LAURA MERCIER REAL FLAWLESS FOUNDATION | Dry Skin Review & Wear Test

Today I’m trying the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation in 1C2 Chiffon. See how it applies and wears on dry, maturing skin over 40. All products linked below! #makeupover40 #foundationfest
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★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★ ☆★
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation in 1C2 Chiffon $48 - go.magik.ly/ml/1sc1k/
Laura Mercier is a cruelty free brand. Check out Phyrra.net for my favorite cruelty free brand list: bit.ly/cfbrands
FREE MINI-COURSE on how to choose the best foundations for dry skin - foundation.geekoutofwater.com
CHECK OUT MY FRIEND JENNY the FOUNDATION LADY!
bit.ly/jennyfoundation
FOUNDATION & CONCEALER FEST MASTER LISTS! All of the foundations and concealers I’ve reviewed, ranked and searchable:
Foundation - geekoutofwater.com/foundation...
Concealer - geekoutofwater.com/concealer-...
FOUNDATION FEST PLAYLIST - All of my foundation review videos! bit.ly/foundationfest
As always, my foundation review inspiration originally came from Taylor Wynn (the artist formerly known as ThaTaylaa), the best foundation reviewer on KZbin - / thataylaa
I’M WEARING:
NAILS
Awakened Aura by Color Street - 100% real dry nail polish strips - no dry time, no smudges, no heat or tools needed, and made in the USA! We’re international - US, Canada, & Germany! Hop into my Facebook group / goownails or visit shop.goowbeauty.com
FACE
Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 - bit.ly/3VqLlhZ
Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum - muse.meritbeauty.com/shelly6
Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation in 1C2 Chiffon - go.magik.ly/ml/1sc1k/
The Balm Desert bronzer - amzn.to/40RvtaY
Color Street Blush in Diva - bit.ly/41cXh9E
Color Street Highlighter Balm in Superstar - bit.ly/41cZeCD
EYES
MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly - go.magik.ly/ml/8oia/
Flower Beauty ET eyeshadow palette - go.magik.ly/ml/1sim5/
Lawless One and Done Volumizing Mascara - go.magik.ly/ml/1q82b/
Lawless Hold Up Soft Set Creamy Eyebrow Wax in Med/Dark - go.magik.ly/ml/1q828/
CoverGirl Exhibitionist 24 Hour Kohl eyeliner - go.magik.ly/ml/1rkzo/
Elf Brow Lift - go.magik.ly/ml/1eikj/
LIP
CoverGirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss in Laugh-vender - go.magik.ly/ml/1rqiq/
EARRINGS
Pink Glam - qcsoap.com/products/earrings-... from my company, Quirky Creators! I made these earrings :)
QUIRKY CREATORS - my handcrafted company! Soaps, shampoo bars, earrings, and more qcsoap.com
BK BEAUTY - awesome cruelty free brushes! get 10% off with code SHELLY10
BANISH Skin Care & Dermarolling Stamp - $5 off every $50 with code GOOW - bit.ly/3CBkLuY
NECKNOTZ hand-crafted hemp and essential oil necklaces - 3% off with code: GOOW www.necknotz.com/discount/GOOW
YESSTYLE - extra discount with code YESGOOW - bit.ly/yesgoow
ALTER EGO COSMETICS - 10% off with code SHELLY10 - bit.ly/alteregoGOOW
SCIENCE SERUM - Makers of Tight Eye and Bright & Tight - 20% off with code SHELLY - bit.ly/brighttight
ADEPT COSMETICS - Best magnetic palettes ever! 15% off with code SHELLY15 -
bit.ly/adeptgoow
GOOW Amazon Favorites - www.amazon.com/shop/geekoutofw...
SOCIALS!
Blog: geekoutofwater.com
Facebook: / geekoutofwater
Instagram: / geekoutofwater
Snail Mail
Shelly Hokanson
PO Box 184
McGaheysville VA 22840
Inquiries:
[e-mail]
EQUIPMENT
Fancy Canon camera & lens - amzn.to/3fkCmyZ
Fancy microphone - amzn.to/3DLUds1
Fancy studio light - amzn.to/2OOC3vn
Fancy ring light - amzn.to/37Qmf2c
Fancy software - go.magik.ly/ml/519m/
(lol none of it is fancy)
ABOUT ME:
My name is Shelly and I’m a 48-year-old web geek that jumped off the deep end into the makeup and beauty world. I’ve got normal to dry skin, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage. Cameo appearances by my rescue cats Daffy, Polly, Ziva, and Charlie (all girls).
I purchase most products shown on my channel myself. Occasionally I receive PR. PR products were sent to me free of charge with no obligations to review them, unless otherwise noted. All opinions are honest and my own. Some links are affiliate links and may earn me commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support of my channel! FTC: This video is not sponsored.

