It’s taken me so long to warm up to the Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation that I am unsure how to begin. I did like using the very popular and iconic Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser which I take in Porcelain, which is comfortable on skin and offered just enough tint to even out skintone. I’d never tried their full on foundations however, so the Silk Creme was the first. I had been curious for a while.
The Silk Creme foundation is what I’d consider a full coverage foundation because it does offer a lot of coverage. So much in fact, that it took me a while to work out that only a very very little bit is sufficient for a thin veil over the skin. Very little.
That was the first thing I had to get used to. The product comes in a small 35ml tube that really belies just how much product you need. I usually only squeeze out a little dot, and then use my brush because this foundation doesn’t take very kindly to fingers. The texture is very creamy so this is one that is more suited to those with a drier skintone i.e. me! For those with oily skins, there are other foundations in the range but you may find this one a bit heavy.
Because this is such a high coverage foundation, I find I have to be quite careful with it because I ran into the second snag – colour selection. This one is quite tricky!
The first time I was at the counter, I had been colour matched to Peach Ivory. It actually looked quite good on me, and because the application was so flawless, I really was very impressed. This foundation really leaves you with a very flawless appearance. It was complimentary and I took it home but struggled with it for quite a while.
Eventually, I worked out that I couldn’t wear Peach Ivory. It was, for want of a better word, too peachy. Perhaps it was the yellow lighting in the mall that played tricks on the colour matching, but I could not get it to work in everyday life. This was because I ran into snag #3 – it oxidises.
I did notice that this foundation does oxidise on skin after a while and when that happened, Peach Ivory was too dark on me. So, I chucked this to the back of my drawer and forgot about it.
A little while later, I happened to pass by the Laura Mercier store again and decided to check if there was another lighter shade and lo! and behold! There was – Soft Ivory. Now, I must warn you, that Soft Ivory is almost white when squeezed out of the tube LOL! It stunned me. I’m not white!
But I spoke to the SA and we tested it on my skin and she agreed that it might be a better match. She gave me a generous sample to try at home which I did, and I went back to buy the full tube later because strange as it looks, Soft Ivory is my shade.
Here’s a comparison of the 2 shades – Peach Ivory and Soft Ivory so you have an idea of what I mean.
Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation Swatch (1) Peach Ivory (2) Soft Ivory (3) Soft Ivory blended with a bit of Peach Ivory
You might be able to tell from these swatches just how creamy the Silk Creme foundation is. These were spread out from just a tiny little dot on my skin so a very little goes a very long way. In fact, the recommended application method is by using a sponge, and I can understand why, because it will just be easier to spread. When I use a brush, it can appear a little streaky because it is so spreadable, like butter :P Also, if you aren’t careful it can even look cakey on skin.
But I don’t have a sponge, so I persevere with a foundation brush and it usually works. I use the 5 line method with just a tiny little bit of foundation and it covers all of my skin once I blend it in a little.
You can also see just how peachy Peach Ivory is in comparison to Soft Ivory. For interest, these are among the 2 lighter shades in the range which is quite puzzling, but I think on those with a fair-medium skintone with some yellow base, the Peach Ivory shade can be brightening on skin.
Here are the swatches in comparison to other foundations I wear in my shade. The shades do differ a little but the rest work on me.
(1) Revlon Colorstay #200 Nude (2) Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation – Peach Ivory (3) Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation – Soft Ivory (4) Blended – Soft Ivory + Peach Ivory (5) Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation 1.0 (6) Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation I00 Very Light Ivory (7) Diorskin Nude 010 Ivory
In terms of coverage, the Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation offers the most coverage, followed by the Revlon then Shiseido then Diorskin Nude and then Urban Decay Naked Skin.
But you know what? Lest you think that I am all negative about this foundation, I actually am not. I like it. It is like real life photoshop for my skin LOL! No, I’m serious! One very thin layer of Silk Creme foundation over my face and it’s like all faults are erased or blurred.
