Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Product:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.  A makeup artist’s best friend is, and always has been, powder.  This powder blurs away imperfections beautifully.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.67 Stars – Very Good to Excellent

Cost: $38.00 (1.0 oz.) ($38.00 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Laura Mercier; Nordstrom; Sephora; Major department stores everywhere.

Container:  Plastic jar, sifter screen, twist-off cap, outer carton.

Description:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a loose powder used to set foundation makeup for greater longevity and to help minimize fine imperfections.

Formula:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a tinted loose talc-based powder.  The formula provides very light coverage and controls shine with the addition of corn starch.  The texture is airy, light and silky feeling on the skin.  This also comes in a pressed-powder format for instant touchups or those who don’t like the mess of loose powders.

Sensitivity:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is fragrance free and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.  However, please be aware that this product contains parabens and soybean oil.  If you are allergic to parabens or soybeans, stay away from this one and try the paraben-free, dye-free, oil-free Laura Mercier Translucent Invisible Setting Powder which also works very well but is not quite as silky feeling.

Company Claims:

“Set your makeup with this perfectly sheer, silky powder. Ideal for normal-to-oily skin of virtually every tone.

What is Translucent Loose Setting Powder

With multiple major awards and counting, Laura Mercier’s “best in beauty”, cult-favorite bestseller is your go-to setting powder. Loose powder feels luxuriously dense in the jar, feels incredibly soft and silky-light on your skin. Pros love the super smooth application: goes on evenly, blends effortlessly, provides great wear. Sets makeup without adding weight or texture.

Modern Matte Finish

Creates a modern matte finish with a touch of sheer coverage. The translucent shades work on virtually all skin tones.

Soft-Focus Effect for a More Flawless Look

Like all Laura Mercier Setting Powders, it has a soft-focus effect that subtly blurs the look of fine lines and imperfections. Doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores and never looks cakey.

Formulation Details

Oil-free (NOT TRUE). Non-comedogenic. Non-caking. Dermatologically tested.”

Discussion:  Makeup artists have always used loose powder to set foundation, blur imperfections and give makeup a soft matte finish.  Powder only came in loose form for many decades before the pressed powder compact was invented.  Powders were pretty much all the same and were talc based until about 20 years ago.  The invention of high-definition cameras completely changed the need for high-definition makeup.  Suddenly, you could see every line, blemish and pore on an actor’s face and they weren’t happy.  It took a while for makeup to catch up to the needs of the industry.

One of the first changes we began to see was the invention of finely-milled micronized powders and the addition and replacement of ingredients.  Silica and minerals began to be added to reflect light, and in some instances, talc has been completely eliminated in powders.  The formulations require chemists to work tirelessly to come up with new formulas to keep up with the demands of this ever-changing industry.

What makes this powder special is that it was specifically designed for use in the print industry.  Laura Mercier, a professional makeup artist, understood what needed to change to make powder less visible by high-definition cameras.  Ms. Mercier got it right with this one and it quickly became a favorite product of professional makeup artists everywhere.

Colors:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder comes in two colors that work for virtually all skin tones: Translucent is for very fair to medium skin tones;  Translucent Medium Deep is for tan to deep skin tones.

Daily Review:  This is an excellent powder to use for “baking” foundation.  Pour a very small amount of powder into the lid of the jar.  As a last step after makeup has been completed, apply Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder with either a powder brush or a velour puff.  I like to press the powder onto the face with the velour puff and then brush it off with a good-quality soft powder brush.  A little goes a long way with this powder and you don’t need much.  This feels silky to the touch and gives the skin a soft radiant finish like matte satin.

Helpful Tips and Tricks:

  • If you have asthma, always be sure to hold your breath while applying loose powder to prevent inhalation of the powder.
  • If applying with a brush, be sure to tap out the excess prior to application to avoid getting too much product onto the face.
  • If you are wearing any type of creams (blushes, contours, highlighters) make sure you are happy with those before applying this powder. Once the powder is on, you can’t go back and blend any cream products.
  • For additional longevity to your makeup use a setting spray on top of this powder.

Overall Review:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is an industry-standard product.  This is a staple in a lot of professional makeup artists’ kits.

Pros:

  • Professional quality results
  • Finish does not look dull or cakey
  • Light tinted coverage helps to blur skin issues
  • No white “flash back” in photos
  • Makes foundation last longer
  • Fragrance-free formula
  • Silky texture

Cons:

  • Not appropriate for those with paraben or soybean allergies
  • Does not come with the velour puff or any type of applicator

Suitability:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is suitable for the following users:

  • Consistent Skin
  • Combination Skin
  • Dry Skin (While the company does not state it is for dry skin, I have used it on dry skin for many years with excellent results.)
  • Somewhat Oily Skin (Seriously oily skin with do better with the Laura Mercier Invisible Setting Powder.)
  • All sexes  (I use this on men with excellent results.)
  • Not for use by those with paraben or soybean allergies

RATINGS REPORT:

Daily Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.67 Stars = Very Good to Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Box

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting PowderLaura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Reverse

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Velour Puff Sold Separately

Laura Mercier Velour Puff Sold Separately

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Light to Medium Color

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Light to Medium Color

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Medium to Deep Color

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Medium to Deep Color

Ingredients:  Talc, Magnesium Myristate, Nylon-12, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, EthylhexylPalmitate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methylparaben, Lauroyl Lysine, Propylparaben, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylparaben, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tocopherol, Methicone. May contain: Ultramarines (Cl 77007), Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499).

