August 21, 2008

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit Review

The big question on everyone’s mind since I mentioned it would be is Laura Mercier’s Flawless Face Kit worth it?

Only Four Steps? Hmmm….will it work?

And the answer:

Yes.

Yes, Yes, Yes.

You need it.

Like yesterday.

You might know from reading my past posts I’m not too fond of Tinted Moisturizers. They don’t work for me. Although I don’t have a ton to cover I still have been having rather dull skin lately and my foundation is definately my bestest friend when it comes to freshening my skin up. Tinted Moisturizers fail to offer me the coverage I need to give my skin a boost of awake-ness and freshness. I’ve tried a few here and there and none of them do much aside from sink into my skin as any normal facial moisturizer would without offering the benefits of coverage. Granted, they are not supposed to cover EVERYTHING but I was hopeful they’d give my skin a healthy glow as my foundation does.

Laura Mercier obviously gets the award for doing Tinited Moisturizer right because turns out she has a brilliant formula that’s pigmented and moisturizing while offering light coverage which of course is especially nice in the humid and hot weather and of course SPF 20 to keep our skin healthy and happy while in the rays of the harmful sun. The coverage offered is sheer but it’s also pigmented enough to liven up dull skin and offer a nice canvas for makeup.

Now the Laura Mercier Fawless Face Kit is available via Sephora only and is $65 USD but you get quite a bit of bang for your buck as the kit includes a fair number of nice items.

I’ve done the math, I’ve broken it down, and I think $65 USD is a fair, decent, and nice amount for the kit.

The kit comes in two color selections which I think is a bit disappointing. I got the nude which is good for fair to light tones. The second option is sand which is good for light to medium tones. I imagine if I went to a counter they’d stick me with sand but I think it’s an unflattering selection for my skin tone so I went with nude.

Now the disappointment stems from the fact if your skin is a deeper shade than fair, light, or medium you’re out of luck. That stinks le sigh.

The kit includes

A nice size clear makeup bag (great for stashing this entire collection in when traveling)
1 oz Foundation Primer
1 oz Tinted Moisturizer
0.21 oz Undercover Pot Duo (concealer and setting powder)
Secret Camouflage Brush
Camouflage Powder Brush
Sponge
Powder Puff

As I said I did the math and here’s the break down:

Undercover Pot Duo $34 USD for 0.2 oz size

The size since the pot I got with the Flawless Face Kit appears quite large and full size but I’m unsure of the normal size. This could likely be the full size but I’m unsure. Regardless, the pot contains a healthy amount of both concealer and setting powder.

Tinted Moisturizer 1.5 oz $42

You get a 1 oz size with the kit so the regular size is not much bigger than what you get.

Foundation Primer 1.7 oz $30

This is considerably larger than the 1 oz included with the kit but still since this is so emollient a little goes a long way!

Both brushes are full size brushes and retail for $26 USD and $28 USD

Powder Puff $12 USD

Sponges are sold in four packs at Laura Mercier’s site so that’ll be $3 USD for one.

Grand total: $163 USD or as stated by Sephora $159 USD knock off a few dollars from the total for the oz sizes and it’s still a great deal!

The Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit with all of the above included (not the same size listed) costs $65 USD.

Yup, it’s a steal.

Now the review…

I mentioned a little about the Tinted Moisturizer but I’ll go on to say that the formula is lightweight, offers good hydration and moisture without feeling greasy, and gives my face a very flawless, awake appearance.

Prior to using the Tinted Moisturizer you can prime your face using the foundation primer. I’ve used Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer before after getting a sample with an order I placed. It’s not your typical primer as it’s not silicon based. It’s simply an extra layer of moisture that helps prep your face prior to foundation. If you’re familiar with Laura Geller Speckle the texture and formula of this primer is about the same. As far as making your foundation last longer I really have noticed much different but I do love this as prep before foundation because it makes blending so much easier.

Another first for me is the Laura Mercier Undercover Camouflage Pot. Like Bobbi Brown’s concealer palette this contains both a corrector and a concealer. Either blend the two to create a single flattering shade or brighten and correct with the lightest shade and layer the darker shade for total concealing coverage. This is moisturizing, creamy, pigmented, and wonderful for older eyes as it doesn’t settle into fine lines or crease. The setting powder, again like Bobbi Brown, sets the concealer without aging the eyes or settling into fine lines.

I don’t think I own a concealer brush and I’m quite smitten with the Secret Camouflage brush since it made applying the concealer easier and mess free. I normally don’t bother with brushes to apply concealer but this is a god sent for getting into the corner of my eye and under the lash line to cover every little nook and cranny. I seemed to successfully cover all my woes with very little tugging when I used this. I can see it becoming a holy grail item and I’ll be reaching for it daily.

