Let's face it - Laura Mercier's Translucent Setting Powder has earned its stripes. This holy grail product delivers that coveted airbrushed finish without turning your face into a powdery mess. But even the best products can use a supporting cast. We've uncovered some intriguing offerings from lesser-known brands that could round out your setting powder routine.
These aren't replacements for your trusted Laura Mercier – think of them more as complementary players that fill specific niches in your makeup arsenal. From prep work to finishing touches, here's our curated selection of under-the-radar products that deserve a spot at your vanity.
: The Wallet-Friendly Foundation That Punches Above Its Weight
LA Girl's HD Foundation and Concealer create an ideal canvas for powder application. The foundation glides on with a skin-like finish that becomes even more refined under setting powder, while the concealer tackles targeted areas without getting cakey.
These products have developed quite a following in beauty circles, and we can see why. The foundation's buildable formula lets you customize your coverage without feeling like you're wearing a mask. Meanwhile, the concealer has drawn comparisons to luxury alternatives, thanks to its ability to provide serious coverage while maintaining a natural look.
Why we like LA Girl
1
Budget-Friendly Quality
Professional-grade products at drugstore prices
2
Buildable Coverage
Customizable foundation that never looks mask-like
3
Powder-Compatible
Creates an ideal base for setting powder application
: Rich Color That Won't Ghost Your Powder Game
The Lip Bar's Nonstop Liquid Matte Mini Duo (Bawse Lady + Rich Auntie) tackles a common makeup dilemma: how to keep your lip color from migrating onto your powder brush. These liquid lipsticks stay put, meaning your carefully set base remains undisturbed.
We're intrigued by the brand's trajectory from kitchen experiments to beauty industry player. Their formula incorporates moisturizing ingredients that help avoid the sahara-dry feeling typical of long-wearing lip products. Plus, these shades maintain their depth and dimension even when faced with inevitable powder fallout during application.
Why we like The Lip Bar
1
Transfer-Proof
Stays put during powder application
2
Moisturizing Formula
Comfortable wear without the typical dry feeling
3
Dimensional Color
Maintains vibrancy even with powder fallout
: The Glow-Getter's Secret Weapon
Saie's Glowy Super Skin Tint Foundation brings something fresh to the table - a pre-powder base that doesn't compete with your setting routine. This clever formula contains ingredients that could benefit your skin while providing immediate visual payoff.
The magic lies in how it creates a luminous base that still allows setting powder to do its thing. Rather than working against powder's mattifying properties, it creates a balanced canvas that results in a sophisticated finish. We appreciate their transparent approach to clean beauty and sustainable practices.
Why we like Saie
1
Balanced Luminosity
Creates glow without competing with powder
2
Skin-Beneficial
Formulated with skincare ingredients
3
Clean Beauty
Transparent ingredient sourcing and sustainable practices
: Cream Products That Don't Fear The Powder
Sunnies Face Skin So Good Multistick Duo cracks the code on cream products that actually work under setting powder. Unlike many cream formulas that turn patchy when set, these sticks maintain their integrity while playing well with powder products.
The brand has solved a common makeup conundrum - how to layer cream and powder products without creating a mess. These multisticks can be applied underneath powder for a subtle effect or tapped on top without disturbing your base. Each shade appears to have been developed with multiple skin tones in mind.
Why we like Sunnies Face
1
Powder-Compatible
Cream formula that maintains integrity under powder
2
Versatile Application
Can be used under or over powder
3
Inclusive Shades
Developed for multiple skin tones
: The Brow Tamer That Stands Its Ground
Merit Beauty's Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade creates a protective barrier that prevents setting powder from dulling your carefully groomed brows. It's like an invisible shield for your arches.
The formula strikes a delicate balance between hold and flexibility, allowing brows to maintain their shape without looking stiff or artificial. We're particularly interested in their skin-first approach to formulation, which suggests these products are doing more than just sitting pretty on your face.
Why we like Merit Beauty
1
Protective Barrier
Shields brows from powder dulling
2
Flexible Hold
Natural-looking brow control
3
Skin-First Formula
Benefits beyond just cosmetic effects
: The Texture Whisperer That Preps Like a Pro
Refy's Glow and Sculpt Primer introduces an unexpected innovation - a roller applicator that helps create an ideal surface for powder application. The formula provides grip without turning your face into flypaper.
This primer stands out for its ability to create a base that plays well with both cream products and powder. The inclusion of niacinamide suggests it might offer some skin benefits beyond just makeup prep. Their attention to packaging design, particularly the built-in facial roller, shows thoughtful consideration for the user experience.
Why we like Refy
1
Innovative Applicator
Built-in facial roller for optimal application
2
Balanced Grip
Perfect adhesion without excessive tackiness
3
Skincare Benefits
Niacinamide-enriched formula
: Where Skincare Meets Serious Staying Power
Kosas's Tinted Skincare Lineup + Dreambeam takes a science-forward approach to creating base products that mesh seamlessly with setting powder. These formulas appear to prioritize skin health while providing proper coverage.
The brand's emphasis on biology-based formulation suggests these products might offer benefits beyond mere cosmetic enhancement. They seem to have found the sweet spot between coverage and care, creating a smooth canvas that allows setting powder to adhere without looking heavy.
Why we like Kosas
1
Science-Based
Biology-focused formulation approach
2
Skin-Beneficial
Prioritizes skin health while providing coverage
3
Perfect Canvas
Creates ideal surface for powder adherence
The Final Dust
Each of these products brings something unique to complement your Laura Mercier Setting Powder. From creating the perfect canvas to maintaining dimensional color and keeping brows in check, these lesser-known brands offer innovative solutions to common makeup challenges. By exploring these options, you might discover some new favorites while supporting independent beauty brands that are carving out their own niches in the industry.