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Laura Mercier Setting Powder Dupe – Alternatives For Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder

Published Categorized as Makeup Tips

Laura Mercier setting powder is considered a holy grail by beauty bloggers and influencers alike. Most of the time, they get the products to try out for free. The rest of us wait for their reviews and buy based on what they say. Laura Mercier is a higher-end brand and not everyone can afford $40 to spend on one product. You may not even want to at that price, regardless of how it works! Thankfully, you don’t have to. You can buy a Laura Mercier setting powder dupe for a fraction of the cost and they work just as well as the original.

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Translucent Loose Setting Powder By Laura Mercier, Full Size-1Oz /29g

Laura Mercier Translucent Powder Dupes

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What is a Dupe for Laura Mercier Setting Powder?

Editor’s Pick – RCMA No Color Powder

RCMA No Color Powder, Shaker Top Bottle, Authentic, 3 oz.
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Dupe Highlights

  • Blurs fine lines, pores, and imperfections
  • Doesn’t crease, cake, or produce ashiness
  • Pigment-free formula
  • Won’t leave a white cast on the face

We chose RCMA’s powder as the our ultimate top pick because of how well it performs. Compared to the other dupes on our list, it’s more expensive but worth it.

The RCMA powder is the closest dupe you can get to Laura Mercier’s finishing powder. The powder has been around for some time and is used by makeup artists and those in the theater. The powder goes on completely translucent, even with darker skin tones. The major difference between the two powders is Laura Mercier’s finishing powder caters more to oily skin. RMCA powder works best with dry and normal types. This doesn’t mean you can’t use the powder, but it won’t absorb the oil as well as Laura Mercier’s finishing powder.

Dupe Reviews

A user said this was the best powder they’ve ever used and is cheaper overall compared to higher-end brands; “Simply the best powder I have ever used, this little $10.00 bottle does so much more than the expensive behemoths it sits beside.”

Another loves the powder for the performance; “I really love this powder and use it with a couple different foundations as it doesn’t settle in pores/creases and never cakes.”

One said they were amazed by the staying power; “I recently had the experience where I was in my “face” for 36 hours straight with some naps, just no touch ups: I was dreading the mirror when I finally got home. And guess what? It was like I had just gotten ready to do out the door!”

Dupe Pros and Cons

  • Mattifies the face
  • Works with any skin tone
  • Extremely long staying power
  • Can dry out the skin if you’re not properly moisturized beforehand

e.l.f Perfect Finish HD Powder

e.l.f, Perfect Finish HD Powder, Convenient, Portable Compact, Fills Fine Lines, Blurs Imperfections, Soft, Smooth Finish, Anytime Wear, 0.28 Oz
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Dupe Highlights

  • Made with clean ingredients (no parabens, phthalates, etc.)
  • Convenient on-the-go compact design
  • Wear it alone or to set your foundation
  • Creates a lightweight matte, airbrush finish

Many of the powders we listed include some type of tint to the powder. However, e.l.f’s setting powder is a truly translucent finish. You won’t have to worry about tints or changes to your foundation’s coverage. The powder has a very thin application (just don’t overdo it or you will look like a ghost). The powder was designed to mask your wrinkles and blemishes while on video or photos.

Dupe Reviews

This user raved about how it covered their pores better than higher-end brands; “I swear it’s the only thing that covers up my pores. I’ve tried all the high end lines of powders from Laura Mercier, Clinique, Bare Minerals, MAC and so on.”

Another user said they choose this over Laura Mercier because of the staying power and absorbs oil; “I usually depend on the Laura Mercier setting powder to get rid of my oiliness at the end of my makeup routine but this THIS does the trick quicker and lasts longer.”

A user said they love how it feels on their face; “I love the way it feels, very smooth.”

Dupe Pros and Cons

  • Absorbs oil
  • No flashback
  • Blends well into the skin
  • Can cause an ashy, gray cast on dark skin tones

Maybelline New York Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder

Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder, 35 Deep, 0.7 oz (Pack of 2)
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Dupe Highlights

  • Mineral-based formula
  • Gives a tint of color and coverage to your foundation
  • Comes in a wide range of shades
  • Blurs the skin and removes texture

Before the launch of Laura Mercier’s finishing powder, Maybelline’s New York Fit Me line was a huge hit among beauty influencers. The finishing powder from this line matches expectations. The powder has a close texture match to Laura Mercier’s powder and performs almost the same. Maybelline’s loose finishing powder isn’t completely translucent and will slightly change the color and coverage of your foundation. However, it does offer a large range of shades from light to dark.

Dupe Reviews

One user raved about how flawless and non-cakey the finish is; “When I say it makes your skin look flawless. I mean it. It leaves a beautiful finish and doesn’t get cakey which I love.”

Another user said they get the same finish and lasting power as Laura Mercier; “Love it! Laura Mercier better watch her back lol For a fraction of the cost, I get the exact same finish and lasting power.”

This user said it beats their Laura Mercier powder and other brands; “This beats all of my high end powders including Laura Mercier.”