[@reikiwithcary2682]

It never ceases to amaze me how no matter what the color of your hair, it never detracts from the colors on your face! It always looks fabulous! Enjoy the weekend!

[@goow]

I think that is probably the best perk of a neutral undertoned skin tone. I get a way with a LOT of different colors with my hair!

[@liss441]

@@goow was going to say this - same as me being neutral tone too

[@dawnjohnson8739]

Oh, yay, it’s Shelly!

[@teresamckeown5594]

I am so grateful that chemical sunscreens do not irritate my skin. I don’t like physical at all. Even without makeup.

[@ambergerhelper7852]

You and Shelly are almost hair twinsies. ☺️

[@Prince-akpan]

Amazing video!😀

[@janetzak8592]

Great review 😊

[@meganchandler9078]

Another great review! 🎉 tysm❤

[@Crystal0139]

I look forward to your foundation reviews ❤ love the hair btw its fun

[@goow]

Thanks, Crystal! It's brighter than I anticipated but you know I'm always up for something funky! =D It'll fade and then I'll do something else.....

[@mon5845]

Living for that neon pink!💓✨ Want that for my tips now !

[@goow]

Thanks, Mon! First time I've ever tried this brand - Iroiro - and I'm impressed. I only did 1 round of bleach on my hair (and you can see from the underside how dark it naturally is), and only left the dye in for half an hour, and it took perfectly. It's one of the semi-permanents with no harsh chemicals and it smells really good. I'm definitely going to try more from them. Hat tip to the clerk at Sally Beauty that convinced me to try it!

[@MollyGriffiths-mb3mw]

I LOVE THE HAIR!!!!!

[@goow]

Thanks, Molly!

[@Ashholey]

I like your different hair colors and styles..Seems as fun as you are to hang out with ..

[@elekay312]

Wow! Need an eye tutorial!

[@samanthajoan]

Sometimes (not always, but sometimes), simple things can be the best! I love doing a thick moisturizing treatment mask of Nivea creme (the kind in the blue tin or tube, the one made in Germany) a few times a week. You can even use a really, really thin layer of it under foundation as a primer. It's amazing! And take FLAXSEED OIL every day. It is transformational for skin. I had severe eczema (which comes from extreme dehydration, among other things), and ingesting four capsules (I chew them up) every day got rid of it in days. I'd bet that it would dramatically help with the peeling, too! I'm 45 and people have told me I look many years (a decade or more) younger than my age, and I do both these things. :)

[@JPMJPM]

Do you take all four capsules at the same time?

[@vickiem.6096]

❤ your hair Shelly! Happy Easter/Passover.

[@goow]

Thanks, Vickie!! Happy Easter & Passover!!

[@eileenurquhart4744]

Hi Shelly, I would love for you to start doing setting/finishing powders reviews!

[@goow]

The bummer would be there are so few that work for me. Most dry me out terribly. I feel like it wouldn't really be a fair review knowing that they'll typically wear worse on me than most other people. But the few I do love are the Make Up For Ever powder, the Flower Light Illusion powder, and the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish.

[@eileenurquhart4744]

@@goow thank you for the recommendations! I have the same problem, very dry skin and most powders look dry under my eyes but I find the real creamy concealers need to be set.

[@ShellyWellyisbored]

I picked this up and have only reached for it a few times- I’m going to try it tomorrow without primer- I thought it looked great on you!!!

[@MollyGriffiths-mb3mw]

You made me buy that sunscreen and I love it thank you

[@goow]

I'm so glad!!!

[@joylewullis9538]

Wow! That is some pink hair and you rock it! Really shows when you’re outside. Thanks for the review. The foundation and all look great on you.

[@goow]

Thanks, Joy!! I'm having fun with it =D

[@claireplauche7724]

Lol...love the dramatic sales stuff ..just unabashedly on the bottle! Perfect. They cuttin up. 😜😘😘thanks Shelly!❤

[@goow]

Right?!?! They're laying it on THICK! 😂

[@melaniebrowne8241]

your hair is fab!

[@goow]

Thanks, Melanie! It's Iroiro Pink :)

[@ChrissieSM]

I like that the beauty blender matches your hair colour!

[@goow]

LOL I hadn't noticed that but now I can't un-see it 😂

[@MDev617]

Love the pink hair on you!

[@goow]

Thanks, Michelle! =D I'm having fun with it!

