Holiday Palette of the Year: Laura Mercier Masterclass Colour Essentials

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While you aren't likely to find the Laura Mercier Masterclass Colour Essentials Palette in your stocking (let's face it, this is a pretty big stocking and the box doesn't really fit in there), this is definitely a gift that any beauty girl would love to get this holiday season!

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Glowy Enough? Laura Mercier Candleglow Luminizing Palette Review and Swatches

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I'm a sucker for anything that makes me look glowy. I want to look like I'm lit from within. Especially on days that I got almost no sleep the night before and I don't look great (spoiler: I got about 4 hours of sleep the night before I took these pics. So don't harp on my undereye bags, they are much better looking in the pics than they were before I put on makeup!)

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Get The Look: Emily Blunt and Anna Kendrick at the Into The Woods Premiere

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Have you been hearing all about Into the Woods? I feel like every time I turn on TV one of the stars is being interviewed, and yes, there really are a lot of stars! The premiere was Monday night in New York, and a few of the celebrity makeup artists are sharing how they created the Red Carpet looks!

Emily Blunt's look was created by Jenn Streicher for Laura Mercier.

Face:
• First Emily's face was well prepped with RéVive Intensité Moisture Serum Extrême Complete Hydration (1), and primed with Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum (2).
• Next, she applied Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen in Natural (3), $43 and blended in the shade with a damp BeautyBlender sponge (4).
• Laura Mercier Secret Concealer (5) in #1.5 was applied under the eye area and as need to even out skin tone.
• The look was set the look with Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder (6).


Eyes:
• Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour (7) in Rosegold was applied over the lid. Amethyst was then applied along the lash line.
• Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner (8) in Noir was applied along the lash line and then up into a cat eye.
• Multiple coats of black mascara were finally added. There was no mention of which mascara, but try Lancome's Grandiôse Mascara (9) for a wide eyed look.


Lips:
• Surprisingly enough, there are 2 lipsticks and a lip pencil involved in making that lip color! First, Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour (10) in Plumberry was applied as a base. Next, Laura Mercier Lip Pencil (12) in Ruby was used to deepen the ends. Finally, Hollywood (11), was applied to the center of the lips to create an ombré look and provide a “pop of color.”




Anna Kendrick's look was created by Sara Glick for Laura Mercier. I love how clean and fresh she looks, and how her eye color is accented with plum and eggplant shades!


Face:
• Anna's face was first moisturized with RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Retexturizing Hydrator (1), and then primed with Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Oil Free (2).
• Laura Mercier High Coverage Concealer (3) in #0.5, was applied only as needed using fingers.
• Using a BeautyBlender sponge, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 (4) in Cameo was sparingly applied.
• Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour (5) in Soft Iris was applied along the hollows of the cheeks, sweeping upwards toward the hairline. “This is a simple and easy way to bring out the natural curves of the face without looking too bronzed, and can simply be incorporated into a daily makeup routine. Her skin is porcelain and fair, therefore, just small amount beautifully complemented her skin tone.”


Eyes:
• Three shades of Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour (6) were used to create a subtle smoky eye. First, she applied Seashell on the inner corners, top and bottom. Next, she used Rosegold on the lids and bottom lash line, and finally Plum for the crease and outer lash line.
• Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner (7) in Noir was applied along the lash line with an angled brush, making sure to fill in the top waterline.
• Three to four coats of BareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara (8) in Black to the top lashes and one coat to the bottom.
• Anna’s brows were kept fairly natural, lightly filled in with Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil (9) in Ash Blonde.


Lips:
• Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour(10) in Silk was used on Anna's lips. “When I think of a princess, this is she shade that comes to mind,” Glick shared.


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Laura Mercier High Coverage Concealer Review

Product Sent for Review



I'm a big fan of highly pigmented concealers. I think they're very versatile, you can cover up stubborn areas (I have a visible blood vessel under 1 eye that is my nemesis), or mix it with other products to cover not so stubborn areas. I'll even mix in a little to my BB Cream to up the coverage a tad on days that I feel not so great.

