The Allure of Laura Mercier

Sukriti Shahi in conversation with the inspiring beauty founder on the India launch of her eponymous brand

It’s no surprise that as a beauty editor and an avid consumer of beauty, in general, I have an unspoken fondness for Laura Mercier products. The translucent powder, in fact, has been my holy grail. I’ve also heard multiple inspiring stories of the founder – a globally renowned make-up artist of the ‘80s and one of the most successful entrepreneurs of current times, Laura Mercier. Born and brought up in France, Mercier was one of us – a hustler, a keen observer and an artist hungry for creative satisfaction – before she channelled her drive into building her beauty empire in 1996. “I thought I’d die on my job,” she says about her time as Hollywood’s go-to make-up artist. The 63-year-old beauty expert and entrepreneur continues work as a freelance make-up artist and is also a published author. Here’s more from our interesting conversation:

ELLE: Your brand is finally making its way to India. Are you excited?

Laura Mercier (LM): I’m thrilled and elated. It is a market we’ve wanted to foray into for a long time, and the overall process was quicker than any other market we had opened in previously. I consider it an achievement for me.

ELLE: After everything you’ve achieved, what continues to drive you?