A cosmetic composition is provided to achieve a soft focus effect. Imperfections in skin complexion can be hidden. The composition includes a water-insoluble partially hydrated granular starch having an average particle size ranging from about 500 to about 10,000 nm, a spherical alumina having a refractive index from 1.6 to 1.9 and average particle size from about 5 to about 300 nm, an inorganic material in flat, platy form having an average particle size ranging from about 0.1 to about 30 micron and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.