Product Review: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
Concealers are like snowflakes, no two are alike and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage is by far the most unique snowflake in the camouflage flurry. I was introduced to this concealer at a trade show and found that if you use it correctly it can cover almost any dark spot or blemish without giving you that cakey look.
Secret Camouflage is a two shade system that is meant to be blended together to match not only your skin color but your undertone as well. There are six color groupings ranging from “Very Fair” with Pink or Yellow Undertone to “Dark” with Yellow Undertone. While the thought of blending can be unnerving to some, this system makes it easy with both shades packaged in the same container for ease and portability.
One thing you must know about Secret Camouflage is that it is NOT an under eye concealer. This product is oil-free and has a very dry consistency. If you have very dark circles, you can use it under the eyes but only if you mix it with a very emollient eye cream on the back of your hand before you apply it. This concealer is really designed more for blemishes, acne scars, age spots, sun spots or hyperpigmentation of the skin such as Melasma or “pregnancy mask”.
So, let’s get started:
First, remember that this is designed to be applied AFTER foundation. I find that all concealing that isn’t under eye is best done after foundation anyway so you use as little concealer as possible. Because is is oil-free you must use a synthetic bristle brush to apply Secret Camouflage (sorry no fingers allowed) and it may take a few tries to get your personal mixture down. So don’t give up if the first time you use it you didn’t quite get it right.
Lightly run the brush over the skin color side a few times. Then do the same on the undertone side until you have both colors on the brush. From there, I recommend warming it up by running the brush over the back of your hand a few times. You can also blast the container with a hairdryer for five seconds if you don’t want make up all over your hand. Remember, a little goes a long way with this product so even if it looks like there is hardly any make up on the brush trust me it’s there.
With the tip of your brush either lightly press it onto the blemish or very lightly run the brush over the blemish/spot like you were using a pencil eraser. Continue layering until the blemish/spot is concealed and lightly powder to set if needed.
Secret Camouflage is perfect for covering a multitude of facial sins and when used correctly is virtually undetectable. Laura Mercier herself, a superstar in the make up world, has said that this is the one product that she could never live without. I love it, Laura loves it and hopefully you will too.