The Camouflage Powder brush picks up just the right amount of powder to set the concealer. I like that it captures just a tiny bit of powder because I seriously can’t wear a ton of powder under my eyes. The days when I could conceal circles with powder are long gone and powder sinks into my fine lines aging me 10 years. This brush picks up a tiny bit and smooths it into place beautifully.

The sponge and puff are probably not something you’d totally benefit from. I prefer smoothing on foundation and TM with my fingers so the sponge is a waste for me however I did feel like the puff was quite posh. It’s a large puff with a nice loop hand on the back so you can press powder into the face with ease.

All in all I felt like the kit really did give me flawless face coverage. It’s perfect for Summer when you want to wear alot less makeup but it’s also great for those days you’re looking for minimal makeup, or you’re in a rush, or you’re just heading to the gym or store and don’t need a ton of coverage. I was very happy with the size of the products but in particular I was impressed that they included full size brushes.

The kit is well worth your money in my humblest and I’m sticking a Muse Approval on it for purchase since I was very happy to have shelled out $65 USD for it.

Below basically consists of me wearing the entire kit plus some blush and gloss. Yes, this would be the same photo from my recent Maquillage Neo Climax Neo Lip Review.

That’d be the Muse trying to kill two birds with one stone! I firgured I could get away with posting one FOTD for the gloss and use the same one for my Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit Review! Hope you don’t mind too much!

Nice one Laura Mercier. The Muse Approves!

Own this kit?

Love it?

Love Laura Mercier makeup?

Tell the Muse!

Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer Review

Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation Review

32 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Tammy

    I have heard so many great things about this brand..and I heard about this kit a few weeks ago, but sadly I am neither fair nor sand..my skin is a solid honey color..lol..they need to add more colors. Great review.

  • the Muse

    hiya tammy.

    I wonder if sand would work. But I doubt it. I agree 100% they seriously need to work on the color selection!

    it’d be perfect if they did 😉

  • Asta

    My interest is totally piqued. However, someone spent a lot of money at MAC today and isn’t allowed to buy any more makeup for a month. If it’s still around I’ll totally check it out! You’ve already “made” me buy the Rocker eye kit and the peaches n cream Tarte foundation! You’re a bad influence! *grin*

  • Stephy

    I actually saw this kit during my trip to a Sephora in Seattle and i was THIS close to getting it. but didnt get it in the end cuz i tried the tinited moisturizer and i couldn’t see any difference on my face. so i guess that’s how tinted moisturizer should work or was it just me?

  • the Muse

    asta your cheeky little monkey 🙂 can’t wait to see your mac haul!

    LOL I MADE you did I? hehe 🙂 did you like the tarte peaches and cream foundation!? Do share 🙂

    Lord knows I’m bad influence on myself lol!

  • Katy

    Thanks for the review! I've heard so many good things about LM's tinted moisturizer. <3

  • Tammy

    I think I am a little too dark for the shades available. Plus, I like a little more coverage than a TM usually gives.
    I totally agree with Asta!!! You ARE a bad influence! Then again, if it wasnt for my dear Musey, I would have never discovered my HG MJ mascara!
    I am on a No Buy anyway (which I have broken twice BTW!) and am planning on still going to the MAC counter on Saturday. I have something I have to return…plus wanna check out the COC collection…just looking…well maybe get ONE thing, really….whatever.

  • the Muse

    my pleasure kathy 🙂

    The hyper is definately right. It’s good stuff. I like it! 😉

    Thanks for the comment, hope we talk again soon!

  • the Muse

    hi tammy!

    I was disappointed with the shade selections myself 🙁

    I feel the same about the coverage however I felt like it worked very well at getting rid of my dullness 🙂

    LOL oops sorry 🙂 I create the lems I fear 🙂

    YAY! MJ is awesome!

    I’m trying to be good myself but it never works hehe!

    I wanna get to the mac counter myself and see everything up close..the pigges are calling my name!!!!!!

    LOL..make it two things 😉 or three..or go ahead and get four….the Muse says it’s ok 😉

  • Dao

    A friend of mine swears by LM and she does have flawless makeup. But I don’t know, my skin is really sensitive it’s annoying. I may try the primer to see how it works.

