If you handed me a tinted moisturiser in one hand and a foundation in the other I would take the foundation without thinking twice as I love the coverage and protection it gives my skin. However coming into the summer I wanted something lighter and more natural looking as I don't want to look too made up or cakey whilst the sun is shining down and highlighting it! I searched around for the perfect one - but as with most make up stuffs there are too many to choose from with each individual claiming to do this and that for my skin. I tried a low end tinted moisturiser but it came out orange and almost stained my skin so I looked like I had an unhealthy appetite for carrots. I then decided I should probably spend a little more and buy a slightly higher end one so that my skin would have the total benefits from it.

That is where I found the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 20 - something I absolutely love and made me want to buy and try. This particular tinted moisturiser is the No. 1 selling Tinted Moisturizer based on the NPD Group sales and also a beauty award winner, so it must be doing something right I thought to myself! Laura Mercier claims that this product has a lightweight formula that softens skin to reduce fine lines and dryness while adding a healthy glow to your complexion resulting in a natural, dewy finish. It not only looks good on your skin but it does good as it has a multitude of goodness packed into it especially the SPF20, UVA and UVB sunscreen protection to protect your skin from the sins ageing and harmful rays. There is also an antioxidant vitamin complex that protects skin from the most 'aggressive effects of the environment' such as pollution and day to day grime. This tinted moisturiser is perfect and suitable for all skin types and 'extremely long wearing!'

Usually when I review products I talk through each shade individually but with this foundation I feel I will be here all day as there are a whopping 12 shades to choose from - a very strong advantage in my opinion as I guarantee there will be something for everyone. I have tried to group them into the different skin tones however if you are still unsure which shade will suit you best then I would go to your nearest Laura Mercier counter and ask them to match you.

Porcelain, Blush and Nude - These three shades are the lightest in the range and are perfect for fair complexions. Depending on how fair you are - if you are very pale like me then Porcelain would suit you the best as it does not have any pink or orange tones in it but does give some colour to the skin. If you are pale but have pink undertones then I would suggest Blush as it gives the skin a warm glow without appearing too over the top or too dark. And if you have fair skin that is bordering on medium (or if you wear fake tan) then Nude would be the best for you as it has a very soft beige hint to it - but again nothing too much or too full on.

Bisque, Sand and Fawn - These shades are what I would categorise as the Medium shades that would be perfect for mid to dark skin tones. Bisque is a very golden creamy colour that accentuates a golden glowing tan and would look lovely for the summer. Sand is a slightly darker and more bronzed tinted shade that would suit you if you have a darker complexion. And Fawn is a light bronzed tan colour that gives your complexion a healthy glow.

Almond, Tawny and Caramel - These three shades will suit you if you have darker skin than the medium shades. Almond is a bronzed shade that has a lot of golden undertones to give a lighter shade. Tawny is slightly darker, but not much I think a mix if the two would give a perfect shade altogether. And Caramel is more of a honey brown colour - I'd love to be able to pull off these shades as they are so gorgeous!

Tan, Walnut and Mocha - These are the darkest shades of the range with Tan being the lightest dark shade and Mocha being the darkest. With tinted moisturisers you have to remember that it will not have the coverage and the build up as a foundation so be sure to pick the right shade for you as if its too light, it will be harder to build it up.

I chose the lightest shade Porcelain and love the shade and how it matched my skin - this is quite an expensive product so please make sure you do not waste your money by buying the wrong shade as with make up there will be no refunds or exchanges due to hygiene reasons.

The packaging is very sleek, simply and stylish with a plastic tube bottle coloured in a pearly goldy pink hue with a screw cap lid at the bottom - like most moisturiser bottles that are available. Along the middle in horizontal spaced out lettering is 'Lauren Mercier' and on the back are the ingredients and a little bit about the product. To access you simply unscrew the lid and squeeze a little out from the tube. I like to apply mine with a brush as I find it buffs into my skin easier, however you can also use your fingers or a sponge - it is entirely down to your preference.

I apply this after I have primed my skin as I always try to fill in my pores before I put any sort of foundation or tinted moisturiser onto my face - however this is not a necessary step and I have worn it without and it works just as well - it's just me being picky! I usually use about a 5 pence piece amount and that is more than enough! I start by working it into my T-Zone and then onto my cheeks. On the skin it feels incredibly smooth and blends in SO easily I don't have to do much work! The shade matches my skin perfectly and I really love the results. As it is a tinted moisturiser I was not expecting full coverage however I would not say it was too light either - sort of a light to medium but if you build it up a little then you can achieve a better coverage. It lasts for ages with just a dusting of powder over the top and does not look cakey or like I am wearing make up at all! I LOVE it! It is just like you are wearing a second and better skin - not make up!

This is quite an expensive product at roughly £20 - £25 depending on where you buy, but a little really does go a long way and it lasts for ages! I purchased mine online however you can buy from all Laura Mercier counters and online outlets! Don't smother your skin in make up when you can smother it in goodness instead!