The younger me used to consider Lau
ra Mercer as part of the old folks makeup such as Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Adams, and Clinique. I knew I was wrong since I started finding gems in these brands. Then Laura Mercier started attracting me with its brushes and face basic products. It has been a point of no return...
I am glad I got into Laura Mercier as I am finding more and more interesting stuff that I really like. I recently had a chance to try 3 Laura Mercier samples came in an awesome swap. I think I have been using more of the swap extras than the items I swapped for. :) Therefore, I feel that I must share my experiences with my readers.
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - 42 USD
Product Description:
Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight, buildable sheer foundation formula that delivers a youthful, radiant finish, while protecting skin from the damaging rays of the sun with SPF 20 protection.
* Skin-friendly formula contains a unique Dewy Complex that is proven to keep the skin moisturized and better equipped to combat external aggressors and irritants
* Layer with other foundations for a custom blend and radiant finish
* Long-wearing formula stays colour true and even
* Mix 50% Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer into your foundation for SPF protection
* For an instant boost - press Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer onto the high points of the cheekbones over any foundation formula
* Golden Radiance included in the Bohemia Collection
* 1.7 fl. oz./50 ml - Laura Mercier
Colour: Bare Radiance
Swatch
You can see that a little product goes a long way. I squeezed a tad too much and it covered a huge area on my arm! And can you spot the illuminating (brightening) effect? I surely can!
This product has 4 colours: Bare Radiance, Natural Radiance, Warm Radiance and Gold Radiance (lightest to darkest).
When I received this sample, I actually didn't think the colour could work for me as it's the lightest shade on the scale. I just tried it for the sake of trying and it turned out to be quite all right on my skin.
I guess it's being a tinted moisturiser making it a lot more flexible. And being the illuminating version, it offers a brightening effect at the same time. I am not joking. This is the very first time I feel my face brightened up with a noticeable difference by a face basic product. None of the so-called whitening (brightening) products flooded in our market ever did a thing for me. (Well, to be honest, I haven't tried that many so I could be wrong. But my limited experience with all those product had no solid effect. However, Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturiser does it without having to be a whitening/brightening product! And I finally I understand why the colours are named as Radiance because that's precisely what this product does! Very well put!
The texture is very smooth too. The sample given is good enough for many uses. I am planning to get this product the moment the samples runs out, seriously. I think this is the best tinted moisturizer for me. The famous regular Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer can't complete!
Laura Mercier Secret Finish - 27 USD
UPDATE 25/October/2009 - click here
Product Description:
Laura Mercier Secret Finish is a secret last step that helps set makeup & leaves the skin with a youthful glow.
* Use a refresher for skin anytime during the day
* Leaves a radiant look
* Skin looks lifted and tightened
* Works great after Foundation Powder application to prevent powder from looking dry in fine lines (see NOTES below)
* Instantly gives a moist & natural looking glow to the skin
* Oil-free
* Can be used by all skin types
* 1 fl. oz./30m - Laura Mercier
The Sample
NOTES: I use this as a Primer. Therefore, I normally use it before foundation application. However, it is stated that you can also use it after foundation to get a non-drying effect. That, is similar to my method #3 in this post: Makeup Tips For Looking Younger - Part One: Perfect Face Base Makeup . However, I don't do it on my entire face but a bit of highlighting effect on certain areas. And I still pat a powder over the foundation and whatever mixture I use. I don't think I'd do this after a powder as I worry it may mess up the face. (I actually think there might be an error in the claim on Laura Mercier's site. But I could be wrong as there are many ways of applying makeup!)
Swatch
Even before the cream dries up, you can see its airbrush effect!
I think this is one of the secret weapons from Laura Mercier. It is, again, well named for the effect produces. Its product description is quite accurate to the test. And I'd show you with some picture evidence...
This is a FOTD done with Secret Finish. I didn't do a good job on blending the concealer (Make Up For Ever Full Cover) as I was trying hard covering up some unsightly pimples! Therefore, please ignore those light patches on my face. Instead, please pay attention to the pores on my cheeks and fine lines on the forehead (especially the lines!) I am sure you can see that those problems have been minimized by a large degree.
