Laura Mercier Skincare Essentials Collection, Review
Perfect makeup canvas equals perfect skincare
Foreword
Laura Mercier (aka the queen of classy makeup) recently surprised us with a launch of 10 brand new skincare products that are here to cleanse, moisturize or prep our beautiful faces for a flawless makeup application. In this post I will be going through 6 products from the Skincare Essentials Collection, that I have been testing for a while now.
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling!
My Skin: dry, sensitive
About the Collection
Skincare Essentials Collection includes 10 new (as well as a couple of revamped) skincare products, each containing Laura's must-have ingredients that she hand-selected (French Spring Water, Rose Water, Starflower Oil to name a few). The vision here was to create soft, gentle formulas to replenish skin and deliver high-performance results. The brand does not test on animals 🐇 but is not vegan 🚫🍃
In the collection you will find:
Balancing Foaming Cleanser (30 USD)
Purifying Micellar Water (30 USD)
Conditioning Cleansing Oil (38 USD)
Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (25 USD)
Refining Cream Polish (32 USD)
Nourishing Rose Oil (65 USD)
Illuminating Eye Cream (58 USD)
Mattifying Oil-Free Moisturizer (62 USD)
Hydrating Lip Balm (24 USD)
Soothing Eye Makeup Remover
Applying makeup can be so much fun, but cleansing your skin before going to bed is pure magic
Traditionally, most of us start with eyes first. Whether you have been wearing minimal eye makeup or something much heavier - you always have to ensure that there is no product residue left. My number one pet-peeve is when I see myself or someone else still having lash glue or mascara residue left from the night before. Issa a big no-no!
Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (25 USD; Made in USA) - is a bi-phase, "water meets oil" cleanser that claims to gently remove both normal and waterproof eye makeup. This formula is infused with Borago, Rose, Camellia Seed and Cornflower Oils to both refresh and calm the delicate eye area.
To my delight, this product is fragrance-free and despite having so many nourishing oils in it, it won't blur your vision or feel greasy in the slightest. You simply shake the bottle well to activate this bi-phase liquid, pour a small amount onto a cotton pad and gently press it onto your eyelids for less than a minute to dissolve mascara or any other waterproof makeup in the most gentle fashion possible. There will be no need to rub your eyes (another big no-no).
From my experience Soothing Eye Makeup Remover works really well when you let it sit on the skin for a few seconds. If you have been wearing glitter on the eyes, you can sweep this product over your lids and it will do a beautiful job removing it, so that you won't end up with sparkly bits all over the face.
Verdict: although initially I didn't expect much from it, Soothing Eye Makeup Remover turned out to be one of my favorite discoveries in this collection. It is effective, gentle and suitable for people with sensitive eyes. I give it A+ and do recommend it to those of you, who are on a hunt for a basic yet potent eye makeup remover.
Conditioning Cleansing Oil
Hold on tight, as we are entering the double-cleanse territory
Conditioning Cleansing Oil (38 USD; Made in USA) - is a blend of seven natural oils, that is going to effectively remove all types of makeup, without disrupting skin's optimal pH level.
If you have been reading this blog for a while now (love you!) then you already know just how fond I am of cleansing oils. As someone with dry and sensitive skin, I find that these types of nourishing, oil-based formulas are able to lift and wash away all of the makeup and grime in seconds, without stripping or damaging the skin. This makes a product like this a perfect "step one" in any cleansing routine (right before using a liquid cleanser).
As for the Conditioning Cleansing Oil itself, the star here is Safflower Seed Oil, which is a pretty typical key ingredient for most cleansers of this kind. The formula is additionally infused with Rice Bran, Sunflower, Rosemary, Borago, Macadamia, Rose extracts and oils, which ultimately makes it an ultra gentle and moisturizing product.
Usually with oil cleansers you can easily dissolve not only face, but also eye makeup. From my experience it removed mascara and waterproof eyeliner with ease, but did make my eyes a touch blurry (which I wasn't a big fan of). This is why I would recommend sticking with Soothing Eye Makeup Remover for the eyes and Conditioning Cleansing Oil for everything else.
Verdict: although it didn't replace my holy grail Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil (a great multitasker, that also works like a dream for sensitive eyes), I think that this cleansing oil is truly well formulated. It does an excellent job at removing that surface layer of impurities and makeup in one go and I will happily continue to use it. My only concern is that it has a very faint, powdery fragrance. Nothing to worry about (unless you have a very sensitive skin) yet I wish they would have used none. For that reason I give it B+ and do recommend it to people, who have a good tolerance to a mildly scented skincare.
The Perfect Cream Multi-Tasking Moisturizer
To moisturize or not to moisturize? Should never be a question
The Perfect Cream Multi-Tasking Moisturizer (68 USD; Made in USA) - is a very lightweight, water-based and borderline gel-meets-cream moisturizer that claims to hydrate and refresh your skin prior to makeup application. It is packed with anti-oxidants (Black Tea Ferment, Marine Extracts, Mango Seed Butter, Jojoba Oil, Apple Fruit Extract etc.) and should improve skin's radiance and texture over time.
