Laura Mercier • Crème Smooth Foundation • Crème

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NoirAngelx on 4/10/2013 7:08:00 PM more reviews by NoirAngelx

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is a heartbreaking review for me. I absolutely adore this foundation in the texture, coverage, and color. Laura Mercier has some of the best foundation shades if you are fair and warm-toned, as well as in the light-medium range. I purchased this in 'Porcelain Ivory' which is a very fair ivory with a yellow undertone -- slightly lighter than MAC NC15. It smooths onto my skin like butter, and is very creamy and emollient. The texture is quite thick so the enclosed spatula is very handy. Since I have combination skin, setting with powder was absolutely necessary or else my skin would feel a bit tacky throughout the day. I am so impressed with the beautiful, satiny-creamy finish this gives, it is truly gorgeous and airbrushed-looking. Unfortunately, my T-zone would eat up this foundation and it would melt off during the day, leaving it looking a bit splotchy. I was also saddened to come home with new clogged pores each time I would wear this, despite the Sephora website claiming it is non-comedogenic. But every individual's skin will react differently to a product. In reality I probably should not have bought this because of my combination skin, but I've read others' successes with this who have a similar skin type. So I would only recommend this to dry and normal types, I think if you are acne-prone and combo like I am, this will only feel somewhat like an occlusive moisturizer. I still give this product 4 stars though, because it is beautifully formulated and perfect for normal-dry types.

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

FrizzBgone on 4/6/2013 8:25:00 PM more reviews by FrizzBgone

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

Before I review, here is some info that will hopefully help determine whether this could work for you.
Mid 40's, fair skin with some pinky-redness, extremely dry, sensitive
What do I want in a foundation: medium to full coverage that doesn't look mask like, long wearing, doesn't dry my skin out.

Pro's
Long wearing
Ivory matches my skin tone perfectly.
Blends easily
Beautiful finish. Dewy without powder. Satin with powder
Covers all redness
Does not dry my skin out. Skin looks and feels great, even after removing makeup.
Easy to apply
Excellent for dry sensitive skin
Doesn't emphasize any dry patches
Fragrance free
Is a little expensive - over $60, but you only need a very little amount.
Glass jar, that comes with a plastic spatula

Cons
Not as many shades
Definitely not for oily skin
Can feel a little tacky without powder or when first applied.
Container won't travel as well as a tube or pump bottle.

I use moisturizer and sunscreen under the Laura Mercier Hydrating Primer. I have used a traditional paddle type foundation brush (Bobbi Brown), Beauty Blender Sponge, Shiseido foundation brush and fingers. By far the Shiseido foundation brush works the best. After applying, I use the BB sponge (damp) and lightly tap it over my face to make sure it is pressed in and blended perfectly.

I use my bigger fluffy powder brush to apply a very small amount of powder. I like using the Smashbox Halo powder in yellow.

The coverage is excellent. I never use a powder on any other foundation. I find it only emphasizes any dry spots. This foundation is so moisturizing that it doesn't emphasize any dry areas. The powder sets the foundation and keeps it from feeling tacky. I would not recommend it for anyone with oily skin. I usually blot around my nose once through the day. No touch ups are required. I have gotten 14 hours of wear in the foundation. I absolutely love it and highly recommend for anyone with dry skin who wants decent coverage. I have pink/light red areas on my cheeks and nose. This completely covers it, it I don't feel like I am wearing a mask.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

