No foundation is perfect without a setting powder. When it comes to long-lasting makeup, this rule is set in stone. However, unlike foundations, setting powders typically don’t come in so many shades, which is why a translucent one is a great option – and Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is one of the most recommended products of the sort. Because of this, I had to test it for myself.
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
What Does It Offer?
The Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is an excellent option if you need to set your foundation or bake. It is long-lasting while silky as cashmere and lightweight at the same time. While not entirely translucent, it is sheer so that you can use it no matter your skin tone. It will leave your face looking flawless for an entire day!
The product is available in two versions, one is full-sized, and the other one is mini. The full-sized ones cost just a bit above $30, and it contains 29 grams of product, which is quite a lot for a setting powder. The mini-one is around $20, but it contains only 9.3 grams.
What Is the Product Like?
Despite looking pretty bland in the pictures, the packaging is actually very luxurious-looking. The glass box is mattified and heavy, and the lid is made from expensive-looking plastic. The lettering is subtle, and barely there, so you can enjoy the look of the product. In fact, the packaging reminds me of high-quality face products, so good on Laura Mercier for designing everything in this way.
However, I was disappointed to find out that only the mini powder comes with a puff applicator. In contrast, the bigger one comes without it. This can be an issue during traveling. The powder is supposed to be taken out of its container and used little by little. However, without the puff, nothing is stopping the powder from flying outside the container. While it won’t go outside of the packaging while closed, it is likely to fly everywhere as soon as you open it. This can make a huge mess if you don’t watch out while opening it.
The powder itself is indeed very smooth, almost silky. It isn’t as ‘dusty’ and finely milled as most similar setting powders, but this isn’t an issue. Actually, I think this is what gives the powder such good quality. I have fairly dry skin, but it can become oily after some time of wearing makeup. Because of this, I don’t allow myself to go outside without using the setting powder over my foundation. However, most powders leave my face looking cakey for quite some time. This isn’t the case with Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder. It sets my makeup without making my pores visible. It won’t look chalky – a common issue many setting powders have.
I have found that this product is excellent for baking, as it won’t leave you with that white residue some translucent powders tend to have. This is probably because it isn’t really translucent; it has some beige undertone. Because of this, you won’t have any flashbacks while taking photos. As for the rest of the face, it does a great job mattifying my oily patches, and it won’t emphasize any pores or fine lines. On the days when I feel my skin is too dry, I apply minimal amounts of it using a brush. This will give it the lightest application possible.
The puff that comes with the mini-packaging is very soft, and it won’t cake the product on your face. Still, this is too much product for my dry face, so I didn’t use it as often. However, it is a bit too big to be stored inside the container. While this does ensure a more straightforward application, it can become annoying, as it isn’t too hygienic.
This product leaves you with a silky, matte finish. It isn’t suitable for dewy looks, but I don’t mind it, as I prefer to keep my face matte and use a highlighter to emphasize areas I want to look brighter. While this product looked great on my dry skin, I think it would look even better on people with oily skin.
Ingredients
I was surprised to find out that Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder has a few worrying ingredients. While it doesn’t contain anything particularly dangerous, it does have several parabens, so it is in no way paraben-free. It contains Glycine Soja Oil, Corn Starch, and Ethylhexyl Palmitate, all of which are bad for oily skin. There are several fungal acne triggers, as well as preservatives. Still, I don’t think these would cause any issues as long as you use them over your foundation and not directly on the skin.
Also, it contains Vitamin E, a common anti-aging ingredient.
Is It Vegan And Cruelty-Free?
Laura Mercier is a brand that is typically considered to be in the gray area of the cruelty-free spectrum. This is because it doesn’t have any certifications to prove that it’s indeed cruelty-free. However, it isn’t sold in countries where animal testing is mandatory, and it claims to be entirely cruelty-free. So far, there are no reasons why we shouldn’t trust it.
However, Laura Mercier products are not vegan, which is the case with their setting powder.
Before And After
The product mattifies your skin without looking heavy or unnatural. However, it isn’t good if you plan on sporting that dewy look.
As the product isn’t entirely translucent, it comes in three shades that can fit all skin tones.
With Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, you don’t need to worry about photo flashbacks.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a good – although a bit expensive – setting powder that won’t leave your face looking cakey, you should definitely give Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder a try. Despite it having some troublesome ingredients, as it isn’t intended to be used directly on your skin, I don’t see it causing any issues. It’s primarily a good choice if you plan to have flash pictures taken.
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
