Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur Review

Laura Mercier’s Ultra-Blur takes the brand’s bestselling translucent powder into talc-free territory with bigger blurring claims. I tested it on long workdays, in photos, and across skin types to see if it earns a spot in your makeup bag.

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Laura Mercier practically wrote the playbook on modern setting powder, so when the brand launched Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur, expectations were high. The promise is simple yet bold: the same soft-focus, photo-friendly finish the original is known for, now in a talc-free formula that blurs even more. I wore Ultra-Blur on hot commutes, in dry office air, and under camera flash to find out where it shines and where it stumbles.

Overview

Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur is a loose powder designed to set foundation, reduce shine, and smooth texture. It comes in three translucent tone options similar to the original line: Translucent for fair to medium skin tones, Translucent Honey for medium to tan with warm undertones, and Translucent Medium Deep for deep complexions. The finish leans soft matte with a noticeably smoother, more diffused look than the original. The jar is the brand’s classic screw-top loose powder container with a sifter, which keeps product flow controlled if you tap a small amount into the cap before use.

The formula is talc-free and designed to blur the look of pores and fine lines. It feels lightweight between the fingers and looks invisible when well-pressed into the skin. On paper, it promises up to 16-hour wear and a flash-friendly, no white cast finish. In practice, it gets very close to those claims if you apply it strategically and avoid overloading dry areas.

Who it’s for

This powder is made for people who want a smooth, filtered finish without a heavy, powdery look. If you loved the original Laura Mercier Translucent powder but wanted a slightly stronger blur, Ultra-Blur will likely click. It is especially effective for normal to combination skin and for oily T-zones where shine creeps in by midday.

If your skin is dry or textured, Ultra-Blur can still work, but prep matters. A hydrating moisturizer or a dewy primer under foundation helps the powder meld seamlessly instead of clinging. For mature skin, less is more. A tiny amount pressed in with a puff delivers the blur you want without settling into fine lines, while dusting a large amount all over can age the look of the base.

If you wear little to no foundation, Ultra-Blur can act as a quick oil tamer that softens pores on its own. It is also a good option for people who want their makeup to survive long, busy days without constant blotting. If you prefer a luminous finish or have very dry skin year round, you may find the original or a more satin-leaning powder easier to work with.

How it feels and performs

Texture wise, Ultra-Blur is finely milled with a silky slip. Between fingertips, it feels airy and soft. On skin, the first impression is a clean soft-matte veil rather than a flat matte. The blurring effect is immediate around the nose and cheeks, knocking down the look of enlarged pores and softening small bumps. It does not add coverage, but it subtly evens the surface so foundation looks more refined.

Shine control is strong without looking heavy when you keep application targeted. On combination skin, the T-zone stays matte for around 6 to 8 hours before a natural glow comes back. On normal skin, makeup can look freshly set for 8 to 10 hours. Very oily skin will still need a blot or a quick touch-up in the afternoon, though the powder keeps oil breakthrough softer and less patchy than going without.

Under the eyes, Ultra-Blur can be lovely or finicky based on prep and quantity. With a well-hydrated eye cream and a thin layer of corrector or concealer, a light press of powder locks everything in and noticeably resists creasing. If the under eye is dry or concealer is applied thickly, using too much powder can make that area look papery. The fix is simple: use the smallest amount and a puff, then bounce a damp sponge over top to melt it in.

In photographs, Ultra-Blur behaves well. Dusted lightly, it does not flash white or gray, even in direct flash. Heavier baking can read a touch dry on textured areas and can lift a hint of brightness in flash, which is common for most translucent powders. If you plan to be photographed, use a light hand and press instead of bake.

Compared with the original Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, Ultra-Blur looks a hair more matte and a touch more filtered. The original has a slightly more forgiving, softly luminous vibe that some dry and mature skin types may prefer. Ultra-Blur’s strength is its refined blur and stronger grip on oil. If you struggle with mid-day shine or love a velvet finish, Ultra-Blur earns its name.

How to use for best results

Start with skin prep that matches your skin type. On dry or mature skin, choose a nourishing moisturizer and, if you like, a hydrating primer to give the powder something to mesh with. On combination and oily skin, a lightweight moisturizer and a smoothing primer over pores will maximize the blurring payoff.

For all over setting, tap a small amount of powder into the cap. Load a velour puff by folding it over the powder and rubbing the sides together so the product disperses evenly. Press and roll the puff over the T-zone, chin, and around the nose. This technique pushes product into the base rather than sweeping it on top, which avoids a dusty look and amplifies the blur. For the rest of the face, use whatever is left on the puff for a whisper-thin set.