madmilly on 4/2/2013 6:51:00 PM more reviews by madmilly

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

unlike other comments I really like the container, I think it looks classy and bulky which I like its a statement jar - simple & elegant. I have oily skin, I was worried on the first day I applied it that it would look awful on my skin but I gave the tester a go. I wore it for a few days, the first day it looked like a mess as I'd applied to much making it break apart in areas. I feel the colour is true to my tone although when applied it seems to go alot lighter? I love this foundation for my oily skin in the winter, I feel drying products made for oily skin make my skin more oily because its too dry; this however gave me a wonderful glow that didn't look greasy at the end of the day. It does transfer and I did have to apply powder on my chin and nose throughout the day or I'd look really shiny. Estée Lauder double wear lasted great although I felt it didn't look natural. This covers all of my spots and acne, and acne scarres perfecty. It doesn't glide on!!! you really have to work it in to the skin or it will cake up. I use my fingers and work fast, I find dabbing it instead of rubbing it into the skin gives a fuller coverage. I wear this everyday for work because I feel confident it won't dry my skin but won't make me look like an oily mess after a few hours. I love the finish of the foundation although I hate the texture it feels so thick, I can still feel it on my face BUT it's a small sacrifice when it makes u look flawless without acne. The make up artist said it can work on oily skin when a primer is used and powder is used on top. I couldn't wear this without powder as I am definate it would melt of my face. My partner thinks it looks so natural and not "fake". Looks wonderful but under bright shop lights and up close my spots are visible and when applied in a rush it looks Cakey and sometimes enhances my imperfections. I won't use this in the summer, but in the winter it keeps my oil at bay as my skin feels it doesn't need to produce oil as it hydrated throughout the day. I try my hardest not to touch my face as it doesn't seem to dry..even with powder. This foundation takes practice to get the application just right to make it look good if not then it will look crapp. If you want a quick fix and don't want to spend a while applying it then dont go for it. I wouldn't use a brush or sponge with this foundation as its thick it can easily clog the pores, it glides over with fingers and looks great. It is expensive yes, but you get what you pay for and because its think and will only wear in winter it's worth every penny. Used with Lm primer and powder it looks good. I hope oily skin types aren't put of by the amount of dry skined reviewers.

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8383 on 3/30/2013 11:17:00 AM more reviews by 8383

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I am exactly the opposite of the last review. This is probably the best foundation I have ever used. The color is perfect and does not look heavy. You need to apply this with your fingertips after you warm it up on your hand. It does not oxidize on me. Maybe if you use this with oily skin I could see this happening, but it is not for that type of skin.I have normal to dry. Slightly oily around my t-zone. It does not settle into my pores as the day goes on. It may if you apply too much. I use this over the Laura Mercier radiance primer, which makes this foundation look beautiful or the Smashbox primer which also works great. I just think you have to know how to use this foundation the right way or have the right type of skin for it. Laura Mercier's foundations seem to look closer to actual skin color than most other foundation brands that always add too much pink. This is a great product!

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

bell000 on 3/29/2013 2:37:00 PM more reviews by bell000

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

I have combination skin, no breakouts, no potmarks. This product is great, dewy, creamy, when first applied. Color is also true when freshly applied. Unfortunately, after 3 or 4 hours, foundation oxidizes and darkens a shade or two, looks cakey, and the best fix I've found is to wash my face and start fresh. While cakey, it also magnifies pores, not really visible prior to applying the foundation. For the price and limited time of wear where it looks good, I would not recommend it.

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AnnaBanana84 on 3/17/2013 9:36:00 AM more reviews by AnnaBanana84

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I was looking around at the different makeup counters in the mall last year, had never of Laura Mercier products but decided to get a foundation demo and the girls at the counter talked me into trying this. I've been an avid MAC wearer for many years, but MAC foundation compacts do get used up rather quickly and this seemed like I would be getting a lot of product for the money. I purchased in an ivory color. Right away, I found it difficult to apply with a sponge due to the packaging which I don't like at all. Also, it was very uneven looking on my face. My blush brush would drag or get stuck in the gooy residue. It just didn't look good at all. In fact, I bought a mineralized foundation at CVS and ended up using it over this last summer. I finally used up the Laura Mercier in the fall, I made myself use it since it was so expensive but I didn't like it, hard to blend, unpleasant odor, uneven finish, bad packaging for easy use. I will not re-buy. In fact, I don't know that I would be interested in trying any of their products at this point.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Nancygia on 3/17/2013 9:20:00 AM more reviews by Nancygia

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

I bought this in warm ivory, to use only on my cheeks, which are very dry and dehydrated, unlike my t-zone, which is oily. I just found the texture to be too thick, and though I tried mixing it with argan oil, maracuja oil or primer, this was not only messy, but it was an awful lot of work trying to make a $50 foundation into something that suited my needs. Even after mixing it, I wasn't finding the results to be great--my blush didn't go on evenly, and I was seeing some blackheads and small pustules on my cheeks. It wasn't a difficult decision to return it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* linet182 on 3/15/2013 3:22:00 PM more reviews by linet182

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Hazel    

I really like this foundation. I need very heavy coverage so I use concealer first, then apply this foundation all over my face. I only need maybe the size of a dime to cover my whole face. Most people may use a brush or a sponge, but I prefer to just use my hands. It is my exact color match and I love the consistency of the product. I think the only complaint I would have is that it doesn't stay on all day and sometimes it makes my skin appear oilier than it really is. I like that it gives me that dewy look when applied and lasts most of the day. I will keep repurchasing.

