No. 4: Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, $22, 7 Worst Powders

Makeup

7 Worst Powders

Some powders will make your face look orange, cakey, or worse -- break out. Here are readers' most hated powders. Consider yourself officially warned

November 4, 2011 | by Stephanie Shum | 77 COMMENTS

No. 4: Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, $22

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.8*
Why: This product "doesn't seem to do much in terms of looks or setting makeup," say readers. One reviewer says, "I saw no difference WHATSOEVER with this powder," while another says, "if anything, it makes my concealer look worse." Others also claim "it has a texture that [leaves] concealer awkward and noticeable." One reader complains that "the [brightening] effects are much more noticeable in pictures" so "don't waste your money."

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 3: Raw Natural Beauty Active Mineral Foundation, $30

5 of 8

products mentioned

L'Oréal Paris True Match Naturale Soft-Focus...

6.4

E.L.F. Mineral Foundation

6.2

CoverGirl TRUBlend Minerals Loose Powder

6.5

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

6.8

Raw Natural Beauty Active Mineral Foundation

6.6

Laura Mercier Mineral Finishing Powder

6.6

L'Oréal Paris True Match Naturale Mineral...

6.3

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I'm not wild about Raw powder; thanks for letting me know that Laura Mercier's brightening powder is not all it's claimed to be!

by GigiSD Friday, April 19, 2013 at 04:01PM Report as inappropriate

Drug store mineral foundations are crap and most contain chemicals anyway. I wear mineral foundation from Ocean Mist Cosmetics (I've been wear MM for 10 years and this is the BEST I've found and I've tried them all). Though one complaint I've seen almost constantly is people saying a mineral foundation is cakey. Let me tell you this, if you try multiple mineral foundations and they all cake... YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG.

by Euterpe Friday, April 19, 2013 at 03:17PM Report as inappropriate

i havent tried any of these

by mlyvng Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 12:43PM Report as inappropriate

it surprises me that even if these products are "the worst", the rating is still over 6! so not really a "fail"?!

by AstridB Monday, March 25, 2013 at 03:14AM Report as inappropriate

The elf foundation does nothing at all for coverage. Not gonna bother trying the others listed!

by storrevillas Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:20PM Report as inappropriate

Good info to know. Ironic how the most expensive is the worst.

by Chica181 Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 02:45AM Report as inappropriate

wowhow ironic the true match powder i use is as bad as i thought it was i actually thought is was just me thnk goodness it wasnt just me! thank you this soo helpful!!

by angel_golz Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 06:30PM Report as inappropriate

I actually agree here, I have tried a lot of those powders listed, and was not happy with any of them.

by MissPurple Friday, January 25, 2013 at 01:09PM Report as inappropriate

Mineral powders are impossible to wash off!

by LittleBunny Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 05:39PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with the raw minerals one..I have that stuff and it is just GROSS!

by Mommy_of_Ethan Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:43AM Report as inappropriate

I am very surprised that two Laura Mercier products are on this list, especially since the finishing powders are what the salespeople push the most.

by Sari Friday, January 4, 2013 at 08:38AM Report as inappropriate

Nice info

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 07:02AM Report as inappropriate

This stuff is good to know.

by NillaButterfly Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 04:47PM Report as inappropriate

The problem is not necessarly minerals but rather cheap fillers that these mostly drug store brands use. Talc, Bismuth oxychloride (which is actually ok if your not allergic) or even rice powder are lal cheap fillers that cake on or make problem areas more pronounced. And yes sometime man made chemicals are ok, but there are plenty of well made organic mineral makeup with added botanicals that are good for your skin. Search for online mineral makeup and you should be able to find some great products that are all natural without fillers, perservatives or dyes.

by Chemist Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 07:20AM Report as inappropriate

Most of these are powders are the typical drug store brands that contain fillers like talc, bismuth Oxychloride or even rice powder. Now mineral veils or finishing powders work well with rice powder but in foundations it is simply a filler. It is really kinda of crazy because the cost of fillers are not that much lower than the price of boron nitride which works best in foundations in place of bismuth oxychloride.

by Chemist Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 07:02AM Report as inappropriate

nice to know

by aishak55 Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 09:31AM Report as inappropriate

i had the loreal one, IT BROKE ME OUT LIKE CRAZY -____-

by mosh Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 09:09PM Report as inappropriate

I had the L'oreal Bare Naturale gentle foundation - really cakey.

by dramageek4ever Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 03:17PM Report as inappropriate

I rarely use powder, unless I have an event where I am being photographed excessively. The majority of the items featured seem to be drugstore buys, which I avoid.

