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The 10 Best Blurring Powders for Pores and Fine Lines
These expert-approved formulas take finishing powder to a new level
ICYMI: Powder makeup is having a moment. But beyond your usual blushes and foundations is something a little harder to define: the blurring powder. "Blurring powder is basically like a soft-focus filter, but for real life," explains celebrity makeup artist Renee Sanganoo. "It smooths out the appearance of pores, fine lines, and texture, kind of like if your skin had its glam team working behind the scenes."
We're all in for a glam team in our makeup bag. But what is blurring powder, exactly? "A blurring powder falls into the category of a finishing powder," says celebrity makeup artist Nicole Bueno, adding that "The main function of a finishing powder is to be used at the end of a makeup application to perfect the texture of the skin, hence the term finishing powder."
No matter your skin type or tone or the finish you're looking for, there's a blurring powder for your routine. Keep reading for the 10 best blurring powders, according to makeup artists and Bazaar beauty editors.
The Best Blurring Powders
PAT McGRATH LABS Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Setting Powder
Pros
- Talc-free and still very smooth
Cons
- Sheer finish might not be enough for those who prefer fuller coverage
Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein is "obsessed" with Pat McGrath's brightening and blurring under-eye powder: "I use it nearly every day, and even though I dropped it and broke the lid off, I will continue to use it because it’s the best," she raves.
Number of shades: 4
Finish: Soft-focus
Customer Review:
"I'm in my 60s and have the pleasure of dealing with fine lines and wrinkles under my eyes. I have bought so many powders to help diminish the look of these issues. No success!!! Until now!! This has saved my eyes!! I'm so impressed with this powder. I bought the translucent. highly recommend." —BB
Danessa Myricks Beauty Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Pros
- Made with hydrating hyaluronic acid and squalane
Cons
- Has a fragrance
With a smooth, shine-reducing finish and over 20 shades, Danessa Myricks's balm-to-powder formula truly has an option for everyone. "I love using it when I want a velvety matte look with some skincare benefits baked in," says Sanganoo.
Number of shades: 22
Finish: Matte
Customer Review:
"I tried this product about three times and each time I wear it, it lasts all day! The last time I wore, this foundation was for almost 12 hours and it still looked like I had just put it on minutes ago! I have oily skin and this foundation is perfect!" —CacheTaylor
MAC Studio Fix Pro Set + Blur Weightless Loose Powder
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
Cons
- The translucent shade may not work for deeper skin tones
Sanganoo says this blurring powder, which is available in a universal translucent shade and five others, "gives me that flawless, photo-ready finish without the cake." Plus, it's sweat- and humidity-proof.
Number of shades: 6
Finish: Matte
Customer Review:
"I love this talc-free powder. It comes with a cute puff inside too. The powder is great for baking under the eyes and really set my makeup to blur any imperfections or lines! I highly recommend this. It also is very photo friendly! My makeup always looks good in photos when I wear this, no shine or flashback etc." —Seattlechic131
Laura Mercier Ultra Blur Translucent Loose Setting Powder
Pros
- 16-hour longwear
Cons
- Some reviewers wish it came with a powder puff
I have dry skin, so powders often accentuate flaky patches. Not so with this loose powder from Laura Mercier, which is infused with hyaluronic acid and leaves an undetectable (that is, to everyone else but me) veil of powder to set my tinted moisturizer—also Laura Mercier, of course.
Number of shades: 4
Finish: Natural matte
Customer Review:
"Absolutely obsessed with this loose powder! It blurs like a dream and makes my makeup look so smooth and flawless—like an instant soft-focus filter. Laura Mercier powders never miss; they’re always elite!" —EstherAJ
Make Up For Ever HD Skin Shine-Controlling & Blurring Setting Powder
Pros
- Longwear up to 24 hours
Cons
- Some reviewers said the finish was more satin than matte
For photo-ready skin, Sanganoo counts on this loose powder from Make Up For Ever. "It's amazing when I know I’ll be on camera or in photos," says the makeup artist, adding that "It literally disappears into the skin."
