Laura Mercier's foundation primer is a lightweight and smooth gel/cream meant to be used before applying your foundation. The primer creates an invisible layer that fills in all imperfections and smooths out skin, so when you apply your foundation, it will look more smooth and flawless. I personally notice a pretty big difference in the outcome of my makeup when I use the primer versus not using it. The original - was created by Laura Mercier in 1995. This primer is perfect and ideal for normal and combination skin. Not only does the primer improve the look of your makeup, but it is also good for your skin. The primer contains vitamins A, C, and E which act as antioxidants and protect the skin from harmful, aging effects of the environment and everyday life. I did like this primer, but I will never purchase it again. I think the price is absolutely crazy for a product that is only "good/average". Another down side of this primer is the smell of it. I think it smells bad, but a friend of mine who also used it did't mind the smell so much.   

Lesley1234

Clinton, MA

I never thought primer was necessary, it was like toner to me. One of those things that you fork out money to buy but you could live without. But there is such a difference when you use it! I am a super Bare Essentials foundation fan and sometimes I feel like I need a little bit of assistance with my skin before I apply the foundation. Usually after I wash my face squeaky clean, it's hard for makeup to stay put and go on evenly... that's when I discovered what primer was for. I like the Laura Mercier one because its totally light-weight and oil-free. And if you're an oily skinned girl like me, you are well aware that most primers make you super shiny and clog your pores which lead to a whole new mess... There's a ton of primers out there are heavy so beware.  If you're looking for a primer, use this one! I've used both the regular primer and the oil free primer and both are amazing and light-weight!

lilmonster1

Placentia, CA

I had my make up done at the Laura Mercier make up counter at Saks.  When she told me that she was going to put primer on my face, I thought it was a gimmick.  Boy was I wrong.  It immediately reduced redness on my checks (my cheeks get blotchy red spots).  I later found out that this happens because it has aloe in it which calms and soothes the skin.  It also makes my face feel very smooth.  I use it everyday after I wash/moisturize my face, before putting on my foundation.  Although it's a bit on the expensive side, I love it.  The last tube that I bought has lasted almost 6 months, as a little drop goes a long way.  I actually bought a replacement tube thinking that it wouldn't last a long time, and I have been pleasantly surprised!  In addition, it dries quickly, so I can apply my foundation not long after I put on my primer.   I highly recommend this  product to anyone who has sensitive skin or blotchy skin; it's more than worth what it costs.  

eagerger

Houston, TX

I didn't understand the importance of buying a foundation primer until I tried Laura Mercier's oil-free foundation primer. What I expected was a product that would provide a little slip to help the foundation spread easier and to get a little more mileage from the foundation. What I got was more even coverage with the foundation, along with a smoother, more even feeling all over my face. I'd heard recommendations from girlfriends and decided to try it; now it's a staple in my morning routine. Totally worth the extra money, ladies, and this is from a girl who uses coupons for everything and bargain shops like crazy. I love all of the foundation products and tools from the Laura Mercier line, and this one is no exception. The primer works best with the Laura Mercier foundation, but it also produces beautiful results with other products (I've used it underneath other foundations and got great results).

beckyjoleson

Chapel Hill, NC

I like this primer, it goes on smoothly and evens my skin tone and even takes away my dry patches of skin I get on my forehead and nose. I never broke out from this product and it does not feel greasy at all on my face. It looks like a lotion when you squeeze it out of the bottle and goes on like a lotion feeling moisturizing. It does not irritate my skin or does not make my skin look red. My foundation and makeup go on smooth and nice. It also brings out the colors like making my fave more glowing and vibrant. But this item is a tad expensive so I only buy things like this when they are on sale or I get them as a gift. I will buy this item again. I like the tube but when you get down to the bare miniumum it does get harder to squeeze out the primer. The tube is a nice size and it does last forever, I had it almost a year and it is lasting me forever. I also like the smell, its not overpowering and does not smell grose.

heatherpl

Glen Burnie, MD

After reading positive reviews online about Laura Mercier products, I decided to try the oil free primer. I have oily skin with dry patches, so I didn't want a primer that would make my skin look oilier or enhance the appearance of those dry patches. This product did make my skin look less oily and my liquid foundation went on smoother over the primer, but my skin gets a funny reaction when I apply the primer. Maybe it's one of the ingredients in the product, but my skin has a burning sensation after I apply this primer. I thought maybe the stinging sensation would go away after a few uses, since I have sensitive skin, but it still hasn't and I'm tempted to return the product, even though I like the fact that it makes my makeup look better. I've tried primers from other brands such as Makeup Forever, FX, and smashbox, and none of those primers ever gave me a burning sensation after applying them. I wish it worked as well for me as it has for other reviewers.

lisatee

Stockton, CA

I got this product with a face kit from Laura Mercier and have had it for some time now and, to be honest, only use it for special occasions. It is a little too pricey for my day-to-day makeup. BUT it is silky smooth and makes your foundation look great (especially with other Laura Mercier makeup). It has a very smooth application (I usually use my fingers) and does make your skin feel soft and smooth. It does take a minute or two to set so I am usually hesitant to go straight to the foundation. I have found that creasing is decreased with this product... no ugly lines or wrinkles! Again, I would say this product is a little pricey for what you're getting. I'm all about deals and I'm sure you could find something similar or equal in quality/value if you just hunt around.  Finally, I am definitely prone to breakouts and acne with mixed dry/oily patchy skin, but this has never caused any breakouts.

melaniebeth987

Seattle, WA

  I have been using Laura Mercier's foundation primer for about a year now.  I love this product and could not live without it.  It can be used with or without moisturizer.  I use it without moisturizer because I have very oily skin.  This product works wonders.  It makes my foundation last longer without making my face look oily or shiny.  This primer helps the foundation stay on your face.  It will not dry your face out and it is an oil free formula so it will not make your face shiny.  I have noticed that is also helps minimize the appearance of my pores while I am wearing foundation.  The only thing I do not like about this product is the smell.  It does not have an unpleasant smell but rather a strange smell.  I would enjoy this product more if it had a different smell to it.  The price is also good because this is a very high quality product.  You pay a little more for this compared to the price of other primers but I feel like it is well worth the price.

Adivina1

Las Vegas, NV

I first read about makeup primers in Laura Krupp's best-selling book, How to Not Look Old. It's funny how I knew nothing about a product a few months ago and now I don't know how I ever used makeup without it. When I use the primer, my foundation has a smoother, finer finish, and my makeup appears to stay on longer. The primer is clear and resembles a heavy moisturizer. I've noticed another advantage to using primer, and that is that I don't use as much foundation with it. Yes, the primer is costly, but the foundation is even more expensive. I'm using a lot less foundation than I had previously. I have also tried some of the other primers, but I really like Laura Mercier's product. It's soft and gentle on my skin. I made the decision to no longer buy any products that are tested on animals, and a great advantage of Laura Mercier's products is that none of them are tested on animals. If you haven't used primer, you really should try it.

waterlil

Stafford, TX