Laura Mercier • Secret Finish • Primer/ Corrector

Where To Buy?

Blairsauce on 11/25/2012 8:49:00 AM more reviews by Blairsauce

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Think of a powder donut, now get a small amount of strawberry jelly and pat it on, that is how it works - over powder, but in my opinion it just looks cakey and it never seemed to work. I bought it from sephora for 37 dollars with tax, sephora said it was for a glow, but it did nothing but make me sticky and feel unnatural, Im more natural because my complexions pretty good but even wearing it under no makeup didn't do it. In my opinion you can get the same "glow" (imagine spraying your face with hairspray; that's what it looks and feels like) from exfoliation and great hydrating serums or moisturizers. Skip it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

beautifulthings on 10/9/2012 5:40:00 PM more reviews by beautifulthings

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I have the mattifying version of this, and have found like others here that it can smudge make up if smoothed on. It does need patting gently, but even still, I don't find it that great over make up and prefer to smooth a tiny amount over my T zone before putting make up on and that way it seems to work much better and does stop me becoming as oily during the day.

I can't decide if I'd buy it again though, but it's quite nice to have while it lasts.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* dictatorprincess on 2/19/2012 10:00:00 AM more reviews by dictatorprincess

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

This is another "nice to have" product.

The best use for this is in the afternoon when my t-zone or forehead gets oily but adding powder would cake or settle into my fine lines.

I've also used it in the place of TM just to mattify and unify;

as an eye higlighter in a similar way to Benefit ooh la lift;

and because of the silicones, as a filler for some fine lines when i am tired.

I DO NOT use it over foundation as the sales lady suggested I have found that too heavy of a hand makes my foundation smear.

I am torn on the rebuy or not. I don't like to use the no rebuy because I feel that should only be for products that are chemically just wrong. Secret finish is by no means an essential product, but it has a number of uses if you do get a tube. I'm going to vote yes because it isn't a bad product.

Final stars for me is 3- I wish I could give a 3.5 but this really isn't a great product, it is just a nice to have product.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

noirowoze on 5/11/2010 3:56:00 AM more reviews by noirowoze

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I'm not really sure what this product is for. I was talked into buying this so I did only because I was in a hurry. I went home and used this a a couple of times. after I put on my makeup I gently pat this over my cheekbones and chin like the mua told me to. the first 10 minutes my face looked dewy and nice. but half an hour later it didn't look like anything. it certainly felt nice during application but it wears off really fast. I'm addicted to Laura mercier products but not this product. save the money for a LM tinted moisturizer or somehing else.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* StellaCH on 5/11/2010 3:44:00 AM more reviews by StellaCH

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

What a fantastic product!
It comes in a tiny tube (30mL). it is designed to be worn over powder foundation to give you extra radiance. Rub gently onto fingers and pat on to face and under eyes. I..... however wear it over my LM oil free foundation liquid and Silk creme foundation or mix it in with the foundations and I have no problems with getting oily. I love the way it makes me look.
My skin type. Combination acne prone esp. around chin and neck. No breakouts with this.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

caffcliff on 9/15/2009 12:30:00 PM more reviews by caffcliff

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

A Laura Mercier SA applied this on me and I loved it, so promptly bought it. It gives a dewy glow to my complexion. I am of a certain age with good complexion, but I avoid foundation and powder. I much prefer a tinted moisturiser with this patted on top. It gives a nice glow and I often get told how well I'm looking when I wear this. Even if I'm going (fairly) make up free, I manage a bit of mascara, a slick of lip gloss and this as a must. Used correctly, it is a great asset to your make up arsenal.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* syeung2 on 4/8/2009 10:35:00 PM more reviews by syeung2

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Lightweight creme, white and shimmery. Feels nice on the skin (I don't wear foundation, so this goes right on my skin). Dab on lightly under the eyes, and it seems to disappear completely; it provides the faintest amount of brightening/glow. I don't reach for this often, since the effect is subtle (or my eyes are simply not observant enough)... and I don't dare overapply and risk looking unnatural. The effects are probably more noticeable in photos. But, since paparazzi don't follow me, I don't have need to look my best in photos on a daily basis :)


