Aperols, orange sunsets and flawless skin
Foreword
Friends to the blog know just how much I adore Laura Mercier, which makes this post that extra bit exciting. Today we will be finally chatting about the brand’s reintroduced Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free! It has been a cult-favorite for many years now, so let’s see what’s new.
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
My Skin: dry/sensitive; light-neutral complexion
About the Product
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 20 (47 USD; Made in Italy) – is described as a demi-matte, light-coverage tinted moisturizer with a soft-focus, pore-blurring effect. Acts like makeup, skincare and sunscreen in one.
Packaging: unlike the original Tinted Moisturizer (review here), the oil-free version comes in a sleek matte black tube without a see-through bottom (instead it is a shade-matching sticker). You get 50 ml/ 1.7 fl.oz. of liquid in both, however, tubes do differ slightly in height and width. I guess that is because the original Tinted Moisturizer is made in the USA, not Italy (different manufacturers).
Formula: as it turns out, the very much-loved formula has remained the same. It is infused with Licorice Root Extract, Vitamin E, Jojoba Esters, Squalane and Glycerin. You also get some oil-absorbing powders in the mix, which give Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free that nice, skin-like appearance. An added bonus is SPF 20. This is, however, not an invitation to skip out on your actual sunscreen (but still is a nice thing to have).
Texture: creamy, moussy consistency.
Scent: light, skincare-esque scent. Fragrance is not listed as an ingredient.
Finish: seamless, skin-like finish with a healthy sheen. Does not look cakey, dry or powdery matte.
Application: products like Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free are best applied with fingers, although sponges and brushes can be used too. I find that the warmth of your fingertips melts the product in a way that it glides on and spreads out evenly over the skin, giving it that perfected, stripes-free look. Although you can build it up to more of a light-medium coverage, with SPF makeup bases, it is preferable to stick to the “less is more” rule in order to avoid pilling. Also, this formula has a bit more coverage and that soft skin-smoothing effect compared to the brand’s original Tinted Moisturizer.
This formula does blur the look of my pores (especially on the nose) beautifully, practically making them disappear. Did not accentuate dryness or texture. It also diminishes the look of redness, making it less obvious. You can still see hyper-pigmentation or any active breakouts peek through, however, you can easily hide them with a concealer. I personally find the brand’s Secret Camouflage Duo (the “correct” side) or Secret Camouflage (compact) to be the perfect Bonnie to this Clyde.
NOTE: do not skip out on your usual skincare/sunscreen when wearing this product
Wear: for a light-coverage product, Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free does last pretty well – for about 5-6 hours before it begins to fade away gracefully. It is not entirely transfer-resistant, so it might disappear in areas where you have touched your face for example. Setting it with something like Translucent Loose Setting Powder, would lock it into place. Without powder it might get more dewy-looking as the day goes by (especially during hot/humid summer days).
Shades: there are now 20 shades available, which are split into undertones (warm, neutral, cool). My match is 1N2 Vanille, which does set a tone darker once it is fully dry. This is something that happens to most sunscreen bases, so please bear that in mind when choosing your shade.
The same shade, 1N2 Vanille, in the original Tinted Moisturizer line looks more neutral and does not change in color as much when it sets.
who is going to like it
Although it is labelled “oil-free”, I believe this formula will work really well for most skin types including dry. It actually does look quite dewy on me, not at all matte (your skincare products will have their impact on the finish too).
Naturally, if you are more on a very dry/textured side, make sure to exfoliate and hydrate your skin well beforehand.
If you are oily, do set this base with powder. This will also alter the finish, making it more satin/matte. Alternatively use a mattifying primer.
If you want more of a medium, full coverage – you might want to consider other options.
Wearing shade 1N2 Vanille on the photo above; shot in natural daylight
Verdict
I am surprised to say this, but I actually do like Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free more than the original Tinted Moisturizer. Do not get me wrong, both are great! Yet the oil-free version has a bit more oomph to it, when I compare them both side by side. It will also work best during boiling hot summer months, especially with some powder on top. I do see why so many people swear by this Laura Mercier gem and would definitely recommend it. Just make sure you get the right shade (these do set darker in tone). By the way - now you can also get a deluxe, travel-sized mini for 25 dollars (which is a more affordable way to try this product). If you like a light-coverage base, look this way. Overall, I am happy with the results and give it A
More online:
sephora.com (USA)
cultbeauty.co.uk (UK, World)
PR samples; full disclaimer here