Dupe Pros and Cons

  • Unscented
  • Easily blends into skin
  • Works well with all types of skin
  • Causes flashback with some colors

NYX Professional Makeup Mineral Finishing Powder

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mineral Finishing Powder, Light/Medium
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Dupe Highlights

  • Lightweight mineral formula
  • Doesn’t clog pores
  • Can use as a light powder foundation
  • No transfer to masks or phones

NYX’s loose powder hides your pores and sets your makeup in place. You don’t have to worry about shine and oily T-zones with this powder. The finishing powder isn’t fully translucent and does have a hint of color but it’s not incredibly noticeable when on the skin. Reviewers of NYX’s loose powder mention it has the staying power of Laura Mercier, a similar texture, and finish too. The only major difference is that NYX does cause flashbacks.

Dupe Reviews

A user claimed they stopped using their Laura Mercier powder in favor of NYX; “I happily dumped my Laura translucent pressed powder which was about $50, and I truly loved that. Until I found this.”

Another user commented how long the staying-power was; It makes my face matte and stands up to long restaurant shifts without needing a touch up.“

This user loved how it worked with their oily skin; “I have oily face and this is the only powder that makes it stay matte all day long. “

Dupe Pros and Cons

  • A little goes a long way
  • Long-lasting
  • Blurs pores and fine lines
  • Causes flashback with some shades

Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder

Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder, Translucent, Pack of 1
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Dupe Highlights

  • Lightweight formula
  • Large amount of product for the cost
  • Absorbs oil and shine
  • Doesn’t clog pores

For only $5, Coty’s face powder hides your wrinkles and fine lines. Coty will set your foundation, or you can use it for a quick “no makeup” look. Like the Laura Mercier setting powder, Coty doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. The ultra-lightweight formula glides over the skin, blurring texture. Your makeup gets locked into place all day. Unlike many powders, you won’t have that dry, cakey feeling after a few hours of wear. However, if you do like that heavier feel, you can opt for the “extra coverage” shade.

Dupe Reviews

One user has used the powder for over 30 years. They rave about how it controls oil and doesn’t leave a cakey residue; “It’s been awesome for oil control and doesn’t give me an over-powdered look like some face powders do.”

Another user loves how well the formula blends and how smooth it makes the finish; “…the consistency of the Coty powder is very blendable and smooth.”

A user raved it outperformed Laura Mercier; “This way outperforms the Laura Mercier powder and is 13% of the cost. Can’t believe it. Never going back.”

Dupe Pros and Cons

  • No flashback
    Leaves a matte, airbrushed finish
    Blends well into the skin
  • Not fully translucent on darker skin tones/will leave a white cast

COVERGIRL Professional Loose Finishing Powder

COVERGIRL Professional Loose Finishing Powder, Translucent Light Tone, Sets Makeup, Controls Shine, Won't Clog Pores, 0.7 Ounce (Packaging May Vary)
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Dupe Highlights

  • Controls oil
  • Doesn’t clog pores
  • Can use as a light powder foundation too
  • Blends well with any foundation for a smooth, non-cakey finish

Like the Laura Mercier powder, the COVERGIRL Clean Professional Powder doesn’t leave a flashback in photos. Both formulas make your skin photo-ready by smoothing and blurring any textures and fine lines. COVERGIRL works on all skin types. Throughout the day, most makeup starts to break down around the T-zone and leave a shine. COVERGIRL’s powder will remove any shine you have and stop your makeup from breaking down. The powder has longevity, giving you a bang for your buck.

Dupe Reviews

A user exclaimed they can’t seem to stay away from the COVERGIRL Loose powder; “I have tried so many brands of finishing powder and I keep coming back to this one year after year.”

Another user mentioned how it keeps their makeup in place; “Makes my makeup last so much longer than without.”

This user loved how it worked for their sensitive skin and how the formula doesn’t cake their makeup; “I have really sensitive skin but it doesn’t break me out. I also like that it gives me good coverage but still looks really natural and doesn’t get ‘cakey’ like other products.”

Dupe Pros and Cons

  • Large amount of product for the price
  • Long-lasting
  • Doesn’t irritate sensitive skin
  • The powder is so fine it can make a mess when opening the container

Why is Laura Mercier Powder So Good?

Many people love this finishing powder because of the performance. The powder lasts on average 12 hours, even on humid days. You won’t have any flashbacks or tints in your foundation. Your makeup stays locked in place but with an airbrush finish.

Is Laura Mercier Setting Powder Worth It?

The powder is worth it if you want a setting powder that lasts for a long time without breaking down. If you need a powder that doesn’t flashback on photography or create a white cast, then it’s worth the extra money. However, you can get similar results with the dupes listed above.

Laura Mercier FAQs

Which Laura Mercier loose powder is best?

Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder has been raved about in the beauty community. Though the Laura Mercier pressed powder is also praised, generally people prefer the loose powder.

Does Laura Mercier powder clog pores?

No. The formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic.

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Laura Mercier Setting Powder Dupes – They Exist!

Laura Mercier makes one of the best finishing powders in the beauty community. However, not every person can afford to spend upwards of $40 on a single product. Luckily, you don’t need to use Laura Mercier to get photo-ready. You can use dupes that produce similar, if not better, results. If the price of Laura Mercier’s finishing powder is turning you off, try one of the dupes listed above!

Wanna read more about makeup? Check out other posts on our blog that you may find interesting:

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2 comments

  1. I’ve always been wanting to try RCMA. It’s been on my wish list since forever. I didn’t know it was perfect for normal and dry skin types! Thanks so much for this info. This post has been very helpful x

    Mari

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