Tag: Laura Mercier

Golden Manicure

Last night was a manicure night that is not to be forgotten. I wanted to try out a chocolate brown from seasons past, Laura Mercier Cocoa Suede, and layer what I thought was a gold glitter over it. Well, I was in for a surprise. First, a note on the chocolate brown – I was worried this could look dull and dirty. But I actually found it to be a perfect fall neutral. It is technically limited edition (I believe from last fall), but it is still in stock here.

Then the magic happened. I opened nails inc. Galaxy in Knightsbridge Road and was met with an opaque golden with dimension galore. This full-coverage polish had 3-D effect pearl with foil and small colored glitter. This is the first “glitter” polish that I’ve found with such an opaque finish. On my right hand, I used a lighter touch and the Laura Mercier Cocoa Suede shows through slightly, if you prefer a less brilliant look.

Which do you prefer? The plain chocolate brown or the golden manicure?

Also, Dallas folks, my favorite skin care guru will be at Nieman Marcus Northpark. Kate Somerville will be doing a private master class and meet & greet on Saturday November 2nd. Call to make an appointment today! I wish I could be there!

And don’t forget, we are in the final hours of Shopbop’s Friends and Family sale! Use code INTHEFAMIL25 for 25% off site-wide.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Line Those Eyes – Favorite Eyeliners

You know that deserted island beauty question? If you could only bring one makeup item, which would it be? Popular answers include lipstick, sunscreen and mascara. But I admit I would chose eyeliner. There is something about the effect of that inky pigment that I just can’t live without. Thanks to that obsession, I have loads of options on hand, but these are the liners I keep reaching for lately:

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Sabbath and Zero: This creamy pencil has intense pigment. Zero is a soft black and Sabbath is a bold navy. And the name does not lie – these guys last a full 24 hours.

NARS Eye Paints in Ubangi and Black Valley are also a blue/black duo that recently hit shelves to much fanfare. They can be used as shadow, but I keep reaching for them to line both inner and outer rims with a fine brush. The gel-like texture has amazing staying power and great pigment.

CARGO ‘TexasLiner’ Liquid Eyeliner has a classic felt tip but super-sized. Despite its chunky nature, you can get a thicker bold line or thin and precise line easily with one swipe. The water-based formula dries quickly and doesn’t budge.

Laura Mercier Eye Kohl looks like a lipstick, but inky black cone is hands-down the easiest and quickest eyeliner for your waterline. Sounds scary, but close your lids around the tip and swipe outwards for a fool-proof line on both the upper and lower lids.

Find Your Favorite Concealer

A good concealer can often stand on its own. Covering redness, dark circles and a rogue blemish can give the appearance of even skin without the need for a heavy foundation. That’s why I always recommend starting your makeup with concealer – you’ll find you don’t need as much foundation or tinted moisturizer as you thought!

But how do you find the right formula? I have loads of favorites and they are each suited to particular skin types and concerns. I’m guessing one of these will tickle your fancy:

Benefit Erase Paste is a new find and I am wild about the creamy, blendable coverage. It doesn’t disappear in the middle of your day. And it works on both blemishes and under eye circles. The texture is a little thick to cover redness. Best suited for: under eye circles and blemish-prone skin.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer Custard has been in my rotation for months and is the one I reach for most often. The smooth and buildable texture does wonders on my areas of redness. And I love the luminous correction on darkness under eyes. Best suited for: drier skin and redness.

Cle de Peau Concealer has long been a makeup artist favorite. While pricey, this little tube lasts forever. I find the formula works best if you warm it up between your fingers and pat on. It covers blemishes and dark circles like a champ. Best suited for: normal to oily skin, acne-prone skin and dark circles.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage is a long time classic but has a new long-wear upgrade. The two shade system, one to match the skin’s depth of color and one to match the skin’s undertone, ensures a perfect match. Used with a precise brush, this camouflages any spot into a flawless complexion. Best suited for: skin with age spots and blemishes.

Lancôme EFFACERNES Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer has a balanced finish, somehow being matte but still with some radiance. But the real beauty to this concealer is its waterproof properties, making it well-suited for tearjerker events, long days or hot weather. Best suited for: oilier skin, brides and those who need all day coverage.

Favorite Fall Launches on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

I’m back on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country this morning to chat about my favorite launches for fall. Representing my favorite brands, these new products mark great technological advances, delicious scents and the best formulations. So tune in if you are in the area at 10AM (if not, I’ll post the clip later this week) and catch the roundup here:

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder is part of a skin collection that reflects weightless, undetectable coverage. This powder achieves that luminous but still semi-matte finish that is on trend for fall. Optical blurring pigments perfects skin with natural looking coverage. The effect is perfect for pictures (or television appearances!).