by robyne00 Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 04:40PM Report as inappropriate

Now I definitely know what powders to NEVER try!! Some of the prices were pretty high so that's crazy!

by Lamexicana1 Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 08:42PM Report as inappropriate

I tried Elf powder once and it was really not worth the money.

by lilas Friday, November 2, 2012 at 12:47PM Report as inappropriate

thanks

by denise_pierce Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 05:48PM Report as inappropriate

Not going to waste my money on these

by Only1KimmieD Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 12:28PM Report as inappropriate

great

by Nicole2814 Monday, October 15, 2012 at 02:13PM Report as inappropriate

I haven't try any of these, and now I definitely won't!

by Chris213 Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 07:11AM Report as inappropriate

are you kidding me? The Laura Mericier brightening powder is a HG of mine I have been using it for years, and it has a cult following.

by Sarah613 Friday, September 14, 2012 at 12:47PM Report as inappropriate

Most of the products listed here are mineral foundations, not powder per se. I bought a mineral cosmetics kit awhile ago (two shades of foundation, concealer, blush and mineral veil), and the stuff sucks. It\'s too shimmery, and it also shows every line and wrinkle, as well as pores. (This is exactly what the product claimed NOT to do.) IMO, mineral makeup and loose powder aren\'t worth the price or the trouble., and they\'re messy to use. I\'ve switched to a combination foundation/powder makeup that\'s applied with a sponge, and it works better than anything else I\'ve tried..

by BengalsGal Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 12:24PM Report as inappropriate

Now I know..what not to put my eye on

by heidihannibal33 Monday, September 3, 2012 at 08:07PM Report as inappropriate

Makeup For Ever has the best powder...

by irielife Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 09:57PM Report as inappropriate

Seems like the makers of these products would test better (maybe with everyday people?) before they put the powders on the market.

by muellsrus Sunday, August 26, 2012 at 06:15PM Report as inappropriate

So many of them are mineral foundations. I wonder what makes some mineral foundations bad and some great.

by cactushattrick Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 10:40AM Report as inappropriate

Love these articles, so I know what to stay away from.

by michellefuentes Monday, August 20, 2012 at 06:31PM Report as inappropriate

Good thing I have no used any of these products and I won't be.

by alisha_ashley Monday, August 13, 2012 at 02:47PM Report as inappropriate

Yes, Now I know what to avoid!

by Dahlia84 Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 05:35PM Report as inappropriate

I actually like the Loreal mineral makeup. I do not find it hard to use or blend. I would replace the Loreal on this list with Revlon powders especially the mineral powder foundation they make. I found the Revlon products chalky and orange. Overall, this was informative.

by tonyadiamond Monday, July 9, 2012 at 06:50PM Report as inappropriate

I am surprised not to see Revlon Colorstay powder on this list. I just bought some not too long ago, and it goes on lumpy and cakey when you're trying to set makeup. Just terrible.

by stella_couch Monday, June 25, 2012 at 05:38PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks--really helpful, especially re: the more expensive Laura Mercier powders.

by florawynn Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 12:37PM Report as inappropriate

Very helpful. I will certainly avoid those powders!

by darkangel81 Monday, May 7, 2012 at 10:24AM Report as inappropriate

great I'll know to avoid these

by LittleBunny Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 10:48AM Report as inappropriate

I do not like powders very much. They look so cakey & wear off way too fast for me.

by pynkNymphette Friday, April 13, 2012 at 11:53PM Report as inappropriate

Wow.. I was surprised with the Laura Mercier one!

by MssDani Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 01:32PM Report as inappropriate

thanx... i will stick to my bareminerals, and garden botanika

by gerrsbabe Friday, April 6, 2012 at 05:54AM Report as inappropriate

I was surprised to see some of these on here! Especially the mineral powders.

by ctunstall Friday, March 23, 2012 at 02:19PM Report as inappropriate

I was going to try the Laura Mercier powder and now I won't waste my money! Thank you!

by powerwoman033 Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 12:02AM Report as inappropriate

I believe that whatever complaints reviewers have can be changed by picking up less loose powder at a time/tapping their brushes for extra powder to fall off before application, etc. Furthermore, the amount you put on also depends on various factors: position of hands on brush, no. of dipping times, etc. This explains why there is such cakey formations. You can also opt for a translucent loose powder instead.

by heartMashimaro Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 02:16AM Report as inappropriate

Very helpful !

by hayleyxonewjersey Friday, February 10, 2012 at 07:04AM Report as inappropriate

