Key ingredients: silica | Shades: 8
Frequently Asked Questions
How do blurring powders work?
While blurring powders might appear as though they work like magic, the science behind the makeup product is that much more interesting. “Blurring powders use a combination of ingredients like silica, silicones, and mica to create a smooth, matte finish on the skin,” explains cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline. “Silica absorbs oil and fills in fine lines, while silicones form a silky layer that blurs pores and evens texture. Mica reflects light, giving the skin a soft-focus effect and minimizing imperfections.” Together, these ingredients create a polished look by diffusing light and masking skin irregularities.
What is the difference between setting powders and blurring powders?
It’s easy to conflate blurring powders and setting powders, but there is a difference. ”A setting powder is one of the last steps in your makeup application that creates longevity for your look,” shares Dihan. Whereas, a blurring powder, she says, is meant to be put on after you set makeup to pull all the products together and create a “filtered” look to the skin.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best blurring powders, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