Laura Mercier's High Coverage Concealer comes in 12 different shades, and what I really like is that they take into account your undertone as well. 1 isn't darker than 0.5, instead it has a different undertone. There are neutral, yellow and pink undertoned options. Because of this, I highly suggest that you head to your local Laura Mercier counter to check out the options in person. I have 2, a light concealer with neutral undertones. It works great for me most days, but I'll probably also pick up 1 sometime soon, which is a similar depth but with a bit more of a rosy undertone, for days that my rosacea is a tad pinker.



This is definitely highly pigmented concealer, but what is great about it is that it is not at all cakey and I can't seem to make it cake. It seems to be impossible. Because it is so highly pigmented, this concealer does feel a little bit thicker than others, so I usually apply a small amount to the back of my hand to warm it up a little, then pat it over the area I want to cover with a fingertip. It won't spread really far, so you'll want to be sure to dot it around the entire area before blending. I blend it with a BeautyBlender sponge, and that's it. It blends in pretty much perfectly, covers everything and looks like I just have great skin. And it stays like that all day long!

While super high coverage concealers work (and look) good on my skin, they aren't for everyone. I don't have many fine lines/wrinkles under my eyes despite being 36, and I always apply over an eye cream to help smooth things out.

Laura Mercier
Product Sent for Review

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Get the Look: Zoe Saldana at the Blood Ties Premiere

Nothing to Report

Eyes
• First, Steimberg lined the eyes using Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Noir using the Angled Eye Liner Brush, and extended the line outward.

• Next, she applied Illuminating Eye Colour in Fire Glow under Saldana’s eyes, close to her lashes to give her a “golden luminescent colour.”

• For added definition, Steimberg applied a combination of Illuminating Eye Colour in Fire Glow and Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Cocoa to the tops of Saldana’s eyelids.

• She added the final touch of glamour by applying multiple coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara in Black to the actress’ top and bottom lashes, along with a few individual faux lashes.


Face
• Steimberg covered minor imperfections using Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-6 and then applied Secret Concealer in #3 underneath Saldana’s eyes.

• Next, she lightly dusted Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder in Candlelight all over the star’s face to create a natural glow.

• Lastly, Steimberg applied Crème Cheek Colour in Rosebud to the apples of Saldana’s cheeks to give her a natural, soft flush of colour.


Lips
• Steimberg applied Laura Mercier Stickgloss Lip Colour in Cranberry to Saldana’s lips. She noted that it was the perfect red to complement the rest of the makeup and that there was no better place to “rock” a red lip than France.


Laura Mercier

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Get the Look: Michelle Williams at Oz the Great and Powerful

While I’m a big fan of Mila and was looking to her for the “Oz the Great and Powerful” Premiere, Michelle Williams definitely looked amazing as well. Her makeup was by Sabrina Bedrani for Laura Mercier.

Face
1. First Bedrani applied Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation in Cream Ivory to even out Michelle’s skin.
2. She then used Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-1 to conceal any little imperfections.
3. Next, she dusted Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder all over her skin to set the look.
4. Then, Bedrani applied Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Rose Bloom to Michelle’s cheeks.

Eyes
1. Bedrani used a combination of Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colours to create the sultry eye look. First, she applied Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Cocoa all over the lid and along the bottom lash line.
2. Then, she used a brush to swipe Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Khaki onto the top and bottom of the outer corner of her eyes to add depth. She blended the shade outward to “extend the eye and give it a cat-eye effect.” She applied Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold onto the inner corners to brighten the look.
3. Next, she defined Michelle’s eyes by applying Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Noir onto the lash line.
4. Then, she filled in Michelle’s eyebrows using Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil in Fair Blonde and used Laura Mercier Eye Brow Gel to define the shape.
5. Bedrani added the final touch of glamour by applying multiple coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara to Michelle’s top and bottom lashes.

