink highlighter I think is unique and very wearable. I have yet to experiment with it on the eyes but I really love the way it wears on the face for a soft pink highlight.

You can find the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Inspiration out now. Available at Laura Mercier, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s and other Laura Mercier retailers soon.

Face Illuminator in Inspiration provided for review.

 

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Skincare

Favorite Face Scrubs + Exfoliators: His and Hers Edition

November 17, 2017

Favorite Face Scrubs and Exfoliators | The Beauty Look Book

Today I have Part 2 of my current skincare routine focused on my favorite face scrubs and exfoliators. This post has an added portion for Andrew’s favorites as several of you mentioned you liked the men’s grooming recommendations I’ve done in the past. I haven’t always been a fan of face scrubs. I’ve found so many too gritty and harsh for my skin but with a lot of trial, error and recommendations from friends and experts I’ve discovered that regular exfoliation has been a major key to maintaining good skin. Both Andrew and I have used each other’s skincare to see what works best. In general ones for men are indeed tougher or more gritty as I think men typically have tougher and thicker skin than women but there are actually some of his skincare items that I like to borrow on a regular basis from Jack Black.

Favorite Face Scrubs for Her

Favorite Face Scrubs and Exfoliators | The Beauty Look Book

My favorite exfoliators are gentle ones. I don’t usually exfoliate everyday unless it’s with a rice powder that’s activated by water. I’ve found scrubs gentle enough for daily use but really find that every other day is enough for me. I’ve used several variations of the Clarisonic including the Mia2 and Mia Fit. I must admit that I’m not the most diligent about using it consistently – especially when traveling. Sometimes having a small bottle or tube of face scrub is just so much easier and convenient. My favorites below plus one that I’ve just started trying:

  • Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator is the newest scrub I’ve tried. I bought it during the Sephora sale because of the high ratings. It has a cream base which makes it less harsh than a lot of scrubs and it works well over wet skin. I like that it’s gentle for me and effective. Skin feels cleaner and smoother. I do think it’s better for oily or combination skin. It has a slight citrus scent that I’m not the biggest fan of. I will use it until the end but don’t know if I’ll repurchase.
    • Ingredients listed here.
  • Kiehl’s Epidermal Micro-Dermabrasion is in my top picks for face scrubs. I thought it would be too harsh based on what I felt on my hands. When applied over a wet face it’s a great scrub. It’s also one Andrew has used and liked. It has crush microshells from the ocean sand, Willow Herb to sooth, shea butter and sea algeanates. Over time with regular use I do believe it helped minimize our pores.
  • Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle is one of my most repurchased face scrubs. It has papaya, pumpkin, and pineapple enzymes reduce pore size, stimulate circulation, and improve oxygen flow. It’s a more gentle version of her regular Exfolikate which sometimes has too much tingle for me. I’ve had both applied on me during Kate Somerville facials which are the best facials I’ve ever had. I recommend any of her products.
    • Ingredients listed here.
  • Laura Mercier Face Polish is one I have in a mini right now but I have bought and used up the full size multiple times. It’s a great all around basic face scrub that does the job well without being too harsh. It does have a grittier texture but there’s a good cream base to balance it. With this one there is a slight almost apricot scent to it. Once you rinse it off you don’t notice it as much. I would say this one is better for normal to dry skin.
    • Ingredients listed here.
  • Fresh Sugar Face Polish is a newer favorite that I suspect will be in my top three. I bought mine in a mini size from the cutest Fresh Mask Wardrobe which I think would make a super cute gift. This scrub is an emollient brown sugar scrub with strawberry seeds that smells like sugary lemons. It’s emollient and leaves the skin feeling well nourished without leaving any oily film or residue. Skin feels super soft and has the smoothest feel out of the scrubs I’ve tried. I 100% recommend and will be getting the full size soon.
    • Ingredients listed here.
  • Sisley-Paris Gentle Facial Buffing Cream is an excellent face scrub that I reviewed here. It’s very pricey but one I think is excellent with one of the best formulas I’ve tried. It is better suited for normal or dry skin types in my opinion. I’ve been trying to use mine as sparingly as possible because it’s so good and I want to make it last as long as I can.
    • Currently working on finding the full ingredient list.
  • Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powders come in different formulas for skin type. I’ve tried all of them and find the difference between them is subtle but still noticeable. Over the summer I used the Deep Polish (green one) but also alternate with the Indigo Soothing Rice (for sensitive skin) and Classic. You can find these in travel sizes online at Tatcha.
  • Clarisonic Mia2 shown in purple is the traditional Clarisonic with the handle. It comes with a compact storage case that doesn’t take up a lot of room making it convenient for travel and it also protects the brush. This helps with gentle exfoliation and the sonic facial brush cleanses the skin up to 6 times better than hands alone. I do think it does a better job at keeping skin clear and washing the face than hands. It’s just one more step in the routine that I skip when I’m rushed in the mornings or feel tired at night.

Favorite Exfoliators for Andrew

Men's Face Scrubs and Exfoliators | The Beauty Look Book

Andrew and I are really close in age. He has thicker skin than I do. His main concerns are primarily related to sun damage and sun spots. His skin type is normal to oily and with the Florida heat and humidity his skin has become more oily. Out of all the skincare he’s tried he feels daily exfoliation is the one thing that has improved his skin (or rather to maintain clear smooth skin). There are four he’s tried recently, his favorite is the same no matter what he tries (ones for men or even mine). In general his two favorite skincare lines are Kiehl’s and Jack Black. I’ve bought him numerous skincare gift sets over the years and that’s how he’s discovered what he’s liked.

  • Away has brought back their Minis for the holiday! You can buy the Mini Suitcase Individually, as a Gift Set (there are multiple options) or as a Gift Card Set. I’d recommend ordering soon as they are selling out really fast. I was lucky to get my hands on a few over the past year and absolutely love them for travel.
    • You can see my review on their Bigger Carry On here. Regular Carry On here.
  • Kiehl’s Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser is something I bought for him because he likes multi-tasking products and I thought this could be a good 2-in-1 scrub. Turns out he says it’s more like a cleansing cream with tiny beads but not really a scrub. It’s supposed to double as a mask that you can leave on to help exfoliate skin. He says it’s not bad, he just doesn’t love it and feels like it’s a knock-off of the Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser which is another one of his staple go-to’s.
    • Ingredients listed here.
  • Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub is his favorite face scrub. He’s tried to convert me to loving this as much as he does. I do like it a lot and have used it many times. It has fine particles, methol and vitamin c to invigorate the skin and help prepare it for shaving. He finds this helps clear up congested pores the best and helps prevent breakouts.
  • Kiehl’s Epidermal Micro-Dermabrasion (also shown above in my review) is one Andrew thought he liked the most, but after going back to his Jack Black decided that was his favorite. This one is good according to him but he likes something with more grit to exfoliate more.
    • Ingredients listed here.
  • Clarisonic Alpha Fit is something Andrew was diligent about using every day in the shower until we moved and started living the nomadic life in August. After moving month to month exploring and traveling he stopped using it and opted for face scrubs instead. In case you missed it our six months in Florida post here.

A few other favorites of his shown but that aren’t scrubs include the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Cleanser, Molton Brown Russian Leather Eau de Toilette, Creed Aventus for Men.

That wraps up our favorite face exfoliators of the moment! What are your favorites?

Press samples featured include the Sisley Gentle Face Scrub, Away Mini Suitcase, Molton Brown Russian Leather.

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