The best blurring powders go beyond what a classic setting formula can achieve: “A standard setting powder holds your makeup in place, but a true blurring powder does that and also gives you a softer, smoother, more dimensional veil on the skin,” acclaimed makeup artist and founder of the eponymous cosmetics brand Danessa Myricks tells Vogue—and she’d know better than most, given that her brand’s Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder has remained the gold standard for years.
Vogue’s Favorite Setting Powders
Myricks’s blurring powder isn’t about airbrushing your complexion into perfection, but about celebrating your natural features. “When I talk about blurring, I’m never talking about hiding the realness of skin,” says Myricks of her approach, reminding us that we all have pores, texture, beauty marks, and more—and that’s okay. “When you use a blurring powder strategically, you’re creating a smoother canvas that still feels alive, dimensional, and authentically you.”
So rather than leaving you looking like you’ve had a little too much fun with Facetune, the best blurring powders strike that delicate balance: controlling shine, diffusing imperfections within reason, and delivering a lit-from-within luminosity. To get the look, discover the formulas that have earned their place in makeup artists’ kits—and on our own vanities.
In This Story
- Setting powder versus blurring powder
- Should you apply blurring powder with a brush, sponge, or puff?
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
- Why We Love It: No product blurs quite like the Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder, which has become a go-to for achieving that real-life filter effect. The balm-to-powder formula smooths texture, minimizes shine, and blurs pores without muting the skin’s natural glow. “For [Danessa Myricks Beauty], it’s really about creating a product that does it all: One that works across the widest range of skin tones without ever turning white, gray, or ashy,” Myricks explains. “It delivers a blurred, matte finish without causing dehydration, making it effortless for both artists and everyday users.” With shades spanning fair to deep plus translucent options for universal blurring, it remains one of the most inclusive formulas on the market.
- Key Ingredients: Upsalite, olive-derived squalane, hyaluronic acid
- Finish: Natural matte, soft-focus blur
- Type: Balm-to-powder
- Shades: 12 (including translucent options)
- Size: 0.63 oz/18 g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Effective oil control | Some experience a bit of a learning curve with application |
| Buildable coverage |
Best Loose Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur
- Why We Love It: A modern reimagination of the cult-favorite classic, Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder Ultra-Blur delivers that signature soft-focus finish—only smoother, silkier, and entirely talc-free. Infused with amino acid-coated pigments, it effortlessly blurs pores and fine lines while keeping makeup locked in place all day. Pro makeup artist Brielle Pollara considers this a staple in her kit. “I find that Ultra-Blur feels silkier and a bit more forgiving than the original formula, especially if you are prone to dryness or fine lines,” Pollara tells. “I recommend it for anyone who wants a professional-level finish that photographs perfectly. Just a little bit of this goes a long way!”
- Key Ingredients: Amino acid-coated pigments, hyaluronic acid, micro-refined silica
- Finish: Luminous matte, soft-focus blur
- Type: Loose powder
- Shades: 3
- Size: 1 oz/29 g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Talc-free, lightweight formula | Loose powders can be a bit messy |
| Long-wearing formula |
Best Baked Powder: Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder
- Why We Love It: Kosas calls this its “angel skin” powder—and it’s easy to see why. The formula blends a mix of skin-conditioning ingredients into an ultrafine pressed powder that sweeps away surface shine without ever feeling heavy or chalky. Pollara considers it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin, thanks to its clean, gentle formulation. “This is a baked powder, which gives the skin a natural, dewy finish rather than a matte one,” she previously told Vogue. “I reach for this when I want a soft, blurred effect that still keeps the complexion looking fresh and hydrated.” The finish is polished yet subtle—think light glam with a touch of glow.
