Laura Mercier’s New Light Catcher Setting Powder Is Like Having a Ring Light in a Jar

If you remember the days of photo flashbacks and the dread you would feel looking back at your photo album, you will also remember the relief when you discovered Laura Mercier its original Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($56). Loved by professional makeup artists around the world, the finely milled, feather-like formula set your makeup and erased shine with little kickback and no photo flashback. You can then imagine our excitement when we discovered the brand has launched another version of its best-selling powder.

Available in three shades, the new Light Catcher Translucent Loose Setting Powder ($56) is a luminous version of the original formula. “This [new] powder sets itself apart with its ability to create light on the face,” Laura Mercier makeup artist Jessica Kohn told POPSUGAR. “Whilst other glow-giving powders can emphasise the look of imperfections, the pearl blend in this powder becomes one with the skin and the silky blurring powders within the formula actually blur the look of pores, texture, and fine lines,” Kohn added.

The only difference between the Translucent Loose Setting Powder and the new Light Catcher Setting Powder is the fact the latter is infused with very-finely milled pearlescent particles, whereas the former (the original) gives skin a semi-matte finish. “It is the same Translucent Loose Setting Powder formula that we all know and love but it is now perfectly balanced with a blend of cool- and warm-toned multidimensional pearls – making up 30% of the formula – to give a beautiful lift and glow to the skin,” explained Kohn. That means the powder still sets makeup, absorbs excess oil, and provides your complexion with a soft focus finish, which the new Light Catcher formula does to an even greater level thanks to a subtle hint of light-reflecting shimmer.

The multidimensional pearl pigments in the new powder are unique because of the fact the colours both contrast the skin and have colour-correcting benefits. The contrasting pearls are opposite in tone to. the skin and therefore brighten the complexion, whilst the correcting pearls are similar in colour to your skin to help make it look healthy and luminous. Additionally, the powder is formulated with an amino acid complex that the brand claims softens and conditions the skin, “giving that gorgeous undetectable finish as the powder melts into the complexion” said Kohn.

When it comes to putting the powder into action, Kohn said focus on the type of application. “You have lots of options with this powder,” she explained. “For maximum light-creating pay off I suggest using a large powder brush to lay the powder on to skin. If you are looking for a more muted effect, I reach for our signature Velour Puff to roll and press the powder into the skin which creates a more soft focus effect. To go that extra mile you could use a fan brush to add some extra powder just onto the high points of the face for maximum dimension”.