[@audreyhowler]

Thanks for a great review! I'm pretty new to your channel, and especially appreciate foundation fest. Starting to shop around for a new one, and have similar skin type, so it's very helpful. Have a great weekend!

[@ambergerhelper7852]

Have you seen her foundation spreadsheet?!

[@goow]

Thanks, Audrey! Here's the master list! geekoutofwater.com/foundation-fest/

[@audreyhowler]

​@@goow TYSM!

[@raafiaahmad4454]

Shelly..believe me I was again wondering about this foundation and here you come with the review. Thank you very much ❤❤❤I’m eagerly waiting to see your VIB Sephora sale haul as I’m sure you would be doing some damage. As for this crazy expensive foundation,I’ll give it a pass.Have a lovely day ahead and you take care too.

[@AnoMundi]

Hi Shelly, I recently found your channel and I am loving it! I am 50 now, I have very dry skin with wrinkles, lines, some melasma, very dark undereye,... You know, nothing helps at my age 😞 I have to tell you: your channel is HELPING A LOT! My skin changed SO much during the past 5 years that I am getting lost! It's been a real challenge to choose foundations that really work, besides the fact that I never find the right shade where I live. I am pale and I live in a tropical country where most people are tanned or have natural darker skin tone. Thank you SO MUCH for showing foundations in real life, and also for the comparisions. That HELPS A LOT! Do you consider creating a top 10 foundations list or maybe throwing a ranking video? That would be awasome. Again, thank you so much

[@goow]

Welcome, Anno!! I swear it seems like my skin completely changes every few years since I turned 40!

[@johndajo4389]

I dont usually comment but wanted to let you know I enjoy your videos I'll be 41 in a couple months it's hard to find some as genuine

[@Klaracica]

So true!

[@goow]

Thank you, Johnda Jo!

[@theemmadog]

Ty !!!! I’ve been waiting for this !!!! I will add this to my Sephora cart. What about the Hourglass??? Which is better for mature skin you think???? It looked very pretty on you but just like you said it’s difficult to build up. I got three shade samples so now I just need to choose. Thank you so very much for your reviews. You’ve always made great suggestions. I watch many videos but you’re the person I listen to ❤️❤️❤️💕💕

[@goow]

I've had good luck with the Hourglass but I'd say it's about neck and neck with this one. So I don't think you could go wrong either way.

[@whitneyhuskins3677]

I just bought this and got it today. Guess I'll be greasing the face up before wearing. But that's okay because I'll get a little more oily this summer. Just have to juice the skin up.

[@amarisviv]

You crack me up! Please always read the information this way!! Lol! 😂

[@goow]

😂 Sometimes I just can't handle how thick these companies lay it on us!!

[@themerz6982]

Glad you did this one. I want to pick up one foundation during the sale. The new Hourglass, Haus Labs, this Laura M. Maybe the Sai Slip Tint? Hard to decide. Love that Iroiro hair dye. I hear that pink is almost impossible to get out. It will be fun to see how it progresses.

[@goow]

I'm impressed with the Iroiro! It's usually blues that stay in my hair forever (once this fades a little I bet it'll start showing - I have a few streaks of the blue from a few dyes back that is still hanging on under there). I'm hoping this will fade to a lighter pink. That would be awesome!

[@liss441]

Love the hair I did that colour for fundraising for breast cancer first time

[@goow]

It's been fun! I'm shocked at how bright it took to my hair - I only did one bleach session and it was only in my hair for half an hour! I'm definitely going to try some other shades from this brand once this fades. Iroiro is the brand.

[@MistyVine]

This foundation feels and wears exactly like the by Terry hydra foundation. That one also makes my skin look really dry. I’m not having any luck with new foundations lol

[@alexandrasaadi7149]

Regarding sunscreen information… do you follow “Lab Muffin Beauty Science” here on KZbin? She’s a cosmetic chemist and she lives in Australia. They have stricter laws in Australia than the EU. She does a lot of sunscreen content, as well as skin care and more. She’s really helped me get my SPF game on point. As always, it’s nice to see you again Shelly. I’ve got you to thank for my foundation game being so great!! 🥰

[@goow]

Yes she is awesome!!! It all makes me sad at how far behind the US is. It's really getting to the point where it's inexcusable. We just approved Bemotrizinol here in the US in 2022, where it's been approved in the EU for literally decades already (since 2000). And that's the first new sunscreen ingredient approved here since the 90s.

[@irlandabautista4662]

you look super beautiful love your hair

[@goow]

Thanks, Irlanda!!

[@belindafischer2920]

Hi 😊 I ❤ this foundation & we are in the same shades, twinning it!

[@goow]

Hey, Belinda! Great to see you - Twinning!!!!!

