Hi! Yesterday I went to an event at my local Nordstroms for their Laura Mercier event. Angela Hicks is Laura's right hand person, as she travels all of the time to do work on celebrities and such with Laura. She was very kind and did my makeup so quickly, I was hardly able to keep up with what she was doing.
We discussed colors, and with my hair colors being burgundy and black, we both agreed that I needed something that was complimentary. I've always been afraid of green, but LM carries a great green duo (Moss) that I absolutely love.
They started me off with a tinted moisturizer (SPF 20) and added a light dusting of MM. They used a foundation primer first. The colors are as follows: Hydration 1 Foundation Primer, Fawn Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 20), Natural Beige Mineral Makeup (SPF 15). I asked about a concealer. They told me I really didn't need one - but being the perfectionist I am, they applied just a tiny bit. I was surprised by how natural it looked. They used Secret Concealer #3, which is light to medium. As you will see in the pictures of my eyes below, you cannot see the fine lines that I have. I think I like this concealer better than the one from Philosophy.
LM's MM is oil-free and has great lasting coverage that I adore. I really liked the combination of the two, since I like a bit more coverage (even though she told me I had great skin). I disagreed with her comment about my skin and stated that I'm sure she said that to everyone. She was very straight-forward and said that she would not have said it if she didn't mean it. She has a very strong personality that I found great!
She then applied my eye makeup which consisted of five colors and a cream to powder primer. Here are the colors: Eye Basics (primer) in Buff, Moss (duo), Pintina (green-gold), and Vanilla Nut. She applied the primer, then the lightest of the Moss on the lower lid. Then she applied moss over the the middle to end of the lid. Pintina was applied to the outer corner, and American Coffee was added into my crease. I know, it sounds like a lot! It hardly took her any time, but I'm sure it would take me a bit longer. The eyeliner she used was Emerald Green which is Lovely!
My brows were done in Deep Blonde which gave my almost black brows a softer color. I was surprised by how nice it looked with my natural color. Deep blonde? I would never have thought of it myself. They used a black mascara (I can't find the name), which I didn't like very much. Too tarry, and not enough volume. I've never liked their mascaras. I forgot to curl my lashes before I left home, so they looked even worse than normal. Here are a couple of pictures of my eyes:
She applied three things to my lips. It's a bit much for me since I usually just throw on gloss, but I was very happy with the outcome. The lip pencil was Natural Lips, the stain was Shy Pink and the lip glace (gloss) in Opal. When I saw the shades, I thought they were a bit off for my skin coloring, but in seeing pictures afterwards I noticed that it gave a very nice look. Not overdone.
Bronzer and a cheek color were applied next. I didn't like the bronzer (Golden) because I like a more peachy glow. The blush was in shade Blushing Apple. You can't see the blush/bronzer very well in the pictures because I rubbed a bit of it off. Also, this picture was taken five hours after application. I added a slight bit of MM with a small blending brush on the front of my cheeks because I was a little shiny. The picture looks a little strange to me. I think it was the lighting. The left side of my face (your right) was fine, even though in the picture there is a gray area.
Also, under my right eye (your left) is a piece of my bangs underneath the eye (not a bag) hehe
Here is the finished product:
Thanks for reading! Please give any comments as to what you think. I had a wonderful time! I think that this line is very nice for someone who wears a more natural look. I prefer more mascara and a thicker line of eyeliner. Yours? Feel free to share your thoughts and any experiences of your own! Thanks!



Cath Kidston
Just gorgeous!! You look lovely- especially the eyes.

1I have a similar coloring and never thought of greens- wouldn't know how to do it without being clowny IMO- lol! I will look into the Moss duo they have because it looks really nice. The liner is nice but you can definitely go bolder and thicker- especially since the lips are so natural looking. Lucky girl to get this done and the great tips. Hope drinks was fun!
Oh, how did you like the eye primer? How would you compare it to UD primer potion (if you have tried it)?
Thanks for sharing
The lip color looks gorgeous and the eye shadow really compliments your hair color. What is your opinion of the TM?
2Sofi: Thanks! I don't normally do pictures like this of my face/neck area, usually just from the side because of concealer issues. The greens are Great! I've looked everywhere for a nice green.. and even though I like shimmers, this was a really great choice of Angela's. You should definitely look into it. Like I said, I do like more liner and better mascara. You really can't see the Emerald Green, but it is very pretty. I also would recommend going to a counter and trying out their concealer. I used the lighter one, but their is also one called Secret Camouflage which I think is heavier. Lovely drinks with lovely women, thanks for mentioning it. I highly recommend checking into your local cosmetics counters for events. This one was truly wonderful! The eye primer is fabulous. My eye makeup did not move at All. I've never tried UD's, although I have a sample of it. I will do a blog on it when I do decide to try it out, or I'll just send you the pictures/my thoughts.
LeeLuv: Thank you! I really like the lip color too. I was so happy to find the shadows.
You two are both so sweet, I was really nervous about putting up such a long and showy blog.. thanks for your support
3You look very pretty and I love the eye eye shadow for your eyes color.
4One more thing. Sofi, they have a few colors of primers. I had on the one that matched my skin tone. Does UD have that?
5Oops! Leeluv, I think the tinted moisturizer is very nice. It is very soft and looks completely natural. I do recommend that people who have scars or acne either use the MM as well (covers everything) or use a concealer afterwards.
I know there are some mixed messages about concealers being put on before or after the foundation. Angela said to always put it on last.
6Gorgeous!!!
