Laura Mercier's 'holy grail' setting powder offering '24 hours shine control' now 25% off
The best-selling powder is available in four shades
As the weather changes, battling a dull and dry complexion is not uncommon. One product is so loved it has earned thousands of reviews online, with one beauty fan calling it their 'holy grail'.
Some products earn cult status through hype; others because they quietly do the job better than anyone else. Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder belongs firmly in the latter camp.
Even better, it is currently reduced by 25% on LookFantastic, costing shoppers £28.88, instead of the full price of £38.50. Feather-light and finely milled, it sets foundation and concealer without dulling the skin, leaving a soft-focus finish that looks like skin, not powder.
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It's the perfect powder for those with normal to oily complexions, where shine can creep through and makeup tends to slip. The compact is available in four shades - Translucent, Tone Up Rose, Medium Deep and Honey.
A light press with a make-up sponge into the T-zone keeps everything in place, with no caking or obvious residue. For lighter coverage, simply dust over with a fluffy brush.
Feather-light and finely milled, it sets foundation and concealer without dulling the skin, leaving a soft-focus finish that looks like as skin, not powder.
Its secret strength, though, is on mature skin. The ultra-fine texture means it doesn’t gather in fine lines or exaggerate texture; instead, it softens them, creating a subtle blurring effect. Because the formula is translucent, it doesn’t flatten the complexion or distort foundation shades, a common pitfall of heavier powders.
For another option, make-up fans can take a look at the MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation on Boots, which is £35. This is said to be a powder and foundation in one, giving a matte finish for medium to full coverage. They promise a 12-hour wear using it, and additionally say it's a product that lets skin breathe too.
A brand that's become a cult favourite is Pixi, who have their H2O Skinveil for £22, for a one-time purchase. They describe this as a 'weightless, hydrating loose water-powder', which gives a velvet finish to the skin. It is also enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea and Aloe, and is best used on bare skin or over foundation.
With just under 10,000 reviews online, the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder has had a lot of customer feedback. One five-star review reads: "I have been using this as a holy grail product for over a year, absolutely flawless base and sets foundation perfectly. Gets rid of all my lumps and bumps."
Someone else said: "Absolute go to product! I have really oily skin and although I use a good foundation it still seems to become oily throughout the day. Since using this it hasn’t been an issue. My skin looks flawless for hours, without looking too heavy."
A third shopper declared it their go-to, explaining: "I've bought this powder over and over again, nothing comes close to it for us oily skin girls! Although it is equally as amazing for all skin types. A must-have."
One four-star review noted a slight downside, as they commented: "This powder does the job and keeps your makeup on all day. The only thing I don’t like is that it’s quite mattifying, however that is just personal preference." One beauty customer had some advice, saying: "Initially I was using a powder brush for application but definitely better results with a puff."