- Editor’s Experience: “If Kosas Cloud Set has no fans, I’m dead. It was the first formula that made me fall in love with setting powder all over again. Initially, I was intrigued by its composition rich in bamboo stem, passionfruit leaf, and peony extracts (which help refine the look of pores and reduce shine) built into ten diverse shades, but I continued using it because it gives me a naturally blurred look with literally one sweep of product. I have one sitting on my vanity to quickly use each day before running into the office.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Mica, silica, jojoba seed oil, glycerin, candelilla wax, sunflower seed oil, grape seed extract
- Shades: 10
- Finish: Natural
- Type: Baked powder
- Size: 0.33 oz/9.5 g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Clean, talc-free, and hypoallergenic formula | Some find that it’s not the most long-wearing option |
| Natural finish |
Best K-Beauty: Laneige Neo Blurring Powder
- Why We Love It: Laneige’s Neo Blurring Powder is the perfect blend of skin care and soft-focus technology. Featherlight and finely milled, this diffuses light beautifully—leaving skin with more of that signature K-beauty radiance than a flat matte finish. Pro makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre says its an essential in her kit. “This K-beauty innovation gives skin a soft-focus, airbrushed finish through its ultrafine triple-powder blend, while blue hyaluronic acid and mint extract maintain hydration and freshness,” she details. “I like to apply it sparingly with a large fluffy brush, pressing it into areas where light hits the skin most naturally. The result is natural skin with a refined glow.” Plus, its sleek compact design makes it easy to toss in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
- Key Ingredients: Hydro-ionized mineral water, cotton extract, porous silica powder
Finish: Natural matte, soft-blur effect
Type: Pressed powder
Shades: 1 universal translucent shade
Size: 0.28 oz/8 g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Effective oil control | Some find that the packaging doesn’t dispense product as efficiently overtime |
| Innovative, mess-free packaging | |
| Lightweight texture |
Best Soft Focus: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder
- Why We Love It: Featherlight yet luxuriously smooth, Charlotte Tilbury’s powder melts into the skin thanks to a blend of rose wax and almond oil that creates an effortlessly silky finish. “It delivers that soft-focus, airbrushed effect without ever looking heavy or flat. The micro-milled powder blends with pearlescent pigments to blur pores and fine lines while keeping the skin luminous, it’s the perfect ‘real skin,’” D’Amelio Ventre previously told Vogue, noting its a staple in her kit. “I especially love that it contains rose wax and almond oil, which keep the complexion from ever looking dry, even under studio lights.”
- Editor’s Experience: “This setting powder is a must in my office makeup bag. I often get ready for events and parties after work so this is essential to get camera-ready. It blurs and quells excess shine like no other without disrupting creams and liquids beneath.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Talc, mica, dimethicone, corn starch, tocopherol, sweet almond oil
- Shades: 4
- Finish: Soft-focus matte
- Type: Pressed powder
- Size: 0.28 oz/8 g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Full coverage powder | Not widest shade-specific range |
| Blurring and mattifying |
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Getset Blur + Set Pressed Powder
- Why We Love It: Tower 28’s Getset Blur + Set Pressed Powder delivers a soft-focus, camera-ready finish without ever feeling heavy. “I love this powder because it gives that perfect soft finish without looking chalky or dry,” per Pollara. “It blurs pores and shine instantly but still keeps your skin looking natural rather than flat or powdery,” says Pollara. “It is perfect for anyone with oily skin because it is sweat-proof and humidity-proof. I love using this on clients who have sensitive skin because it is silicone free, non-irritating, and approved by dermatologists.”
- Key Ingredients: Silica, kaolin clay, sunflower seed oil
- Finish: Soft-focus matte, pore-blurring
- Type: Pressed powder
- Shades: 6, including translucent and light-to-medium options
- Size: 0.31 oz/9 g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Talc-free formula and safe for sensitive skin | Not as blurring as other options |
| Natural, lightweight finish |
Best for Mature Skin: Westman Atelier Vital Pressed Skin Care Powder
- Why We Love It: It’s to be expected that celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman would create an amazing setting powder—one that creates a dreamy, skin-like finish without settling into skin texture, fine lines, or wrinkles. Behold: Vital Pressed Skin Care Powder. “It absorbs excessive oil but maintains a natural lucency without being too shiny,” Westman previously told Vogue. “It takes away the unwanted shine and leaves a beautiful, soft velvet veil on your skin. It’s like a whisper of something that erases the issues.”
- Editor’s Note: “Whenever I want to wear powder but don’t want to look like I’m wearing powder, I reach for this option by Westman Atelier—often its translucent shade but sometimes a skin-tone hue (shade Dune for me)—to achieve my no-makeup makeup look. What’s more, this is packed with vitamin C, probiotics, and quinoa seed extract to condition skin with each use.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Quinoa seed extract, vitamin C, probiotic, zinc, mica, jojoba seed oil, cocoa seed extract
- Finish: Natural
- Type: Pressed powder
- Shades: 5
- Size: 0.17 oz/5 g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Non-comedogenic and clean formula | A pricier pick |
| Skin-care-makeup hybrid |
Best Airbrushed: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder
- Why We Love It: Released in 2024, Hourglass’s pressed powder is designed for effortless on-the-go touch-ups. Housed in a stylish compact with a built-in blotting sponge, it blends convenience with luxury. True to the brand’s reputation for high-performance complexion products, the powder comes in five translucent shades that flatter a wide range of skin tones. Lightweight yet effective, it tames shine while maintaining a natural, airbrushed finish—perfect for midday touch-ups or refreshing your look anytime.
