What it is:A fresh, shine-controlling liquid-gel designed with the needs of oily skin in mind.What it does:Primarily for touch-ups throughout the day over makeup, this innovative formula 'soaks up' facial oil and mattifies the skin on contact. The lightweight gel removes shine for hours, leaving a translucent, matte finish. It's gentle enough to use over any Laura Mercier foundation and is free of oils, parabens, and fragrances.What it is formulated WITHOUT:- ParabensWhat else you need to know:Dermatologist tested.

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55 Answers

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Questions & Answers for Laura Mercier Secret Finish Mattifying

Question

can i use primer if i have oily skin

asked 3 years, 1 month ago

sindaay

on Secret Finish Mattifying

11 answers

Answers

answer 1

This Primer is PERFECT for oily skin, helps absorb and resist oil build-up on your face. I LOVE IT!

answered 2 years ago

hautemomof2

(Dallas, Texas)

answer 2

Yes - you can use a primer on oilly skin - there is
Special type for oily skin

answered 2 years, 3 months ago

bbsweet

(Buena Park, CA)

answer 3

This kind of acts as a primer, none needed

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

hansonfan

(lake havasu city AZ)

answer 4

I have very oily skin, that's what this product is designed for!

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

southerncathy

(Sunny Florida)

answer 5

People with oily skin are the reason primer was invented in my opinion, lol. Most are designed to control shine and oils. Using a primer on oily skin will help the longevity of the makeup and also minimize the appearance of large pores which most of us oily girls have a problem with.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

palaxcios

(Richland Hills, TX)

answer 6

Yes of course! It will help so much! Use a primer, then your foundation, and then this Secret Finish Mattifying product and your face will not be oily and your makeup won't go anywhere. Primer prevents makeup from smudging, transferring, or sweating off.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

jackietl

(Tampa, FL)

answer 7

Yes. I like the Lorac primer -- it's free of everything bad and goes on really easily. I mix this mattifying gel with the Lorac primer and it makes the makeup go on really smooth, doesn't cause breakouts, AND it controls the oil. Fantastic!

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

hejo

(Houston, TX)

answer 8

Yes, you should use a mattifying serum. THis is not a top mattifying gel. There are some from Clinique and Smashbox that are better.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

ohwhatalife

(Indianapolis, IN)

answer 9

Not a primer. Don't use a primer with oily skin.

answered 2 years, 11 months ago

camiller12

(OKC, OK)

answer 10

Of course! Find a primer that is formulated for oily skin. They will not only create a smooth face for foundation but also help control oil before it can reach your foundation.

Personally I use a combo punch of primers... philosophy Hope in a Bottle (technically not a primer, but I love it so it always gets a mention) and On a Clear Day followed by LM Secret Finish Mattifying and topped off with Smashbox Photo Finish. These reduce oil and lay a smooth foundation for my foundation (BE Matte).

answered 2 years, 11 months ago

sesamest79

(Jacksonville, FL)

answer 11

I have majorly oily skin and use it. That's what it is designed for! :)

answered 3 years, 1 month ago

macobsessed

(Madison, WI)

Question

What brush do I use to apply this?

asked 2 years, 9 months ago

Anonymous

on Secret Finish Mattifying

11 answers

Answers

answer 1

Your fingers or a foundation brush.

answered 1 year, 10 months ago

onakondrotas

(Berkeley, CA)

answer 2

Use your finger tips!

answered 2 years ago

pblack

(Lexington, KY)

answer 3

your fingers work best!

answered 2 years ago

hautemomof2

(Dallas, Texas)

answer 4

What brush? No brush needed, just use your fingers! They sometimes are the best "brushes" anyway.

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

iggymom

(Kailua, HI)

answer 5

All you need is your hand, no need to use brush~
just use pea size amount, and then press it on your face.

answered 2 years, 2 months ago

prozac

(Chicago, IL)

answer 6

No need for brushes - use less than a dime size
Put on Tip of fingers & tap on face not rub...

answered 2 years, 3 months ago

bbsweet

(Buena Park, CA)

answer 7

I squirt a tiny dot on the back of my had and just use my finger to gently sweep it across my t-zone. you need so little of it, so I dont recomment a brush

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

hansonfan

(lake havasu city AZ)

answer 8

No brush - use your fingertips. I massage it into the tips of both pointer fingers and then dab on my shiny areas.

