Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primers, Review

Naya
2 days ago
4 min read

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Hydrating Blurring Illuminating Face Primers Review

blur, hydrate, illuminate

Foreword

As we revisit revamped Laura Mercier bestsellers, let's focus on one of the standout products from the brand - face primers. In this post we will look at the new formula and determine whether it outshines the original or not.

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My Skin: dry, sensitive

About the Product

Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer (48 USD; Made in USA/Italy) - is a collection of face primers created to help prep and perfect complexion for makeup application.

Available in three versions: Hydrating, Blurring, and Illuminating.

PACKAGING

The product comes in a sleek, well-made plastic tubes containing 30 ml / 1 fl oz of product. These primers are color-coded, where pink corresponds to the Illuminating formula, blue to the Hydrating, and lavender to the Blurring. This design is user-friendly and portable. Additionally available as a travel-sized mini.

Recyclable ♻️

FORMULA

The renewed face primers offer hybrid-formulations inspired by the discontinued Laura Mercier products.

The new Hydrating primer is based off of the original primer mixed with the brand's Supercharged Essence.

The new Illuminating primer is based off of both the original Illuminating formula mixed with the Perfecting one.

Lastly, the new Blurring primer is an improved version of the old one.

😊 PROS

Both the Hydrating and the Illuminating primers are similar in composition. They have a strong hydration base (Glycerin, Glycols), offering a barrier support (Squalane, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Phytosterols) and a boost of antioxidant botanicals (Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Trifolium Pratense Flower Extract, and Sea Water).

The Blurring primer also has a solid hydration base, but it focuses more on Silica and Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer for a soft-focus finish.

There is no added fragrance.

☹️ CONS

Although generally safe, some botanical extracts present in these formulas can irritate very sensitive skin types. Isopropyl Myristate, found in the Blurring primer, may clog pores over time. This formula also has fewer barrier-repair lipids compared to the other two face primers.

Personally, I did not face any adverse reactions while using these products.

TEXTURE

All three face primers have a thin, lightweight consistency that blends and absorbs with ease. The Illuminating primer has a runny texture. The Blurring primer feels balmier, richer compared to the rest.

SCENT

None.

APPLICATION

The Pure Canvas Primer should be seen as the last step in your skincare routine and the first in your makeup application. Let your skincare absorb, then apply your primer. Ideally, give it a moment to set before proceeding with the rest of your makeup. Best applied with fingertips.

On average, these face primers play well with other products. The Illuminating primer occasionally shows minor pilling, while both the Blurring and the Hydrating primers are hassle-free. The key here is to use your Laura Mercier primer sparingly. Less is more and targeted application may give better results vs heavy one.

FINISH

The Hydrating primer has a dewy, radiant finish. It stays glossy unless you choose to set it with powder. Although it has Mica in it, it is undetectable to the naked eye.

The Illuminating primer is also dewy, but it is not extra reflective. This formula has more Mica in it, yet it is ultra-fine and hardly noticeable.

The Blurring primer sets very fast and leaves you with a true matte, velvety finish. You can even feel its residue on your fingertips.

WEAR

Both the Hydrating and the Blurring primers are winners when it comes to how well and long they wear. The former is extra moisturizing and the latter gives a blurring, mattifying effect. Although it may not fully hide larger pores, it won't settle in them either. It also helps your base makeup glide over the skin effortlessly.

The Illuminating primer is more hydrating than it is illuminating. I wish it was more pearlescent like the original version. Out of the three, this primer was least impressive.

The promised wear-time on all three Laura Mercier primers is 16 hours and while I can't vouch for that, I must add that the Blurring primer is where the longevity is at, while the Hydrating primer is best for added moisture and slip.

Verdict

While using a face primer in your makeup routine is optional, if you need a bit of help in the skin texture department, these Laura Mercier primers may come in handy. Since the Illuminating primer is so similar to the Hydrating one (formula-wise), I would recommend opting for the latter; especially if you have dry/dehydrated skin. For a combination/oily skin, the Blurring primer is the best option. Although, given how lightweight and non-drying it is, it can work very well for most skin types. Out of the three, it was the best in terms of the formula upgrade. To conclude, your choice of primer will primarily depend on your skin type and makeup preferences.