LAURA MERCIER, Creator of the Laura Mercier Line of Cosmetics, Skincare, Body & Bath and Fragrance

Known for her specialty of creating the flawless face, Laura Mercier is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of Laura Mercier Cosmetics, Skincare, Body & Bath, and Fragrance. As the personal makeup artist to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts, and as a contributor to cover designs and editorial shoots, Laura Mercier creates looks that are both flawless and accentuate one’s natural beauty.

Raised in Provence, Mercier began her training at age 17 when she entered painting school in Paris. After deciding to shift her talents from the canvas to the face, Mercier attended the Carita School where she specialized in makeup application. Subsequently, she was asked to represent the school as a makeup artist and instructor. Before long she began working closely with Thibault Vabre, a well-known French makeup artist.

In 1985, Laura Mercier moved to New York when she was asked to join the team to launch American Elle. She immediately began working on advertising campaigns for Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, and Clairol, as well as editorial spreads for magazines including Allure, W, Vanity Fair, Glamour and Vogue. While working with clients such as L’Oreal, Maybelline, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Banana Republic and many other cosmetic and clothing companies, Mercier began working with Madonna on her looks for print, television and film. Subsequently, Mercier entered into a four-year contract with Elizabeth Arden designing the makeup looks for all of their advertising campaigns and she also worked with Chanel on the company’s beauty advertising campaigns in France.

In 1996, Mercier developed Laura Mercier Cosmetics with Janet Gurwitch, founder and CEO of Gurwitch Products, to benefit women of all ages and skin types. She personally created the colors to satisfy the needs of her clients, based on a classic and always-current palette, rather than seasonal trends only. The line, now in its ninth year, is available in 390 doors in 17 countries and has expanded to include skincare, bath and body and fragrance lines. Mercier makes national and international public appearances throughout the year at stores including Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, and selected Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom stores.

The Laura Mercier line has received numerous accolades from customers and magazine editors. Most recently, InStyle’s 2005 “Best Beauty Buys” included the Oil Free Foundation, Pink Champagne Lip Colour, Foundation in Porcelain Ivory and for the second year in a row, Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer. InStyle’s 2004 “Best Beauty Buys” included Laura Mercier’s Lip Kisses and for a third year in a row, the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage. Town & Country’s 2004 “Best Beauty Products” included Laura Mercier’s Foundation, Tinted Moisturizer, Secret Camouflage, Translucent Setting Powder, Secret Camouflage Brush, and the Sheer Lip Colour. In 2003, Allure’s “Best Beauty Awards” recognized Courtisane Lip Colour and Cosmopolitan’s “Beauty Awards” included the Laura Mercier Eye Paints. In addition, Mercier has received numerous awards for her involvement in campaigns on behalf of Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Valentino and Alberta Ferretti, as well as for her cover designs for Vogue (working with photographer Steven Meisel for ten years), Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and Allure. In addition to Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts, Laura Mercier’s current clients include Madonna, Susan Sarandon, Juliette Binoche, Isabella Rosellini, Brooke Shields, Ellen Barkin, Celine Dion, Meg Ryan, Ashley Judd, Meryl Streep and Julia Ormond.

When she is not traveling for photo shoots or working in the lab perfecting and creating new products, Mercier divides her time between New York City and Bellport, New York.

To view Laura Mercier's website, click below:

www.lauramercier.com