Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Laura Mercier translucent setting powder is a cult-favorite makeup powder that blurs imperfections, controls oil, and sets makeup for a smooth, long-lasting finish with multiple formula options to suit different skin types.

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Rankings by Sentiment Analysis

Reddit Rank

Total Upvotes

449

Editorial Summary: Laura Mercier setting powder is a crowd favorite for a reason: natural finish, great oil control, and long wear. But heads up, if you have dry skin or fine lines, it can look cakey or dry if you’re not careful with application. Lots of fans swear by the ultra blur and brightening versions, though. If you’re oily, it’s a standout. Just don’t overdo it, and press don’t buff!

Pros

✓Provides a natural, smooth finish when applied correctly
✓Effective oil control, especially for oily/combination skin
✓Long-lasting wear, keeps makeup in place for hours
✓Multiple formula options, including ultra blur and brightening powders
✓Highly recommended and considered a cult classic by many

Cons

✗Can appear cakey or dry, especially on dry or mature skin
✗May settle into fine lines and texture if not applied properly
✗Not universally suitable; some breakouts and irritation reported
✗Some users find it too heavy or drying
✗Requires careful application to avoid a crusty look

Methodology: Analysis based on 80 user quotes from subreddits including Sephora, MakeupAddiction, 30PlusSkinCare, AsianBeauty, and KoreanBeauty, collected between March 2014 and June 2025, focusing on application tips, skin compatibility, and performance.

Asked by Redditors

Is Laura Mercier translucent setting powder suitable for dry skin?

It can be drying and cakey on dry skin; lighter formulas or alternative powders may work better.

How should I apply this powder to avoid cakey finish?

Use a velvet sponge or powder puff to press and roll powder immediately after concealer blending, avoiding buffing.

Does it work well for oily skin?

Yes, it controls oil effectively and helps keep makeup in place for longer on oily and combination skin.

Are there alternatives to Laura Mercier setting powder?

Yes, Hourglass Veil, Givenchy Prisme Libre, Huda Beauty, and some drugstore options like Coty and Maybelline Fit Me are popular alternatives.

Can this powder be used under the eyes?

There are specific brightening powders from Laura Mercier recommended for under-eye use; the regular powder may crease or dry out this area.

Reddit Reviews:

Calculated by the the number of posts or comments that have an opinion on this product

Positive

Neutral

Negative

Huda beauty in poundcake and Laura mercier powder translucent : don’t get me wrong these were nice but because my skin is the way it is these just made my skin look and feel so so so so so dry and look cakey and crusty even tho I would apply as little as I could. It made it look like make up was just SITTING on my face yk??

u/[deleted]Sentiment: likely negative Upvotes: 1330

Laura Mercier Translucent setting powder. The key is to use a velvet covered sponge and immediately press it in after blending your concealer. This way it gives a smooth finish and the concealer doesn’t have time to set in the fine lines.

u/sidarvSentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 89

Laura mercier made my skin look crusty

u/dark-cherryiSentiment: likely negative Upvotes: 54

Laura Mercier translucent setting powder (really does not hold up well on my skin, separates my makeup, absolutely never buying again)

u/[deleted]Sentiment: likely negative Upvotes: 51

Laura Mercier translucent in no color has always been my fav. Drugstore version - Coty translucent. Look for travel sizes or samples. You can get some to take home from the counters at Nordstrom.

u/chellychelle711Sentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 36

I set it with the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting powder and it lasts a full 9 hour workday with minimal disappearing.

u/OPSentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 33

Gosh Laura mercier powder is my holy grail! Any recommendations for alternatives?!

u/ChihuahuaMum1Sentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 31

Laura Mercier is a fabulous option, first off. If it works, use it it! But I am a dry skin girl and found it to be too dry under my eyes. I use Hourglass Veil Loose Powder and it handles my under eyes better. I’ve been using it for 9 years which is honestly a bit startling. I also really like Givenchy Prisme Libre Pressed Powder for similar results if you prefer pressed.

u/TheOrderOfWhiteLotusSentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 30

Hourglass Veil translucent setting powder is my all time holy grail! It has such a beautiful finish and makes my skin look phenomenal. I have only tried the loose powder, so I can’t speak on how the pressed powder works. I previously used the one by Laura Mercier, but for me it doesn’t compare in the slightest.

u/WestlakeMILFSentiment: likely negative Upvotes: 26

I've also tried baking with Laura Mercier Translucent Powder with this and it works really well! That powder sets the undereye area so that it doesn't crease and lasts for a decent 7hours.

u/OPSentiment: likely positive Upvotes: 22

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