Laura Mercier • Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder - Shine Control • Pressed Powders

madmilly on 4/2/2013 6:41:00 PM more reviews by madmilly

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I was super excited to try this powder as my skin can look like a greasy frying pan without the correct powder over my foundation. the girl at the counter suggested this , I was curious but a bit scared as I like full coverage and this just isn't at all. although I didn't experience any shine all day which is great it made my foundation crack up and break up on my face, leaving my foundation colour blotchy with white patches. I really didn't enjoy this product and for the price tag no no no it's not good at all. I feel that you get a really small amount of product that's not great. I'm not liking the packaging of LM maybe it's just me being fussy!

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Hermanspottypants on 2/23/2013 5:52:00 AM more reviews by Hermanspottypants

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Other   Eyes: Brown    

The only purpose to use this is for the absorption of facial shine. So be patient and don't use it until you have a bit of shine.
Do not waste it to 'set your makeup'.

Ignore the fact its green. I got the green version. The green does nothing - oh its just like all of the other greeny products I've been tricked into buying....

Over the last 15 years I have used a multitude of oil blotting products from decleor, clinique, clarins, body shop, mac and benefit.

My shine has diminished as I have aged, but I would still need a touch up usually every 3 hours at work (unless Im using Nars sheer matte foundation).

To cut to the chase, this is quick and easy to apply- I like the nice little case with its mirror. If you have a shine problem on my level, it soaks up the oil immediately like magic and doesn't leave my skin feeling slimey/dry/heavy. I find that after I have used it I wouldn't need to reapply for at least 4 hours.

If you put this on a low/no oil patch of skin then yes it can make you look dusty- like you were in the kitchen baking dusty. And if you put this for no sensible reason on a dry patch of skin yes you will look like a baker.

As Ive said this product is primo for sucking up shiney oil. If there is no oil it will sit there because its got no job to do.

Bottom line: the sponge is thin and soft so only dab it on your oily spots!!

You need to wash your little sponge now and then ( I use Bobbi Browns cleanser).

This is the best oil absorbing product I have come across. Its a bonus to have it in functional portable packaging.

Laura you redeemed yourself with this product. You needed to because your tinted moisturiser was just naff.

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tophuong on 6/27/2012 2:58:00 PM more reviews by tophuong

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I got this a couple of weeks ago when I was intent to just do "concealer" and "powder", as my skin is getting fairly clear.

I haven't used it for a while but returned to it for the last few days. It caused me immediate mild breakouts, where I was getting small white block pores in areas where I don't normally/ever break out. On the second day it started to really irritate my skin. It did however keep the shine at bay, so if your skin can tolerate it great!

I read on another site that one of its ingredients is comedogenic; Ethelhexyl palmitate?

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dutchesskt on 6/3/2012 9:03:00 PM more reviews by dutchesskt

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy   Eyes: Brown    

This is THE BEST powder for oil and shine touch-ups during the day. I really like the MUFE translucent powder as well, but sometimes, all you have is 3 seconds to touch up your face and carrying translucent powder around is not the most practical strategy. Don't let the green color throw you off; however, don't use too much of it because it WILL look unnatural. The powder absorbs any oil immediately and gives you face a matte finish. I sometimes use it to set my foundation. My skin is not really that oily, but I find that this prevents any shine throughout the day. Simply amazing product. Can't live without it.

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lhuynh10 on 3/8/2012 12:19:00 AM more reviews by lhuynh10

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

The only setting powder that does that it's supposed to! Well, it's the only one i've used that sets your foundation and keeps you matte for more than a couple hours. It's pretty hefty of a price, but you pay for what you get. I got this upon recommendation from a friend who cheers all day, sometimes for three games. That sold it for me, when you can sweat all day and still swear by a product. (: The sponge is great, it has two sides, one for blotting and the other side a bit denser for if you really want to splatter the powder all over. I have oily skin, and i usually set this after foundation in the morning, sometimes again later in the day. It doesn't make me look cakey, it's fine powder. The green color does look weird at first, and it doesn't really correct any redness, the powder just goes on translucent. The compact is very sleek. No regrets!

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kpodaru on 3/6/2012 11:42:00 AM more reviews by kpodaru

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Medium, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

laura mercier is one of my fav brands but this power was super disappointing.

i found the powder to be too cakey/talc-like and the sponge applicator terrible because it picks up so much and turns you into a powdered corpse if you don't use a brush.

