"Always use a primer before you paint the colour" - My dad's advice when painting. Well. I guess that I have taken this into putting my makeup on (Hopefully not applied so I look like I AM wearing paint....) Now. This is something that I would normally never splash out on - May I just point out here that Laura Mercier is a high end makeup brand (To show this is normally stocked at such places like Harvey Nicholls and Harrods....) so the prices are high. I am usually happy to go with low budget high street makeup but if I have the chance then I will collect a few pieces because, and you cannot fault it, the quality is just so much better and lasts longer.

The reason I came into contact with Laura Mercier was through a birthday shopping trip with the mother. And this product was no different. I had read many, many reviews on this product so I wasn't totally sucked in by the sales. Well. Not quite. I actually found the staff very helpful and genuinely interested in helping.

The product itself is marketed as "eye basics" and the company claim it will hide imperfections and create a good base for applying eye makeup. At around £24 for 0.18oz it sounds like a huge amount of money for not a lot of product, but I should point out that you actually use very little per application and it does last well (I have had mine for several weeks and do not seem to have really used any) I actually used this as a change from the "eye canvas" (around £26) which is a more solid form of primer because I wanted something that would make my cheap eye shadows stay true to their colour - The canvas gives a more muted effect (I was informed that this is to keep make up looking natural - The Laura Mercier goal)

It comes in a choice of 8 shades with each providing a slightly different coverage so I would suggest letting the sales rep show you how to apply it and colour match you (and enjoy the 10 mins of pampering and make over) - This way you are guaranteed a perfect match that will suit your needs. Just to highlight that, with most high end products, LM keep a record (if you want them to) of your colour so you can order online in the future and can save time if needed - Not that I intend to make a huge habit of shopping here for financial reasons...

The product is waterproof (tested, and agreed) and contains various vitamins that are supposed to provide protection (Have I noticed any difference?! Not really. Don't rely on this to perform miracles) I was shown to apply this using the applicator (This is built into the lid, think your standard lip gloss applicator) and then blending with a brush and setting with a powder. This to me is a little extreme and to be honest also relies on your having yet more tools to use (I wouldn't mind but it costs enough already) I personally have fund the best way to use it is to put a few "blobs" in the center of your eye lid and use your fingers to blend out to the edges.

I have found that the product lasts well and does enhance the bright shades from my summer colours and also keep the warpaint on. I, as with other products, put this on, spent the day at work and then went to the gym. I managed to get it to last right up until dinner and didn't really notice any creasing on the lid (The main point of a primer) so I would say it was a success.

The product is made from fairly natural ingredients and I have found it not to irritate my very sensitive skin. Would I purchase this product again? If I'm honest probably not, this is not to say I don't think it is extremely good quality and does give you value for (all be it a lot) of money but I personally prefer the canvas solid primer. I rarely use bright colours, and whilst it is nice to have a primer for such occasions I am happy to keep with more natural tones. For me, the solid worked better and lasts longer - I felt you used less with this and do not risk any leaking into your bag.

I would say if you consider buying this go to the counter, explain what you use and ask questions, don't feel rushed as they do want to help, and, ultimately you don't want to come away feeling let down. It's a great product, yes, it is expensive but I think you will probably get a good 8 - 12 months if you use this properly and it will be worth it as I didn't have to top up the warpaint during the day like I have with some of the very cheap products.