Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free Review

 

I have written a post on how to choose the right shade foundation, or tinted moisturizer, using 2 Laura Mercier shades as an example in this previous post.

That was a year ago and I got the chance to really use this Tinted Moisturizer from the brand for so many times and I am ready to share my thoughts about it as I am almost done with this tube.

Hailed as a light finish matte moisturizer foundation, this gives a sheer coverage formula with blurred matte finish.

As someone who has normal/dry skin, tinted moisturizer foundations are my thing but living in a tropical country doesn't mean I'll pile this product all over and leave as is.  That is what I feel ON EVERY SINGLE tinted moisturizers in this entire planet but not with Laura Mercier.

Let's talk about the effect, I don't call it Matte finish but it leans towards Demi-matte finish.  I love how it gives my skin an instant healthy glow probably coming from the "moisture" that comes with the product.  Checking out the product ingredients, it comes with Licorice Root Extract, Vitamin E, Jojoba Esters, Squalene and Glycerin --- all skin loving, moisture-packing ingredients.  If you are on the oily skin department, fret not, they also have some oil-absorbing ingredient included as I NEVER felt greasy even if I am under the humid weather.

The product boasts to have SPF20 included aside from Foundation and Moisturizer.  Though SPF20 may be good, do not skip your sunscreen because that would never be enough to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun!

On to the coverage, I am LOVING this as it gives light yet buildable coverage.  I mean look at that photo below!  I can get away not using any concealer (but don't skip it if you need heavy coverage!).  The effect is super natural - a PURE definition of NO MAKEUP LOOK!

I like to apply this using my OVAL brush as I can apply more in small areas at a time.  I also like to set with powder still as I NEVER EVER leave home without setting my face with powder.  

How do I feel about it?
I love it! The texture is so smooth and it blends onto my skin like butter!  I also like the fact that demarcation marks are not a thing with this Tinted Moisturizer.  Since it is oil-free, I love how it felt like I am wearing NOTHING.  SERIOUSLY NOTHING!

Will I repurchase?
YES!  And I highly recommend everyone who dislikes using foundation on a daily basis to try this instead.

And can I just say?   I love you guys!  I have been blogging for MORE than a decade now, 15 years to be exact and if you are still reading this after all these years, CYBER HUGS guys!!!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

How To Choose The Right Base Makeup

 

As a makeup artist, I was told so many times by my clients that the most difficult part in trying out makeup is to pick or buy the right base makeup shade.

I can’t blame them, as a Pro MUA, that was one of the most challenging thing for me to pick the right foundation or “mix” the right foundationt to suit the skin tone of my client.  Trust me when I say, the huge horror as a make up artist is when clients take photos with “flash” and they end up looking like floating heads!  

Worst, they would complain and tell you their foundation DO NOT MATCH!

After  more than a decade of practice, I’ve got my tips and trick right up my sleeves and I am sharing it here.

Very important tip: Pick 2-3 shades you think is closest to your skintone based from Sales Associate or your own eyes! 

As for this tutorial, I am using Laura Mercier’s newest base - a Tinted Moisturizer that says to give breathable coverage and a diffused matte finish.  This is an oil-free formulation that feels very light on skin and gives good amount of coverage.  This is one of my favorite type of tinted moisturizer to date as most “TMs” tend to be more of a moisturizer with a hint of “color”.  As for Laura Mercier’s version, it seems like an equal amount of moisturizer and foundation! 

Laura Mercier 

Php2,595.00

Available at Rustans

Available in 7 Shades locally

After using this a couple of times here’s my quick review:

• Nice packaging, squeeze tube with pointed tip making it easy to dispense the correct amount of product.
• Very comfortable and lightweight.
• Coverage is nice for a tinted moisturizer, buildable.
• Does not clog my skin.
• Works even for my dry patches.  Skin stays hydrated all day.
• Color stays true, did not turn dark or create white cast.
• Has SPF20, enough for indoors.  (Please wear separate sunscreen if you stay outdoors).
• Oil-free, talc-free, sulfate-free.
• Works for my sensitive skin.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Review

 

A lot of my followed Make Up Artists shared their love for Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.  I was one of those who would raise an eyebrow and say: “Yeah right, tinted moisturizers since they do makeup for actresses and they always have great skin to start with!”

I mean comment down below if you have the same thoughts as me!  Tinted moiturizers really are for people who are blessed with already-gorgeous skin right?

I know, I sound bitter.  I am currently sitting in the middle of living room sipping a cup of coffee to force myself to stay away and listen to K-Pop music as I type this article without even thinking.  I am literally BLABBING so please bear with me.

Shade: Auckland 

Light 2

According to NARS website —-

Your skin, but better. Brighter. Protected. Purely radiant. Enhance the look of your skin with NARS’ iconic tinted moisturizer—now available in 16 shades for all skin types and tones. It’s the everything, for everyone—coveted formula smooths on buildable, oil-free coverage infused with SPF 30 and packed with skincare ingredients to hydrate, smooth, brighten, and protect. Vitamin C—rich in antioxidants—helps to protect against environmental aggressors and even out skin tone for a brighter looking complexion in just four weeks. French Polynesian Kopara helps to hydrate, condition, and refine the look of skin for a softer, smoother complexion. Lightweight hydration. A universal sensation. Reveal skin that is unlike anything else.

I wished I had this product when I was actively doing makeup on clients.  I have a LOT of mature clients because I have been called the “Queen of Mature clients” in the Chinese community.  Guys, they were the one who gave me the title okay? Hahah

I am a master in mixing the right foundation with moisturizer thus giving my clients a healthy glowing skin with the right amount of coverage.  But the mixing process has a lot of trial and error so I wish I have tubes of the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer back then.

You are probably thinking: “Ah, so these are for mature and dry skin only?”

BIG NO!  The Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer has a unique texture that works for ALL Skin Types! If you have oily skin, this won’t leave a greasy, slime ball face because the product will get absorbed into your skin in no time.  The only tip I would add is to set with your favorite translucent powder or face powder not because the product will grease you up, it is because of our hot and humid weather, you may oil up or sweat within the day thus may end up blaming the product instead of the environment.

Even with normal skin, I still set my skin with powder … ALWAYS.

Before and After

Half-Face Test

(No other base product used except Nars)

I wanted to review this product properly and give the mention it deserves.  The Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer isn’t just like most tinted moisturizers you’ve seen and heard.  This is a tinted moisturizer that honestly covers (minimal skin issues) and tones up and evens out your skin.  See how the “x” part of the photo made my skin looks dull and blah?  The “check” part is more lifted, glowing and healthy-looking.