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

southerncathy

(Sunny Florida)

answer 9

I never used a brush for this, just used my fingers and it worked great

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

meweime

(livonia, mi)

answer 10

You do not use a brush for this. Squeeze a small amount to your fingertips (smaller than a pea) and rub together. Then gently pat on your face where ever you get oily. It can go over or under makeup.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

jackietl

(Tampa, FL)

answer 11

Laura Mercier does not recommend using brushes to apply her complexion products. Below are application steps for applying this product, before or after tinted moisturizer, before powder:
-Touch-up Application: Place a very small amount of Secret Finish - Mattifying onto a clean index fingertip.
-Gently emulsify or “warm” product between fingertips so that it forms a thin layer of product before applying to the face.
-Apply to the oily areas of the face using a light patting motion.
Hope that helps! If you have questions or would like application tips, please call 1-877-SEPHORA & choose menu option 2 for Beauty Advice.

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

1877SEPHORA

(San Francisco, CA)

Question

Do you use this before or after foundation?

asked 2 years ago

jmcollas

on Secret Finish Mattifying

11 answers

Answers

answer 1

Yes. even after powder. doesn't flake.

answered 5 months, 4 weeks ago

eviez

(Chicago, il)

answer 2

I use it before, as a primer, it works best for me! Its a primer and a shine control at the same time!

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

akduran

(Milwaukee, WI)

answer 3

Before

answered 1 year, 5 months ago

gata1970

(Long Beach, CA)

answer 4

I use it all over my face before foundation.

answered 1 year, 6 months ago

tippy6

(IL)

answer 5

I use this product before foundation.

answered 1 year, 7 months ago

coffiebeans

(New York, NY)

answer 6

I usually wear this under my foundation (I use the Bare Escentials matte line). I've also tried it over my make-up. I didn't notice a difference either way, so in my opinion, you can wear it either way: over or under your foundation/make-up.

answered 1 year, 8 months ago

terrireb

(St Louis, MO)

answer 7

Whenever you want

answered 1 year, 8 months ago

udlover4ever

(Stevens Point, WI)

answer 8

you're supposed to use it over makeup. I used it both over AND under, and it didn't work for me. Still oily and shiny.

answered 1 year, 9 months ago

pomerama

(Las Vegas, NV)

answer 9

I like to use it throughout the day for touch ups. Works much better then any blotting powder/sheets I've tried.

answered 1 year, 9 months ago

qwerter

answer 10

You can use it before you apply your foundation, but works wonderful over your foundation and throughout the day.

answered 1 year, 9 months ago

newride

(Ooltewah, TN)

answer 11

before

answered 1 year, 10 months ago

susi0994

(el monte, CA)

Question

Silica and acne?

I always thought that type of silica cause breakouts? I have acne prone skin and so I'm realllly careful about not clogging my pores. Has anyone with acne prone skin used this or any other mattifyer with a silica base?
Any breakouts?

asked 2 years, 11 months ago

cocof7

(Washington DC)

on Secret Finish Mattifying

11 answers

Answers

answer 1

i have very sensitive skin that is oily and dry at the same time AND prone to break outs. however, this helped a lot and DID NOT make me break out at all.
be care tho, the urban decay deslick (gel) did make me break out.

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

yurimon

answer 2

I have extremely acne prone sensitive skin and this has actually made me look better!

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

hansonfan

(lake havasu city AZ)

answer 3

So far (about 10 days), I haven't broken out at all. I've used it both under and over make up and really find that over works best, apply it after you start to get shiny. Also, that way your make up is next to your skin, not the mattifier so you truly won't break out.

answered 2 years, 7 months ago

southerncathy

(Sunny Florida)

answer 4

I believe this product cause a small pimple to pop up. I rarely ever get acne, and a few days after using it, my skin had one. I think if you are to you it, use it sparingly and put it OVER make up as suggested (not as a skim primer, like other users have recommended).

answered 2 years, 9 months ago

dollypearlworld

(New York, NY)

answer 5

This does not have silicone in it. I am allergic to sillicone so I always have to ask if any products contain it. I tend to get a really dry irritated rash from silicone products and this product did not do that. I have not broken out either which is good.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

jackietl

(Tampa, FL)

answer 6

My skin is super oily and break-out prone. I have not had any breakouts with the product!

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

Smithase

(Dayton, Ohio)

answer 7

I have frequent breakouts if I'm not careful, and this product seems fine with my skin. Doesn't seem to cause break outs, and it goes on really smooth. I mix it with a primer (LORAC) that is designed for people with acne.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

hejo

(Houston, TX)

answer 8

Silica is not as bad for you as many other things for acne. Be careful to avoid cornstarch (any "starch") and waxes in products. Silica gets a bad rap. However, I used this product and did not like it much.

answered 2 years, 10 months ago

ohwhatalife

(Indianapolis, IN)

answer 9

Controls my oil. NO breakouts.

