Thanks, Mom! Laura Mercier Crème de Pistache Soufflé Body Crème (review)

I have a lot of reasons to say “thank you” in this life. But this particular bit of gratitude has to do with a birthday present from my mom. My birthday was a while ago, and I really really wanted something frivolous and indulgent. So I asked my mom if I could use her credit card for a little splurge. Mom said, “yes,” and I splurged on something thoroughly delicious from Laura Mercier.

Crème de Pistache Soufflé Body Crème

Blurb: an ultra-whipped scented body crème that provides luxurious all-day moisture protection without being too heavy or greasy. Capturing the essence of creamy pistachio nuts, almond, praline and hazelnut nuances and freshly whipped cream are combined for a rich, luscious experience. A CEW 2010 Best Body Treatment Prestige Finalist 2010.

I was already crazy for the Almond Coconut Milk Crème. Then I went to Nordstrom, and the saleslady had me sample the Crème de Pistache. OH EM GEE!! Now every time I’m in a department store; I start opening jars and making the person I’m with take a whiff. First they look at me like I’m crazy; then they inhale and go all dreamy-eyed. It smells that good.

It’s warm, sexy, slightly spicy, slightly nutty and just a little bit sweet. Like the other body soufflés; whenever I wear it, people invariably tell me they love my “perfume” and ask me what it is. Of course it isn’t perfume. It’s a creamy, luscious, nourishing body crème that keeps my skin soft for hours and hours. And it smells sooooo amazingly good! (Insert dreamy sigh here.)

If you want to browse the indulgence, check out the website. The entire Crème de Pistache Collection can be found (with a bunch of other yummy stuff) in the What's Hot section. And right now the Special Offers page is offering a free full size Foundation Primer with the purchase of any two flawless face products. Laura Mercier can also be found at Sephora, Amazon, and fine department stores like Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself – with help from Mom)

Your Thursday Face: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (review)

Most of my "Thursday Face" entries have focused on foundations and tinted moisturizers; so I thought today I'd feature something that goes underneath all of that. Here's a fabulous facial item from Laura Mercier.

Foundation Primer

Blurb: Foundation Primer is a lightweight, creamy gel meant to be used prior to foundation, creating an invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements. The colorless gel leaves makeup looking fresh and colour-true the entire day. Ideal for normal and combination skin. Vitamins A, C, and E act as antioxidants and protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment.

One of the best things you can do for your foundation is use a primer – especially in the summer. Primers not only create a smoother surface; they also help foundation last and look better longer. Laura Mercier is the originator of the foundation primer (way back in the 90's), and this product is still spectacular.

It's a clear weightless gel that feels almost like a lotion. It dries quickly, leaving a smooth surface for flawless makeup application. And…yippee!...it also makes pores look a whole lot smaller. A little bit goes a long way (and does a whole lot)! When I use this underneath foundation (or tinted moisturizer); I get a lovely, smooth, soft-focus finish, and hours of oil-control. What I love best, though, is how much longer my makeup stays put and looks fresh. Even my blush and concealer last longer!

There's also an oil-free formula as well as a gorgeous selection of "flawless face" items on the website. Be sure to take a look at the What's Hot section or explore the new Mystique Collection. Laura Mercier can also be found at Sephora, Amazon, and fine department stores like Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
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(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

This Week’s Foundation: Laura Mercier Silk Crème (review)

First…ow. I am having back pain warnings today. Which means staying home, doing stretches and applying ice packs. Not the most fun way to spend a Tuesday, but better than having a full blown flare up. I definitely need something pretty to think about. Even though today might be a bad day for my back, I think it’s a perfectly fine day for our foundation of the week. This week, it’s brought to you by Laura Mercier.

Silk Crème Foundation

Blurb: This long-wearing foundation evens out skin tone as it increases skin luminosity and clarity for a radiant glow. The rich, creamy texture glides over the skin effortlessly for perfect application and blendability. Perfect for rosacea and hard to cover pigmentation. Ideal for all skin types, and oil free.

This foundation stands out because of its amazing texture and wonderful coverage. It has a gorgeous silky feel (hence, the name I’m guessing), glides on, and blends incredibly well. It also provides exceptional coverage. This is a perfect formula for those days when you need extra...um...help, but don’t want to look too makeup-ey (I know…not a word). It dries to a matte finish with a little bit of light diffusing properties. It’s really lovely and has good staying power.