[@belindafischer2920]

Great to see your face! I’m gonna send you a DM on Instagram so you can see my almost 😮 50 year old mug! We are the same shade in all of your swatches too 😊

[@belindafischer2920]

What primer did you use? I have dry skin too and I use and highly recommend the hydra touch primer by NYX in the blue tube. It really helps the foundation go on nice and stay nice 😊

[@katebrown6863]

You bring such joy to my day whenever I watch you videos! Your quirky personality cracks me up. Even though you are so eloquent in the way you speak, you're so approachable.

[@goow]

Thank you, Kate!

[@user-qs4uw5cy1m]

Good morning shell 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@goow]

Good morning!!! Hope you're staying well!!!

[@mimivb87]

I know this is a foundation review but I just have to comment on the hair. I looooove it 🙌🏻😍❤️❤️❤️

[@goow]

Thanks, Mimi! I'm having fun with it =D It's brighter than I expected since I only did 1 bleach session on my hair but it took really well! Iroiro is the brand. First time I've tried them.

[@mimivb87]

@@goow i dyed my hair pink a few months ago and it also turned out a lot more intense and brighter than I expected 😂 but I thought you know what? If i’m gonna do it I might as well do it right 🙌🏻 no regrets 😆❤️

[@nathaliez9783]

Always enjoy your reviews, Laura Mercier foundations haven’t worked for me, they tend to look flat and un natural..I have dry mature skin, so I will keep avoiding the brand!!

[@erichajohansson5018]

Thank you for all your videos. They are very helpful. I was wondering; do you have a favourite, holy grail type foundation?

[@goow]

The highest rated 2 I've ever reviewed are the NARS Light Reflecting and Guerlain Terracotta (and I also love the ultra-expensive By Terry Terrybly Densiliss foundation which I'm probably spelling wrong!)

[@erichajohansson5018]

@@goow Thank you so much!

[@kathipoplar7024]

Great video. I gotta admit that I’m kinda glad you didn’t love it at the end of the day. Upon your first application I was thinking “I wonder if I’ll be the same shade” and I really don’t need another foundation 😂 Also, I think your eyeshadow look is pretty-my initial thought was that it really made your eyes pop!

[@goow]

Thanks, Kathi!

[@samanthajoan]

$48!? These companies are insane (or criminal)!!

[@playsintraffic2]

I really wish Virginia would welcome spring/summer temps. We've had mid-80s windows open down to mid-40s tonight. I'm over winter.

[@goow]

Yep those couple gorgeous days were a tease! I just told my mom today that it feels like winter again. :( It was miserable out today!

[@lindaness8737]

What kind of sunnscreen do you use? Love your videos

[@goow]

I primarily use La Roche Posay that I get in Ireland (I prefer the European sunscreen actives) but for ones available in the US, either the Good Molecules sunscreen or the Purito Daily Go-To.

[@purplerain902701]

❤❤❤

[@Unkn0wn1133]

Have you tried those konjac sponges? I do it every few days when my skins being flakey dry to exfoliate, theyre really soft

[@goow]

No I'll check them out!!

[@samanthajoan]

Shelley, I think a soft natural strawberry blonde shade in your hair would look WONDERFUL on you!!!! Have you ever considered that?

[@goow]

This will likely fade lighter pink but to maintain an actual blonde shade on me takes a lot of work as I have a lot of orange undertones and even the pros had trouble with toning me when I was blonde (if you go a few years back on my channel, I wore my hair blonde all over with pink bangs for quite a while). I got tired of paying so much for my hair and spending several hours a month in the chair 😂 Now I just do it myself and have fun with it. Eventually I will go back to dying it black and just be done with it.

[@lanad75]

I hated this foundation. No matter how you apply it, it doesn’t look smooth. I’m sorry it doesn’t look good on you. I don’t think you’ll be reaching for it. I love your positivity and energy! Thank you for your reviews.

[@jisellealvarez9974]

What is A super Dewey foundation you recommend?

[@goow]

I would say the L'Oreal Age Perfect Radiant foundation (in a tube - I hope they still make it!) or the Saie Glowy Super Skin Hydrobounce. That one is gorgeous. NARS Tinted Glow Booster is a little less coverage but very nicely dewy too. Here's my master list and if you put "dewy" into the search box at the top right corner of the list, it'll show any of the ones I described as dewy - note that if I wrote "dewy and luminous" then it's for sure dewy, and anything dewy natural or dewy satin would be some nice light reflect but not super-dewy. geekoutofwater.com/foundation-fest/

[@megcormack681]

❣️❣️

[@TalliesbyDee]

I always enjoy your foundation reviews. I'm pretty much on a no buy for new foundations until I finish at least two of the ones I already have. So it looks like I won't be giving this one a try.

