Review: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF20

The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF20 is a gem that's been lurking in my collection for a while now, and yet for some reason I haven't quite got around to reviewing it yet. Actually, doing so now is probably a little bit unconventional, as although Summer is on its way I've actually been using this for the past few months, and am only now starting to leave it in my drawer in favour of products that offer a bit more coverage. So a bit back to front, but this is what you have to deal with when your skin goes from being fine one minute to, well, not so fine the next. One thing I can say though, is that's it not a reflection on the product itself at all, and I'm looking forward to working this back into my routine on a more regular basis whenever my skin decided to cooperate.

There are a couple of versions of the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser available, including an oil free one, but today I'm reviewing just the bog standard version, in the shade Sand.

Generally, I tend to wear tinted moisturisers throughout the warmer months, so the fact that this comes complete with SPF20 makes it ideal for the upcoming season. Personally, I like to use a tinted moisturiser on holidays and at the beach, which I know may be frowned upon by some, but I don't see why not - I'm going to need some sun protection on my face one way or another, and if I can even out my complexion while in the process then why not? For the record, that's pretty much all I do pop on on such occasions, and I have found that it serves both purposes very well.

The formula blends like a dream, and Sand is pretty perfect for my skin-tone, which is roughly an NW25, if anyone is wondering how the shades match up. It is obviously pretty sheer in terms of coverage, but it definitely does even things out a bit and I find that it leaves me looking quite fresh-faced and healthy, which is why I'm happy to opt for this alone when my skin is behaving itself - along with a bit of concealer for my dark circles and any remnants of past blemishes, of course.

The down-side? Well, it doesn't exactly come cheap, at £33 for a full-size 40ml tube (available here) and the flip-side of it containing SPF means you are left open to the inevitable ghost-face in photographs. Personally it doesn't bother me all that much though, as if I'm going out and want to look my best for pictures then I simply choose another alternative - I usually want something with a bit more coverage in such events anyway, for maximum flawless effect.

So that's my summer skin sorted, blemish permitting, of course! Do you change up your makeup for the warmer months? If so, what's your tinted moisturiser or foundation of choice?

xx

Desire of the Day #3

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

I know, I know - BB creams are sooo two months ago. But, unbelievably,  I haven't actually tried one yet. When they first came out, I was very close to buying Garnier's offering, but after seeing some bad reviews, I decided against it, and since then, I have become a little bit obsessed with experimenting with different foundations and tinted moisturisers, so much so that I haven't got round to giving BB creams a look in. I have been loving the tinted moisturisers, and didn't feel that I needed to try any of them. Until recently, I hadn't really read any good reviews of any of them, so I was sort of of the mind-set that it was one of those things where it was a lot of Hype about nothing. 

However, recently, I have found myself eye-ing up the Dr. Jaart + range, as I have heard nothing but wonderful things. But now that Smashbox's Camera Ready BB Cream has come to my attention, I think I am going to go for this one instead. For a start, it's SPF35, which, let's face it, is a huge helping hand in summer (well, it would be, if the sun ever showed it's face!), as I hate having to re-apply suntan lotion repeatedly, and am not usually one to go completely bare-faced. I just can't do it - I feel naked! But equally, I am more of a light to medium coverage kind of girl, and in summer I want something really weightless, that won'tweigh down my skin or clog my pores. I have tried a few samples from Smashbox before and really enjoyed them, so I shall let you know when I have got my paws on this one, and what I think!

Hope everyone is having a good week - almost the weekend!

Have you tried any BB Creams?

What did you think of them?

xx

Weekend Wishlist

1. Studded Crown Tank, £20, Topshop
2. Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, £27, House of Fraser
3. Black Studded Skater Dress, £49, Miss Selfridge
4. Mint Studded Shirt, £39, Miss Selfridge
5. Soap and Glory 'The Fab Pore' Facial Peel, £8, Boots
6. Coral Platform Bow Heels, £48, Miss Selfridge
7. Monochrome Bag, £25, Topshop
8. Origins Drink Up 10 Minute Mask, £19, Boots

Has anyone noticed a slight theme in this week's Weekend Wishlist? Yes, that's right. Studs. I'm obsessed.
I literally just can't get enough of studded clothing at the moment. I've been eyeing up the infamous Zara studded collar blouse for an absolute age now, though I still haven't been able to bring myself to pay the extortionate prices it is being sold for on Ebay. I've also fallen in love with all the studded denim shorts that are flying around at the moment, and I think they are a brilliant summer investment, as they go with everything and are pretty timeless. And as an added bonus, they can be paired with tights and boots in Winter, so they definitely earn their keep.

This week, I've discovered a whole plethora of studded treats, courtesy of the high street. My favourite, by far, of all my picks is undoubtedly the mint green studded blouse. Not only does it have studs, but it is my absolute favourite colour of the moment. Of all the pastel shades I have been enjoying this summer, mint definitely takes the cake, and I've been wearing it on my nails, and in the form of a cropped tie-up shirt from New Look and a lovely Primark blazer.

The studded crown tank top is really versatile and will go with absolutely anything, plus I think it's a timely nod to this year's Diamond Jubilee and our beloved Queenie. Ok, so it's been and gone, but I'm still in love with the best-of-British theme and am still happily munching my way through cream teas at every available opportunity. Given the chance, I'd have the bunting back up in the garden and be sipping Pimms and pots of tea with my friends in the illusive sunshine in a jiffy (Did I just say jiffy!?)
The black skater dress is just a classic piece and can be dressed up or down, worn day or night, and come rain or shine. It'd be rude not to, really.

You'll notice that I've included two face masks on this week's list, and that, quite frankly, is because I love them. It has become my Friday night ritual to have a nice hot shower and then curl up with a cup of tea and a face mask to catch up on my favourite blogs, and I am always on the hunt for a new one to try. Actually, those I have tried of late have been somewhat lacking (more on those coming soon) and I really want something nice and thick that I can slather on for a good, intensely moisturising feast for my little face, and then remove to reveal baby-soft, ridiculously hydrated skin. From the reviews I have read of these gems, I am in for a treat.

And last but by no means least, the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser.
Now, Nars as a brand, is pretty impressive, with their Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer both becoming cult , Holy Grail Products to the masses, and that, in my eyes, is no mean feat. If Nars has the ability to pretty much conquer the beauty world, then who am I to stand in the way? I have been loving tinted moisturisers for the summer months, and have been pleasantly surprised by how nice my skin actually does look when wearing them. In the past, I had been disappointed, as it was obviously a point in my life where a little bit more coverage was required, but these days I can't get enough of Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint and Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup. As predicted, I have heard rave reviews of this one, and am definitely looking to add it to my collection.

So, those are my picks for the week. I hope you found them interesting or inspiring!
What is on your lust list at the moment?


xx