Beauty Favorites: Laura Mercier

~ happy belated #makeupmonday lovelies!! we're back for another beauty favorites series this time with makeup artist favorite Laura Mercier!! known for her specialty in creating the flawless face, Laura Mercier is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of Laura Mercier Cosmetics. as the personal makeup artist to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, and Juliette Binoche, she creates looks that are both flawless and accentuate one’s natural beauty. a favorite luxury brand of makeup artists worldwide, Laura Mercier's collection of products are beautiful in its simplicity. no bells or whistles, just pure beauty. we're sharing our favorites and recommended products and hope you love them! ~

~ Primers: Original, Radiance and the new Protect primers are 3 of our SBDgirls must haves! all 3 primers work on all skin types at any time of year.  we started out and fell in love with Laura's classic Primer for it's light weight, silicone free feeling.  Radiance Primer is beautiful alone, under makeup or just under the eyes to diminish dark circles, SBDgirl Tarah also likes to mix it into her body lotion when going out! the new Protect Primer is still light weight and silicone free but has the added benefit of having a broad spectrum spf 30 in it as well, perfect for sunny days!

- Repair Eye Serum is another favorite of SBDgirl Tarah, perfect for anyone who suffers from chronic dark circles.  it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with a blend of Japanese botanicals. geranium extract helps firm the appearance of skin, while arnica extract and caffeine brighten the look of dark circles.  very little is needed from both eyes, about the size of a grain of rice for both eyes, since this product comes in a pump, you only need about a 1/4 pump.  a full pump of product will be way too much and you will waste it. ophthalmologist tested, dermatologically and allergy tested to minimize the risk of allergy and irritation and fragrance free.

- Secret Camouflage is essentially how the line was created!  Laura developed this concealer for her own skin issues and it's been on Best Product lists ever since!  it contains a unique two-shade system, one to match the skins depth of color and one to match the skins undertone, making it possible for every woman to custom-blend her own perfect shade. with 90% pigment, very little is needed to conceal imperfections on the face, but as it's a drier concealer you need to warm the pigment up before applying it. we recommend to warm it up on the back of your hand before applying it with your fingertips or the Secret Camouflage brush. 

- Secret Concealer is your answer to bright under eyes! say good bye to dark circles with this moisture-rich concealer designed specifically for around the eye area.  we recommend to use your ring finger to apply, gently press into the pigment and tap around the eye area.  very little is needed to cover, and using too much can cause creasing in any fine lines.  if dark circles are a concern for you, set your under eyes with the Secret Brightening Powder.

 - Secret Brightening Powder is one of those unique products that no other line has, it's specifically formulated for the eye area and not recommended for use on other areas of the face.  it gives an invisible lightening boost,and the transparent white color brightens skin instantly.  micronized pigments will not settle in fine lines or accentuate shadows,and it's for all skin types but especially those with texture around the eye area.

- Baked Highlight #1 is a perfect highlighter for very fair to medium skin tones, it's more of a champagne color than anything too gold or pink and the sheer, buildable coverage lets you customize your glow.  it's longwearing formula wears all day (8 hours) and the color stays true without oxidizing for an even wear.

- Baked Eye Colors in Black Karat and Aubergine are two of SBD Girl Tarah's absolute favorites!  the pigments are beautiful used dry or wet are these are two very unique shades that can be used on any skin tone.

- Caviar Eye Sticks in any color are an absolute MUST in a makeup artists kit, and you know if it's a favorite of ours it will be for you too.  a few of our favorite shades of this water proof, crease proof and smudge proof shadow stick collection ( of 23 shades)  are: Rosegold,  Copper, Sandglow, Plum, and Amethyst.  use them alone or under an eye shadow for more intense color and longer wear, certain colors can also be used as eye liner when applied with a brush.

- truth be told, there are too many of our favorite products to name from this brand, whether your buying makeup for yourself or if you're a makeup artist building your kit.  Laura Mercier is one of the few artistry brands left that is helmed by its creator and it definetly shows in the quality of products.  Check out the entire line at Holt Renfrew Vancouver, Nordstroms (when it opens in the fall) and the line's best sellers at Sephora.