    • Candi

      My skin is sensitive as well, and Laura Mercier’s makeup is the only one I use and trust! 🙂

  • MiuMiu

    hi muse!
    i swear when i went on the sephora site it was selling for $45 a few weeks ago..strange o_O cuz i wanted to purchase it for that price. but i’m sure sephora will mark it up like $20 for canadians haha
    i tried the tinted moisturizer in sand on my hand and it seemed to look very muddy, so i doubt it’ll blend in my face nicely. but still..the brushes and the cute little concealer!! that’s what got my attention haha.

  • Askmewhats

    hi Muse! that set makes me drool! and the retail price is so affordable! we could NEVER have that here, I have to rush and check out Laura Mercier and see if we have that set!!!

  • Audrie aka Petitebelle

    I have been totally eyeing this set since it came out and I am SO glad that you did such a thorough review on it!! I believe the light/medium kit would work for me so I am definitely going to check it out now and hopefully grab myself one. Again thanks for the review Muse! muah 🙂

  • jie jie

    Hi!

    I really wanted to try this, mainly because of the brushes and the great deal. But it’s the regular version. I’m not sure if my oily skin can handle it.

    Thanks for the wonderful review!

  • rocketqueen

    Omg omg omggggg! That is lovely, and great review just as usual! YUM! And you look GREAT! Love that blush on you 🙂

  • Tammy M

    You are so bad! LOL!!

    I really must be good! I am actually going to the mall to get my hubby a birthday gift..

    Besides, I am saving for my birthday weekend in Orlando…and MAC Pro store, and the 2 CCO’s there….and the Dior Outlet store…and….

  • Phyrra

    You have a very dewy appearance with this face kit. Your face looks all nice and even in color, very pretty. Btw, your eye brows look nice, too!
    Pretty gloss.

    -DD

  • the Muse

    hi dao!

    I have a sample size of the primer that I got extra with my order if you’d like to try it out 🙂

  • the Muse

    hi millie!

    Really!? Maybe it was?! I’ve seen Sephora suddenly up prices on stuff so that wouldn’t surprise me in the least! $45 is a nice price for this!

    I brought the nude kit as sand kinda looked yak to me too! The full size brushes and concealer caught my eye as well 😉 great minds..!

  • the Muse

    hey nickki!

    It’s a fab price. At first I was worried dishing out for this as TM’s normally don’t work so hot on me but this works fab and the price is nice 😉

    It’s worth it for the concealer alone which works awesome!

  • the Muse

    hi audrie!

    Aw I’m glad the review is helpful love. I really like it. I really don’t like TM’s they rarely work for me but this was really well done. And well worth the $!

    You’re most welcome!!!!!!! My pleasure! I look forward to your review when you get it!

    Hug!

  • the Muse

    hello there jie jie!

    The brushes are half of the awesome deal. Hmm that’s a good question…although the tm is not oily or greasy I still worry about the effects on oily skin. it doesn’t mattify at all just offers dewy coverage. The dewy is the problem…You can always swatch and see 🙂

    You’re most welcome 🙂 it’s my pleasure to bring it to you!

    hugs!

    Thank you for your comment, I hope to talk to you again soon!

  • the Muse

    hey tammy!

    LOL! Bad in a good way right?!

    😉

    Happy bday to the hub 🙂

    Yay! I wanna come damnit 🙂

    The Muse LOVES dior 🙂

  • the Muse

    hi there dd!

    Thanks honey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aw thanks! 😉

    MWAH!

  • Jean

    Hi Muse!

    It seems to me you own a larger range of makeups than Sephora! Browsing this blog is a great pleasure!

    I ordered this kit yesterday and can’t wait to put it on!

    I wonder if you’ve tried the smoky eye liner bruch from LM. Kind of curious about that one.

  • Jean

    Thanks for replying!
    I read throgh your profile and felt that you’re a really warm-hearted and confidenct girl. So don’t care about what others say, keep on going and swatching!

  • the Muse

    my pleasure Jean! Love talking to my fellow makeup addicts 🙂

    Well thanks so much! *hugs*

    Aw absolutely…I have a great passion for doing this so I’m here to stay 🙂

  • Jean

    Got the set and love it, except for the concealor which turned out to be a bit dry…the tinted moisturizer is pretty cool

  • the Muse

    hi jean! Glad you enjoyed the set!

    Mmm concealer is a tiny bit dry so I just take extra care to keep my eye area moist and it goes on well after that 🙂

    Reason I do like the concealer is b/c it isn’t as emollient as some concealers so it sticks and stays where you put it 🙂

    Thanks for commenting and letting me know whatcha think!

  • Anna

    Hi there I totally love Laura Mercier products, even though prices may be steep but it’s worth the investment 🙂 Love your post 🙂