Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier is a cosmetics and fragrance brand founded in 1996 by French makeup artist Laura Mercier, who was born Michèle Mercier and trained as an artist in Paris before moving into beauty. She launched the line together with business partner Janet Gurwitch, initially focusing on makeup that would deliver what Mercier called the "flawless face" - natural-looking, high-quality products that worked across skin tones and types. The company, which began with formulas developed in her own bathroom, quickly expanded beyond color cosmetics and complexion products.

Over time, Laura Mercier introduced fragrances and bath products that mirror the brand's understated, comfort-oriented aesthetic. According to Fragrantica, the brand's earliest perfume appeared in 2001, and its scent portfolio has grown to more than 20 launches created with perfumers such as Frank Voelkl, Calice Becker, Maurice Roucel, James Krivda, Cecile Krakower, and James Bell. Signature lines like Vanille Gourmande and the broader Gourmande collection focus on cozy, edible notes and layered body rituals.

Corporate ownership shifted as the brand scaled globally. Alticor acquired Laura Mercier Cosmetics in 2006, and in 2016 the brand was purchased by Shiseido Americas Corporation, under which it continues to operate. Throughout these transitions Mercier remained involved in product development and creative direction, keeping the brand rooted in her belief, often quoted in interviews, that "what makes you unique makes you beautiful."

In fragrance, Laura Mercier is best known for soft, intimate scents that sit close to the skin and for coordinating bath, body, and eau de toilette offerings that allow for subtle layering rather than loud, projection-heavy statements. This aligns with the brand's broader makeup philosophy of enhancing rather than masking individual features.