Overall - For me, this item is for special occasions only. I probably will never reach for it again.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

foreverfrench on 10/27/2008 6:21:00 PM more reviews by foreverfrench

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

If you dont like this product (trained on it or not) YOU ARE NOT DOING IT RIGHT! it is the best granted you shouldnt be using it over a true liquid foundation (like LM oilfree moisturizing or any tinted moisturizer or silk cremes) but if you even set your makeup with a powder you can benefit from this gel!
I love that its oil free so all can use it! Its the perfect combo with her stick foundations that i wear and even over secret camoflauge!!!! I wear it everyday! If anyone wears her minerals i beg you to try this product us less than a pea size warm it up by pressing your finger tips together before pressing it in the skin! if you use it right its the perfect touch to get that super soft fresh skin finish!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

misstiggywinkle on 7/22/2008 2:58:00 AM more reviews by misstiggywinkle

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

For anyone who has reviewed this and complained about using it over liquid foundation and it not working or who said it smeared their make up then I don't think you read the instructions.

It is for use over powder and it is to be patted on not rubbed.

Since I bought it I have used it after about an hour of powdering my face and it is fantastic, especially under the eye area where powder can look a bit dry after time. It smooths out the skin.

It's also great mixed with a bit of concealer when you're in a hurry.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

oceanaire on 5/19/2008 1:34:00 AM more reviews by oceanaire

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

WTH. i hate this product along with most of laura mercier's products. it's definitely not that i am applying it incorrectly because i did extensive training with LM while i was working for an LM counter. it's greasy and overpriced. you would probably get the same 'effect' from patting moisturiser on over your foundation but i have no idea why you would want to!! none of the artists that i knew while working for LM even used this! don't even get me started on laura mercier's idea of a 'flawless face'.......ugh!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* proximitythe53rd on 3/5/2008 11:07:00 AM more reviews by proximitythe53rd

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This product can be an easy way to completely ruin a great face of makeup. Listen to the bad reviews here - not all of them are because people are applying it wrong.

Yes, trying to rub it in or smooth it across your skin, or using too much will ruin your makeup every time. However even lightly patting on a very small amount supremely delicately can STILL ruin your makeup sometimes.

I have such frustration with this product because once in a while, I try it, and it works beautifully ... but most of the time I decide to give it another try, and it just ruins everything. I don't know if this is because it's a poor product, or because it's just not suited to my skin-type (combination dry/oily, sensitive, sometimes prone to breakouts) After patting it lightly over my makeup, I can look at my fingers and see that it's just taking the makeup off my face. I have to wash my hands afterwards. It can completely ruin the texture of makeup, making it look uneven and blotchy.

However, despite all of this, occasionally it does do what I want it to. I really don't think I'm doing anything differently on the times when it does work .. just freak chance, or maybe variations in my skin?

Never use this 5 minutes before running out the door when you've just spent a half hour on your makeup. This is only safe to try if you've got plenty of time to re-do everything if it ruins it.

The only "safe" use I've found for this is that on bare skin it can give a bit of a dewy look, so I figure I'll use up the tube on low-or-no makeup days. Even that application is only viable for those with dry skin, as I think if you have oily skin, it'll probably just look more shiny.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* addysmom on 12/21/2007 9:46:00 PM more reviews by addysmom

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff really has me puzzled. I have had it over a year now, and when I first got it I used it incorrectly and YUCK! Last week I picked it up out of the drawer and tried again. I used it over my powder foundation and patted it gently over my nose, cheek, and chin area. I love it now! You just have to use a tiny bit of it, and now I carry it in my MU bag in my purse for use during the day also. I don't think I will repurchase again though, because a little water in a spray bottle (fine mist only) will do the same thing, or even a moisturizer or oil free gel will do the same thing for no $.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

nicolley77 on 11/28/2007 6:38:00 PM more reviews by nicolley77

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

this does a good job for me in the winter time when my skin gets dry. i use LM's secret brightening powder under my eyes, and it can get dry and wrinkly looking. if i dab this on after, the dryness goes away. i don't have any problems with smearing of makeup either... of course i don't rub it, but just dab and pat. it's also very helpful when the skin around my mouth area gets dry.