Once the Silk Creme foundation has set, it has a slightly matte but luminous finish. Not shiny, not oily, not wholly matte either. It is in the words of Goldilocks, “Just right”
It feels very lightweight on my skin and I never feel like I’m wearing any foundation at all which is great when you live where I do and have to battle heat and humidity all the time. It stays put for hours, does not dry out my skin one bit and starts to look better once it has settled in. I usually give it about an hour and then look into the mirror and am amazed at how flawless my skin looks by then. Soft Ivory oxidises just a little bit, so it looks far more natural about an hour in than after I immediately apply it to my skin.
Here is an idea of what I mean by photoshop to my skin. Please forgive the different angles. For some reason, I refused to cooperate with myself when taking these shots and I couldn’t be arsed to re-do them :P
Untouched up Left: Bare skin in all its glory, shine and all! Right: A thin layer of Soft Ivory and who needs concealer?
I don’t use concealer at all when I use the Silk Creme foundation because what is there to conceal when the foundation has already done its job? :P I do sometimes top up with a dusting of Meteorites in Teint Beige just to even things out further and what with the real life photoshop and the blur tool, I get away with everything :D If I want something seriously flawless, as in Dresden dolly, so flawless it looks fake, then a light dusting of pressed or loose powder does the trick. But I don’t practise that often. Not a fan of that look :)
So, if you have a combination-dry skintype and want a full coverage foundation that is practically Photoshop for your skin then definitely do check this one out. This one is in regular rotation with my other liquid foundations so that says a lot! ;)
In a nutshell
The Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation is a creamy foundation with very high coverage that I feel suits those with slightly dry skin better than someone with oily skin. That said, if you live in a colder climate then you may be able to use it but here where it’s hot and humid, I’d say it’s a no-no for oily skintypes. The texture is very smooth and the coverage is phenomenal! One little small pea dot gets you more than sufficient coverage for the whole face. It feels light on skin and on me, lasts a full day without oiling up or fading. I am impressed with this one and it is in regular rotation but it is not without its faults, notably – poor shade selection, oxidises, and takes some getting used to. I use a brush but I think a sponge or even that famed Beautyblender sponge could come in useful for this one.
Pros: Hygienic packaging that is easy to control, Photoshop in a tube!, Only very little is needed so it will last a long while
Cons: Poor shade selection, Oxidises, Make take a while to get the hang of it or you may end up using too much, Pricey initially, Can look cakey if too much is used
Who will like this: Anyone with a slightly dry skintype who is in the market for a full coverage foundation
If you’d like to test this, I recommend looking for Jia Jia at the Laura Mercier counter at Bangsar Village 2. She is very pleasant and friendly and if you ask her nicely she might even let you take home a sample so you can decide if it is suitable for you. Whenever I want something from LM, I go to her because some of the others can be a bit snobby, but this one, she’s lovely :D
Have you tried the Silk Creme foundation? Do you like any other Laura Mercier base makeup?
So far, I like the Undercover Concealer Pot and the Tinted Moisturiser. I wasn’t too thrilled about the Secret Concealer compact or the Tinted Moisturiser Creme Compact but I’ve since been told I’ve been using the Secret Concealer wrongly so I’m going to try that one again. There may be a new foundation out too that comes in a glass bottle but I haven’t gotten round to that.
Paris B
Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation Price: RM160/35ml (I think, subject to confirmation) Availability: Laura Mercier counters and KensApothecary
I used to have their Tinted Moisturizer but it oxidized so badly on my that I turned orange. Maybe the shade Nude was too dark for me. This foundation sounds lovely but I tend to go for light-medium coverage because shade match is more forgiving. It’s just too difficult to get a good shade match – my skin is fussy. LOL!
Oxidization seems to be a well known problem with LM bases. Pity really because they are good :( The Tinted Moisturiser didn’t oxidise on me, but this one certainly did! I give myself a light coverage usually with just 1 dot of product so I’d say it’s value for money since I can go sheer, medium or full coverage ;)
Hah, this reminds me of my Illamasqua foundation. Love the ‘one-dot’ foundations, hate what happens if your skintone changes.
