BPGP: Making the Switch
Jul 7, 2010
With the temperatures skyrocketing into the triple digits, the last thing most women want to do is put on a full-face of a makeup. But alas, going fresh-faced to the office, even during recess, is simply not an option. So what is a girl to do?
Five words: Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit (Sephora, $65).
Until recently, I believed that flawless skin could only be achieved using full coverage foundation. That is until my Mother switched to Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer with dramatic results. Mercier’s Flawless Face Kit from Sephora is nothing short of life-changing. That’s right, life changing.
First off, the primer is phenomenal. Unlike some primers, it doesn’t feel sticky when you put it on, and it doesn’t dry out your skin after a few hours. I like the product so well, that I’ve even started applying it to my eyelids instead of my Nars primer, and the results are sublime. No more creasy eye shadow or heavy primer feeling for me.
Secondly, I was concerned about making the switch from a full-coverage foundation to a tinted moisturizer. After all, once you’ve used spackle can you really go backwards? The answer is: yes, yes you can.
The tinted moisturizer provides just enough coverage to hide minor flaws, even out your complexion and let your natural glow shine through. And if you’re under-eye circles or acne needs to be tamed by something stronger, you have the undercover concealer.
Mercier’s concealer requires two steps. First, you apply the heavier concealer to hide the flaw. Then, you apply the creamier concealer to smooth out the finish and hide any lingering issues. It’s like a one two punch for acne.
The product is miraculous, and the little brushes used to apply it (which are included in the kit) are easily the best I have ever used. And the best part? It seems like no matter how much concealer I apply, once I set it with the translucent powder, it doesn’t look like I’m wearing any at all.
Even though, my Mother looked gorgeous when she switched to the tinted moisturizer, I still wasn’t sure that it was for me. After all, I have what could generously be described as “problem skin,” and like Social Security there seems to be no solution for my complexion issues. So I am both surprised and thrilled with how well this product works. It definitely lives up to its name as a Flawless Face Kit.
I bought my first tube of LM oil-free TM last month and I love it. I have acne-riddled, oily skin and this doesn’t cause any issues for me provided I cleanse really well at night. A few things to be careful of: you have to really scrub this off and spend some time rubbing it in to make sure it covers your skin evenly. It’s a little paste-like. I believe this is because of the sunscreen in it, which is one of the reasons I bought it. I use my Clarisonic, cleansing pad or washcloth to make sure I get it off. I can tell it breaks me out if I don’t because I’ve missed spots on my jawline and neck and sure enough, the next day or so, there is a breakout. The tube of TM alone was $30, I believe. I did not get the FF kit. You can test all the colors at the Sephora in Gtown.
The only issue is that LM does not match well with Asian skin tones. On my indian skin tone – their products are positively orange.
I have been in the search of a new primer and TM for the past week or so (the ones I have are heavy andreally clogs my pores) and have been reading many different web reviews. After reading your post yesterday I went out to Sephora and bought the whole FF kit… you’re post was quite convincing, and thankfully very accurate as well. Splurging on my makeup budget for this was definitely worth it! I too have “problem skin” and was worried something so sheer may not cover all of the imperfections my old, thick primer and foundation did, but this stuff is great!
After using all of the products in the kit for the first time this morning, I already love it!. The products, esp the primer and TM, are so light weight and after walking through the thick DC air this morning I did not feel like my makeup was dripping off.
Thanks so much for the get info, keep up the good work!
I just went out and bought this kit last night and so far I love it! I completely agree that it keeps my eye shadow in place and, amazingly, I have no mascara marks on my upper lids! Thanks, Belle, for the recommendation!!