I have always wanted to try Laura Mercier’s foundations but I feel that they only work for people with great skin and as you know, I have problematic skin that is why I always prefer medium to full coverage foundations. But with my recent skincare routine (I will post later this month) my skin improved a lot and so I decided to try a different kind of foundation and so I picked up their latest CandleGlow Soft Luminous foundation and I was crossing my fingers that I won’t regret buying it.

PACKAGING

The foundation comes in a chocolate brown box (Laura Mercier’s signature colour). I say that it is different from their usual packaging  as the box has a velvety texture and it gives off a luxurious feel once you hold it.

The bottle has a pump (which is great) and it contains 30 ml (1.0 fl) of product.

SWATCH and COMPARISONS

Laura Mercier described this as a sheer to medium foundation that gives skin a lit from within glow. I got the shade Vanillé which is suited for those with fair to light with neutral undertones.

Now I tested it on 2 different occasions and both were tested in a combination of air-conditioned and open environment:

1. Without primer or moisturiser, just the foundation and the other time was
2. With a foundation primer.

TRIAL 1: (WITHOUT PRIMER)

I was wearing the LM CandleGlow Foundation when I took the photos for the Mary Jo K lip kit review and went out for dinner. I was out for around 4.5 hours and when I got home, I already know that my face won’t look great

CANDLEGLOW FOUNDATION + SETTING POWDER + SETTING SPRAY

Yep, after more than 4 hours of wear, my face was very oily and my initial impression after the first test were:

• that the foundation was blotchy and moving around!
• It was has a sheer coverage, not medium 
  • I had to add some more to at least cover my nose and chin.
• My face got so oily (T-zone) and patchy (on the nose area) though I used a setting powder and spray.

TRIAL 2: (WITH PRIMER)

Despite the bad impressions, I gave it another shot and this time, I used the Tarte BB  primer before I applied the foundation on my face then finished it with the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder and makeup setting spray.

TARTE BB PRIMER + CANDLEGLOW FOUNDATION + SETTING POWDER + SETTING SPRAY

I wore when we travelled to Manila and this photo helped me understand the “reflective glow of just lit candles.” As you can see in the photo, there is that visible glow and I did not use any illuminator or highlighter.

So after 6 hours of travel time and combination of hot & cold environment, I was surprised that the foundation lasted longer than the first time. I wore it for a total of 14 hours without retouching and by 7:30-ish, this is how my face looked like:

Though the foundation lasted longer with a primer, this photo shows how the foundation sat on my face.

Given these, here are my final thoughts on this product:

PROs:

• lightweight
• smooth application
• Sheer to buildable medium coverage
• has 24 shades to choose from
• Does not accentuate my (already) large pores even though I used it without primer.
• gives you that natural-looking glow 
• Dermatologist tested
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance-free
  • more of a clean smell.

CONs:

• The foundation moves around the face, and this is a potential issue if you have an oily  skin.
• Not Long-wearing enough
  • Without primer – 4 hours or less before it becomes blotch
  • With primer – around 6 hours before it becomes blotchy
• Price
  • The Laura Mercier CandleGlow Soft Luminous Foundation is priced at 80 SGD.

You pay more for this foundation and it lasts for a good 4- 5 hours of wear unlike with Makeup Forever’s Ultra HD (72 SGD) or NARS All-Day Luminous Foundation (75 SGD) where you get a good amount of wear time.

FINAL VERDICT:

While I like the visible glow that I achieved with this product, I still say that this foundation was NOT A STANDOUT. After testing it in 2 different instances, I already know that this is something that I won’t be reaching for so much. If given the chance, I will definitely return it but of course, that is not possible here unlike in Sephora USA.

I would personally like a foundation that can give me a glowy skin but not too much to handle.  I mean, there is a good difference between DEWY and OILY (especially if it’s in an icky way.)

photo courtesy of reddit.com

I may still use it if I am going out for a quick trip to the grocery store or a short meet-up.  But if  I have a whole day activity, this will not be on my list. 😕

Berry’ Beauty Tips:

In case you want to try this foundation, here are some tips that you can try:

• Use a Primer

  • if you have a combination skin like me, be sure to use a mattifying primer especially on your T-zone.

• Powder, Powder, Powder

Photo courtesy of sugarscape.com

• Set it with a loose powder and setting spray
  • never forget to bring your press powder for touch ups.

There goes my full review on Laura Mercier’s newest foundation. Have you tried it? Did you like it? Let me know what you think in the comments section below and I would love to read them!

Until our next review!😉

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Beauty is rich, complex. It’s personal.

– Laura Mercier

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XOXO!