Would you happen to know which of the LM foundies are suitable for oilier skins, but offer the same coverage?
Thankfully, my skintone is pretty constant but yeah these one dot foundations are wonderful! I am not familiar with the other LM foundations Dom, sorry! There are some people who have said that this one works for oily skin too but if you can snag a sample somewhere, that’ll be the best way to know.
This does look amazing. I’m wary of the oxidising bit though. Has anyone done any research on why certain products oxidise and others don’t? Is it in the chemical makeup of the (heh!) makeup product? Or, is it the interaction of the product with our skincare?
THE MIND FRIGGING BOGGLES.
OK, I’m off to do the research because I’m an invalid today :P
I think it’s a little of both. Sometimes it’s the ingredients themselves that oxidise upon contact with the air and moisture (I think sometimes products oxidise more quickly here in the tropics, the same way chips go soft more quickly :P ) and other times, it’s how it interacts with our skin and acidity, sweat etc. Too many unknown variables, if you ask me :P
I wanted to like their tinted moisturizer so much, but it makes me look oranges. :( With all the hype, I almost feel like an outcast.
This does look flawless on you. Do you I’d have any luck with it? Seems like it’s catered more towards the normal-dry skin type.
On the topic of foundation, has Hourglass made their way to Malaysia yet? You’ve got to try their foundation. AMAZING! :D
You aren’t alone, Sze Ling! I’ve read of many people experiencing the same thing :( Then again, you have the NARS TM which is amazing, so you aren’t missing out ;) I’m not sure if it’d work on you, but if you go for a shade down, it might just work. We don’t get Hourglass here yet :( I used to see it in Singapore but not anymore too. I heard it’s left but I can’t be sure. Now you have me really really curious about their foundation! I’ve been dying to try their Ambient light powders. Everyone says they are AMAZING! Have you tried them? Do you know which colour I should pick? I can’t decide coz there are so many and I’m so confused :P
You know what, now that my skin is acting up and getting quite oily on the T-zone, NARS TM is teeny bit too moisturizing for me. But I’m definitely keeping it for drier days. :D Not giving up on it.
I’ve been trying the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid to Powder foundation, and my (current) super-combination skin is loving it. It lasts and lasts like nobody’s business. And the great thing is, it’s not drying out the other no-so-oily areas, which is amazing.
Ah…you’re reading my mind. My latest lemming is the Ambient Light powder (and the crazy-expensive #2 Foundation brush). LOL. ;) I’ve 2 shortlist of color, haven’t quite decide on which one yet. Planning to hit Sephora this weekend to check them out in-person. Will report back! :)
I remember it was your rave for nars tm that made me get it and I love it! So now you have me lemming the Hourglass one. Ugh, you! :P
Enablers enable each other. ;) Hahaha! Glad to know that I have been of service. :P
Hmm…I have a feeling you might like the Veil Fluid foundation more than the Immaculate Liquid Powder, just because your skin is more normal-dry.
You most certainly have! Disservice to my wallet, service to my base makeup hehe… Thanks for the tips for the Hourglass foundations. I might have to check them out in person or find somewhere online that doesn’t sell them for an arm and a leg ;)
I have been wanting to try this for a very long time. I thought that LM have this foundation in a different formula for oily skin. Huhu..
They do have a different formula for oily skin, Phyllicia, but I’m not sure about the coverage. I can try checking the next time I’m at a counter but I can’t promise! :)
I used to have a tube of this. I find it too dark in the winter, but the shade matches pretty good in the summer when I tan a bit. Unfortunately, my skin turns especially oily in the summer and it doesn’t last long on my face.
The other thing I didn’t like is that it had a strong chemical scent to it. So I don’t think I’ll be buying a 2nd tube any time soon.
That’s interesting, I didn’t notice a smell. But yes, for such a lovely foundation, it’s a pity that it oxidises so the shade can potentially be all wrong!