- Editor’s Experience: “The Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder does not leave my purse. I was initially drawn to the sleek compact, though quickly realized it is exceptional for on-the-go touch-ups. A few quick presses of the powder with the featured sponge instantly transforms the look—as if you just emerged from the makeup chair versus been out and about for hours.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
- Key Ingredients: Mica, silica, allantoin, tocopherol
- Finish: Soft-focus matte
- Shades: 5
- Type: Pressed powder
- Size: 0.37 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Paraben, phthalate, sulfate, synthetic, fragrance, and talc-free | Some dryer skin types found it clung to textured patches |
| Blurring and airbrushed finish | |
| Easy for touch-ups |
Best for Baking: Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking Setting Powder
- Why We Love It: One thing’s certain: This setting-blurring powder hybrid keeps your makeup in place all day, making it TikTok viral. The finely milled formula combines rice starch and vitamin E to create a powder that sets, blurs, and brightens in a single step. Available in nine shades, ranging from natural flesh tones to luminous highlighting hues, it effortlessly locks in your look while leaving skin smooth and radiant.
- Editor’s Note: “I’m a big proponent of Huda Beauty, mainly because all the products are built for endurance. The setting powder is particularly good for baking—a generous application under the eyes and cheekbones instantly brightens and sculpts the face. Plus, the flawless shine-free finish stays the course. Though, if you’re not a fan of baking, it works just as well with a lighter-dusting application.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Key Ingredients: Talc, silica, dimethicone, rice starch, tocopherol
- Finish: Soft-focus matte
- Shades: 9
- Type: Loose powder
- Size: .71 oz/20 g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Long-wearing and mattifying | Contains talc |
| Blurs enlarged pores, brightens, and sculpts |
Best for an Airbrushed Finish: One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder
- Why We Love It: One/Size’s Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder is a multitasking must-have for any makeup routine. Ultrafine and weightless, it smooths the appearance of pores, softens texture, and locks in foundation for a flawless, airbrushed finish. Its soft-focus formula keeps makeup looking fresh all day without ever feeling heavy or cakey, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
- Key Ingredients: Silica, kaolin clay, vitamin E
- Finish: Soft-focus matte, pore-blurring
- Type: Loose powder
- Shades: 4 translucent shades
- Size: 0.35 oz/10 g
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| One of the most blurring options | Contains talc |
| Exceptional oil control | |
| Inclusive shade range |
Everything You Need to Know
Setting powder versus blurring powder—what’s the difference?
“All setting powders will lock makeup into place, but a blurring powder goes several steps further because of the uniqueness of the actual formula construction,” says Myricks. “There are also a lot of different ingredients that either alone, or paired together, create a blurred appearance on the skin.” These aforementioned ingredients range from mica for luminosity and spherical powders (think dimethicone and silica crosspolymer) to create a soft-focus effect. Meanwhile, traditional setting powders focus on oil-absorbing ingredients alone.
Should you apply blurring powder with a brush, sponge, or puff?
There is no right or wrong way to apply blurring powder, but the tool you use will certainly impact how it sits on your face. “By dipping a puff into a loose or pressed powder, you’re going to pick up much more powder than if you use a loose, or even pressed, powder with a brush which will more evenly distribute the product,” celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles previously told Vogue. She prefers a fluffy brush, and Westman agrees. “It’s a preference but for me sponges and puffs tend to move makeup underneath and I rely on layering, color composition, and placement,” Westman previously said. “I don’t want to disrupt what I have already created.”
How we tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—professional makeup artists, many of whom have celebrity clientele—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to blurring powders, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, finish, wear time, and shades. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the experts
- Lauren D’Amelio Ventre is a celebrity makeup artist, beauty educator, and founder of The Art of Enhancement, D’Amelio Cosmetics, and La Ve Da Beauty.
- Danessa Myricks is a pro makeup artist and founder of Danessa Myricks Beauty
- Brielle Pollara is a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician based between New York and New Jersey.
- Gucci Westman is a New York–based beauty director, celebrity makeup artist to stars like Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Aniston, and founder of Westman Atelier.