7Stunning! This is the kind of look I love for daytime. I tend to be a bit heavy handed with eyeliner too, but think that this is perfect! What did you think of the tinted moisturizer? Did you end up buying any products? I love the naturAL lip color. It's a nice beige. It all looks amazing on you!
8I just read your last comment about concealer and this Angela really knows her makeup!
Duh, that's why she is Laura's right hand makeup person, right?
9your natural beauty really shines through! i admit to having more fun with a little darker eyeliner as well, but i sure can't misjudge the look they have given you!
10I've never tried the UD- gasp!- but based on the rave reviews, I thought I'd give it a try soon. Good to know LM has different tones. I have heard good things about the secret camouflage. So, was the concealer they used for under eye? How would you compare to the Philosophy palette? Glad drinks were fun!!
11Thanks ladies!
Romania: I really like the tinted moisturizer. I will have to see in a couple of days whether or not it makes me break out. I don't think it will though. Didn't you just do a blog on it yourself? I also really like LM MM. It's better than all of the others I've tried. I used it because I wanted more coverage for the evening, but the TM looks good on its own. Hehe... yeah, I had to ask the question about the concealer because we've all been talking about it.
She did a tightline for the eyeliner. I do think it's a good natural look for me. I bought all of the products
I'm such a makeup, um, fiend.
Anyone looking for a natural look... I would recommend looking into LM. She also has a good skincare line. I like her Eyedration, although I think any eye cream is a necessity. Gels are not enough. Trial and error for me.
12Oops! Just missed your comment Sofi! I know, I can't believe I've never used the UDPP myself. I buy from UD all of the time!
Straight from my handout: Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer: May be used without foundation or after foundation is applied. Stroke (never swirl) the Secret Cmouflage brush across the pan and "warm up" the Secret Camouflage on the back of your hand. Use feather-like strokes on in areas where blemishes, shadows or imperfections exist. Dab into skin with your fingertips. Use a small amount of Secret Concealer around eye area to cover dark circles and other imperfections.
She used the Secret Concealer on me. I don't have very dark circles, but I always want to cover them anyway. I like it better than Philosophy's. (Too bad since I just bought it). I didn't apply the concealer with a brush today, I just used my pinky finger and dabbed a little. It didn't get into my wrinkles at all (you can see that in my eye pictures). It isn't as shiny as the Philosophy either. I'm not sure how it would work for people who need more concealing than I do, but its very soft and I think more natural looking. I'm surprised I didn't wait to try the LM first. I guess I'm impatient.
The drinks were great! Everyone was so nice and fun!
13Awww! You look pretty! Love the make up! ^^
14Great info. So which products did you actually buy from them?
15Sounds like you had a lovely time, and so lucky to have an expert do your make up. Great post, and full of useful information too! I think you look fab, because the make up is natural and your own beauty shines through. Thanks for posting!
On concealers, when I use my powder foundation, I will conceal first. But with my liquid, I conceal After. But that's just me.
16Oh, I am so trying out those shadows and the concealer! Looks wonderful!
17Sounds like fun, and you look great!!! That non-makeupy look looks really good on you. I LOVE the lips especially!
18i completely adore the lip colors!
19You look fab! Very natural and your skin does look great. That was a great post with loads of info! Thanks for sharing - great job!!!!!!
20Thanks everyone! I do appreciate the questions as well as the compliments (of course)..
I ended up purchasing everything except for the blush, mascara, and bronzer. I also got 5 things (which would normally cost ~$100) that go really good with my skin. She threw in
a peachy blush that I like, some glittery green pigment (lovely!)
, a lip pencil (so I
didn't have to buy the one put on me), and a metallic bronze/gold cream eye color that goes great at the edges of the eyes. So yes, I spent a lot, but I needed a good natural, every day look.
It really does show exactly what my skin looks like with just a hint of color. Their shades matched me perfectly, and in the MM, it's a new color.
My favorite of the purchases is the MM, the TM, and the eye shadows. Although I have to say, the stain stays on very well, but also is easy to remove.
21Thank you for the info on the TM.
22You are so beautiful dear. I can tell you must take special good care of your skin. Just speaking from experience, do not neglect your skin.
23Very pretty.
24Wonderful blog, and soooo interesting! You look gorgeous, chickie! I think this is the perfect natural look for you. Thanks so much for sharing.
25It looks very nice, thanks for sharing!
__
“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
—Coco Chanel
26Thank you! Wow, I didn't expect so many nice compliments. I do take really, really good care of my skin. I also just realized last night that I really don't need the concealer - they were right. I'll be doing a blog sooner than later about the stuff I'm using to clear that up!
Again, thank you for the kind words. I really like the look too!
27Okay, so I went to Sephora today, thanks to your post... I'm sending my husband to you when he sees the credit card bill!
But truly, lovely recommendations... I am in LOVE with the LM concealer... I've struggled forever with my inherited dark circles and this product just brightened me up. The eyeshadow was a bust for me, though... I always forget, I have olive undertones, and as pretty as I think green is, it just looks awful on me!
I'll be posting a review/pics of the LM eyeshadow soon... thanks again for the blog!
28Melizzle:
Your husband and mine can go and commiserate about our spending over a pint.
I'm glad you like the concealer. I can't wait to see your pictures!!
So, after playing around I've discovered that I do prefer their under-eye concealer over Philosophy's. I do, however, like to use the Supernatural color corrector by Philosophy for other face imperfections. I think it's a color matching thing. One of the colors in their palettes works for me. I've never tried LM's Secreat Camoflauge though, so I'm not sure if I'd prefer that.
29Very Pretty!
30Post A Comment
To post comments, please log in or register.