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phoebe22 on 2/28/2012 3:50:00 PM more reviews by phoebe22

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

been using this for a while now- hit the pan. but when i use this i have to reapply constantly. i will agree with others and say that it does not cake...but it also doesnt control anything. so i will not repurchase. nothing compares to MAC blot powder.

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KGirl24 on 9/25/2011 12:26:00 PM more reviews by KGirl24

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff is AMAZING! During the day my t-zone gets oily and my foundation tends to lift off of my skin. Not a pretty sight! I put this on just across my forehead, nose, chin, and under my eyes and my face stays matte. Not a mask-like matte, just oil-free. This sets my makeup perfectly and I haven't found the need to touch up.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Bellona on 8/14/2011 7:31:00 PM more reviews by Bellona

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This is the first pressed powder I have bought and used. Normally I just wear Tarte Park Ave Princess bronzer in matt. But I really needed something to prevent the oiliness from creeping onto my forehead and nose area during the day/night. This seems to do the trick. It goes on beautifully as a base, leaving no white cast. I did read the reviews and was confused about the "green tint" comments. It seemed white/translucent to me. But then I read the ingredients and saw "chromium oxide greens" listed. Next time I looked at it I did see it had a slight green tint. This is great for me, as I have mild rosacea and get red across my nose and cheeks. Occasionally for a night out I wear foundation in this area and this pressed powder seals it in and finishes off my look flawlessly. It doesn't irritate my skin or cause breakouts. And my bronzer goes on smoothly after. Overall, I'm loving it and would repurchase. It gives a soft effect on the skin, controls shine, and creates a smooth base for bronzer or whatever you personally would apply after. I use a large powder brush to apply it, not the sponge it comes with. I highly recommend giving it a try.

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Yoshi3329 on 8/6/2011 12:59:00 PM more reviews by Yoshi3329

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Dark, Warm   Hair: Black, Kinky, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Out of all the Laura Mercier powders this is the best. Hand down. I absolutely love the soft focus effect and I don't know how it does it, but it does! I apply it on my nose and the pose just vanish, I'm still in all and I carry wherever I go.

I have dark skin and I was afraid that if I used it wouldn't look right on me. But it really does providing that you don't use the sponge they give you. It's very cheap and they recommend that you use the flocked (suede) side for a light touch or the sponge side for heavier coverage. That was laughable to me. LM and I must have a different definition when it comes to a light touch because the flocked (suede) side picked up way to much and left a white cast on my nose to the point that two men where staring at me. The sponge side feels like garbage and didn't pick up anything really. I use use a fluffy brush for the application and it applies the right amount every single time. Every time I go back to using the sponge they gave I regret it every single time.

Other than that cheap sponge the product is great, it comes with a mirror, the packaging it beautiful, and it's the first pressed powder I've ever used. I've always wanted the soft focus effect that I see on the magazines and now I've got it!

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addicted2products on 3/20/2011 1:46:00 PM more reviews by addicted2products

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I purchased this as an alternative to the pressed translucent powder. I thought the slight green tint would help counteract redness. I'm not sure what purpose this relatively "new" product serves. I would not repurchase because it does not do anything better/different than the pressed translucent powder. The sponge it comes with is very flimsy and cheap, but I appreciate the fact you can apply on-the-go.

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pcjo on 2/28/2011 1:09:00 PM more reviews by pcjo

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is probably the best setting powder I have used..........not cakey but must be used with a brush and light hand. Not really mattifying but enough for me with a natural glow. Does not settle in wrinkles or pores. First time ever for me to hit pan with a translucent powder.

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babraham on 1/4/2011 9:43:00 PM more reviews by babraham

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I LOVE this powder (translucent matte version). It goes on beautifully and is so fine you can't feel it at all, except for the silky smoothness that you'll feel if you run your fingers on your skin. Any oiliness goes away immediately and it really makes my makeup blend well. The packaging is really cute (subtly sparkly purple. yay!) so its no biggie to re-apply if you get oily during the day. I have no idea what the people who mentioned the greenish tinge are talking about, though. It's completely translucent. The only thing I don't like about this product is the applicator sponge it comes with. It really should have a fabric pad because the sponge absorbs way more powder than it applies. I use a big facial brush to put this on instead.

