After years of loyalty to Laura Mercier's Translucent Loose Setting Powder, I found a genuine replacement that mattifies just as well without the chalky cast some setting powders leave on deeper skin tones. This review covers texture, application and why it earned a permanent spot in my routine.
Top Insights From This Guide
Choose a finely milled setting powder to mattify without a chalky cast on deeper tones.
Apply with a fluffy brush and press into oily zones rather than swiping.
A good translucent powder sets makeup without altering your foundation shade.
Reapply lightly midday to refresh shine control without caking.
While I’m still trying to get over the devastation of one of my favourite makeup brands departing the country, I have found solace in
Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder Nude .
This particular powder has striking similarities to my beloved Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder by Laura Mercier – which is making my transition into life without Laura a bit easier.

Why I Love This Face Powder:
Much like my Candleglow Face Powder, the
Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder Nude gives your skin a subtle, natural-looking lit-from-within glow. So you can imagine how relieved I was to discover it was a dupe for my usual go-to.
Contains a blend of skin-brightening botanicals & light-reflective powders
Features varying levels of pearlescent pigments for a naturally luminous effect
Formulated with brightening Mulberry, Grape & Scutellaria extracts
Available in multiple shades to suit most skin tones
Can also be used as a highlighter, bronzer & eyeshadow
Super comfortable on the skin with zero caking & no powdery finish
Has slightly more shimmer than Laura Mercier’s face powder

How To Use:
What I like about this face powder is that it can be multi-use if you want it to be. Some shade squares in the compact are just a matte colour, while others have a shimmer through them. So when blended all together, you get a beautiful glowing finish to the skin.
This also gives you the ability to use the more shimmery shades as a sheer eyeshadow or highlighter (just use a smaller brush). Fairer skin tones can have a deeper shade compact on rotation as a bronzing powder and terracotta/bronze eyeshadow duo.
I’m wearing shade Nude as a finishing powder below. 
What’s Everyone Else Saying?
Absolute life saver
“I like to use this everyday to set my makeup but it also doubles as a highlighter. It gives you a nice glowy look that isn’t too shimmery. You can also use a little bit if you don’t want to put on a full face of makeup and it will give you a nice glow. I have been using this product for a year now and I absolutely love it.”
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Beautiful, natural finish
“I use this as an all-over finishing powder which sets my make up without highlighting my pores. It takes away shine but imparts a subtle illuminating glow and makes my skin look flawless. I am in love with its texture and the tiny sparkles give my skin such a gorgeous highlight and gives the most natural finish ever. It’s much easier to use and le...
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Stunning
“I have never been so in love with a compact powder till I found this. I use a very firm flat kabuki brush to buff it into my skin and it was stunning. I’m pale but they actually had a shade for me! Perfectly glowy and not glittery. I have normal/combination skin and it was a dream.”
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