MAKE-UP artist Laura Mercier may have coined the Flawless Face (her skin-perfecting set to prep and prime before make-up application) but what she means by flawless isn’t the filtered and photoshopped kind.
Hers is a brand launched before Instagram propelled physical beauty to the fore (that’s what all those filters are for) and her concept of flawless is one that celebrates individuality.
Her best-selling Tinted Moisturiser, for example, is a direct opposite of full coverage liquid foundations aimed at hiding facial imperfections for high-definition photography shots. Her Primer too, has a cult following for the way it helps make-up stays put.
This year, the brand celebrates two decades in the business with a campaign called Meet The Icons, a throwback to its best-selling products. Aside from the Primer and Tinted Moisturiser, other products celebrated are its Silk Creme Foundation, which gives a satiny finish to skin, Secret Camouflage, a duo of corrector and concealer for under-eye and face and Loose Setting Powder to hold it all together.
“These timeless iconic favourites are wonderful ways to commemorate this incredible time in the history of the Laura Mercier brand. Always remember that what makes you unique makes you beautiful. Embrace your personality, celebrate your individually,” said Mercier, who used to be personal make-up artist to Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts and Juliette Binoche.
ABOUT LAURA MERCIER
• Raised in Provence, France
• Entered painting school in Paris at 17
• Decided to shift her talents (thanks to her mum’s coaxing) from canvas to face and enrolled in Carita Beauty Institute to specialise in make-up.
• Contributed to high-profile magazine covers and editorial shoots. She became known for creating flawless looks that accentuate one’s natural beauty.
• As a working professional make-up artist, she saw the need for several products, particularly in face make-up, which were missing from the traditional cosmetics line-up.
• She began experimenting and mixing her own to fill the white space in make-up in creating the flawless complexion. Her search to find the products that worked for her professionally expanded to the desire to help every woman achieve her full beauty potential.
• In 1996, the Laura Mercier line was born.