As always, I urge you to check out the website and see what’s going on. Maybe even take a look at some of the snazzy holliday gifts and palettes. Laura Mercier can also be found at Sephora, Amazon, and fine department stores like Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales.
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Thursday Lipstick Party (aka Random Lipstick Post and Review)

It seems that I have become a lipstick fiend over the last few months. I still love my glosses, but lately I have been downright fascinated with the super grownup, glam, ladylike vibe of the lipstick tube. (Most of you know this already, since my blog has reflected my lipstick craze.)

Well believe it or not, there are still quite a few tubes that I tried out, but still haven't found time to review. So in the hopes of getting "caught up," I decided to talk about a few of them (non-reds!) today. So let's get the lipstick party started!

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick (In Amethyst Shimmer)

Blurb: “Intense-Wear” formula enriched with 50% more long-wear color-boost pigments. Lasts up to 8 hours! Vitamins C and E provide essential antioxidant protection.

I don’t usually pay attention to fragrances in lip products, but this one smelled really good – but with no flavor. The formula is very creamy and the color is a mauve/pink with a soft shine. I like it during this time of year because it's a nice break from the usual fall/winter colors. It feels silky smooth going on and wears well.

Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick With Sila-Silk Technology (In Exquisite)

Blurb: Indulge lips with silky, rich color and lasting moisturization. Our innovative, exclusive sila-silk formula is enhanced with light reflecting polymers and silica for exceptional shine and flawless application. Vitamin E and Tahitian flower provide non-stop hydration and plush, cushion-like comfort. It’s like moisturizer for your lips! Winner of a Self Magazine Healthy Beauty Award and a Glam Beauty Award Nominee for Best Lipstick.

This is a beautiful Pinky-Brown color. A great everyday shade, and a wonderful formula. Smashbox combines moist shine with pretty good staying power. (And I know I'm not supposed to talk about reds in this post, but if you come across "Lavish," snap one up…just sayin).

Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick (In Cranberry Cream)

Blurb: The creamiest, richest, smoothest lip colour you can imagine. Our revolutionary gel formula delivers the shine of a gloss, the comfort of a lipstick. Drenches lips in moist, lush colour that glides on buttery-soft, feels luxuriously smooth.

This is a great holiday shade. It's a sheer, yet vibrant cranberry in Clinique's super comfy, shiny, moisturizing Butter Shine formula. I love the soft shine combined with the flattering (and festive) cranberry color.

Laura Mercier Shimmer Lip Color (in Fresh Brown)

Blurb: Laura Mercier Lip Colour - Shimmer now changes the way you feel about lipstick in one swipe in the newest, revolutionary lip colour formula. The wide range of shades and finishes enhances your lips appearance, protects them from the elements, provides hydration and cares for the lips like skincare.

This is another excellent everyday shade. It's a pretty, shimmery brown that goes with absolutely everything. Instead of a glossy shine, it has a sophisticated shimmer. I especially like wearing this outdoors in the colder months because it provides a bit of a shield against the elements.

Urban Decay Lipstick (in Oil Slick)

Blurb: Lips are sealed with decadently creamy, long-lasting color, a wide variety of textures, and a sweet lick of crème caramel. Armored by a menacing dagger, our Lipstick is a weapon of love.

Yes…it's black. I'm a huge fan of UD everything, including their lipsticks. The formula is fantastic and this shade is especially awesome. It's a sheer black with a silver shimmer. It looks fabulous (and flattering) by itself and thoroughly glams up any other color you might want to layer it over. (BTW: UD also has shadow, pencil and liquid liner in this shade…also awesome.)

I still have a few unsung lipstick heroes sitting on my vanity waiting for their moment of glory, but I'll save them for another time. Thank you for coming to my little lipstick party, and happy Thursday!
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More Caviar: Laura Mercier Caviar Eyeliner in “Midnight” (review)

So yesterday it was caviar for the body. Today it's caviar for the eye from Laura Mercier.

