You’ve probably seen the videos. Someone swipes a greasy finger across their forehead, taps on a bit of this balm, and—poof. The shine is gone. It looks like a filter. It looks fake. Honestly, when I first saw the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder blowing up on TikTok, I figured it was just another over-hyped silicone primer. I was wrong. It’s not actually a primer, at least not in the traditional sense, and it’s definitely not a powder, even though "powder" is right there in the name.
It's weird.
The texture feels like a dense, waxy balm in the pot. But the second it hits your skin, it transforms. It’s powered by a Swedish ingredient called Upsalite. If you want to get technical, it’s a form of magnesium carbonate that is incredibly porous. Think of it like a microscopic sponge that has a massive surface area for its size. While traditional powders can look cakey or sit in fine lines, this stuff absorbs sweat and sebum without that dusty, dry finish we all hate.
The Upsalite Factor: Why This Isn't Just "Makeup"
Most oil-control products rely on talc or cornstarch. They work by layering a solid particle on top of your oil. Eventually, that oil breaks through, creates a slurry, and your foundation slides off your face by 3 PM. Upsalite is different. It was discovered by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden. They were actually looking for something else entirely and accidentally created the most absorbent material known to man.
Danessa Myricks, who is basically a genius when it comes to texture and color theory, saw the potential for this in cosmetics.
The Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder uses this technology to maintain a matte finish while keeping the skin hydrated. It’s a paradox. Usually, "matte" means "dry." Here, the balm creates a barrier. It’s breathable, but it’s tough. If you have oily skin, this is probably the first product that won’t betray you by lunchtime. If you have dry skin? You can still use it, but you have to be tactical.
I’ve seen people complain that it "pills." Usually, that’s because they’re using too much. You need a tiny amount. Like, less than you think. Use a spatula. Use your fingers. The warmth of your skin is what makes the magic happen.
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How to Actually Apply Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Don't just slap it on. Seriously.
If you treat this like a standard foundation, you're going to have a bad time. It’s a multi-use product. You can use the "Universal" (translucent) shade as a primer. It fills in pores and smooths out the "orange peel" texture some of us get around the nose. But you can also wear the tinted versions as your actual base.
- The Primer Method: Apply a thin layer after your SPF but before your foundation. It grips the makeup. It acts as a shield against the oils your skin will inevitably produce throughout the day.
- The Standalone Method: On "no-makeup" makeup days, just use a tinted shade. It provides a light-to-medium coverage that looks like actual skin. It’s great for the gym because it’s sweat-resistant.
- The Setting Method: This is the most controversial way to use it. You can actually pat it over your foundation. It sounds like a recipe for disaster—putting a balm over powder or liquid—but because of the Upsalite, it sets everything in place without adding weight.
One thing people get wrong is the tool. Brushes are okay, but a dense sponge or even your fingers work better. You want to press it in. Don't swipe. Swiping disrupts whatever is underneath. Pressing creates that blurred, airbrushed effect that everyone is chasing.
Real Results: The Oily Skin Struggle
Let’s talk about the 12-hour mark. Most products claim to last all day. Few do.
I talked to a makeup artist who works on film sets in Atlanta. If you’ve ever been to Georgia in July, you know the humidity is basically soup. She uses the Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder on actors who are under hot lights for 14 hours. She told me it’s the only thing that keeps them from looking like they’ve been hosed down.
The beauty of this formula is that it doesn't just sit there. It’s infused with olive-derived squalane and hyaluronic acid. So, while the Upsalite is fighting the oil, the squalane is making sure your skin barrier isn't screaming for help. It’s a delicate balance. If you strip all the oil off your face, your skin panics and produces more oil. This balm tricks your skin into staying calm.
Does it work on texture?
Yes. But let's be realistic. No product can physically remove a bump or a deep acne scar. What this does is manipulate how light hits your face. By creating a truly matte, non-reflective surface, the shadows that make texture look "deep" are neutralized. It flattens the appearance of the skin visually.
It's essentially "photoshop in a pot," but you have to manage your expectations. If you have active, flaky breakouts, the balm might cling to those dry patches. That’s the nature of high-absorbency products. Prep your skin with a good moisturizer first.
Choosing Your Shade: It’s Not as Stressful as You Think
Danessa Myricks released this in a wide range of shades, which is great. But since it’s blurring and somewhat sheer, you have some wiggle room. You don't need a 100% perfect match like you would with a full-coverage pigment-heavy foundation.
- Universal: Good for everyone. Zero tint. Best for priming or setting.
- Shades 1-10: These cover everything from fair to deep-dark.
If you’re between shades, go lighter. It’s easier to warm up the skin with bronzer than it is to fix a balm that’s too dark and starts to look muddy in the blurring process. Honestly, most people can get away with the Universal shade if they just want the texture benefits.
Comparing the Competition
How does it stack up against other "blurring" products?
Think about the Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX No Filter Primer. That stuff is like glue. It works, but it feels tight. The Danessa Myricks balm feels like nothing. It’s weightless once it sets.
Then you have things like the Huda Beauty Easy Bake. That’s a loose powder. It’s great for "baking," but it’s heavy. It’s very "makeup-y." The Blurring Balm Powder is for the person who wants to look like they just happen to have perfect skin, not the person who wants to look like they’ve spent three hours in front of a ring light.
It’s a different philosophy of beauty. It’s about skin health and sophisticated chemistry rather than just piling on pigment.
The Vegan and Clean Aspect
For those who care about ingredients, it’s vegan and cruelty-free. No parabens. No sulfates. It’s a "clean" formula by most modern standards, though "clean" is a marketing term that doesn't have a legal definition. Still, the ingredient list is relatively short and purposeful. There’s no filler here. Every ingredient, from the silica to the tocopherol (Vitamin E), is there to do a job.
Common Pitfalls and How to Fix Them
If you hate this product, you're probably doing one of three things:
1. You're using too much. This is the number one mistake. You need a pea-sized amount for your entire face. If you use more, it will feel greasy and it will slide.
2. Your skincare isn't dry yet. If you apply this over "wet" moisturizer or tacky SPF, it won't bond to the skin correctly. Give your skincare 5 minutes to sink in before you go in with the balm.
3. You're using the wrong skincare underneath. Avoid heavy, oil-based serums right before applying this. It’s a balm. Oil breaks down balm. Use water-based hydration if you’re going to use this as your primary base.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Routine
If you’re ready to try it, don't just buy the first shade you see.
- Audit your skin type: If you are extremely dry, stick to the "Universal" shade only on your T-zone. If you are oily, you can go ham all over the face.
- Start with the Universal: If you're nervous about the tint or the coverage, the translucent version is the safest entry point. It’s the most versatile.
- The "Half-Face" Test: When you first get it, apply it to only one side of your face. Walk around for four hours. Check the mirror in natural light. The difference in how the light reflects off your pores will tell you everything you need to know.
- Warm it up: Take a tiny bit on your finger and swirl it on the back of your hand first. This "activates" the Upsalite and makes it easier to spread thinly.
The Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder is a tool. Like any tool, there's a learning curve. But once you figure out the "press and set" rhythm, it’s hard to go back to regular powders that make you look like a Victorian ghost. It’s modern makeup for people who live in the real world, get sweaty, and don't have time to touch up their face every sixty minutes.
Experiment with it. Try it under foundation, over foundation, or alone. You’ll find your sweet spot. Just remember: less is always, always more.