The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Dewy SPF30 is a hydrating, lightweight foundation alternative that’s fast becoming a summer beauty staple
As soon as temperatures begin to soar, my usual foundation starts to feel quite suffocating. Much like how you wouldn’t wear a fur coat out in the middle of a heatwave, our makeup bags also need a little refresh in the warmer weather, too.
During another scorching week in the UK, I ditched my usual complexion base for the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Dewy SPF30 – and it’s fast becoming a summer beauty staple. Between the heat, humidity and wanting my skin to actually look like skin, I’ve found myself reaching for it day after day for its hydrating, lightweight formula.
At £39, it certainly isn’t the cheapest tinted moisturiser on the market, but if you’re after that effortless ‘your skin but better’ look, it’s one of the best I’ve tried. For those seeking a natural, even-toned base that doesn’t feel heavy, but leaves skin glowy, this delivers on all fronts.
Before ordering, I turned to Laura Mercier’s online shade finder to select the best of the 20 shades for my complexion. You can enter a foundation you already wear and it suggests your closest match, taking a lot of the guesswork out of buying online.
After telling the site I usually wear Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation in 1 Neutral, it suggested I opt for Laura Mercier’s 0N Silk , which is the lightest in the range. When it arrived and I dispensed it on the back of my hand, I initially worried it would be too pale, but because it blends out quite sheerly, it ended up being a perfect match. I will add, though, that 0 is the only shade that doesn’t come in cool or warm varieties like the rest of the range.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Natural Dewy SPF30
A skincare-makeup hybrid with sheer-to-light coverage, designed to promote a smooth, luminous-looking complexion.
The tinted moisturiser blurs the line between makeup and skincare, offering an 88% skincare-based formula . It boasts prebiotics, which help to strengthen the skin barrier, and Upcycled Black Grape Pomace, which is said to soften the appearance of fine lines over time.
I applied the product with a brush and the coverage is definitely on the lighter side. That said, it does exactly what I want from a summer base, evening out redness and skin tone and adding a healthy glow. A touch of concealer on my dark under-eyes and any blemishes, enhances the coverage where it’s needed, rather than all over.
I prefer a dewy finish compared to matte. I find it gives a naturally fresh, healthy appearance to the skin and helps reflect light, which in turn, softens imperfections for a more flattering result.
I have quite dry skin, but as a result, this can cause excess oil production on my forehead. On particularly warm days, I dusted a little Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder through my T-zone, which helped keep excess shine at bay while still maintaining that healthy glow. However, it’s worth noting that those with already oily complexions may prefer the matte Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blurred Matte Oil Free SPF 30 as an alternative.
The addition of SPF30 is another bonus, though it’s important to note this shouldn’t replace your daily sunscreen. Consider it an extra layer of defence on top of your usual SPF – especially when the UV index is high.
While perfect for everyday, a tinted moisturiser may not be the best option for more formal or special occasions, like summer weddings or graduations. In these instances, I’d opt for something like the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation 30m l. The lightweight, medium-to-full-coverage foundation creates a similar lit-from-within glow with a natural-looking finish. Usually £43.50, it’s currently reduced to £34.80 at LookFantastic.
For a lighter option, the Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 50 comes in at £33 at Space NK. It offers a little more coverage than a tinted moisturiser, though it has fewer shades to choose from, coming in six stretchable options.
Back at Laura Mercier, I’m clearly not the only fan of the natural, dewy tinted moisturiser. One shopper wrote: “ This is my first foray into the world of tinted moisturiser as opposed to foundation. This product is great for sensitive skin and provides moisture and is comfortable to wear all day. I don’t powder it, I just apply it on clean skin and it lasts all day.
“Previously, I found that liquid foundations felt dry after a day’s wear and changed colour as well, but this product doesn’t. I also apply it with my fingers. Only downside is that it can rub off when first applied, so I try not to touch my face. I haven’t tried any kind of primer yet to see if that fixes the problem of smudging off, but applying thinly helps.”
Another added: “ I was surprised by and really like the texture. It glides to the skin and feels luxurious.”
“I’ve struggled with finding the right foundation after turning 40 and noticing changes in the way my makeup applies and wears,” a third admitted. “I’ve tried so many highly recommended foundations for mature skin that didn’t seem to work until I tried this! It doesn’t give a great deal of coverage but makes your skin look even somehow, wears really well throughout the day and doesn’t settle into fine lines or go patchy. Love, love, love this.”
A fourth commented: “Love the way this tinted moisturiser sits on my skin. Don’t want a heavy foundation in the summer, and this gives a lovely dewy finish and doesn’t settle in fine lines.”
While those who prefer full-coverage foundation may find Laura Mercier’s offering too sheer, if, like me, you’re looking to enhance your natural complexion rather than hide it, Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturiser Natural Dewy is well worth considering.