Lips
1. Bedrani “dabbed a little” Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Shy Pink onto Michelle’s lips.
2. She finished the glamorous look by layering Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Bare Pink on top

Laura Mercier

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Get the Look: Mila Kunis at the Oz the Great and Powerful Premiere

I was very excited to see what my biggest girl crush, Mila Kunis, would look like at the premiere of her new movie, “OZ the Great and Powerful”. Obviously, the answer was amazing! Her makeup was much lighter than her usual smoky eye (which she wears in much of the previews), so it was really nice to see her in a light eye look for once. Her look was created by Tracey Levy for Laura Mercier.

Face
1. Mila’s skin was prepped with with RéVive Intensité Moisture Serum Extrême, followed by Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. At this time, she also prepped Mila’s lips with Laura Mercier Lip Silk.
2. Then, she applied Laura Mercier Oil-Free Suprême Foundation in Sunny Beige to even the surface of Kunis’ skin. She used a touch of Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3 around her nose and under her eyes to conceal imperfections.
3. Next, she dusted Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder in Universal on the skin and used a touch of Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder #2 to set the under-eye area.
4. Levy then contoured Mila’s cheek bones using Laura Mercier Bronzing Powder in Golden Bronze and dusted the powder on her neck and chest to give her a glow from head-to-toe.
5. She used Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Pink Mosaic to highlight the upper cheek bones and to provide a light dusting of shimmer.
6. Then,she applied Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Rose Petal on the upper apples of Mila’s cheeks and blended the shade with the existing shimmer.

Eyes
1. Levy applied Laura Mercier Eye Canvas in EC-2 to ensure that Mila’s eye makeup would last the entire evening.
2. Next, she contoured her eye crease lightly with Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Café au Lait for a bit of depth.
3. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold was used as a highlight on the lids.
4. Levy then used Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Noir and Violet to line Mila’s eyes “for a bit of drama.” She also applied Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye liner in Black Ebony along the lash line.
5. Next, she filled in Kunis’ eyebrows with Laura Mercier Eye Brow Pencil in Deep Blonde and set them with Laura Mercier Eye Brow Gel.
6. Levy added the final touch of by applying two coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara to Mila’s top and bottom lashes.

Lips
1. Levy applied another coat of Laura Mercier Lip Silk to the lips to give a final boost of moisture.
2. She then lightly lined Mila’s lips with Laura Mercier Lip Pencil in Natural and filled in the lips with Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Angelic.
3. She completed the look with a swipe of Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Sparkling.


Laura Mercier

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Get the Look: Julianna Margulies at the SAG Awards

Julianna's makeup was done by Molly Stern (OMG), who tried to keep the look modern and fresh.

1. Molly first prepped Julianna's skin with L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Miracle Blur Finishing Cream to create a soft-focus finish

2. Next, she applied a blend of L’Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Primer and L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup

3. Molly kept cheeks looking naturally flushed with Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color in Canyon and a dusting of NARS Blush in Sex Appeal

4. Molly primed Julianna's eyes with Laura Mercier's Eye Basics Base in Peach and intensified her shadow line with NARS Eyeshadow in Bali

5. For Julianna's mother-of-pearl-inspired lids, Molly relied on a combination of soft lavender, violet and peach found in L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eye Shadow Quads in "Stacked Heels" and "What Happens in Vegas"

6. Molly defined the lash line by using L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Grey and then added a bit of sparkle by applying (via wet application) L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Eternal Black

7. She curled her lashes with a Shu Uemura lash curler before applying two coats of L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara

8. Molly created Julianna’s creamy and nude bold pout by using a blend of L’Oréal Paris Color Caresse by Colour Riche Luminous Lipcolour in Sheer Linen and L’Oréal Paris Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Pink Perseverance



Julianna's hair was styled by Sebastian Scolarici. I couldn't find a good picture to purchase of the back of her hair (oh yes, this lowly blogger buys these pics to share with you!), but it was very pretty in the back. It is pulled back with a simple head band, but in the back it is really full with some great waves and a ton of volume.

