Laura Mercier vs. NARS: Which Tinted Moisturiser Is Best For You?

Why Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Is The Best

Behind The Brand: After nearly 10 years of painting the faces of celebrities and models for the red carpet and covers of glossy magazines, French makeup artist Laura Mercier founded her namesake brand in 1992. The ethos was and still is on creating hard-working, easy-to-use products that help achieve a ‘flawless face’. Rather than masking, Laura Mercier products are formulated to embrace and enhance your natural features.

Top Line On Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturiser: Available in 20 shades, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector, £42.00 is a makeup must-have for anyone, of any age and skin tone, looking for a quick and easy-to-use, natural-looking base.

Why I Love It: This tinted moisturiser sits slap bang in the middle of a matte and a satin finish base. It isn’t dewy, but the creamy formula doesn’t leave your face looking matte-flat either; it’s your skin, but better. As someone with dry to combination skin, I sometimes find that my forehead can look slightly shiny, especially after using sunscreen, but Laura Mercier’s oil-free cancels this out. And offers just enough coverage to camouflage any redness and dark spots without feeling heavy. It is a complexion game-changer.

My Top Tip: While I usually just use my fingers to apply this tinted moisturiser, if you’re going to a wedding or a special event, I recommend whipping out your makeup brushes for a more elevated finish.

Why NARS Tinted Moisturiser Is The Best

Behind The Brand: What started as a small line of 12 lipsticks in 1994 has subsequently evolved into the much-loved global beauty brand, NARS. The founder, Francois Nars was ahead of his time with his skin-first philosophy. Francois has always put the emphasis on looking after your skin and letting your natural glow shine through, rather than trying to paint it on with makeup.

Top Line On NARS' Tinted Moisturiser: For dewy, radiant looking skin in a matter of seconds, look no further than the bestselling Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, £38.00. With 16 shades, it caters for all skin tones too.

Why I Love It: As working mum with a four-year-old, I don’t have time to apply my makeup at a dressing table at leisure. I’ve either got 60 seconds to make myself look presentable (usually to an immaculately put-together beauty editor or influencer) or I’m rifling through my makeup bag on the train or the back of a cab. NARS’ tinted moisturiser was made specially to be applied with fingers (they help to warm up the formula) and it has the power to bring a patchy, tired looking complexion within seconds. It conceals any unevenness and leaves you with smooth, radiant-looking skin.

My Top Tip: If your skin is breaking out and you need fuller coverage, use Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer, £27.00 on the area before you apply your tinted moisturiser. It’s a myth than you need to wear full coverage foundation to cover up acne, trust me.

The Verdict

Choosing between Laura Mercier and NARS tinted moisturisers is like choosing a favourite child. As we said, both are very, very good bases; they come in a range of shades, offer hydrating coverage, and provide sun protection. But, if you like a dewy, radiant finish, we would push you gently in the direction of Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser, £38.00, and if you wanted more of the bare-but-perfected look, we would point you in the direction of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free Natural Skin Perfector, £42.00.