Your Guide To The Best Laura Mercier Setting Powders
Whether you’re loyal to the original Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder or curious about the other blurring, light-catching and brightening spin-offs, this guide breaks down everything you need to know, from choosing the right powder for your skin type and desired finish to mastering application for a truly seamless base.
Why Laura Mercier Setting Powders Are So Iconic
Laura Mercier didn’t just create a bestselling setting powder; the brand led the charge in defining the entire setting powder category. At the heart of its approach is Laura Mercier’s signature four-step ‘flawless face’ routine, which begins with skin-perfecting primers, moves to flawless-finish base products and concealer, and finishes with setting powder to create a soft-focus effect and lock makeup in place.
The original Translucent Loose Setting Powder, in particular, became a backstage essential thanks to its invisible finish and impressive wear time. Over the years, the range has evolved to include mattifying formulas like Ultra Blur, as well as innovations that cater to evolved finishes, like brightening and light-reflecting, all while staying true to the brand’s core focus on skin-first, effortless beauty.
What sets these powders apart is their balance of artist-worthy performance and everyday comfort. The finely milled textures melt seamlessly into the skin, helping blur the look of pores and fine lines without settling or caking. At the same time, they lock foundation and concealer in place, keeping makeup fresh, smooth and natural-looking throughout the day.
Find Your Perfect Laura Mercier Setting Powder
Choosing the right Laura Mercier setting powder comes down to finish, format and skin type. Laura Mercier's collection is built around two core families, the original Translucent range and the mattifying Ultra Blur formulas, plus specialist powders to brighten and enhance.
The formulas are available in both loose and pressed options to suit different routines and preferences. Loose powders are ideal for setting makeup and creating a lightweight, airbrushed finish, while pressed powders are perfect for targeted mattifying and on-the-go touch-ups. Whether you prefer a natural glow or a soft-matte effect, there’s a formula designed to work with your skin.
The Original: Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powders
Ideal for: All skin types, natural finishes, everyday wear.
Laura Mercier’s Translucent powders are the brand’s most iconic formulas, loved for their invisible finish and feather-light feel. They are to set makeup without altering colour, there are options to suit a wide range of skin tones and deliver long-lasting wear without settling into fine lines.
The Extra Blur: Laura Mercier Ultra Blur Setting Powders
Ideal for: Shine-prone skin, blurred finishes, long-wear makeup.
For those who love a more perfected, soft-focus finish, the Ultra Blur range offers enhanced blurring and shine control. These innovative formulas smooth pores and texture while maintaining a natural look.
Available in loose and pressed, the Ultra Blur powders are particularly well-suited to oily and combination skin, or anyone who prefers a polished matte effect. There is also the Laura Mercier Tone Up Setting Powder formula, which has the same finish with a touch of peachy-pink pigment to instantly brighten the complexion.
The Innovations: Targeted & Finishing Powders
Ideal for: Adding glow, brightening the under-eyes and refining your finish.
Alongside its iconic setting formulas, Laura Mercier also offers specialist powders designed to refine and enhance specific areas of the face.
From luminous pressed powders and light-catching loose formulas to brightening under-eye powders and hydrating setting sprays, these finishing touches help customise your base and perfect your final look.
How To Apply Laura Mercier Setting Powder
For the most natural-looking finish, start with well-prepped skin and your preferred foundation and concealer. Using a fluffy brush, sponge or powder puff, lightly pick up product and tap away any excess.
Gently press or sweep powder onto areas prone to shine, such as the T-zone and under-eyes, then blend outward for a seamless finish. Loose powders work best for setting the full face, while pressed powders are ideal for targeted touch-ups throughout the day.
For extra longevity, finish with a light mist of setting spray to lock everything in place and soften the look of powder.
The Flawless Face Routine
Laura Mercier’s signature ‘flawless face’ routine is all about enhancing skin, not masking it. By layering primer, Laura Mercier foundation, concealer and setting powder in the right order, you can create a seamless, skin-like base that lasts all day.