1. Sebastian prepped Julianna’s damp hair with L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Alcohol-Free Volume Boosting Mousse. He also applied the Root Lifting Spray to her roots for targeted volume at the crown

2. After blow-drying smooth with a round-brush, Sebastian separated Julianna's hair into 5-6 sections and curled individual pieces with a 1-inch-barrel curling iron

3. Each curl was temporarily set in place with a roller pin (while Julianna was in makeup)

4. Post-makeup, hair was released from roller pins and brushed through to create soft waves (versus a tight spiral); Sebastian worked a bit of L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum into hair to smooth down any frizzies or flyaways

5. Next, hair was teased at the crown to create high-volume

6. A piece of black satin ribbon was used as a simple and chic headband to separate the look - keeping the front of hair sleek and back of hair voluminous

7. Sebastian finished the look by spraying a generous amount of Elnett Satin Hairspray to lock in her style while leaving hair brushable. "I love that Elnett doesn't leave a film ... especially on dark hair like Julianna's," Sebastian says.


Did you see Julianna Margulies at the Golden Globes? I loved her sleek pony tail!

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Get the Look: Amy Adams at the 2013 Golden Globes

Makeup Artist Stephen Sollitto created such a pretty look for Amy Adams at the 2013 Golden Globes.

Face
• Sollitto prepped Adams’ skin using RèVive Moisture Serum Extreme to ensure the star’s skin remain moisturized throughout the red carpet and award show.

• Next, he applied Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 – Oil Free to give the skin a sheer hint of colour.

• To complete her flawless face and create a natural-looking glow, he applied Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Canyon to Amy’s cheek bones, followed by Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Oleander to the apples of her cheeks.

Eyes
• Sollitto applied Laura Mercier Secret Concealer around Adams’ eye area to conceal imperfections.

• Next, he applied Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour in Sandstone to add a hint of natural colour.

• He then applied Laura Mercier Sequin Eye Colour in Twinkling Star to create depth and definition.

• Next, he blended Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour in Sable onto the top of her lids and under her bottom lashes.

• Sollitto lined Adams’ eyes using Dior Style Liner and applied Dior DiorShow Backstage Makeup Mascara to elongate her lashes.

Lips
• Sollitto applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Plum Orchid to the star’s lips, and then completed the look by applying Laura Mercier Lip Glacè in Raspberry.

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Get the Look: Claire Danes at the 2013 Golden Globes

Claire Danes was probably my #1 or 2 favorite of the night. I love how fun and youthful but still... appropriate and pretty her look was at the Golden Globes. Claire's look was created by Celebrity hairstylist Peter Butler from John Frieda and Matin Maulawizada, Global Artistry Director for Laura Mercier.

Face
Maulawizada determined that “glowy, warm skin” would be the perfect canvas for Danes’ sultry makeup look.
• First, he applied Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Crème Compact SPF 20 in Almond to warm up Claire’s skin tone.

• Next he sparingly used Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage #3 to “cover up little imperfections and darkness under the eyes, which she really doesn’t have.”

• On her cheeks, Maulawizada applied Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Blaze followed by Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Palette to “highlight, bronze and make her even more glowy.”

• Lastly he used a combination of Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent and Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder to set Claire’s makeup and concealer.

• To ensure Danes glowed from head to toe, Maulawizada applied Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder in Candlelight over Laura Mercier Repair Eye Serum on Claire’s shoulders and arms.

Eyes
Maulawizada determined that a sultry, smoky eye would perfectly complement the star’s glamorous, red Versace dress. “I decided to go with a smoky eye and not a red lip since the dress was so red,” stated Maulawizada.

• Maulawizada accomplished this by applying Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Liner in Black on Danes’ top lids and under her eyes “to create depth and shape.”

• Next he applied Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony with Laura Mercier Flat Eye Liner Brush to “deepen the lash line.” He then rimmed the inside of the eyes using Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Black Gold to “intensify the depth and to create a contrast with Claire’s blue eyes.”

• Maulawizada added the final touch of glamour by applying multiple coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara to Claire’s upper lashes.

Lips
Maulawizada used neutral colours to “contour the lips” and make them appear “pouty, à la an early ‘90s supermodel pout.”

• He first defined the lips using Laura Mercier Lip Pencil in Hazelnut.