I’m not a fan of heavy coverage foundations so I will probably pass on this. Is the finish really matte, or slightly dewy? And how does this compare with Lunasol’s Skin Modeling (our HGs)?
I like to apply all foundations with a dampened sponge for a super sheer finish haha.
It’s slightly dewy and has about the same sort of finish as the Lunasol one. The difference is that the coverage is high so to dial it down, I could mix a moisturiser into it, or use just a teeny bit and sheer it out. The dampened sponge will work too although I never found the patience to try it :( Do you use the Beautyblender or just a regular sponge?
I’ve used those disposable sponge wedges and also foundation sponges from Maquillage. Both seem to work just as well. :)
Thanks! I’ll try it :D
I quite like their tinted moisturiser and was thinking of getting either that or the Moisture Supreme foundation. I heard that latter is pretty hydrating. Have you tried that one?
Unfortunately I haven’t tried the Moisture Supreme foundation. Is that the new one in the frosted glass jar? I noticed something new at the counter but didn’t stop to check last I was there, sorry!
I so wanted to try this foundation but when I visited the Laura Mercier counter at Garden’s Mall they flatly refused to give any sample :( they said they don’t give out sample and I was really quite annoyed since the foundation is so expensive so walked out without buying anything :)
Ugh! Yes the LM counter at Midvalley is quite a pain. The SA was unfriendly and unhelpful to me too so I refused to buy anything off them. The one at Bangsar Village 2 is lovely, but I can imagine it’s quite a hassle getting there.
I wish Sephora would carry Soft Ivory! It would be the perfect colour match for me. I can only wear my Laura Mercier foundation in Cream Ivory (the lightest shade available) in the summer when I have a bit of a tan. I love the coverage but find that it does require blotting on oilier skins by mid-day. Fantastic staying power though!
Ahh Cream Ivory has a slight yellow cast I believe. It’s a pity you can’t get Soft Ivory especially if it’s a colour you can wear more often! Can you order it online?
WOWZA that’s some coverage!! You look flawless! I’ve always wanted to try this but it scare the heck outta me lol! Full coverage is so tricky! Do you think it would work well with a Beauty Blender, my foundation weapon of choice? :P
LOL yes I didn’t realise how full coverage it was the first time and scared myself by painting a mask on! Using the beautyblender would be excellent! I’ve been dying to try it – do you think I’d like it? I mean, I do use brushes a lot, but I’ve never really worked with a sponge.
Shame about it oxidising – I’ve used LM Tinted Moisturizer for years and never had a problem with it; still haven’t delved into their foundations (yet!) but I really believe they make some of the best face products; their powders and concealers are equally fantastic. But the foundation coverage looks really good!
x Renee
I didn’t have a problem with the TM too, Renee but it appears quite a few people do! It’s funny isn’t it how foundations can react on different skins? I think LM does very good bases too. Very underrated brand!
Actually it can be used on oily skin. It lasts about 7 hours for me if I set it properly with powder.
Loving this foundation as well when I want full coverage, I also like the body care in the smell almond coconut
=D
Thanks for the heads up about oily skin Evan! It gives the most amazing coverage, I admit it shocked me the first time I used it LOL!
I’ve got the secret concealer too and it really emphasized the fine lines and quite patchy after applying powder on the face. Hence was disappointed when first used it. Is there a “secret” way to use this concealer to make it work? Would be interested if you discover it and do a review on it. Such a pricey concealer for a budget user like me and feels so wasted not using it.
