Paint by numbers

Laura Mercier makeup and skincare is a household name for cosmetics hoarders and celebrity stalkers alike. If you can be counted among those who religiously shop according to the "whats hot" section of the latest fashion magazine, you will also be very pleased to know that not only is this brand truly favored by celebrities, Laura Mercier originally wanted to become a painter and even received classical training.

Laura Mercier actually began her artistic education entering painting school at the age of 17. Later, she received a makeup design degree from the Carita School in Paris (Carita also happens to be a very high-end makeup line patronized by the very snobbish). Then she worked with various prestigious magazines and photographers, earning her experience and putting in time until she launched her own line in 1996. Soon she became famous for creating the flawless face. As the saying goes, the rest is history. Since then, like the legion of celebrities faithful to her, I have come to love her products.

The list of celebrities who love her products reads like an invitation roster for the Oscars. She is even the personal makeup artist of several high-profile stars like Julia Roberts, who loves Healthy Lips and Tinted Moisturizer, Sarah Jessica Parker, who uses the world famous Secret Camouflage kit and Juliette Binoche. Other stars who use her varied products are Angelina Jolie, who goes for the total Laura Mercier look like Celine Dion, Catherine Zeta Jones, who wears the eyeliners and lip products, Liv Tyler, another Secret Camouflage fan, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Lauren Holly and Susan Sarandon.

This summer, she came out with new and exciting delights adding to the existing products that have become more than just a passing fancy for many of us. First theres the Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer cornerstones of her famous flawless face look, but now packaged together in one convenient compact. The Secret Concealer is a moisture-rich emollient formula for the sensitive and often dry skin under the eye. It is softer in consistency compared to the Secret Camouflage and must be applied after foundation. The Secret Camouflage is meant for areas that are tougher to cover and can be layered on top of the concealer for really dark circles or blemishes. What's even better is dragging a brush on both products and as Laura Mercier recommends, using the back of your hand as a palette to create a warm and natural color that suits your real skin tone.

If you were born lucky and already possess flawless skin, it's a good idea to streamline your regimen for summer and go with the Tinted Moisturizer, a product that moisturizes, contains SPF 20, an anti-oxidant vitamin complex and promises to be extremely long-wearing while providing a natural dewy finish. This sheer tint can also be used to unify your skin tone in a subtle manner.

To enhance the natural dewy look of the tinted moisturizer you can use Lady Luxe lip color. It has a long-lasting formula formulated with botanicals to moisturize and soften lips. I gave up on lipstick when the world fell in love with lip gloss but this formulation tastes like vanilla and provides a rich effect that no gloss can. To make the look really believable, the Cheek Crème which goes on as a crème but finishes as a light powder is great for initial blending suited for those who have a heavy hand.

Each product comes with its suggested application and tips. If you try these blend-friendly products yourself as suggested (Laura Mercier has a full range of excellent brushes), you yourself can become a painter of your own special canvas.

Laura Mercier is available at Rustan's Department Store.