Hourglass vs. Laura Mercier - The Best Translucent Setting Powder?
BY SOPHIE CHUNG
It’s global knowledge that Laura Mercier has maintained its title as the holy grail of translucent setting powders. Could it be that she has been dethroned by the Hourglass Veil?
13 MAY - 2018
I honestly think that taking the crown was Hourglass’ intention with their release and as expected, it flew off the shelves when it landed.
As any Sephora swatcher or Mecca beauty-junkie would know, Hourglass creates the most bomb-diggity pressed powders that are super fine and emit an amazing glow. The translucent setting powder doesn’t fall short of their reputation.
It’s an incredibly fine-milled loose powder that includes light-reflecting particles infused with diamond powder to prevent flashback. It just melts into your makeup and blends seamlessly to create a super silky finish. A light dusting, et voila! You’ve got a very pretty, lit-from-within glow that makes your skin superbly airbrushed. It has a soft-focus blurring effect and albeit its powder form, provides a gorgeous natural-looking, radiance that’s simply flawless.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder NZD$66
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder, NZD$78
Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder
I baked my under-eyes for the first time with this and used the smaller side of the brush - I was convinced that this makeup trend wasn’t a fad (I know, a bit late on the baking bandwagon but I got there in the end). It’s also incredibly weightless, talc-free and smoothes skin like magic.
It has a gold sifter in the shape of an ‘H’ and a cap that dispenses the perfect amount of powder each time so that you’re not wasting any of it or causing a right mess everywhere. As for the brush, the synthetic bristles are uber-soft and ensures even application - it’s my new favourite and I’m not sure what the hell I even used before I acquired this.
Who’s it for?
If you have oily skin or severe T-zone issues, then this one might not be for you as its intention isn’t to mattify, like the Laura Mercier powder, but rather amplify the overall glow factor. If you do want to own this powder, I think it could be weightless enough to layer or at least apply on the outer areas of your face.
If you don’t like super fine-milled powders for whatever reason, it’s also not for you. Don’t expect any coverage apart from the blurring effect - it’s a setting powder to lock in your foundation and concealer.
If you are into that radiant finish, then you’ll blimen love this product with a passion. Think YSL Touche Eclat in a powder format. According to some of the reviews, it’s actually turning powder haters into lovers! It’s also a great alternative to applying overly glowy illuminating primers under your foundation.
"According to some of the reviews, it’s actually turning powder haters into lovers! It’s also a great alternative to applying overly glowy illuminating primers under your foundation."
The Final Verdict
I think the Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder will still have its fan base of loyal users. The Hourglass Veil can’t really be compared against it - the finish is completely different! If you’ve got the funds, have both on hand - otherwise, I doubt you’ll regret purchasing the Veil the next time you run out of powder!
Ladies - can I just say, it’s such a great time to be alive - makeup technology is becoming out of this world and I can’t wait for the next break-through.
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