Hi Kien Ling, you experienced the exact same thing I did. On the undereye area, I find it is too thick and patchy and as you have said, emphasised lines. On blemishes, it didn’t seem to conceal anything. I was told that to use this, I should use a brush, brush it over the surface of the product, mixing to get the shade you want, then brush it on the back of the hand to warm it up. Then, close the compact and pick up whatever product there is on the back of your hand to apply to your skin in thin layers. I tried it, and it looked better but was just too much hassle, I’m afraid :(
Does acidity contributes to the oxidation of a foundation? (just a random thought) :)
Yes it does :) The acidity of the product, and our skin, or the ingredients, the humidity, our sweat… everything contributes which is why foundations can oxidise on one person and not another ;)
Yay I like this too! Like you said, using this is like photoshop… honestly, using thus with loose powder on top indeed make me look flawless, and fake! Hahaha…. I agree the excellent coverage that I skip concealer as well. I am amazed that just meteorite alone can look so good on you. I tried using the perles du paradis on it but find it abit off. And with meteorites on, how was the oil control for you? I had to retouch it often. Perhaps I am not using meteorites correctly? *cries*
Yes! It does make me look fake too! I have to be careful to look human but it makes such an excellent base for applying soft pink blush! :D Meteorites don’t control oil at all actually. Think of them as a highlighter, not a loose powder :) I personally wasn’t impressed with Perles du Paradis :( Of all the ones I have, that is the one I think actually disappoints me! I still prefer using the permanent ones which I think make a better investment. What is it about the Meteorites that you find off?
I am always quite amazed that you can use the Meteorites as a sort of setting powder. I do have dry skin, but the meteorites alone don’t work the same effect as a loose powder. I still have to set with loose powder before dusting meteorites. For me, it’s kind of like an enhancement brightening powder, that is a little more subtle than M.A.C Mineralise Skin Finish (for those who use M.A.C).
Nope, the Meteorites don’t act as a loose powder for me. It doesn’t have that mattifying and setting effect, but I don’t usually set my foundations as I’m not a fan of the look. However, what it does do is sort of tie everything together. Like a big blend tool LOL Doesn’t brighten my skin much so it’s totally unnoticeable on my skin but if I want to look a little more flawless, I have to do loose powder/setting powder then Meteorites all over :)
Interesting. Have heard so many wonderful things about this. But full on foundation is not for me. I do have the tinted moisturiser and their equally famous loose powder though.
Out of all, I actually like the UD Naked on you best!
I wonder why they gave you peach ivory in the first place. I ain’t no professional, but I can tell, that’s really kind of yellow.
Are the shades for tinted moisturizer and foundation exactly the same?
Laura Mercier is a really tricky one. I had to sit at the chair and get tested even for the moisturiser. I think word-type shades are so confusing. haha, just call it 1, 2, 3, 4 , 5 , 6, solves the problem.
UD Naked was one I was surprised that I like! :) I was puzzled too the first time I tried on Peach Ivory. It looked great in store but then you know mall lighting and all that. Didn’t work in the end haha! I had to be tested for the TM too! But they don’t go below Porcelain so it was that or nothing. Thankfully it worked :)
This foundation is my all time favourite! I have combination and oily skin but it works so great! It doesn’t make my face shiny or oily after applying. At first I thought the shade recommended was a little to light for me but I was told it oxidizes and when it oxidizes, it looks perfectly fine on me.
I bought this 2 years ago and I still haven’t finish the tube! I use along with LM’s oil free foundation primer and loose settling powder and it gives me a flawless look. I will definitely repurchase this :) I’m so happy you did a review on this product :D
Hi Florence, thanks for confirming that this works for combination-oily skin too! :D It’s so helpful to have people of different skintypes chip in with their experiences and you’re right about it oxidising to suit our skintone. I would tell anyone to buy a shade lower so you get the exact shade once it oxidises. Pity about that eh? What if it didn’t :P Glad to know I picked one of your faves to review this time around :D
You look flawless! I’ll have to check it out next time I go to Sephora. I’m a bit wary of oxidation but hopefully I’ll be able to find a good colour match.
I’d suggest you see if you can get a sample, Gio or test a stripe on your face and go for a walk before deciding. One shade lighter might do the trick but I’d be concerned to recommend that as the to-go method because there’s always that chance that it doesn’t oxidise!
i so want that foundation! it looks awesome!
It most certainly is! :)