Laura Mercier Description

Shop Laura Mercier's cosmetics collection, featuring makeup products rooted in professional artistry and the philosophy of natural beauty. Laura Mercier Cosmetics was founded in 1996 by celebrity makeup artist Laura Mercier (born Michèle Mercier on October 2, 1960, in Arles, France) in partnership with Janet Gurwitch, former Executive Vice President of Neiman Marcus, and Gary Kusin. Mercier had moved to New York in 1985 to work on the launch of American Elle magazine, subsequently building a career working with celebrities including Madonna, Julia Roberts, and Sarah Jessica Parker, alongside campaigns for major brands like Chanel, L'Oreal, and Victoria's Secret.

At 16, Mercier enrolled at L'Ecole Supérieure d'Arts Appliqués Duperré in Paris to study painting and drawing, but later switched to the Carita Paris Institute beauty school where she adopted the name "Laura" to avoid confusion with actress Michèle Mercier. Her quest for professional-quality products that didn't exist in the market led her to develop her own line, initially creating formulas in her bathroom. The brand launched with revolutionary products including Foundation Primer and Secret Camouflage concealer, addressing the needs she encountered while working on models' overworked skin during editorial shoots.

The collection has since expanded to include cult favourites such as Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Tinted Moisturizer, and Caviar Stick Eye Colour, all built around Mercier's signature "Flawless Face" technique of prime, perfect, and set. The comprehensive range now encompasses foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows, mascaras, and other makeup essentials, alongside skincare, body and bath products, and fragrances. Mercier remains actively involved in product development and creative direction, maintaining her philosophy that what makes each person unique makes them beautiful.