My skin is no longer so fussy that only matte powder will do. So I can use this kind of powder. It is translucent but it actually is quite on the shimmery side. Not extremely shimmery nor it will show. But it is just not matte. I actually like the big puffy powder puff. It just makes applying a breeze. Also, I find that my face doesn't really get oily as fast. So this powder is perfect for me. Plus I think this about $10? I cant remember but it wasn't expensive. For something from Shiseido, it really is quite a bargain.