Caviar Eye Liner (in "Midnight")

Blurb: Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Liner is an innovative semi-crème eye liner with a velvet matte finish that delivers long-lasting pure colour with a rich texture similar to the Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencils. Perfect for creating a classic, smudged line or smoky eyes. Mistake-proof formula never drops colour onto the cheek or face. Use dry for a smoky look.

Now my optometrist* would shoot me for saying this; but this is the best formula ever (ever!) for tightlining. (Note: I'm not recommending this.) Since I wear contacts, I know I shouldn't tightline; but sometimes I can't resist a cool, squinty bad-girl eye. And this liner goes on easily, dries quickly and doesn't irritate. Of course I only use an immaculately clean brush. But once again, I am not recommending – just describing.

Anyway, even if you never followed my bad example, you would be thrilled with this liner. For a liner junkie, it's a must-have. I wish it came in more colors because the formula is unique and fabulous. I use a wet brush and get inky, flawlessly smooth, saturated color (matte) that stays for absolutely ever. I also get a really clean line. (And a dry brush produces a smudgy, smoky look.)

Right now, the website has a great Foundation Primer Offer (3 days only - receive a free .5 oz Foundation Primer (0.5 fl.oz.) with any $40 purchase, and receive a travel-size deluxe and full-size Foundation Primer with any $80 purchase).


* My optometrist is a wonderful doctor, but hates all eye makeup. I once had to listen to a dreary speech about the evils of bacteria-laden mascara at a check up. Then he praised me for not being one of those people that wears eyeliner inside the lashes. Oh the guilt!
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I had to have it! Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Hand Crème

I didn’t need it, but I had to have it! And now it’s mine! All mine!

Almond Coconut Milk Hand Crème
Blurb: Laura Mercier Hand Crème is a deep penetrating creme that leaves the skin velvety soft to ensure the healthiest & smoothest hands. Grape & Olive Oils soften & moisturize. Soy proteins rich in amino acids help in the repair process. Almond Coconut Milk is a warm fragrance rich with powdered sugar, vanilla extract and a hint of cinnamon. Includes notes of vanilla mousse as well as vanilla meringue. Replenishes & locks in moisture into the skin. Formulated for all skin types.

I was in Sephora on critical ifp business (aka: snooping around) when I opened up a tester of this crème and sniffed. Then I nearly fainted dead away right there in the aisle. I could not believe how amazing it smelled! Coconuty-almondy-vanillaey-desertey unbelievable yumminess. If you don’t believe me, go to Sephora (or a nice department store), take a whiff, and just see if you can keep from falling into a swoon.

This fragrance is also available in (brace yourself) Souflé Body Crème, Creme Body Wash and Honey Bath. Other mind-numbingly delicious fragrances include Crème Brulee and French Vanilla. For the love of God, Laura Mercier, show us some mercy!

Oh yeah, it made my skin really soft. It’s Laura Mercier, it’s full of quality ingredients, blah, blah, blah. Who cares? It smells soooooo good! (Actually, I really should point out that both the fragrance and softness really last. I put it on in the evening and the next morning, there was plenty of coconut-almondyness.)

Enough said - go get one now (because you can’t have mine)!
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Laura Mercier Grab Bags!

Run, run, run to your computer and check out the Grab Bags at Laura Mercier! These grab bags are $65 and contain about $300 worth of fabulous Laura Mercier products. No time for blurbs, people! Check it out:

ESS-PEA-EFF Part 2: Tinted Moisturizers

So like a dog with a bone, I'm going to repeat: out of all the beauty treatments available, the most guaranteed, sure-fire path to youthful and gorgeous skin is still SUN PROTECTION.

Today I'm going to mention a few tinted moisturizers with SPF. I use tinted moisturizers when I really don't need the full coverage of a foundation. When my skin is behaving, I love the sheer, natural look that I get. Tinted moisturizers also feel lighter (great for hot weather). These three I'm discussing all have an SPF of 15 or higher. (I still start out the day with sunscreen underneath, though - just to make sure I'm covered.)

#1: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - Oil Free (SPF 20)

Blurb: A sheer, lightweight, buildable foundation that can be worn by all skin types but especially those with acne prone, sensitive or oily skin. Hydrating, oil-free formula softens skin offering a healthy glow. Helps to prevent excess oil from setting on the surface of the skin. Controls oil breakthrough while providing hydration to prevent dryness. Buildable coverage for those hard-to-cover places. Ideal for troubled skin.

