Laura Mercier Eye Colour Pot

The Gold Digger Collection

Oh, good, I thought as I found myself, once again, spilled over the Laura Mercier counter, eyes voraciously sucking in the new Gold Digger collection with a greedy, have-to-have-it-now ferociousness. Well, perhaps the visual wasn't quite so insane (I hope not, at least), but my passion for all things Laura Mercier does typically drive me into madwoman-mode. Considering my otherwise generally calm demeanor, I'd say this is a fair compromise.

The Gold Digger collection demands this sort of reaction anyway, so it was all very appropriate that I found myself leaning in for a closer look at three pots that seemed to resemble little golden nuggets. Crowded around the pots were little jars of sparkling, summery nail polishes, gleaming lip glosses and charming dual blush/bronzer compacts.

All About Laura Mercier Eye Colour Pot

Despite the fact that every item there looked rather appealing, my attention was drawn mainly to the Eye Colour Pots. Any makeup aficionado can tell you that aesthetically beautiful products aren't always the most useful ones. In fact, it can be quite the opposite in many cases. However, I was convinced there was some worth to these small round pots.

Each pot is sectioned into two halves; the top flips open to reveal a cream eye color, while the bottom contains shimmery loose powder. The product is available in three shades, clearly built around a golden color palette:

• Bronzed Gold: The darkest shade of the trio, it features a rich copper cream and a similar shade of powder.

• Solid Gold: Next in line, this version features a yellow-gold cream and a genuine gold shade of powder.

• White Gold: The ideal highlighting duo, this includes a slightly frosty white-gold cream and matching powder.

Each shade has its merits. The Bronzed Gold is ideal if you're after more color. Use it on tanned skin, pair it with several coats of black mascara, dust on some peach blush and keep the lip color minimal; you'll enjoy a healthy, sun-kissed glow as a result.

Solid Gold offers a hint of color, but also acts as a decent highlighter. Its cream color is minimal, offering more of a sheer sheen with a slightly frosty undertone, while its powder contains a more substantial amount of color. It's especially complementary on my fair skin. White Gold will appeal to anyone who wants a standout highlighter to play up the eye area. The color is light and almost ethereal, touched by a glint of gold but finishing as a pearlescent white.

How to Use

This product is so easy to apply! I prefer some technique go into my eye makeup application, so I'm fond of carrying a variety of brushes. Laura Mercier introduced a new one especially for the pots, called the Dual Eye Colour Brush. As expected, it's double-sided to suit the pot's dual purposes.

One end features a flat, tapered brush with a slight oval tip. Dip it into the cream, swirl it around and glide it over the eyelids for precise application and complete coverage.

The other end features longer, slightly rounded hairs that are extremely soft. They dip gently into the powder, pick up just the right amount of color and brush over the lid for flawless application. Of course, you don't have to use this brush, any fluffy shadow brush will work like a charm, while a smooth, flat brush will do the trick for cream application.

Mixing and matching these pots creates a world of new, elegant looks. The White Gold complements the other shades beautifully and acts as the perfect finishing touch for any eye look. Bronzed Gold certainly performs well on its own, thanks to its remarkable color, but the cream is especially nice when worn as a base beneath shadows across the color spectrum (think turquoise and green for summer). Solid Gold is probably the most neutral of all, falling right in the middle of the other shades and working well on a variety of tones.

The Verdict

Laura Mercier fans will likely appreciate the product immediately. While its colors are seasonally appropriate, they're not dated; you'll be able to wear the shades year after year without fail. This is in true with just about every product Mercier offers in her lineup. Even those unfamiliar with the brand will likely grow to love using the product. It's quick, easy and so flattering on all skin tones. Since the pots are limited edition, it's best to grab one (or three!) now before they leave counters. As far as I'm concerned, it's a summer must-have.

Where to Purchase

The Laura Mercier Eye Colour Pot can be found at Mercier counters nationwide, and online at:

• Laura Mercier
• Sephora