We Tested La Mer’s $750 Foundation Range and Here’s What We Thought

When it comes to foundation, we’re a fussy bunch.

It can’t be so sheer it does nothing; and it can’t be so pigmented you can scrape it off with a spoon and layer it on top of a red velvet cupcake. It needs to have just the riiiiight amount of light-reflecting pigments you suddenly look like you’ve returned from a glorious week in the Maldives but not so much you look like you’ve just sweated up a storm at your local F45.

It needs be packaged beautifully you are proud to show off on your vanity and also be able to deliver powerful ingredients to treat your skin and fight the premature signs of ageing.

Yes, when it comes to foundation, there’s no doubt us Gritty Pretty editors take things very seriously.

La Mer makeup—properly named Skincolor de la Mer—is the first full range of color cosmetics from the luxury skin-care label, which launched late last year. The collection, much like La Mer as a brand, is seriously refined, with just three products including the Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20 ($200), a concealer ($150), and a loose powder ($175). A foundation and loose powder brush are also available, retailing for $120 and $115 respectively, with each one tailored to the precise application of a liquid formula or the light-as-air touch required for a powder.

What makes the range special is its Miracle Broth – the hero ingredient that features in La Mer’s iconic Crème de la Mer, which you can read up on here – gives the foundation range skin care super powers rather than just being purely cosmetic.

Take the Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20, for example. One pump and the texture will surprise you: it’s almost as fluid as water. However, when applied with the foundation brush, it blends buildable soft colour flawlessly and it stays true (even against humidity – thanks Sydney!). Our beauty team agrees the subtle fragrance of the foundation conjures up memories of butterscotch caramel.  The finish is flawless and slightly dewy but due to its liquid formula being packed full of nutrient-rich ingredients, pores look refined, skin is protected against free radicals, moisture levels are replenished and you begin to look, well, fresher.

For full disclosure, no, this post is not sponsored but when the $750 foundation range hit our desks, we couldn’t help but be intrigued. Does it add up to the hype? Is it worth the price tag?

Yes, it absolutely is pricey—but we’re not sure we can put a price on our skin.

Have you tried La Mer’s new foundation range?

Are you a fan of La Mer’s Crème de la Mer?

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