I quite like the idea of makeup brands coming up with their own moisturizers. After all, not every product is compatible and oftentimes the key to a flawless result lies in skincare and makeup formulations matching each other. This is when a moisturizer like this can come in handy; you already know that it is developed in a way that it should play well with makeup, hence you have a lesser chance of having to scratch and redo your entire look just because something is moving or pilling.
Having said that, I couldn't bring myself to using The Perfect Cream Multi-Tasking Moisturizer more than twice. The reason being - this product is so heavily scented and the type of fragrance used here in particular is unfortunately triggering my migraines (I would describe it as an artificial, old-school skincare scent with lots of powdery notes in it).
Verdict: despite having a great potential and causing no harm to my skin, I had to discontinue the use immediately (migraines are no joke). I am a bit surprised with the choice of fragrance too - I have been using Laura Mercier for practically a decade now and can only speak highly of both their formulas and natural, mild and pleasant scents used (that I truly enjoy). I hope they release a fragrance-free version, so that I (and many other people with sensitive skin and noses) can benefit from this product's many wonderful ingredients. As for now, I can't recommend it, unless you do not mind extensively scented products.
Nourishing Rose Oil
Time for a luxurious face oil
Nourishing Rose Oil (65 USD; Made in USA) - is a mix of "super oils", that promises to instantly soothe, nourish and rejuvenate your complexion.
Some of the star ingredients here are: Coconut, Jojoba Seed, Meadowfoam, Grape Seed, Macadamia, Kukui, Borago and Rose Oils (as well as Squalane and Sea Water). The product has a very balmy, almost serum-esque consistency that I really like as it doesn't look or feel heavy on the skin (hence can be used underneath makeup as well).
This is probably one of the few products in the collection, that can be used as part of your actual, everyday skincare regimen (aside from cleansers). I think Laura Mercier have done an excellent job formulating this blend - it does feel great on the skin and adds a very nice, healthy glow. And just like many nourishing oils this one too can be used in multiple ways (hair ends and cuticles included).
Verdict: unlike its original predecessor (the brand's Infusion de Rose Nourishing Oil from last year), Nourishing Rose Oil has a richer, far more impressive list of ingredients that will undoubtedly do so much for the skin. I do think that you can see the benefits in a short period of time as well; skin becomes softer and more radiant after a couple of weeks. The way this oil smells differs too - it no longer has that signature, natural rose infused aroma to it. To me it smells somewhat similar to the moisturizer, but nowhere near as intense. Thankfully, the scent does not linger (so you do not really notice it as much when the product is on). However, I would still prefer it if they did not add any fragrance to it at all. If you are on a hunt for a multi-tasking, extra nourishing oil - this one might pique your interest. I give it B+
Illuminating Eye Cream
The best for last
Illuminating Eye Cream (58 USD; Made in USA) - is more than your typical eye care. This formula is a perfect hybrid of an eye serum and eye cream in one, with a few little [sneaky] makeup benefits to it as well.
Infused with Shea Butter, Rose Extract, Green Coffee Seed, Jojoba, Macadamia, Borago and Olive Oil to name a few - this rich yet ultra lightweight formula is a perfect addition to any makeup prepping routine. Personally speaking, I know it won't erase my pandas altogether (mine are hereditary), but it does help a lot when it comes to occasional puffiness and dryness.
It has the most delicious texture; one that melts right into your skin and leaves a lovely, naturally radiant finish. I find that it gives me the right amount of hydration, without trespassing on the Grease Land territory. Both corrector and concealer layer beautifully on top of it.
And here is something that many makeup wearers will appreciate - Illuminating Eye Cream has a brightening effect to it, thanks to finely milled and light-reflective violet pearls. They add just enough lift to the delicate under-eye area, while still remaining undetectable to the naked eye. Win-win!
Verdict: a great, day-time/AM eye cream for makeup lovers - this formula is moisturizing, lightweight and (drum roll) scent-free! A++
Hydrating Lip Balm
At last my love has come along...
...and my dry lips days are over thanks to Hydrating Lip Balm (24 USD; Made in USA).
Unlike most lip care products, I feel like this one has been specifically designed to prime your lips for a perfect lipstick application. This balm gives enough hydration, all while remaining completely undetectable on the lips. No sheen, no shine. Enriched with Plum Seed, Macadamia, Borago Oils and Olive-derived Squalane, it gives your lips a very much needed hug of comfort that is as weightless as a cloud (never sticky or heavy).
While it is not the most moisturizing lip product I have ever tried, I do think that it is best used for makeup purposes alone. The formula is so weightless and gloss-free, that it practically doesn't need to be blotted down. Hydrating Lip Balm will do its job at conditioning your pout, yet without altering the finish of matte or satin lipsticks, which is so hard to find in both regular balms or even lip primers.
Verdict: this must be one of the nicest lip primer/balm I have tried to date. As far as makeup prepping goes, it is amazing. Also good for those of you, who appreciate a scent-free formula. If you are looking for something a bit more potent like an intensive lip mask, then you might want to consider other options. Other than that, I give it A
What do you guys think about this brand new skincare collection? Let's chat some more in the comments!
Available online: lauramercier.com / sephora.com / nordstrom.com
PR samples; full disclaimer here
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