All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
From makeup artist kits to YouTuber holy grail roundups, the original Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (an important distinction since the brand launched a “glow” version) is a recurring favorite among beauty lovers. Its claim to fame is an unrivaled ability to lock down foundation beautifully, without leaving an age-exaggerating powdery cast or downright cakey finish (yes, even on the under eyes). This cult favorite also happens to be the best-selling loose powder, though there are Laura Mercier setting powder dupes well-worth trying. Still, there are plenty of reasons that account for its superstar status.
Related Stories
Not only does this set your foundation in place all day, extending the wear of your complexion products. It also offers oil control without leaving the skin looking parched and textured. The finely milled formula sets your base and gives the skin an Instagram filter-mimicking soft-focus finish.
Loyal fans staunchly defend its steep price, stating that its unrivaled performance warrants the monetary setback. But there are affordable dupes that, according to reviews, Reddit, and Pinterest come pretty close in formula and overall performance. Of course, as is the unfortunate issue with many affordable brands, the shade range is often compromised. Some of these dupes simply fail to offer a translucent powder that will work on deeper skin tones…so choose carefully.
CoverGirl Clean Invisible Loose Setting Powder
This affordable translucent powder comes in 6 different shades that will blend seamlessly into various skin tones and foundation hues. (No creasing here!) Plus, the formula is talc- and fragrance-free, so you can feel confident dusting it onto your face every morning. In fact, it only has 15 ingredients total.
Maybelline SuperStay Up to 24HR Hybrid Powder-Foundation
Sometimes you want all the perks of invisible powder without having to bring a brush and cylindrical container with you everywhere you go. Enter Maybelline’s SuperStay 24-hour powder to solve all of your summer grease and shine woes. This compact and included sponge applicator lets you reapply on the go and is both sweat and water resistant. It’s also vegan and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores causing breakouts.
NYX Mineral Matte Finishing Powder
This pore-hiding loose powder sets makeup in place beautifully and keeps shine at bay for hours, according to loyal fans of the alternative. This powder does has a slight hint of color, but goes on more or less translucent once dusted over the skin. While many fans of this affordable product call it their favorite drugstore powder of all time, the praise comes with a caveat. Many reviewers caution that while similar in texture, finish, and wear time to Laura Mercier’s powder, this one has caused flashback for some.
ncG1vNJzZmirpK65pq%2FArKueql6YvK57wZ6YrqypZLqit8Sup2hxaWmDdICOpZiuqpFiuqa%2BwqKcq2WjmsG1tc2gZKmnp5mys3nDrqeeq18%3D