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Powder Eye Shadow

Product:  Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow.  Still searching for the perfect colors for a dramatic smoky-eye makeup look?  Lancôme has some great colors such as, Drape, It List, Riviera and The New Black.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $21.00 each (.42 oz.) ($50 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Cost: $21.00 each (.20 oz.) ($105 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By: LancômeUSA; Dillard’s; Macy’s; Nordstrom; Major Department Stores.

Container:  Plastic container with swing-out lid, outer carton.

Description: Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is a highly-pigmented powdered eye shadow with a nice silky finish.  You can also get palettes with several colors, but I’m only focusing on the single shadows today.  The shadows do not come with any type of applicator.  You do not need a separate eye makeup remover to take this off; it will come off with any standard facial cleanser.

Sensitivity:  Unlike most Lancôme products that are loaded with perfume, Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is a fragrance-free product and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow does not make my nose run, eyes water, turn red or burn.  I have never experienced any sensitivities from using this eye shadow and I have never had any complaints from clients or testers.

Company Claims:  “Make a statement with these shadow singles designed by Lancôme Global makeup artists. Available in a variety of chic shades and finishes—from shimmer to sheen and metallic to matte—to complement every wardrobe. Lancôme’s Micro-aired technology promises effortless application and smooth-gliding color that’s beautifully blendable. The long-lasting, pigment-packed color stays true for daylong wear.”

“Benefits:

  • Color glides on smoothly and blends easily for a professional finish every time.
  • Color stays true and looks beautiful all day.

Technology:

  • Micro-aired powder
  • Ergonomically designed slide compact with see-through cover”

Discussion:  While not my favorite eye shadow, Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is a close second to MAC and also has a lot of options available.

Colors:  Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow comes in 73 colors.  I decided to feature four that closely correspond to the MAC colors I previously reviewed that I typically use for smoky-eye looks.   These four colors are:

  • Drape (White) (Shimmer)
  • It List (Black) (Matte)
  • Riviera (Medium Grey) (Shimmer)
  • The New Black (Black) (Metallic)

FinishesLancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow comes in four finishes ranging from a flat dull finish to a sparkly shine:

  • Matte
  • Satin
  • Shimmer
  • Metallic

Morning Review:  I suggest using a base medium or a primer under powdered eye shadows.  When you use a primer the colors will be a little more intense just like when you wet them and will last longer without fading or flaking.  If you do not use primer, the colors will not be as vibrant or deep and the finish will be softer.

I would say that the texture of the Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is a little silkier and smoother than MAC.  It has a lighter feel to it when applying it to the eyelid.  You can layer these shadows for greater intensity.  I would not say that this is a positive or a negative trait; it is simply a little different.

If you want your smoky eye look to be suitable for daytime or on the subtle side, begin with the lightest shades and work your way to the darkest shades.  If you are going for a full-on glamorous dramatic look, then begin with the darkest shades and blend the lighter shades in.

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow glides on easily and does not tug or pull.  For this classic smoky look, I applied Drape on the inner corner and just under the tear duct. I put Riviera on the upper eyelid up to the crease line.  I then added The New Black onto the brow bone and under the lower lashes.  I then finished with It List at the outer corner.  You will see that this look has a slightly more shimmery effect than the MAC look.  That is because Lancôme does not make a matte white shadow.  The makeup was completed with eyeliner, mascara and false lashes.

Evening Review:  After many hours the Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadows have not faded, creased, or flaked and still look good without the need for any touch ups.

Overall Review:  Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow offers professional results and is easy to use.

Pros: 

  • Performance – Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow performs very well.  It has great staying power and is easy to blend.
  • Finish – If you like a more natural or sheer look, you may prefer these over MAC.

Cons:

  • Price – Each time I buy these shadows, the price goes up and the amount of product goes down, so they are getting more and more expensive.
  • Amount of Product – A few years ago this same shadow was called Color Focus and had .80 ounces. Then it went to .42 ounces and I recently only got .20 ounce in one color.  (See photos below for examples)  These are far too expensive for me to use on clients.  You will note that Lancôme no longer lists how much product is contained in these eye shadows on their website.  I even sent an email to customer service to find out if all of the eye shadow colors are now only going to have .20 ounces in them and was told they would have to research my question and get back to me!
  • Packaging – Also, rather than having a bunch of little containers, I prefer to put eye shadows in my own professional palette and I cannot do that with these.

Appropriate for the Following Users:  Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars = Very Good.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Drape

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Drape

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Drape

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Drape

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Riviera

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Riviera

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Riviera

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Riviera

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow It List

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow It List

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow It List

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow It List

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black Package

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black Package

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black Reverse

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black Reverse

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black WithBox

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow The New Black With Box

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Old Box With More Product

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Old Box With More Product

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow New Box With Even Less Product

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow New Box With Even Less Product

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Colors

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Colors

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Smoky Makeup

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Smooth Hold Eye Shadow Smoky Makeup

Ingredients: TALC, MAGNESIUM STEARATE, TRIISOSTEARIN, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, NYLON-12, CALCIUM ALUMINUM BOROSILICATE, CALCIUM SODIUM BOROSILICATE, DIMETHICONE, SILICA, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, ALUMINA, SYNTHETIC WAX, POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE, CETYL DIMETHICONE, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, METHYLPARABEN, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN.

May Contain (Depending upon color and/or finish): CI 19140/YELLOW 5 LAKE, CI 42090/BLUE 1 LAKE, CI 75470/CARMINE, CI 77000/ALUMINUM POWDER, CI 77007/ULTRAMARINES, CI 77163/BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE, CI 77288/CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS, CI 77289/CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN, CI 77510/FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE, CI 77510/FERRIC FERROCYANIDE, CI 77742/MANGANESE VIOLET, CI 77891/TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77947/ZINC OXIDE, MICA.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.