• Then he contoured and shaded in the lips with Laura Mercier Lip Pencil in Praline.

• Lastly he applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Angelic to make the colour a “bit more beige and quiet.”


Hair
1. Blowdry hair with a large, round, boar bristle brush. Take a curling iron with a 1 1/2 inch barrel and start curling hair section by section. Set the curls with Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hairspray.

2. To create the perfect wave, use a paddle brush to brush through curls. Apply Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Crème throughout the hair--it will soften hair and add shine while leaving the curls chunky and intact.

3. Finish by adding a fine mist of Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray to lock in the style.


John Frieda
Laura Mercier

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Makeup Wars: My Favorite Holiday Metallics

I've been holding back on you. I had some craziness at work about 2 weeks ago, followed very quickly by the holiday, which means I have all sorts of stuff sitting around my house, that I've been loving and enjoying, and haven't gushed about on my blog yet!

Aren't these shadows gorgeous? They make me want to go all RZ and use words like "amazeballs" and "bananas". (Does she use those words anymore? I stopped watching her show ages ago...)

Anyways, this week for Makeup Wars we are featuring our favorite metallics for the holiday season, and the metallics seem to be an even bigger trend than usual this year! Instead of the typical gold and silver, there are so many variations with bronze, copper and platinum thrown into the mix. The metallics seem more wearable than ever!

These 2 shadows are from Laura Mercier's Art Deco Muse collection for the holidays. I have some other pieces from the collection that I need to share as well, but I'm particularly in love with these 2 shadows and had to feature them here!

The shadows pictured here are Gilded Platinum (left) and Gilded Moonlight. Also available are Gilded Rosegold, and Gilded Bronze.

Somehow these are glitzy without being glittery and overbearing. I've been reaching for them almost daily! I've been using Gilded Platinum under my lower lash line, on the inner 1/3 or so and the tear duct area as a little highlight. It catches the light and has a good amount of shimmer but doesn't scream "DISCO!", which I love. Gilded Moonlight has been so pretty when combined with neutral shades to add a little depth. Sometime, if we ever see a little sun again around here, I'll share pics with everyone.

In the meantime, put these on your Christmas list!








Laura Mercier

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Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Fragrance Review

Summer for me often evokes memories of sitting on a beach, the waves (and sea gulls) in the background while everything smells like suntan lotion. There are definitely fragrances out there that smell just like suntan lotion (I'm looking at you Bobbi Brown), but this isn't one of them.

Notes: Almond, coconut milk, jasmine, rosewood, ylang-ylang, vanilla, tonka, heliotrope & musk

This fragrance isn't new (I believe it was released in 2006), and Laura has added it to an Eau de Toilette, Scrub, Hand Cream, Body Cream, Body Wash, Body Butter, Honey Bath... you get the picture. This is a very popular scent and it is almost possible to use only Almond Coconut product when getting ready for your day.

Almond Coconut is one of those fragrances that depends a lot on a person's body chemistry. It can be amazing... or not so great. The internet is filled with people who either love or hate this fragrance. I highly recommend trying a spritz and wandering around the store for a good 30 minutes or so before making a decision about this one.

On me, the initial scent is very heavy on the almond, but with a bit of the ylang-ylang mixed in. It's an interesting floral-nutty scent. After about 30 minutes the coconut comes out a bit more, not to the point that I smell edible, but it is definitely there. The combination of Almond and Coconut is just.. kinda yummy. With a little bit of floral and woodsy grounding it this isn't screaming "Almond Joy Candy Bar", instead it is just enough coconut to make me feel a little tropical. The Almond is a lighter woodsy scent to ground everything.

I'll be reaching for this all summer to wear by our little paddling pool in the backyard, my grown up mommy version of the beach.

Laura Mercier

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Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation Review

Laura Mercier says that this foundation has a "soft matte" finish, a phrase that sold me right away. I'm a girl with combination skin, the idea of no shine.... yes, very appealing!