[@jeng2336]

I'm sorry, I can't find this one the spreadsheet. Where does it rank?

[@goow]

whoops didn't add it to the spreadsheet! I'll get it on there. It would be around a score of 92!

[@lovemesomeslippers]

I did think you looked dry. Color and finish were good until then. Going at your dry skin with a brush the way you do will for sure pull up flakes. Maybe apply with brush and finish with sponge to minimize exfoliating action?

[@tamaragraham2692]

I know I am late to the party, but do you like this or the new Mac better?

[@goow]

Probably the new Mac but the LM has a little higher coverage.

[@julialexi3833]

Am reaching 40 , is a little thinning hair in the front normal?

[@goow]

It's happening to me :( and I have otherwise quite thick hair.

[@BananaSplitBlitz]

I prefer EU sunscreen too. US sunscreens just aren't protective enough for my skin with the current filters available. I just got some La Roche Posay UVMune fluid (the replacement for the Shaka fluid) and so far I'm loving it! It feels less greasy but also less drying at the same time. Plus, supposedly it has even better protection, and the Shaka was already very powerful. I have extremely pale skin and I've never once gotten a sunburn or new sun damage while using it, even on days with the highest UV index. Highly recommend to anyone looking for strong protection!

[@goow]

I loved the Shaka fluid so I'm very glad to hear the new fluid is great too! I will grab some on my trip!

[@moonmother.]

🌺🌼🌻🌿

[@ambergerhelper7852]

May I give an opinion? I think if you added some purple lowlights, or just dyed your roots to your natural shade, your hair wouldn’t look so drastic.

[@goow]

The roots grow out so fast that I don't mind it being drastic for a bit :) It's easier than doing 2 separate dye jobs. A week from now I'll be rooted again!

[@Isa74575]

the colour looks a bit yellow, isn't it ? Are you fine with it ?

[@goow]

It's OK but I prefer shades that lean slightly pink or peach rather than yellow.

[@danaconnor8255]

Are you still using Tretinoin? Could be causing all the peeling and dry skin

[@goow]

I am but I've been on the same strength and frequency for a couple years now so I'd be surprised if that was it - though my skin does seem to be changing again the past few months and I'm wondering if perimenopause is starting. (I'm 48).

[@ChrissieSM]

I may have mentioned before, your skin is so great, any foundation looks good on you. However, this one seems a bit dry on your skin. I will pass this one, I think my skin is a lot more dehydrated looking than yours.

[@bryndabaker6782]

Haven't seen the entire video, yet, but I do think if these foundation names get any more wordy, they'll have to print them on a scroll-type paper label that you "unfurl" to see the entire product name. 😄

[@goow]

RIght?!?!?! I swear they're trying to get every searchable and click-bait-able word in there!

[@happygolucky7777]

Whoa 😳...the hair color is So different in natural light...So Bright!! A little overpowering ...I still think you look good but I prefer the indoor light version. Nice foundation skin tone match and the one layer works better with maybe a dab or two on certain spots as needed. It's more matte looking...I like it a bit dewy. Question...do you think a certain amount is needed to spend for a *quality* foundation? Seems like the brands confer on similar prices drug store, dept. store, specialty (Ulta) and high end (Macy's) .....sometimes I play guess the price when you name the foundation. Honest, I first guess the price and Then I look it up....so many are in the $40+ dollar range...is that the sweet spot ? Being serious here as I've never spent that much for foundation and at some point I may bust the budget for a better foundation...thanks for mentioning blurring pores... 😁😸🐾🐾

[@goow]

The hair is definitely brighter than I expected but I'll have fun with it until it fades! =D I don't think you have to spend any certain amount - there are gems even at drugstore prices. For me it has been true that a higher percentage of high-end foundations work for me than the percentage of lower priced ones, but some of the lower priced ones are also my all-time favorites - for example, the Wet n Wild Tinted Hydrator, CoverGirl Matte Made, and L'Oreal Age Perfect and True Match lines. So while I think your chances percentage-wise are higher at finding something you like when shopping high-end and it might take more misses to find your holy grail at the drugstore, you can absolutely hit upon awesome foundations in the lower price ranges. Here's my master list - geekoutofwater.com/foundation-fest/

[@julialexi3833]

😢 make a foundation already that works. Like come on. Is it just me, or are beauty companies not make good stuff ....

[@dawnjohnson8739]

Oh, my Gosh, Shelly, I’ve never seen a worse foundation on you. This really looks awful. I’ve never seen all the lines that showed up with this foundation. It toss that into the trash.