of course, i could probably get the same effect with a little eye cream or other moisturizer. the best thing about secret finish is the packaging, as the tube allows for the tiniest amount to come out, because you only need the tiniest amount. that means the tube will last you a loooong time (i've had mine for 3 years now!) but still, the price is ridiculously expensive for the small amount. i would still buy this again just because i am an LM addict and must have every single one of her flawless face products.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* luminous on 10/22/2007 3:53:00 AM more reviews by luminous

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

i have to say, i read these reviews up and down before i bought this stuff. the descriptions of it being a midday makeup freshener, a dewy-look-provider, an eye-opener (when applied to lids), and a line-diffuser... were all really appealing. i wanted to give it a chance and make sure i used it properly before i wrote it off as a useless product. unfortunately, it did that to itself -- it did nothing but smear my makeup. i'd have to agree with the reviewer who described it as an "overpriced moisturizer." (except that i'm not even sure it moisturized.)
who knows, maybe it'll work for some people -- i mean, there *are* some positive reviews here. it certainly didn't work for me.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* ccope4 on 10/16/2007 5:57:00 PM more reviews by ccope4

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

eh...this product is just okay in my opinion. I think there are other things that can do the same job for a lot less $.


This is definately NOT for liquid foundation! It will just rub off the makeup underneath where you put it on.
This finish is for finishing mineral or powder makeup. I just rub a dab between my fingers and *pat* it on my cheeks and above my temples to hilight.

I think it is too expensive to repurchase since I'm not overly delighted with it.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

kddn on 8/24/2007 12:14:00 PM more reviews by kddn

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I love love love this stuff. When my primer, tinted moisturizer, mineral makeup, bronzer and blush are in place, I rub a little of this on the ends of my fingers and gently pat it on my face to give it a wonderful glow and set everything. I also may use it during the day to freshen up my look.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

honest on 3/4/2007 1:15:00 AM more reviews by honest

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I didn't think I'd like this product but I do. It helps to set makeup and instead of a final dry powdered look...a more dewey natural look.
It is rather expensive and there may be other products out there that can do this job for less money. But I still like this product.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

marytylermoore on 11/25/2006 6:56:00 AM more reviews by marytylermoore

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I think the formulation is a bit standard, but very effective.

It gives a bright and dewy finish that can brighten up the eye area on its own and highlight area or just make your foundation less matte.

Put some on the fingers, spread and just dab it on lightly with a pitter patter motion of the fingers - don't rub it in.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* whataworld on 11/10/2006 5:03:00 PM more reviews by whataworld

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Olive, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I wear mineral powder foundation, which if you aren't careful, can leave the juciest young skin looking crepey and powdery. I've been setting it with a mister to get it to look like skin, but this is much nicer. If you have a problem with crepey makeup or want to set your foundation without the powdery fuzzed out look. I much prefer dewy.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* fermidiracgirl on 8/29/2006 3:09:00 PM more reviews by fermidiracgirl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Im probably one of the few who actually likes this. I dont like looking powdery, but I still like what powder does to set my makeup. I just use a drop of this, pat between my fingers and pat on my face, and it gets rid of the powdery look. And surprisingly, it keeps my nose from getting as oily (because my blotting sheet didnt pick up nearly as much oil). Also, it really does give my skin a natural look.. its strange, I use everything by LM for my foundation, and after the secret finish, it looks as if Im not wearing any foundation, but yet I look like I have perfect skin. I think this was precisely what she was getting at when creating her line... Anyway, when used correctly it works and is worth the money, although its expensive. I would repurchase.

9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No