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aperry on 3/10/2013 8:09:00 PM more reviews by aperry

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

I have tried every high end foundation there is, and this one is by far the best! I love the way it looks and the MUA was super helpful and nice. If you have dry skin like me it is worth trying. It is really great and I love it!

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

dianaish on 2/17/2013 7:48:00 AM more reviews by dianaish

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Other    

Medium-full coverage that covers dark spots and looks completely natural? Check. Non-caking? Check. Doesn't highlight pores or get greasy midday? Check! Matte satiny creamy finish? Check. cannot articulate how perfect this is for dry skin. I have recently road tested and dismissed from consideration the following medium full foundations because they basically don't feel natural and dont meet my minimum above mentioned criteria: after application : LM silk creme, Clarins, Ysl, Guerlain, Smashbox and Eldw. Dry skinned girls - a damp beauty blender or finger is best way to go ver worth the higher price. Less than half the size of a pea is all you need so the small jar should last a long time. HG

8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

elephant233250 on 2/4/2013 6:32:00 AM more reviews by elephant233250

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

I love love this foundation! I am 42, and have spent, from the age of about 30, trying to find the perfect foundation! And now I have found it!
I must say a huge thank you, to makeupalley, as I was researching, and reading reviews, and this led me to this lovely foundation.
The foundation is highly pigmented, and you only need a little amount of this gorgeous stuff, to have the perfect flawless complexion. I use a primer, by LM, and its the hydrating one, as I have gone through the menopause early, so wanted to give my skin, its glow back.
I have ordered a beauty blender, but as yet, it has not arrived, so I'm blending foundation, with my fingers.
I know product is a little expensive £41.50, but this will last me a very long time, as your face will look flawless, ant therefore you'll feel great about yourself, all day!
Buy it ladies, trust me, you will not regret it!

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

Galahand on 1/17/2013 6:31:00 PM more reviews by Galahand

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I love this product. I have dry skin and this makes my skin feel nice and moisturize. It's thick and pigmented and give me great coverage. This blends well into my skin, though I do time a lot of time blending but that is just me. I don't really use the scoop, instead I use the cap to leave any excess and then use it again later. Concealers not necessary for me using this product. A little really goes a long way with this so for price wise it is worth it. I do wish it would last through when my boyfriend rubs his face on mine because he does constantly.

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

smmalloy on 12/11/2012 1:46:00 PM more reviews by smmalloy

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I've now repurchased twice, which is amazing for me. I use the Warm Ivory shade. I am 59 and my skin is fairly dry and has lines that would be emphasized with heavy foundation so I have to lighten up the application, and I do that by mixing it with Bobbi Brown Face Lotion. I mix them together with my fingers (small dab of foundation--which is why I actually like the scoop--and a little less than a pump of the moisturizer) and streak onto the drier areas of my face, avoiding the nose, and blend with my Beauty Blender. The LM Radiance primer looks great underneath but is not necessary. If I want to I can use a tiny dab by itself on my oily-ish nose & just blend with my fingers. What I really like about this foundation, besides the fact that it's a good color match and that a little goes a long way, is that you really can adjust the coverage any way you want it. I'm basically making my own TM. And my skin looks good enough that I've gotten compliments on how young I look (yay!)

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

alkylien81 on 12/11/2012 12:41:00 PM more reviews by alkylien81

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

great medium/full coverage foundation with argan oil and moisturizing ingredients fro dry skin that sets to a satin finish.
the trick is the application.I am a make up artist and if somome wants a medium coverage i would apply it with a wet sponge(think beauty blender\)whereas if the customer asks for full coverage i would tend to apply with fingers or dry sponge.a little goes a long way.

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

lachrymist on 11/10/2012 10:43:00 PM more reviews by lachrymist

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Black, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I don't understand why this has such a good rating on MUA because honestly this is less than mediocre imo. It is definitely NOT moisturizing and NOT great for dry skin, in fact I don't even have dry skin and it made my skin look extra dry. Lasting power is so-so even in the fall. On the plus side coverage is great while the finish is somewhat natural, but that doesn't justify the price tag at all. Oh and also I got warm ivory because it said "for fair to light skin" and yeah just no.

