I rave about Laura Mercier everywhere I go, have converted many friends pre blogging days and probably recommend one of her products most days on twitter. People probably think I work for them… sadly I have no association whatsoever, but I do think it’s one of the most under appreciated beauty brands out there. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like it…. people either haven’t tried it, or they love it!
Crème Smooth is the second Laura Mercier foundation I’ve fallen for. The moisturising foundation was my absolute holy grail and I used it for a long time ( sadly heard it may be discontinued), but I couldn’t resist giving Crème Smooth a go as soon as it launched. It comes in a heavy, opaque glass jar with an airtight plastic shield on top and a little plastic scoop to lift out product with.
It couldn’t be more different from the moisturising foundation I used previously… it was fluid which blended quickly and easily leaving a perfect-but-real finish. Crème Smooth requires some getting to know you time… you’ve got to learn to work with it, but boy is it worth it! The shade I use is Warm Ivory, which is in fact slightly darker than Warm Ivory in the Moisturising Foundation, and my skin type is dry.
As you can see it’s quite thick, creamy and almost solid looking in the jar. You could probably turn it upside down without spilling (I’m not prepared to check!). This scared me… it reminded me of that Leichner stage makeup I used to see in the chemist years ago (it’s not like that!).
“Laura created this modern, lightweight foundation that floats over skin without visibly settling into fine lines. The hydrating formula includes a multipeptide complex infused with Dermaxyl and advanced optical diffusers that help to visibly smooth out lines and wrinkles.”
It sounds almost contradictory that this should be described as lightweight - and yet that’s exactly what the finish is: excellent coverage yet lightweight.
Crème Smooth can be applied using fingers, a sponge (which the girl on the counter recommended) or a foundation brush. For a long time I applied it with fingers or the ELF flat ended powder brush. I since discovered Real Techniques Stippling brush and that’s what I normally use now (though the ELF worked well too).
This little blob is almost twice what I’d use for one application… a little goes along way with this foundation (which is just as well, as it ‘aint cheap!). I warm the product on my palm (the padded bit below the base of my thumb to be precise), dot it onto cheeks with the stippling brush and blend in small circular movements all over my face in a really fine layer. It has medium to full coverage, the most coverage I’ve ever had in a foundation, probably on a par with Estee Lauder Double Wear but with a very different finish.
The key to this foundation is to use very little. I might add more on a night out, but for a daytime look, the smallest amount is enough to give brilliant coverage - and yet (this is the exciting bit…) it looks very natural! I can not abide foundation that looks or feels heavy. I don’t want to see it on my face, nor for anyone else to see it - I just want it to cover imperfections and make my skin look good - and this does! It can of course be built up for complete coverage if preferred for evening and is 100% buildable.
Looking at the first blob and slightly smoothed out swatch above, you’d think this would look thick and heavy on your face, yet it doesn’t. It blends out beautifully and seems to soften into your skin as it warms, looking even better as the day goes on. It leaves a subtle radiance on the skin and feels soft, fine and comfortable, plus it lasts really well, especially if a primer is worn underneath. I have Laura Mercier foundation primer (funnily enough) though it’s almost run out. You can see how it’s covered most of the light freckles on my arm (click to enlarge for greater detail).
I wasn’t actually taking this pic to show the foundation or I might have paid more attention to the application - it was for a (yet unpublished) post on Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Epetant eyeshadow, but hopefully this will give you an idea of how it looks on the skin. To me, it gives a soft focus effect, one for which I am extremely grateful! My blusher in this pic is Rose from my Laura Mercier Colour Wardrobe, which looks very similar to the Second Skin Rose Petal shade.
I don’t normally use this much eye makeup or curl my hair, so I do look more ‘made up’ than normal here… you’ll have to try and imagine this foundation with just mascara, a touch of eyeliner and glossy lips - ie even more natural looking!
Laura Mercier Crème Smooth costs £40.85 Urban Retreat’s Beautique.com ouchy… I know, but I’ve been using mine for several months and it’s not even half gone, which makes it a touch more palatable! Recommended for normal to dry skins and mine is in the shade Warm Ivory.
What do you think of this product? Any other Laura Mercier fans out there? Please do let me know your thoughts - thanks for reading! Nic x
