Old vs. New: Discover the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder Upgrade

Under-eye perfection is no longer one-size-fits-all. For over 15 years, Laura Mercier’s Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes has been the backstage essential and makeup artist go-to for brighter, smoother, crease-free eyes. And now, it’s stepping into a new era—with an expanded shade range and boosted skin-loving ingredients designed to meet more skin tones and types than ever before.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about the upgrade so you can decide which powder is your perfect match.

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The Legacy of the Original Secret Brightening Powder

If you’ve been obsessed with flawless under-eyes since the early beauty tutorial days, there’s a good chance the original Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes had a permanent place in your routine. This cult-classic was a game-changer: a weightless, translucent setting powder made specifically for the under-eye area. It delivered an instantly brighter, smoother look without creasing or caking.

What made it iconic? Its silky texture, light-reflecting finish, and ability to set concealer without settling into fine lines. But with only two shades—Translucent and Medium-Deep—it wasn’t able to serve the full range of skin tones as inclusively as possible.

As conversations around shade range and undertone matching became more important, Laura Mercier responded—without compromising what made the product great to begin with.

Discover more complexion heroes with our Real Flawless Collection.

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What’s New – Formula and Ingredient Enhancements

The newly reimagined Secret Brightening Color Correcting Under Eye Setting Powder keeps everything fans loved about the original—and adds thoughtful upgrades for even better performance.

The updated formula still features the same ultra-lightweight, finely milled texture, but now includes:

• Vitamin E to hydrate and help protect the delicate under-eye area

• Silica to create a soft-focus, blurring finish that smooths the look of fine lines

It’s still non-drying, still long-wearing, and still perfect for sensitive or mature skin types. With even more skincare benefits infused into the powder, your makeup doesn’t just last longer—it works harder.

For more complexion-setting essentials, browse our full Setting Products Collection.

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Color Range Comparison – From One Shade to Five

Perhaps the most exciting update is the shade expansion. While the original powder came in just two tones, the new version offers five expertly designed, color-correcting shades for a wider range of skin tones and undertones.

Meet the new line-up:

• Translucent Fair – translucent white for fair skin

• Soft Pink – light pink with cool undertones (ideal for blue or purple under-eye discoloration)

• Peach – neutral peach for medium complexions

• Golden – medium yellow peach for warm or olive undertones

• Rich Peach – deep peach for rich skin tones

Each shade doesn’t just match—it corrects. Whether you’re looking to neutralize dark circles, add brightness, or enhance radiance, there’s now a powder that does exactly that for your skin.

Shop the New Secret Brightening Powder Shade Extension and explore more New Arrivals.

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Which One is Right for You? Skin Type & Use Case Comparison

Still torn between the original and the new? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Product	Best For	Why You’ll Love It
Original Secret Brightening Powder	Normal to combo skin, daily use	Instantly brightens and sets with sheer, translucent coverage
New Color Correcting Under Eye Setting Powder	Dry, textured, or mature skin	Includes skincare benefits, offers tailored tone correction and smooth, soft-focus finish

 

Both powders are formulated for the under-eye area, but the updated version takes personalization further with targeted color correction and added skincare.

To apply like a pro, use the Secret Brightening Powder Brush and gently press and roll the powder under the eyes for a seamless finish.

Complete your under-eye routine with our Real Flawless Concealer and explore our full range of Tools & Brushes.

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Why the New is Worth the Switch

If you loved the original, you’ll fall even harder for the update.

The Secret Brightening Powder’s new formula offers:

• A more inclusive and corrective shade range

• Added skincare ingredients like Vitamin E

• The same crease-free, long-wear finish that made it iconic in the first place

It’s everything you loved, evolved—and made even better for 2025 skin needs. Whether you’re looking for a more customized tone match or added hydration, the new version is designed to help your makeup (and your skin) look its best.

Shop the new Secret Brightening Powder Shade Extension and pair it with the Real Flawless Concealer for a bright, lifted under-eye that lasts all day.