Laura Mercier
She was Madonna’s make-up artist. Now Laura Mercier is a star in her own right
“I REALLY DON’T LIKE WEARING FOUNDATION MYSELF; in fact, I have hated it.” That’s a really strong statement for a make-up artist, admits the woman whose name has become synonymous with naturally polished beauty. But while Laura Mercier is fêted in the style world, she has stayed in the real one.
Perhaps it’s her French genes that make her so outspoken: she was born in Congo, raised in Provence and educated in Paris, before moving to New York 25 years ago. It was there her career was truly established. Her close collaboration with Madonna in the 1990s made her a celebrity in an industry known for the ‘flawless face’ and her pioneering products such as primers and Secret Camouflage. “I feel I was a trendsetter by making a semi-professional line that bridged the gap between the industry and consumers.”
Sitting next to me in a London hotel on a flying visit from the States to unveil the extravagant Ambre Passion Elixir, made of concentrated essential oils, Mercier says frankly: “You want to look natural but so what if you are cheating? If you are going to be photographed then I agree the best thing you can do is use foundation. So it is a great victory for me that I have finally made a formula that I am happy to wear.”
Now, as she celebrates 15 years of her own label, Mercier is on fire: this month sees her giving a sneak preview of the autumn/winter collection, a hugely disparate range of eye, lip and foundation colours for September. She’s a natural businesswoman in more ways than one.
Robina Dam
Ambre Passion Elixir is £75 for a 15ml eau de parfum. Available from www.spacenk.co.uk
