Laura Mercier Free Sephora Birthday Gift 2022 | Strapless Caviar Stick Dupe

I just received my free Sephora Birthday Gift for this year! 😍

I REALLY wanted the Olaplex Sephora Birthday gift this year but it's been out of stock, so I went with the Laura Mercier freebie.

The Laura Mercier freebie includes her Iconic loose setting power that I've always wanted to try as well as her Caviar eye stick in the shade Strapless. Based on the Caviar sticks name, I was expecting it to be a nude shade and suspected it would be matte. I was wrong on both accounts. Scroll for swatches... 
 

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Strapless (natural daylight, no filter)

Strapless is actually a medium/deep bronze shade with a sheen. I've swatched it beside Elf's Smudge Pot in Cruisin' Chic (below) and they are pretty much the same but Elf's is a bit lighter, which I prefer.

Elf Smudge Pot in Cruisin Chic next to Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Strapless

I find the colour, texture, and staying power of LM and Elf' to be very comparable. As I mentioned, I do prefer ELF's because it is a bit lighter. 

Laura Mercier Powder next to ELF Cruisin Chic + LM Strapless

The loose setting powder does an excellent job at smoothing the look of the skin and blurring pores... turns out it lives up to the hype! 👍 Although, I've heard that there are probably some less expensive dupes. (NYX, Maybelline). 

LM Caviar Stick in Strapless next to ELF's Smudge Pot in /Cruisin Chic

I also order The Ordinary's 1% Retinol in squalene because my Retin-A is almost gone, so I figured I'd try it. It was only around $7. Review to come.

I received free shipping with code "freeship" and also received 2 free samples with my order.

Sephora has 4 Birthday gifts to choose from this year except the Olaplex isn't in stock and they told me they have no idea when it will be restocked.  So the choices at the moment are Tatcha, Amika, and the Laura Mercier shown here. Turns out I'm more excited about the LM loose powder over the eyeshadow now that I've seen them in person. Learn more about Sephora's Free Birthday Gifts here.

You have to be a Sephora Insider to be able to get the free birthday gift. Luckily, it's free! Just sign up on Sephora's website or in-store. Free birthday gifts can be obtained in stores, with the exception of the Olaplex, which is an online exclusive but currently out of stock.

Sign up and order your free Sephora Birthday gift here!