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jjkrh on 11/7/2012 5:06:00 PM more reviews by jjkrh

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I am NW15 in MAC and I wear Blushing Ivory in this foundation. I had a day out and decided to get a makeover at Sephora. I would have never chosen LM on my own but I am glad the SA did. This is a good medium coverage and it is so radiant. Not dewy, oily, greasy, but real radiance. I had several foundations I tried that day but I was blown away by this one. I am oily skinned without a doubt, but amazingly, this does not turn me into a grease ball. I would prefer a pump or squeeze tube instead of a jar but at least it comes with a scoop. I definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to try this line. Oh and no breakouts. Yay!

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

diamondustt on 11/1/2012 2:51:00 PM more reviews by diamondustt

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

This is honestly one of the best products ever for me right now. I use a 10% glycolic acid toner twice a day right now and my skin is so insanely dry! This foundation doesnt leave me oily or greasy and still leaves me with a natural skin finish that isnt overly glowy or shiny. My boyfriend actually said from all my foundations (and trust me I have tried them all) this one looked like my own skin. On top of that the coverage for me is layer-able to a EL double ware coverage almost. Its absolutely fantastic! I hope they never stop making this! It also contains no parabens or skin irritating oils and is so long lasting. It also doesnt crease up in the small tiny lines under my eyes or in my Asian eyelids (with UD primer potion). It also comes in 12 very forgiving shades which is an awesome selection compared to most full coverage foundations. Although it can be difficult to spread and blend so be sure to moisturize well and apply a primer. It comes in a lovely frosted jar but really this will last so long I worry it might dry out before I finish it like my bobbi brown gel eyeliner. Either way you will not be disappointed with this one! BUY BUY BUY! (PS it is pricey but a little goes a long way and that is a understatement!)

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

Starcross on 10/23/2012 7:01:00 PM more reviews by Starcross

Age: 44-55   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This is a lovely foundation. It looks thick and heavy in the jar but it goes on really easily and feels so soft and lightweight on the skin. I have been using EL Double Wear but that felt stiff on my face and I was always aware I was wearing it but not this. The coverage is good, it does'nt look cakey and does'nt settle into lines and wrinkles! I will be sticking with this product and highly recomend it

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

LAURLAUR75 on 9/30/2012 4:57:00 PM more reviews by LAURLAUR75

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I first went to MAC to get color matched. I am a NW20 with a left over tan from the summer but a NW15 in the winter. The SA put the Face and Body foundation on me. I have dry skin that was going through a change with the change of the seasons. i took the sample with me even though i hated the way the Face and Body looked on me. It clung to my dry spots makeing my makeup look splotchy. I went to Sephora next. The SA told me to wait until my skin healed (i was experiencing redness due to leaving a lemon toner on too long) to buy a foundation. I went throught Nordstroms to get to my car. It was pouring rain so i waited out the rain. I went to the bobbi brown display and looked at their foundations. a SA came over and told me BB was too yellow for my skin. she took me to laura mercier. she said this foundation would be best with my dry skin. she matched me in blush ivory. i realized i have not been wearing the right color foundtion. blush ivory was perfect for me. i loved the color match. this creme is so soft it melts into my skin. you only need a little to spread out with fingers to cover face. he finish is dewy. i dont like a powder finish. i used BE last winter but i dont think my skin will be good with powder now. over the summer i just used a tinted moisturizer which was fine. with sunblock. this winter i will need more coverage and this laura mercier is perfect. pricey but worth it. it covers my dark spots well. next time i might try her other creme foundation in the tube. laura mercier is good for us pink toned girls!

9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

peachluck on 8/25/2012 12:00:00 PM more reviews by peachluck

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Other    

I have this in Vanilla Beige. Its rather thick and needs to be smoothed out with fingers to get an even coverage. It covers quite well and doesn't look cakey as long as I don't use too much. I stacked it on just before a photo shoot and all my fine lines were emphasised and looked terrible. Luckily they photo-shopped the portrait! Having got dry, sensitive skin and not finding some other foundations suitable, this would have to be the best I have tried so far. It gives me a somewhat flawless finish.

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