I’m super excited that all the Summer collections are starting to be released, and one of the first I was able to try out is the Laura Mercier Belle Nouveau Collection which makes its debut in May 2012.  This art-inspired set includes soft, pastel shades and sheer color to create the “new pretty” (which is what the name means). Unfortunately one of my pieces didn’t survive the trip over, but it’s good enough to review! Make sure to check out the rest of the collection here.

The Sheer Crème Color

The first item (and probably most noticeable because of its sad appearance) is the Laura Mercier Sheer Crème Color ($22 USD) in the shade Copper Glow Veil. This limited edition shade is much more of a shimmery bronze to me (“copper” sounds more warm and brassy, but this one isn’t).  The product itself is encased in a square compact with a nice, large mirror (mine had actually opened during transport, and thats how it was damaged… but none the less the product is still the same)!

The cream feels almost like a cream eyeshadow- smooth and velvety, and actually looks a lot more pigmented then it is.  I swatched it both heavily to show color, and then blended it out to show the final effect.  This product is meant to give a soft veil of color for a healthy glow, and I must admit I was quite confused at first!  It’s a fairly deep bronze shade, but goes on quite sheer…so…where do you wear it exactly?  Well, I actually wore it everywhere I would wear a bronzer, and it gives a gorgeous luminescent to the skin without looking oily. It’s a very soft sheen, and I found it actually really blurred imperfections a lot!  This would be a gorgeous must-have for a tropical vacation… a touch of this, mascara and lipgloss and you’re set for the evening.  I know there is the word “sheer” in the name, but be prepared because it is very sheer… I had to layer it on several times to start to see a hint of color.

Rating: B+

Laura Mercier Sheer Crème Color in Copper Glow Veil

Laura Mercier Sheer Crème Color in Copper Glow Veil

Laura Mercier Sheer Crème Color in Copper Glow Veil

Laura Mercier Sheer Crème Color in Copper Glow Veil

Laura Mercier Sheer Crème Color in Copper Glow Veil

Laura Mercier Sheer Crème Color in Copper Glow Veil (Swatched heavily)

Laura Mercier Sheer Crème Color in Copper Glow Veil (Blended out)

The Créme Lip Print

Laura Mercier is known for enhancing natural beauty, and the limited edition cream lip colors in the collection do just that. I’ve been wearing the Laura Mercier Crème Lip Print ($22 USD) in Nude Beige, and it truly is the perfect my-lips-but-better shade for me.  The formula is super creamy and blendable, yet on the lips it feels so lightweight you can barely feel it.  My favorite thing about the product is how full and voluptuous it makes your lips look.

I really do wish these lip colors came in a tube though… I’m not a fan of applying lip color with my fingers (gloss, maybe) and requiring a brush usually disqualifies the product from becoming a handbag essential for me.  The compact itself is nice and small with a good-size mirror. It isn’t super long lasting, but it’s incredibly comfortable to wear.

Rating: A-

Laura Mercier Crème Lip Print in Nude Beige

Laura Mercier Crème Lip Print in Nude Beige

Laura Mercier Crème Lip Print in Nude Beige

Laura Mercier Crème Lip Print in Nude Beige

Laura Mercier Crème Lip Print in Nude Beige

Laura Mercier Crème Lip Print in Nude Beige

Laura Mercier Crème Lip Print in Nude Beige

Laura Mercier Crème Lip Print in Nude Beige

The Lip Gloss

Probably the prettiest (and my favorite) piece in the collection is the Laura Mercier Lip Glacé ($22 USD) in the shade Orange Tulip.  The name might be scary, but the gloss itself is such a gorgeous peach shade, it’s perfect for the season. Laura Mercier lip glosses smell really amazing, I think it’s like vanilla mint, but it really reminds me of the Buxom Lip Polishes (without the tingle). I would say the gloss is sheer to medium coverage- it shows up slightly, but there is definitely still color deposited. On top of a nude lipstick, the peachy color is really brought out (my favorite way to wear it).

I don’t find that they last very long on the lips though, I find myself having to re-apply throughout the day to keep the color visible.  That is expected though for a thinner, non-tacky formula.

Rating: A-

Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Orange Tulip

Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Orange Tulip

Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Orange Tulip

Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Orange Tulip

Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Orange Tulip

Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Orange Tulip

See More

• Look Book: Belle Nouveau

Summary

• Price: Sheer Crème Color ($22 USD for 0.28oz / 6g), Crème Lip Print ($20 USD for 0.06oz / 1.9g), Lip Glacé ($22 USD for 0.15oz / 4.5g)
• Availability: Laura Mercier and select retailers in May 2012
• Selection: See the entire collection here
• Overall: The collection is the definition of “soft and pretty”. Sheer, natural-looking colors with soft radiance.  The Sheer Crème Color adds a hint of warmth and glow to the complexion, but it is very sheer. The Crème Lip Print is super lightweight, and the color is totally my-lips-but-better, however I wish it came in a tube instead. The Lip Glacé is super shiny with a touch of sheer peach, very appropriate for spring and summer. A different route from the “bright and bold” collections of the season.
• Rating: A- (for the collection as a whole- each shade was rated individually above)