Consistency: Liquid foundation
Blendability: Easily blended, I recommend finishing with a sponge (I like my Beauty Blender) for a flawless finish
Buildable coverage: Yes
Feeling on skin: Lightweight
Wear: 12-14 hours
Problems with wear: No caking, doesn't settle into fine lines
Shades Available: 12 shades are available, I used warm ivory

There is one little quirk to this foundation. Do not pair it with Stila's BB Cream, which is basically a foundation primer. I'm not sure why, but the two don't seem to like each other and the result is orange foundation with spotty coverage after about 6-8 hours.

With any other primer (or lack of primer) this foundation looks perfect for 12-14 hours and doesn't change colors. I've found myself reaching for it over and over.

Laura Mercier

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Laura Mercier's Empty Palette and New Shades

Recently I shared Laura Mercier's Custom Portfolio, a new, limited edition item to help you keep everything you need, for every day or for travel, all at your fingertips. Laura also created some new shades, both limited edition and permanent collection, to fit into the included compacts.

Since my posting I've been able to try out a few of the new shades (and a 6 well compact) for myself! Read on to see pics and hear what I thought.

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Laura Mercier's Custom Portfolio: Create Your Own Perfect Travel Kit

I think I've made no secret of my love of palettes and all in one sets. Especially if they work for travel. In the past Bobbi Brown and Trish McEvoy have had sets like this, though I think this is one one with the most customization and with the prettiest outside.

To go with this new portfolio Laura has even created some new limited edition shades to fit into the included 3 and 6 well compacts. Currently, the compacts can be filled with all Eye Colour formulas, Tightline Cake Eye Liner, Caviar Eye Liner and Cheek Colour. There are also new Eye and Cheek Colours, as well as new crème forms, Sheer Crème Colour (for face and cheeks) and Lip Glaze.

Read on to see the new colors and learn more about the portfolio.

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Laura Mercier Twilight: A Nail Polish to Lust After

Have you seen this new Laura Mercier nail polish? It's the first she's released in years and I luuuuuvs it! Twilight is a dark purple sparkle that is right up my alley. I would not be disappointed to find this in my stocking (hint, hint!)

Laura Mercier

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Liv Tyler at the 2011 New York City Ballet Fall Gala

Matin Maulawizada, Global Artistry Director and Brand Ambassador for Laura Mercier created an amazing look for Liv Tyler at the 2011 New York City Ballet Fall Gala and I had to share!

Face
Liv's skin was prepped with Foundation Primer, and then Creme Smooth Foundation in Warm Ivory was used to even out her skin tone.


Eyes
First, Liv's eyes were enhanced with Metallic Creme Eye Colour in Rose Gold, a shimmery rose-gold. He then lined with Eye Kohl in Black Gold, a more subtle choice with her pale complexion. (In the pic it is gold, but according to the LM website this is really a black with gold pearl.)

Lips
Dollface Gel Lip Colour, sheer bright blue based pink completed the look.

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Laura Mercier Secret Brightner

In my never ending quest to look awake, I've decided to give it a shot with the Laura Mercier Secret Brightner Series. There are many components, I decided to start small with the pen and powder.

The Secret Brightner Pen is a pink-flesh tone with shimmer, it "instantly opens the eye area & brightens any portion of the face while smoothing the skin for a youthful appearance." It is meant to be applied after your foundation and concealer into the undereye area. Too much, and the whole area looks shiny as if you applied vaseline to the area. Not exactly the point of the product to begin with. I'm not sure that even when properly applied it makes the area look more "open" or makes me look awake. So, I'm not using this product in my undereye area any longer. But, applied to the inner eye, it provides just the right amount of "open" and shimmer, and is perfect there.

The second part of the series is the Secret Brightner Powder, meant to be used in setting the pen and concealer. It is a white shimmer powder, and when applied completely highlights my undereye area and makes it several shades lighter than the surrounding skin and makes me look like a raccoon. This is with a very light coating. So, I am no longer using this product on my undereye area either. It actually works great as an overall highlighter across my browbone and cheekbones over blush. A small amount of shimmer without any glitter and still wearable on a workday! I will probably buy this again, just to use this way again.

Laura Mercier

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