Laura Mercier Mini Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Most Helpful Positive Review

5 Stars

I had been a huge full coverage foundation wearer for a very long time, however, even though I have dry-to-very dry skin, my skin is very sensitive and is acne prone as well. These full coverage foundations are great at what they do performance wise, but for my pores, dealing with on and off battles... of acne, I have come to learn that they happen to be a major contributor to such. So, I decided after my recent acne breakouts that started to erupt that I am now in 2 acne meds for Retin A and Neuac, that I wanted to start using something way more lightweight than the foundations that I currently owned, and thats what led to me giving tinted moisturizers a try again. Please know that I had tried maybe 1 or tinted moisturizers quite a number of years in the past, and wasnt impressed by the shade selection nor the actual formulation. However, all tinted moisturizers definitely arent formulated the same and I like that I am able to find better shades matches nowadays than in the past. I never tried the old version of this tinted moisturizer. But, when I saw that LM had dropped a new and improved version, I just couldnt resist getting it. I apply this tinted moisturizer onto a totally clean face, I use my MAC 190 brush to apply it all over my face except for my eye area. I usually had been sticking to using physical sunblock on my face, because I had such poor luck with chemical sunscreens in the past. Yes, this moisturizer has that typical sunscreen smell. Its most noticeable when youre applying it, but it does fade, okay. I use concealer underneath my eye area, to keep the chemical sunscreens in it from irritating my eyes. They are prone to do that, with me. I set my face with my Ben Nye Banana Powder. I have not tried it without setting powder, but I can say that yes, it does have a level of dewiness and based upon what you apply underneath or on top it can cause it to have an even deeper look to it. Which over time can equate to a greasy look. Which is why, I dont put anything underneath it, such as a moisturizer or primer, as I dont often use primers underneath my makeup and because its a tinted moisturizer with SPF, its a moisturizer+light tint+sunscreen all in one. Please know that with sun protection in order for anyone to maintain a high level of sun protection all day, you would have to re-apply more every 2 hours, which is typically something that most people dont do, including myself, so even when another SPF product is layered underneath this tinted moisturizer, for you to maintain all day full sunscreen protection, youd have to read-apply that product every 2 hours and re-apply this tinted moisturizer every 2 hours. I havent come across anyone that has done that. So, please understand that when you cocktail to SPF products on top of each other, in order to maintain the maximum level of sun protection with either product, you would have to re-apply every 2 hours, which would definitely be overkill on ones pores, no matter what type of skin you have. For me, personally, I just apply this tinted moisturizer w/SPF and I know that its recommended to re-apply every 2 hours, but thats not even feasible for me. I would have to re-wash my face every 2 hours, in order to put in more and that just isnt something I can fit into my schedule period, but to those who can, thats awesome. The shades within this line are very forgiving, so one shade can match several different skin tones. Because, it warns up to your skin it basically adapts very well to your own skintone anyways. If you happen to get a shade thats too light, its not going to be super noticeable. However, if you are looking to want to tan up your face, I dont recommend getting a super dark shade. It will look way to obvious on your face. Try to get a more warmer shade that you can always use bronzer to warm up. There are shades for WOC within the range that should be able to work for just about all WOC. And, if you as a WOC happens to pick a shade that ends up being lighter than your skintone, just warm up your face with a little bit of bronzer and thatll easily take care of that. When it comes to the setting powder that I mention that I use over this tinted moisturizer, yes, it does take away the dewiness, but it still gives off this naturally flawless look to my face. And, my face never gets greasy liking throughout the day with this certain setting powder over it at all. Its just something about Ben Nyes Banana Powder that just works like magic! I do feel that all skin types can get away with using this tinted moisturizer, because with the right setting powder, as well as, not using anything underneath this product that is shiny, greasy, or oily underneath, this tinted should perform very well for you. You can use concealer with it, to cover up any areas where you feel you need more coverage. You can build up coverage with this tinted moisturizer. Some people may be find with just one layer, but if you need more than one layer, put on an extra one or two. Its buildable. Please know that if you use a wet sponge, its going to suck up a lot of product into it. So, most of the product and your money will be going into the sponge. I would highly recommend using your clean fingers or a foundation brush to apply it with instead. There will be definitely less waste that way, plus, youll be able to get better coverage also. I feel that all females are beautiful and at some point in our lives, we must get to a point where we each can truly embrace that. With this product, it just beautifully enhances ones own natural beauty, without totally masking it like so many foundations on the market are created to do. You are beautiful and embracing your beauty is a truly wonderful thing. This is something that I have come to do and I wish the same for all other females out there as well.