STYLE BY MELI

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 – and NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Recently, NARS came out with a tinted moisturizer that comes in 9 shades.  I matched myself to “Alaska,” which [sadly] is the second lightest shade in their color spectrum.  I had initially thought this was too light, especially moving into the summer season, but it turns out I really am that fair and I have to say, it is the perfect match!  FYI, in MAC terms, I’m a true NC25 bordering on NC20 (in Studio Fix Fluid).  

I have been incredibly loyal to my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (oil-free version) ever since I started using it about a year ago.  I wear the shade, “Bisque” and out of the ten shades, this is the third lightest.  I love the silky, blendable texture and the fact that it actually provides amazing coverage.  In other words, I have been using this as my foundation.

However, this does not mean I’m completely married to it, I’m always open to new things!

[Beauty Confession]:  I have an obsession with creating perfect skin, so as a makeup artist, I’m always looking for the next best thing in terms of face products and skincare.  (That and a fabulous lipstick!  I don’t know why, but I’m always looking for a new lipstick…I have a slight addiction!)

About a week ago, I picked up a sample of the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 from Sephora, and originally, I wasn’t completely in love with it, mainly because I originally thought the shade I had chosen was too light (but the next shade was clearly too dark) and in terms of its consistency, it seemed to lack that buttery, blendable creaminess that was prevalent in the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.

MY VERDICT: However, a week has now gone by (yes, the sample has truly been lasting that long, because as I always say, a little goes a long way) and although it’s a tough decision given they are both AMAZING products, I have to say that I’m leaning a little stronger towards the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

Why I’m Loving the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer:

-  For starters, I like the fact that NARS has a higher SPF content.  Personally, I try to shower my face with SPF because it is the number one thing you can do to prevent premature signs of aging (I don’t know about you, but I rather age like a fine wine than look like a leather couch, just saying! ;)) and let’s please not forget about skin cancer prevention ladies.  SPF is crucial, so the higher, the better!

-  Both products are exactly the same price, $42.  However, the amount of product does slightly vary:  LMTM = 1.7 oz and the NARS TM = 1.9.  So from an economical standpoint, NARS gives you a little more bang for your buck.

-  In terms of coverage, they are very close in my opinion.  I’d have to say that the NARS TM may be slightly more sheer than LMTM, but the coverage is buildable.

-  Besides the visual effects of a face product, in which BOTH products do provide a smooth, flawless, and natural finish, I’m also HIGHLY concerned about the skin benefits of the product (if it even provides any at all for that matter)!  Let me share with you the description of each product, and YOU tell me which you’re sold on going strictly by its description…

NARS – “Infused with lush, naturally derived ingredients, this lightweight tinted moisturizer immediately helps thirsty skin feel hydrated. It has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyper pigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in just four weeks. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores and other imperfections. SPF 30 adds a translucent veil of protection. “

Research results:
-84% felt their skin was more radiant and luminous
-81% felt the product smoothed out the surface of their skin
-81% felt the product gave them immediate hydration

Laura Mercier - “This lightweight foundation that can be reapplied as necessary, offers sun protection for sensitive or acne prone skin, oil control, and provides hydration to prevent dryness.”

Hmm…I don’t know about you, but this seems like a beauty no-brainer in terms of which tinted moisturizer provides the best long-term benefits for your skin.  

Now I know it may be too soon to make this correlation, but I have to honestly say that the clarity of my skin has drastically improved within the past few days. I actually ALMOST forgot to even apply my concealer yesterday because I could actually have gotten away with just skipping it and wearing the tinted moisturizer by itself.  Talk about a miracle!

[Has anyone else tried both of these products?  If so, do you have a favorite?]

This entry was posted on June 12, 2012 at 11:06 PM and is filed under FACE, FOUNDATION, MAKE-UP, MELI'S THOUGHTS ON..., NARS, PRODUCTS I LOVE, SKINCARE, TINTED MOISTURIZERS . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.