One of America’s most esteemed, Avon, just got a little revamp. And their makeup is better than ever. This summer, they launched the revolutionary Mega Effects Mascara. The ergonomic design with swiveling handle gives complete coverage of lash-lengthening, inky pigment. Another standout, the True Color Eyeshadow Quads, are packed of vibrant but wearable pigment. The creamy powder is luxurious and ultra-blendable. I love Metal Eyes and Purple Haze.

If you just can’t let go of that summer glow, pick up Caudalíe Divine Leg Tinted Body Lotion. I fell for this scent with the launch of Divine Oil, and this part of the collection gives the perfect subtle bronze. The lotion also nourishes and moisturizes skin and doesn’t budge or transfer.

Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum is helping me atone for my summer skin sins. After loads of days out by the pool, my hyperpigmentation was really acting up. This serum promised to work in just one week. And it delivered. Hydroquinone and glycolic acid team up to jump start progress towards more even skin.

Unlike any other powder foundations, Laura Mercier ‘Smooth Finish’ Foundation Powder manages to be luminous and hydrate my dry skin. The formula glides on without settling in fine lines or giving an overly matte finish. The formula can be used dry for sheer to medium coverage or wet for medium to full coverage.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder

I used to think that those who used a powder foundation were somewhat a rare and exotic breed. I never understood the draw, maybe other than portability. The matte look and cakey finish just wasn’t flattering. And there were plenty of oil-free liquid foundations if you had oilier skin that did a great job.

Then Laura Mercier went and did something totally different. With my preconceptions, I was a little hesitant when this new foundation formulation landed on my desk. But Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder promised a silky, natural feel. Directly from Laura’s mouth, she promised a matte finish without being “dead matte”. Maybe this is the way I can finally rock that fall trend of matte skin without looking dusky?

Amazingly, this oil-free powder went onto my skin like silk. It gave a luminous glow and actually hydrated. Applied either wet or dry, you can get a range of coverage. I like using a buffing brush dry for a very sheer look. Use the enclosed sponge dry and apply like pressed powder for slightly more coverage. Or dampen the sponge and apply for medium to full coverage.

I’ve been wearing shade 5 (Linen) and 6 (Wheat), but I can tell it will only be a couple more weeks and I will be wearing 4 (Buff) as my tan fades. Again, I applaud Laura Mercier with her comprehensive offering of 20 shades.

Available at Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Emmy’s 2013 MVP: Michelle Dockery

There was something spellbinding about Michelle Dockery’s custom Prada gown. I loved the two shades of red – crimson and burgundy together. Color blocking and minimalism at its best. The makeup was equally neutral and classic, showing off Michelle’s great skin and killer brows. Jordan Long for Laura Mercier was inspired by watercolors by David Downton that were featured in January’s issue of Vanity Fair.

Get The Look:

Long first prepped the skin with a moisturizer, eye cream and Laura Mercier Lip Balm, ($20).
Next, Long applied a fine layer of Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation in Soft, using a damp sponge. Then she used Ivory, ($45) Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC#1, ($32) to conceal the skin only where needed.
She then brushed Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Oleander, ($24) on the apples of the cheeks. In order to give Dockery a subtle glow, Long mixed Laura Mercier Secret Brightener, ($30) with the cream blush.
Next, she applied a light dusting of Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder, ($35), concentrating solely on the t-zone.
Lastly, Long layered Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Oleander, ($24) on top of the powder, using the Laura Mercier Finishing Brush, ($42).

LIPS: Neutral lips contrasted the star’s bright, red gown

Long applied Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Bellini, ($24) to Dockery’s naturally pigmented lips.

EYES: Strong brows were the focal point of the eyes

First, Long blended Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Fresco, ($23) over the entire lid.
Next, she used the Laura Mercier Eye Crease Travel Brush, ($29) to blend in Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Ballet Pink, ($23) at the center of the lids and into the corner of the eyes, providing a subtle shimmer.
She then applied Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Blanc, ($23) just under the star’s brows.
Long smudged Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Espresso, ($22) very tightly to the lashline and followed with three coats of Laura Mercier Waterproof Mascara in Black, ($20) on the upper and lower lashes. She then added a strip of Laura Mercier Center Faux Eyelashes, ($18) to provide a “fluttery pop.”
To finish the look, Long filled in and slightly extended Dockery’s brows with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Coffee Ground, ($23) using the Laura Mercier Angled Eye Colour Brush, ($29).