Laura Mercier New Tinted Moisturizer Review: Radiant Results

When it comes to my everyday beauty routine, I tend to go for that fresh-faced, lit-from-within look. I opt for products that deliver lightweight coverage and dewiness, and tinted moisturizers are a match made in formula heaven. Aside from the brand's cult-favorite translucent setting powder, Laura Mercier’s most beloved product is its tinted moisturizer. Time and time again, we’ve ranked it at the top of our list, as it provides all the benefits of a foundation minus the weight. 

Though we've all spent years singing the praises of the brand's existing formula, Laura Mercier just released a new, updated version. According to Kelley Giffin, Laura Mercier’s director of global product innovation, the decision to reinvent the formula was a long time coming. “It came out in 1996 and it was the best of the best at the time. But, 23 years later, we knew that technology has modernized. People understand ingredients more. We want to continue to evolve and be good to the skin," Giffin says. 

The brand removed parabens from the formula and incorporated more good-for-you ingredients like macadamia and kukui seed oils, as well as tamarind seed extract, which work to keep your skin hydrated for longer. Then, of course, our favorite antioxidants were added (a blend of vitamins C and E) to better protect your skin from environmental damage. And, while SPF has always been a part of the formula, the brand upped the number from 20 to 30 to further shield your skin from free radicals and harmful UVA/UVB rays. (We do have to point out that the product does contain oxybenzone, a chemical SPF ingredient that's been banned in Hawaii because of its harmful effect on coral reefs.)

Pros

• Moisturizing
• Sheer, dewy finish
• SPF 30 sun protection
• 20 available shades
  

Cons

• Contains oxybenzone
• May be too sheer for some
• Price per once is high

Bottom Line

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector is a moisturizer, sheer foundation and sunscreen all in one. It covers imperfections, while letting your natural beauty shine through.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen $49.00

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About My Skin: Redness around nose

I have combination skin that tends to get a little ruddiness around my nose. The new formula delivered sheer coverage that let my tiny freckles and beauty marks peek through, but effortlessly blurred out the usual redness around my cheeks and nose. Though it is a light-coverage formula, it's buildable, so I added extra product under my eyes to brighten up my usual dark circles (which it did beautifully). 

How To Apply: Buildable coverage

Start with a small amount of the product and apply, using either a makeup sponge or your hands. You can apply after your skin products and primer. It has buildable coverage, so apply more where it is needed. When I tested out the product, I patted the product on with my fingers. It felt creamy and smooth to the touch, and practically melted into my skin.

The Results: Long lasting coverage

After applying, I still felt like I had nothing on my skin. It gave my face a really radiant, dewy glow and the formula’s hydrating complex made my skin feel deeply moisturized the entire time I was wearing it. The best part: It truly looks good all day. I applied it at 7:30 in the morning before heading to work, and when I came home at 9 p.m., my face still looked even and smooth. When a product holds up throughout a hot day in NYC, that’s proof that it is the real deal. 

If you’re looking to achieve an even more sun-kissed glow, Laura Mercier also launched a new version of their Illuminating Pure Canvas Primer ($38). It’s like their regular primer, but with light-reflecting pearls.

The Value: Worth a splurge

At $49, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector is at a higher price point than the drugstore brands. However, depending on how dry your skin is, it could be used as a moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation. In addition to the new healthier formula and fresh packaging (the tube now displays the shade so it's easier to purchase the right one for your skin tone), the most vital of the updates in a more inclusive shade range. Previously, there were 15 shades to choose from. Now, the brand has added more shades for deeper and olive skin tones, bringing the total number of available shades up to 20. Having a foundation that truly matches your skin tone is worth a few extra bucks.

Similar Products

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation: This product is at a similar price point ($48), but is touted as serum and light foundation. It contains buzzy ingredients like Niacinamide and  Hyaluronic Acid. As a bonus, instead of oxybenzone, it uses zinc oxide for the sunscreen protection.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector All-in-One Tinted Facial Moisturizer with SPF 20 : At just $10, this product gives you the sheer, natural finish of a tinted moisturizer that won't break the bank. In addition, it contains Retinol to help improve skin texture and decrease fine lines.

Final Verdict

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector lives up to all of its claims and I will be wearing it for the rest of the summer and beyond. It is hydrating, while providing a natural coverage that leaves me dewy and radiant. It is officially my new favorite skin product ever.