Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

Author's Rating:

Pros: creates a smooth surface onto which to apply foundation

Cons: doesn't make my makeup last longer than otherwise does

The Bottom Line: 
If you want to smoothe your skin out before applying foundation, this is good - but expensive!

Author's Review
I had heard about foundation primers, but hadn't used one myself until a friend gave me a tube of Laura Mercier Foundation Primer.  It wasn't working well for her because she has rosacea and she found that this product found her skin to sting.  I was happy to give it a try, and I have found that it is a nice addition to my makeup routine, but not a critical one.

Description

The primer is packaged in an understated light brown tube, with information printed on it in darker brown.  The tube has a twist off cap; the end through which the primer is dispensed is the narrowed piece onto which the cap twists on and off.

The primer itself is a thick, milky white liquid.  It is thinner than a lotion, but thicker than heavy cream.  The texture is very smooth and not at all greasy.  The primer is unscented, although it does have a faint smell to it.  It's not unpleasant, but it is present.

Use and experience

The directions for use on this product read as follows: Smooth on evenly by massaging completely into the surface of your skin.  Apply Foundation Primer over your own moisturizer or on a clean face, before using your concealer or foundation.

I use this exactly as recommended.  I start by washing and toning my face, then applying a layer of moisturizer with sunscreen in it.  After that sets for a moment, I take an amount of the primer about the size of a dime and I apply it to the skin on my face.  It feels very smooth going on, and it does not leave a greasy feeling to the skin.  I let the primer set for a moment as well, and then I apply my regular foundation over that.

I've been pleased with the smoothing aspect of the primer; it really does create a nicer surface for the foundation to be smoothed onto.  My foundation does look excellent over it as a result.  I know that this product is also supposed to help foundation to last longer, but in this regard I haven't noticed a difference.  I use a high quality foundation made by Lancome foundation, so perhaps I'm not noticing a difference due to that.  I like how this makes my skin feel, and I do think it improves the application process, but over the course of the day I don't think this primer is making a huge difference in my makeup or my appearance.

Cost and where to buy

While my tube of this product was given to me by a friend, I know you can purchase this product for about $30.00 at Laura Mercier cosmetics counters.  I have also seen it available online on Ebay, and at http://www.lauramercier.com/. 

There are no ingredients listed on my tube of this product.  If you have skin sensitivities or allergies, I would suggest buying from a Laura Mercier representative in a department store and asking the consultant there about the ingredients.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer is a nice product if you want to create a nice smooth surface onto which to apply foundation makeup.  I personally haven't found it to make my foundation last longer than it did already, and for the cost I don't know that this is an essential item for any woman.  3 stars.