answered 2 years, 11 months ago

camiller12

(OKC, OK)

answer 10

I know that microdermabrasion uses silica and it recommended for acne prone skin, so I don't think that is a problem. On another note, I have been using this for a month now and have acne-prone skin that is very super oily and have experienced fewer breakouts since using it, so I say give it a try. I think you'll be happy you did.

answered 2 years, 11 months ago

sesamest79

(Jacksonville, FL)

answer 11

I have acne and i just this product. This product does not cause me to have any breakout because i unlike many poeple who suffer from acne problem I take care of my face. What I do is give my face a good facial and them I wear Secret Finish Mattifying and them put my make up and it make my face look clean and smooth. I have alot of people telling me that my face look really smooth eventhough I have acne on my face.

answered 2 years, 11 months ago

acuariana

(San Jose, Ca)

Question

is this product non acnegenic ?does it clog pores?

asked 1 year, 11 months ago

Anonymous

(chicopee, Ma)

on Secret Finish Mattifying

5 answers

Answers

answer 1

I also have prone- acne skin and I am always scared of trying new products because I dont want to break out. Fortunately this product did NOT make me break out nor did it clog my pores! Don't worry, if it does for you Sephora has a great return policy!

answered 1 year, 4 months ago

akduran

(Milwaukee, WI)

answer 2

I break out so easy and since I started using this stuff, I've actually seen a positive change in my skin.

answered 1 year, 8 months ago

heartnnewyork23

(Napa, CA)

answer 3

I've never experienced break-outs with this, and my skin is really prone to break out! But I don't use it on a daily basis.

answered 1 year, 8 months ago

samahtime

answer 4

This product does not cause breakouts or clog pores. Infact, it makes your pores look and appear smaller. Almost poreless. Honestly, this stuff is the best product I have ever used over my foundation.

answered 1 year, 9 months ago

newride

(Ooltewah, TN)

answer 5

To ensure all of your concerns are addressed, we recommend calling us at 1-877-SEPHORA for a skincare consultation by phone. Thanks!

answered 1 year, 11 months ago

1877SEPHORA

(San Francisco, CA)

Question

How does this compare to Urban Decay's De-Slick in a Tube?

the gel, not the powder

asked 2 years, 6 months ago

lillyrae

(san francisco)

on Secret Finish Mattifying

3 answers

Answers

answer 1

I tried Urban Decay's Deslick in a Tube about a year ago and didn't like it. It seemed to ruin my make-up; it just didn't go on the same way. I don't know if that's because I use Bare Escentials or just the chemistry of my skin. Prior to using Laura Mercier's secret finish, I was using OC Eight. OC Eight was my old favorite mattifying product. I used it for years. It works almost as well as Laura Mercier's secret finish except that it doesn't mattify quite as well. I only use secret finish now.

answered 1 year, 8 months ago

terrireb

(St Louis, MO)

answer 2

I have not tried the Urban Decay product. I have tried other Urban Decay products and have NOT been happy with most of that line.

answered 1 year, 9 months ago

newride

(Ooltewah, TN)

answer 3

urban decay deslick made me break out

answered 2 years, 6 months ago

yurimon

Question

use on eyelids?

Can this product be safely used on the eyelids?I have super oily eyelids which causes all of my eye makeup to disappear. Primer helps, but I'm wondering if adding an oil control product would be even better. I don't want to trade one problem for another, like causing milia.

asked 1 year, 2 months ago

katy6832

(Indianapolis, IN)

on Secret Finish Mattifying

2 answers

Answers

answer 1

i swipe this over my eyelids as im applying to my entire face. seems to do the trick at controlling the oil on the eyelids.

answered 8 months ago

chelsieann12

(dallas tx)

answer 2

It's very thick. Not sure it would be easy to apply to eyelids and then apply shadow -- I have had good success with Paula's Choice Shine Stopper product. It's consistency is that of a light lotion that sets to a matte finish and keeps my eyelids and shadow from getting oily and creased. I can also touch up with it and not mess up my foundation -- which with this product because it is thick seems to be a challenge.

answered 1 year, 1 month ago

jinx342

(grand haven, mi)

Question

Primer or Setting Cream?

The product name says this is a finishing, setting cream. Is this simply the matte version of the LM Secret Finish? It sounds like people are using it more as a primer... Thanks!

asked 2 weeks, 5 days ago

PAGal6

on Secret Finish Mattifying

1 answer

Answers

answer 1

I have EXTREMELY oily skin - so, I use it as both. After I wash my face, I use it as a primer. Then, I blend it with my cream foundation and apply blush etc. as usual. Sometimes, it can appear a little too dry immediately after application so I set with Urban Decay De-Slick. Viola! I'm shine-free for 6-8 hours!

answered 2 weeks, 2 days ago

saveme

(Houston, TX)

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