For under eyes, apply eye cream and let it absorb. Use the smallest dot of corrector or concealer, then pick up the tiniest amount of powder on the corner of the puff or a small brush. Look up slightly and press only where concealer creases. If you see any dryness, bounce a damp sponge over the area to fuse the powder to the base. This trick instantly removes the powdery cast while keeping the set.

For touch-ups, resist adding layers of powder over worn-down makeup. Instead, gently blot oil with a tissue, re-distribute any lifted base with clean fingers or a sponge, then press on a fingertip’s worth of powder only where you need it. This keeps the look fresh and prevents the thickness that leads to caking by late afternoon.

Shade selection is simple. Translucent is the most universal and works for most fair to medium complexions without changing tone. If you find translucent powders can look a bit ashy on warm medium skin, Translucent Honey will keep warmth intact. Translucent Medium Deep is designed to avoid the gray cast sometimes seen on deeper skin when translucent powders are too light. You can also mix a pinch of Honey into Translucent to warm it slightly if you are in between.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Noticeable soft-focus blur that smooths pores and fine texture without a thick look.
• Pros: Talc-free formula with a weightless feel and a clean, soft-matte finish that photographs well when applied lightly.
• Pros: Strong shine control in the T-zone and steady performance through long days.
• Pros: Three translucent tone options help minimize white cast across a wide range of skin tones.
• Pros: Plays nicely with both brushes and velour puffs, and sets without muting blush and bronzer when used sparingly.

• Cons: Can emphasize dryness or texture if overapplied, especially under the eyes or on dehydrated skin.
• Cons: A touch more matte than the original, which some may find less flattering on very dry or mature skin.
• Cons: Loose format is less travel friendly and can be messy if you are not careful with the sifter.
• Cons: Very oily skin may still need a midday blot and a targeted touch-up.

Final verdict

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur delivers the refined, camera-ready blur it promises. It locks makeup in place, keeps shine to a soft glow rather than a slick, and smooths the look of pores in a way that reads polished but not heavy. If you like a velvet finish or want a talc-free version of a proven classic, this is an excellent pick. The trade-off is that it can run a bit drier than the original, so prep wisely and apply with intent. For normal to combination skin, it is a near foolproof daily workhorse. For dry or mature skin, a lighter hand and a hydrating base make all the difference.

See also

If you care about how your makeup looks in pictures, you will find practical picks in our guide to Best Setting Powders That Don’t Age You in Photos. And if you are deciding how to lock everything in, our breakdown of Setting Powder vs Setting Spray: What to Pick plus our hands-on Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Review can help you build a routine that lasts.

Prefer a softer, mineral option or shopping for mature skin specifically? Compare textures in our bareMinerals Mineral Veil Translucent Loose Setting Powder Review, then get targeted recommendations in Best Setting Powder for Mature Skin to see which formula will flatter your needs.

FAQ

How is Ultra-Blur different from the original Laura Mercier Translucent powder?

Ultra-Blur is talc-free and leans a touch more matte with a stronger soft-focus effect. The original has a slightly more forgiving, softly luminous finish that some dry and mature skin types may prefer. If you want a velvet blur and better oil control, Ultra-Blur is the stronger choice. If you want a gentler, more satin look, the original is still excellent.

Will Laura Mercier Ultra-Blur cause flashback in photos?

Applied lightly and pressed into the skin, Ultra-Blur does not flash white in photos. Heavy baking or layering can create a dry look or a hint of brightness under intense flash, which is common for most translucent powders. For events or photos, use a small amount, press rather than sweep, and melt it in with a damp sponge to keep the finish seamless.

Is Ultra-Blur good for mature or dry skin?

Yes, with prep and a light hand. Hydrate well, use a thin layer of foundation or concealer, and press the smallest amount of powder only where you need it. Avoid dusting a lot of powder over fine lines or dry patches. Many mature skin users prefer Ultra-Blur on the T-zone while leaving the cheeks mostly untouched for a fresher look.

How does Ultra-Blur wear on oily skin during a long workday?

It holds shine down effectively for several hours. Expect around 6 to 8 hours of controlled oil in the T-zone before a comfortable glow returns. Very oily skin may still need a blot and a quick targeted press of powder mid-afternoon, but Ultra-Blur helps keep the base from breaking up or turning slick.

What tool should I use to apply Ultra-Blur without looking cakey?

A velour puff gives the smoothest blur and the least powdery look. Load a small amount, press and roll to set, then bounce a damp sponge to fuse the powder with your base. For a lighter set on the outer face, a soft brush works, but keep the puff for the nose, chin, and under-eye areas where precision matters most.

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