Number of shades: 6
Finish: Soft matte
Customer Review:
"Love that this powder includes a puff! Super easy application and works really well to blur pores and texture even for my dry skin. I prefer a matte look so this is a nice addition to my makeup routine and doesn’t look cakey." —camco13
MAKEUP BY MARIO SurrealSkin Talc-Free Soft Blur Setting Powder
Pros
- Made with skin-nourishing squalane
Cons
- Some reviewers said the packaging can get messy
"The first time I tried this setting powder at the Makeup by Mario office in New York City, I was hooked," says Bazaar's beauty commerce editor Tiffany Dodson. "I use shades 4 and 4.5 on my under-eyes and all-over my face, respectively, which not only helps blur skin texture, but also leaves behind a natural finish and sets my makeup in place all day long."
Number of shades: 7
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"I love a good setting powder and this one is perfect for my skin! It instantly blurs my complexion hiding my pores and making my face look soft and smooth! It also last whole day! Definitely recommend." —sayeri
Maybelline New York Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder, Medium Deep, 1 Count
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Reviewers wish there were more shade options
Sanganoo is a fan of this mineral-based loose powder from Maybelline. "If I’m going for an 'I just woke up like this' vibe, I’ll dust a little Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder directly onto moisturized skin and call it a day," says the pro.
Number of shades: 8
Finish: Natural
Customer Review:
"It's a great setting powder, especially for us with oily skin. Make sure to choose your right shade because its really pigmented." —Daniela
Hourglass Veil™ Translucent Setting Powder
Pros
Cons
- Only three shades
Dodson says "it's hard to go wrong" with Hourglass's cult-favorite, talc-free loose powder, which has finely milled light-reflecting particles to deliver on a soft-focus finish. "Its finely-milled texture helps blur pores and fine lines while effortlessly locking my foundation and concealer in place," she says.
Number of shades: 3
Finish: Soft-focus
Customer Review:
"Mature skin friendly. Slightly luminous. I have a drawer full of powders that are very popular but this is my favorite. Took away one star due to price because it is expensive." —SkepticKate
Pros
- Packaging has a closing sifter to so it won't get messy
Cons
- Has a fragrance
We may think of powders for more natural and matte looks, but it can help set a glowier finish too. "For those dewy girl days, I’ll tap a little of Ilia’s Soft Focus Finishing Powder on just the T-zone," says Sanganoo. "It keeps the glow in all the right places."
Number of shades: 1
Finish: Soft focus
Customer Review:
"I have used every high-end setting powder but this one!! Literally a filter in a bottle I love it" —lamisaahmad
Pros
- The included puff is designed to help avoid over-applying
Cons
- Some reviewers were disappointed with the size
Bueno says she's bought this powder for both herself and clients. "It’s talc- and fragrance-free, with oil-controlling benefits thanks to a combination of corn starch and silica powder," says the pro. Plus, she's a fan of the packaging, which she describes as "quite luxurious looking but super lightweight."
Number of shades: 1
Finish: Matte
Customer Review:
"Beautiful packaging and great product. I use it as my last step in my makeup routine and it works perfectly to blur and mattify those spots I want and allows me to leave the glowy parts glowy." —Linh T.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Blurring Powder Different From Regular Face Powder?
"The main function of a foundation powder is to provide coverage. These can come in light to full coverage and tend to have a matte finish," explains Bueno. "What makes blurring powder different is that they typically don’t provide much coverage, however, they have a unique filter-like effect on the skin because of the way they minimize the look of texture."
Sanganoo adds that although a regular makeup powder may be mattifying, "A true blurring powder is a little sneakier; it works some magic. It has light-diffusing technology and usually a silkier texture that softens imperfections instead of just masking them."
Is Blurring Powder Used After Foundation?
Sanganoo says to think of blurring powders as "the cherry on top" of your complexion routine. "I love using them after foundation and concealer, right at the end, to lock everything in and give that dreamy, soft-focus finish."
Meet the Experts
- Renee Sanganoo is a celebrity makeup artist in New York and Los Angeles.
- Nicole Bueno is a celebrity makeup artist in New York.
Why Trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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