This is a little pricier, but I really love it. And it certainly does love me back. (I am an owner of the "troubled skin" referred to in the blurb.) This tinted moisturizer does what it says it does. It hydrates without clogging my pores, controls oil and looks darn amazing all day long.

#2: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 20)

Blurb: Healthy Skin Enhancer combines a vitamin-infused Retinol treatment to smooth fine lines, the protection of SPF 20 moisturizer and sheer, lightweight tint in a single application.

This was highly recommended by my friend, Nancy. It's reasonably priced ($11.49!), oil-free, non-comedogenic, and contains Retinol. According to Nancy, it's great for sensitive, oily and break-out prone skin. Even though I haven't tried this, if Nancy gives it a thumbs up, you can be pretty sure it's fabulous.

#3: Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 15)

Blurb: Our defiantly different tinted moisturizer with SPF 15 leaves your complexion healthy & protected with a hint of color. We've tossed in antioxidants, aloe vera & allantoin for soft, supple skin all year long.

I gave this a try because it had a cool name. Then I ended up being impressed the actual product. The tint seems a little dark at first, but once it's on, it changes to a very sheer, dewy finish. Because of the aloe vera and allantoin, I recommend this mainly for those of you who don't have break-out issues. But the pretty, natural look of this tinted moisturizer is outstanding.

What products will be featured tomorrow? Will Maria remember to use spell check? Come back for another riveting installment of "ESS-PEA-EFF…."
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Go on and get bohemia! (Event)

Why not start your Earth Day celebration early? “But how?” you ask. Celebrate by getting a good look at the Laura Mercier Bohemia Collection for Summer 2009. It’s all about the Earth and it’s all about Summer!

Or better yet - how about trying out this gorgeous collection? Or even better…how about an appointment with a professional makeup artist PLUS a class taught by global makeup artist, Tayaba Jafri? Oh wait, how about throwing in a lovely gift with purchase?

Sound good? Oh, it’s good. It’s real good!

It’s also real soon, so you’ll need to book your appointment ASAP!

Info: For those of you anywhere near the Philly area, Neiman Marcus in the King of Prussia Mall will be hosting the Laura Mercier National Makeup Artist Event. The event is tomorrow (Friday 4/17) and Saturday (4/18). You can book your appointment by calling the store at (610) 354-0500, ext. 2112. This is a really special event. In addition to makeup appointments and gifts with purchase, there is also a great class given by global makeup artist, Tayaba Jafri.

Now stop reading this for a minute and go book your appointment. (You can read the rest of my post afterwards.)

I was in the mall today and got to take a look at some of the preparations. I also got to see this beautiful collection up close. The two items that especially caught my eye were the Moroccan Bronze Illuminating Powder and the NEW Eye Mosaic, but the whole collection is truly spend-worthy. Take a look:

Blurb: Laura Mercier introduces Bohemia, her most exotic collection ever. The Moroccan Bronze Illuminating Powder adds gorgeous warmth and radiance to cheeks, while the Eye Mosaics and Kohl Eye Pencils provide lids with either desert or marine inspired shades. The Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer in Golden Radiance gives the skin a flawless glow while healthy, natural tones of Lip Colour complete the look, leaving you looking earthy, alluring, exotic.

The GWP: With your Laura Mercier purchase of $100, you’ll receive a zippered case with a mini Pink Diamond Lip Glace, mini Sand Tinted Moisturizer, mini Perfecting Water Light, and a mini Creme Brulee Hand Crème.

I really can’t say enough good things about Laura Mercier beauty and skincare products. They are beautiful, luxurious and unbelievably kind to my sensitive skin. I am a huge fan of two of her Flawless Face items: the Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer and the Silk Crème Foundation. This event is a great time to try out this line for the first time, or to add to what you already love.

For those of you not in the Philly area, you can still take advantage of the GWP at the Neiman Marcus website. You can also purchase this collection at the Laura Mercier website and Sephora.

Sorry, I didn’t post this sooner, but I only found out about it today. So I’m going to stop typing and post this tonight instead of waiting until morning. I am so sad that I have to miss this (singing stuff); but I’m glad I can pass the word along in time for some of you to go.