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*TOP REVIEWER* chanelmontes on 10/8/2010 11:08:00 PM more reviews by chanelmontes

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This finishing powder is pretty darn nice. It's so smooth and velvety and picks up right on my powder brush with ease. It blends really well into my face over my foundation and doesn't sit on top of my skin at all. One time I even put more powder than I normally would to see what it would do, but it just kept blending into my skin controlling shine and creating a beautiful matte surface. You would have never known I just piled on powder. Love the greenish tint to as I get red sometimes around my nose and it reduces that well. I was skeptical at paying $32 for it at first but it was way worth it.

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joankate on 9/26/2010 12:54:00 PM more reviews by joankate

Age: 36-43   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I use this in combination with LM's creme smooth foundation and this is a very good shine control pressed powder, but morever it is fantastic for neutralizing redness. I have oily, acne-prone skin and this doesn't cause any problems, no breakouts. This product is talc-free, so it doesn't have quite the same oil absorbing effect of other talc-based powders, but it still does its job effectively. If you use a shine-control primer with this, I think it will do the trick for you. One caveat, if you don't have much redness in your skin - the greenish tint of the powder may make your skin appear somewhat sallow. Also, this is great for toning down blush if you overdo it. You can apply this with the sponge enclosed - patting it on the oily spots (not swiping) or you can use a brush. I alternate and either way it looks good. The packaging is very streamlined and will slip into even the smallest purse. Really nice.

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pn2108 on 5/19/2010 7:01:00 AM more reviews by pn2108

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I purchased this at a Nordstrom and have been really happy with it. I'm a medium tan tone naturally and so many powders show up on my skin and grab my little 'down' hairs on my face. This one worked really nicely. 1st- you don't need a lot of hte product- the BA at the coutner told me that the LM philosophy is that if you can see it on your face you've put too much on-- I am def. applying this with a lighter hand and have seen great results. No more shine and my skin looks smoother- my cheeks tend to get a bit red during the day and this powder really helps calm them down (at least visually). Will def. repurchase. Very happy with this product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Schadenfrau on 5/4/2010 7:43:00 PM more reviews by Schadenfrau

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

Sephora is pushing this hard right now, so I felt the need to come on here and share my experience before anyone else is duped like I was.

I purchased this powder two days ago after getting the hard sell from a sales assistant. She told me this was the best pressed powder they have in stock (granted, Sephora really does seem to lack in the pressed powder selection), that it would even out my skin tone, that it would last all day, and basically that it would do my dishes and make my bed.

I should have known better, but of course I didn't. I tried it on in the store and found that it immediately left a greenish cast on my pale skin. That makes sense, as the product is light green. I figured that would go away after a few minutes and it did. For about ten minutes, this powder cut the shine on my face and looked pretty nice. Well, it only looked nice long enough for me to purchase it and leave the store, because when I got on the subway and checked my face about twenty minutes later, the powder had gathered in my pores and the shine was back. And that Laura Mercier Smooth Focus went back to Sephora tonight.

If you've got very evenly-toned skin with no visible pores and no hint of shine, you might light this product. It's certainly light enough. For anyone else, stay away. I traded this in for the NARS pressed powder, so I'll update on that in a few weeks. If you're desperate for a solid blotting powder, go for MAC's excellent Blot Powder. That's what I would have done if I was smart enough to skip the LM.

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lamonica08 on 2/6/2010 12:31:00 AM more reviews by lamonica08

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I just received this today as a delux sample for Sephora's Beauty Insider program. It's a cute little compact with a mirror and a nice little double sided sponge that has two differt levels of coverage. I am really enjoying it for my NC15/20 skin. It is very nice and light, hardly shows up on the skin at all! However, it still absorbs really well. No grease at all for me which is great!

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yunnyunn on 2/4/2010 2:48:00 PM more reviews by yunnyunn

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I think this is a brand new pressed powder from LM, I received my deluxe sample from Sephora.com. It is a very ordinary, white powder pressed blotting powder that I don't feel it extra especial from other all the favorites such as MAC and Maybelline. Just like any other white blotting powder, I was hesitant to powder too much or too often on my nose as it does show a little white color on my NC25-30 face. I probably will finish my deluxe but will not buy the full size item. Still like MAC's Blot Powder and Maybelline's Dream Matte better.

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