Tag: oil-free

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.

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.

Laura Mercier’s Iconic Tinted Moisturizer Gets Three New Shades!

I’ve had a return to an old favorite recently and it is just in time for some exciting new from Laura Mercier. I feel like I kind of grew up on Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer. It is sheer and light-weight, offering a great balance of coverage with SPF 20. The natural dewy finish is right up my alley. And the formula plays well with my dry, sensitive skin. Since my early days of loving Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer, a little bit has changed. Most recently, there are three new shades – hooray for greater shade ranges!

The newest shades include:

Cameo (light beige with reddish undertones)
Natural (light beige)
Ochre (beige)

The three new shades look like they have slightly cooler finishes and dot the middle of the shade range. I’m a solid Sand this summer. But over the years, I have also worn Nude and Bisque. I apply with my fingers working outwards, but Laura (admittedly the goddess of great complexion) advises otherwise. Her technique:

apply a small amount on the back of your hand and pickup formula with the narrow end of an egg-shaped sponge or clean fingertips. Apply to the face working on one area at a time. Laura recommends starting at the outer portion of the face and working inwards toward the nose. Avoid excess application around the contours of the face. Blend well. Repeat application until desired coverage is achieved.

Also new since the days I first fell hard for Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer are three new formulations. Oil-free is the same signature sheer, light-weight formula but also controls oil breakthrough while providing hydration to prevent dryness. Oily skin needs hydration too. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating is a favorite of mine, adding an even more radiant finish. And it now also comes in a compact! Tinted Moisturizer Crème Compact SPF 20 is convenient and great for travel and touch-ups on the go.

Laura Mercier is available at countries Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom (currently running a beauty gift) and Sephora.

Kate Somerville Oil Free Serums

Anti-aging products tend to cater more towards dry skin that isn’t prone to breakouts. Somehow, the nourishing, oil-based feel has a corner on wrinkle-fighting serums. But I know plenty of people who desire anti-wrinkle and hydration serum but don’t want the nasty oil. Kate Somerville to the rescue. Two of her newest serums are oil-free, but still satisfy the needed moisture and anti-aging needs of those with acne-prone or oily skin.

Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum is one of my all time favorite products. It gives a glow and makes my skin feel rejuvenated. Now it comes in a lightweight, water-based, shine-free formula that’s perfect for oily skin. Kate Somerville Quench Oil Free Hydrating Face Serum locks in hydration using Plumeria Flower Extract and Dynamic Moisture Complex™. Matrixyl 6, a peptide, fight against expression lines and wrinkles. Collagen builds firmness. And you get an immediate tightening effect.

Kate Somerville CytoCell P299 Anti-Wrinkle Serum uses P299™, a scientifically advanced stem technology polypeptide, to diminish the look of wrinkles and help fight the signs of aging by activating the natural renewal process that strengthens skin. This serum also helps with hydration by using hyaluronic acid and marine algae extracts, all while being oil-free.

These both can be used morning and night. I love the way Quench Oil-free looks under makeup. And CytoCell P299 is a powerhouse anti-aging fighter. I’ve been working this into my nighttime routine. Don’t forget to use this on your neck too!

Shop my Kate Somerville Favorites:

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Supreme Foundation

I’ve definitely covered loads of foundation options for those of you with dry skin like me (look here, here and here). But this one is for all those with oiler skin. Laura Mercier has just come out with new oil-free foundation that gives skin the ultimate coverage, comfort and wear for a flawless complexion.

Here’s what she promised (and delivered):

Oil-free, non-drying, lightweight formula glides on evenly on to skin and does not settle into fine lines.
Visibly minimizes the appearance of pores for smoother skin.
Buildable coverage, from moderate to full, evens skin tone.
Provides a soft matte finish.
Longwearing formula (lasts up to 8 hours) feels lightweight and comfortable on skin.
Silicone-free, fragrance-free, non-greasy.

The formula is excellent – smooth, great staying power and even, matte finish. My only caveat is make sure you actually do have oily skin. This will only play nice with truly oily skin. My guinea pig, Corey, assured me she had oily skin but it was even drying for her. But when I tried it on my early-twenties buddy with the right complexion, the Oil-Free Supreme Foundation really shined. I love this for younger skin with acne problems. The addition of aloe, green tea, and silica sooths, heals and corrects. Vitamin A will also help correct imperfections. And Vitamin E hydrates without a greasy finish.

The oil-free foundation hits counters this month and is available in 12 shades: Porcelain Ivory, Blush Ivory, Warm Ivory, Sunny Beige, Vanilla Beige, Golden Beige, Shell Beige, Tawny Beige, Honey Beige, Suntan Beige, Toffee Bronze, Rich Sienna).