Thanks! Saved me time and disappointment from trying these products. I had Raw on my list to give a try, I'll pass...

by beauty_goddess Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 07:55PM Report as inappropriate

That's why I've been using Bare Minerals for the last 4 years...

by olga_cirlugea Friday, January 6, 2012 at 02:30PM Report as inappropriate

the L'Oreal Paris true match feels like u melt down after an hour or so i wouldn't recommend it at all..its better to pay for good quality

by DianaR. Friday, January 6, 2012 at 01:12PM Report as inappropriate

I like the other CoverGirl TruBlend products, I didn't know the power was so bad

by sportimonki13 Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 05:15PM Report as inappropriate

The L'Oreal Paris True Match one feel disgusting on your face.

by Geje Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 05:02PM Report as inappropriate

I am having a few problems even with the highly rated NYC translucent powder! It is SO unbelieveably messy and the powder puff sucks. I'm trying to use the ELF Total Face Brush and that seems to work alright. Also, the LA Colors pressed powder is not so good!

by sami_jo Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 05:48PM Report as inappropriate

I'm quite shock about the Laura Mercier powders! Is it really that bad? I haven't tried it yet. But I heard such great things about the other products of Laura Mercier :)

by Sprinklesugars Monday, December 26, 2011 at 03:42PM Report as inappropriate

I tried the L'oreal True Match Powder and it works for me though and it didn't break me out. The application is so messy though.

by celinedejesus Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 02:29PM Report as inappropriate

Good tips

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 12:22PM Report as inappropriate

Yep the Elf mineral powder is pretty bad.

by MissXu Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 01:19PM Report as inappropriate

It's really surprising that Laura Mercier is on here considering how good their products are supposed to be.

by vampirehunter Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 12:30PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks, good to find out before I buy.

by andie Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 07:43PM Report as inappropriate

They say it makes my face look very dry. And I have very oily skin. It should make me happy but you can see all the lines that look like cracks on my face.

by TCI Friday, December 2, 2011 at 02:27PM Report as inappropriate

Very good to know

by kmb1129 Monday, November 28, 2011 at 04:39PM Report as inappropriate

Haha I really like the RAW and Laura Mercier powders!

by SunBunnyxxxooo Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 09:05PM Report as inappropriate

won't waste money on these

by MysticMeercat Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 07:11PM Report as inappropriate

thanks for the heads up

by Nicole2814 Thursday, November 24, 2011 at 01:04PM Report as inappropriate

I truly believe you get what you pay for when it comes to your foundation and powder. Haven't found a drugstore brand yet that competes. Great article though !!

by GlowGirl Monday, November 21, 2011 at 12:54PM Report as inappropriate

covergirl does not know how to make good powders.

by seaorchid05 Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 10:02AM Report as inappropriate

I bought this powder and its good, I liked

by AvilaTania Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 06:17AM Report as inappropriate

Loreal powder sucks I liked Milani better ! And its much cheaper(:

by crystal_castaeda Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 02:23PM Report as inappropriate

It's true what they say about the L'Oreal True Match Mineral powder. I bought it once... and it will be the last time... EECCH!

by KurleeTop Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

I'm really surprised that Laura Mercier has TWO powders on the Worst list!

by LipglossandSpandex Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 08:47PM Report as inappropriate

I am surprised to see laura m on this list

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 10:22PM Report as inappropriate

L'Oreal and Covergirl powders are the worst! I'll stick with my Rimmel Stay Matte.

by CliniqueLover Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 03:55PM Report as inappropriate

L'Oreal's True Match SUCKS big time

by selma Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 12:21PM Report as inappropriate

I have 2 jars of L'oreal in my make up drawer. It always looks flaky and dries out my skin! It has too many fillers and too few minerals. Stay away! I am currently making my own, that way I can control what goes into it and truly get the benefit of mineral makeup!

by GIJill Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 06:42AM Report as inappropriate

I use to use the L'oreal. It is exactly what they say it does.

by tiffany_gallehugh Monday, November 7, 2011 at 05:03PM Report as inappropriate

Thank goodness I don't have any of the above mentioned products, but I have to admit I have tried several of them and couldn't agree more with them being rated poorly.

by Belladonnerose Monday, November 7, 2011 at 03:54PM Report as inappropriate

looks like the key word here is "mineral". Not all mineral, organic, or natural stuff is good for you. Sometimes it's better to get good old chemicals :)

by venenumletalis Monday, November 7, 2011 at 02:00PM Report as inappropriate

Did anyone notice that these are mostly 'mineral' powders? Maybe that's the problem.

by jateast Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 08:50AM Report as inappropriate

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