This week I realized how much I depend on Laura Mercier products for a flawless complexion, regardless of what condition my skin is in. In a span of two weeks I hit almost every corner of America, literally. On most mornings I didn't know where I was when I woke up! Luckily, I knew where all my Laura Mercier products were, because with jet lag and general old age fatigue (I used to hop all over the globe and never feel tired, boy have things changed)-- my skin was dry, splotchy and a wrinkly mess.
I also developed dark circles the first few nights of the trip because my son had an ear infection and decided he wanted to have picnics on my bed at 2am each night. His ear infection cleared within days, but my dark circles persisted. I used every trick I l knew and thankfully, they worked! Here are the tools you'll need. If you have all 7 of these items, you can achieve a flawless complexion, any time! (Jump to see my Tricks of the Trade!)
1. The 4 pack sponge- Don't even think about putting make up on without these sponges, they smooth and blend better than anything on the market! It doesn't matter what foundation you use, but I find that when my skin is extra dry- mixing a few drops of my moisturizer with foundation makes my skin look better. $15 at Sephora.
2. Flawless Fix Pencil- This is a little miracle worker, it hides blemishes, lines, freckles, you name it! You will have to go to the counter to see which matches your skin tone best. I like using a shade lighter. I also line the inside rim of my bottom eyelid with this to make my eyes look less bloodshot. $20
3. Secret Concealer- I have raved about this before but I really do love it and can not live without it. I left mine backstage at the Oscar de la Renta show in New York and was in a panic all weekend before going to LA. Had to make a quick run to the Laura Mercier counter 3 hours before my flight-- that is how amazing this is. Nice and creamy, it is never dry so it doesn't settle into the lines under your eyes (but you can mix a tiny bit of eyecream with it if you want more moisture). This is what I used to hide all the dark circles. I also like going a shade lighter, it highlights the eyes better. $22 at Sephora and Laura Mercier counters.
4. Secret Brightener- This is an alternative to the concealer for days I don't have dark circles and just want to brighten the area around my eyes for that youthful sparkle. But when I am in bad shape as I was last week, I require both the concealer and this brightener. And no, it doesn't get cakey when I use both products. The secret is to apply the concealer first with your ring finger and pat it in. Give it a minute to settle before brushing the brightener on top of it. I also put a bit of this right above the cupid bow of my upper lip- it gives my lip gloss more depth and shine. $30
5. Secret Brightening Powder- I LOVE this powder! It's weightless yet really brightens your under eye area. Don't be scared of the kabuki white color, it is translucent and ultra brightening without looking white. I use it with Shu Uemura's goat hair fan brush- a must for patting this powder around the eye area. Oh, and if you have gaunt areas under your cheekbone-- this also takes care of that-- sweep it on with the same fan brush right under your cheekbones so you get the look of a cherubic babe. $22
6. The Face brush- This brush is great to travel with because of the short handle. The severely rounded bristles are cut at an angle so you can get great coverage and blend well. I do not use powder on a daily basis but for photos and film, I look like a shiny greaseball if I don't! $35 at Sephora.
7. Loose Setting Powder- Last but not least, this translucent setting powder finishes off the flawless look. Again, I only use this for photos, filming, or hot dates with the hubby :) Seriously, it really makes me look polished without any heavy powder residue (and make sure you use this with the brush above!). $32
Trust me, keep all these things in your make up collection for daily use or emergencies and you'll never have a bad day :)
Thanks again for the recommendations Beauty Snob!
beautysnob, judging from your gorgeous and very close up photo, I'd say your tricks worked! I don't see any traces of the wrinkly mess you mentioned.
What foundation did you use? I am going to try these tips, I am a proud new mother of a three month old but very sleep deprived.
Thanks for the recommendations!
Tina, do you think I can get away with just the concealer and not the foundation for most days? I hate the feeling of foundation on my skin but need to cover up certain parts.
You look amazing, by the way. I have no idea who the other person is, when is the show?
My gosh, you are not allowed to complain about your skin. It looks flawless, is it really the products? Or are you just lucky?
Thanks for posting the tips with picture though, so we can have a visual.
Hi girls,
Anne- there is no need for daily foundation if you spot conceal with the secret concealer!
Madeleine- I used my Chanel teint innoncence foundation, still the best :)
xoxo
I just wanted to tell you you have beautiful skin Tina!
Hi Tina!
So judging by this post, would you recommend using sponges over foundation brushes? I always shy away from the sponges bc some have told me they just soak up and waste all the product....
Thanks for all the great advice!
Tina i got the teint innocence when you raved about it and i can't get it to go on as flawlessly as you. it tends to make my skin look drier and it cakes onto my creases. do you have any tips for me to fix that?
Hello lovelies,
yes, I prefer the sponge over the brush for foundation application. Foundation brushes are over-rated and does not have the same flawless finish.
And as for teint innoncenct-- I add a few drops of my moisturizer and it works great. Try that and let me know.... xoxo
I recently had a smattering of teenage acne, and was on a trip..and the Secret Camouflage got me through the entire week and gave me flawless skin!
It's my ultimate can't live without Laura Mercier product!
I just got the brightener and concealer. I love both, thanks, beauty snob!!!