Close-up
And the sample is rather generous too. I have used it so many times and there is still a plenty left. I highly recommend trying out this sample. This is now on my To-Buy list as well. Hey, it covers the two stubborn frown lines on my forehead!!! Need I to explain further?
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - 30 USD
Product Description:
Foundation Primer is a lightweight, creamy gel meant to be used prior to foundation, creating an invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements.
* Just as a painter "primes" a canvas, Foundation Primer - the original - was created by Laura Mercier in 1995 to "prime" the skin
* Colorless gel leaves makeup looking fresh & colour-true the entire day
* Ideal for normal & combination skin
* Vitamins A, C, & E act as antioxidants & protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment
* Cooling Foundation Primer in the refrigerator is refreshing for the skin & reduces puffiness
* 1.7 fl. oz./50ml - Laura Mercier
The Sample
On the skin, it's a totally transparent gel. It doesn't dry up as fast as other primer I have tried though...
This might be a better picture to see its transparency...
And a FOTD with this product on...
Honestly, I don't know what's the difference between this Foundation Primer and Secret Finish. I don't see much difference between the two. They are both good at covering up fine lines and pores. Perhaps Secret Finish yields slightly better result but that's very minimal. I have to say that both products are equally good.
I can't prove its effects from all the added vitamins as I only have this small sample. There is not enough product to know if any of the additives work its wonder. However, I am not one to buy a makeup product for its possible miraculous side effect so that doesn't bother me. All I need is to have no breakouts, good coverage and lasting from a face basic product. And this Primer is doing that for me. That's just enough.
So you see, these are 3 fabulous samples to try if you can get your hands on them. I am very impressed by Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer and Secret Finish and those will be mine once the samples run out. I am not sure if I will purchase Foundation Primer yet as it's not made for dry skin and I think Secret Finish is just as good with its airbrush finish.
Related Posts:
Makeup Tips For Looking Younger - Part One: Perfect Face Base Makeup
Review: Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream (#4 Flesh)
My Colouring:
MUFE Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream #4, Lift Concealer #3, Duo Mat Powder Foundation #202, High Definition Foundation #125, Liquid Lift Foundation #2, Clarins Instant Smooth Foundation #1.5, Pupa Professionals Triple Action Powder Foundation #02
Light Asian skin (obvious brown spots on cheekbones, slightly dry & doesn't break out easily), dark brown eyes, jet black hair, medium pigmented lips.
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12 comments:
Gorgeous pictures! You really know how to capture the texture of the product--thanks! :)
You're simply glowing....!! The Secret Finish looks really good on you :D
That looks absolutely flawless. Wait you are flawless!
I will try out the tinted moisturizer the next time I pass a counter! It looks fabulous.
Great great review!!^_^ The Secret Finish intrigues me. It's meant to be applied after everything right? Yet it's liquid? Ooh now I'm curious.:)
Soapaholic: You have a great point. I remember to take a picture of the back of the tube because I worried about the confusion of the application.
It says that you use it before foundation so I actually use it as a PRIMER. Thus, its BEFORE a liquid foundation for me. HTH.
Soapaholic: Thanks for pointing it out for me. I wanted to write about it but it skipped my mind. Anyway, I have updated what I think and how I use this product in the review. I am so grateful that you came forward with the question. It made me wonder how I should utilize it when I first got it.
If any of my readers use it after powder foundation, could you please share your experiences with us? Thanks!
wow...you know what? i've been reading left and right great reviews about LM tinted moisturizers, I can't seem to see the difference but both looks WONDERFUL!!! your skin is healthy and glowing!
Oh wowowowowowow. Your skin looks amazing!
That tinted moisturizer is calling my name. *o* I want to try other bb creams but after reading this...I think I'll try this first. XD
Great makeup review. Your skin glows and looks flawless.
You skin looks amazing, so flawless and glowy!
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