(Beauty Report Card)

These Powders Blur My Textured Skin Like A Dream

No gatekeeping here.

Oct. 28, 2023

Kelsey Stewart

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At this point, it feels like I’ve tried almost everything under the sun to smooth out my slightly bumpy skin, which is a result of picking at my breakouts as a teen (fortunately, Accutane came to the rescue). Tretinoin? I use a 0.025% prescription two to three times a week. Chemical peels? Been there, done that. Professional lasers? Yes, I’ve even dabbled in that arena. And while these treatments have all certainly been effective, I’ve come to terms with the fact I’m probably never going to have a pore-less, radiant complexion à la Hailey Bieber. (Unless, perhaps, I win the lottery and can afford celebrity-level procedures... a girl can dream.) However, I have found products that work wonders for a blurred appearance. Powders for textured skin, specifically, are among some of my favorite formulas.

I should mention I have combination skin (meaning my T-zone tends to get oily, while elsewhere it's a bit dry), so I lean towards powders that get rid of any unwanted shine. And I don’t usually typically douse my whole face with product — just my forehead, nose, under eyes, and chin — as I feel it makes my makeup look cakey and less natural. Another thing worth bringing up? I like to use both pressed and loose powders — I’m not firmly on one side or the other (I will say the former is much less messy, though).

Ahead, take a look at the powders I swear by for textured skin. Plus, the products I use in tandem with them.

Erborian

CC Red Correct

$47

Run, don’t walk: this CC cream from Erborian is sold out on many sites right now, and I can understand why. I use this product as the last step in my skin care routine (it has SPF 25 in it), and it instantly gets rid of any redness.

Hourglass

Veil Mineral Primer

$58

I’ve tried my fair share of primers, but I just can’t seem to stop going back to Hourglass’ cult-favorite Mineral Veil. It makes my pores look so much smaller, and keeps my makeup crease-free all day.

Clé de Peau Beauté

Radiant Fluid Foundation

$130

I was a longtime loyal Armani Luminous Silk Foundation wearer — until I got my hands on Clé de Peau Beauté’s formula. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the former, but this baby offers up more coverage (which is a nice perk for my red, uneven skin).

Charlotte Tilbury

Airbrush Flawless Finish

$48

Ready to chat about my favorite powders? First up: Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Finish. I can confirm the hype around this gem is real. As the name suggests, the formula gives my textured skin a filter-like appearance while also decreasing shine around my T-zone area.

Rare Beauty

Always An Optimist Soft Radiance Setting Powder

$25

This is the first Rare Beauty product I’ve tried, and if the whole line is this good, I may have found my new favorite beauty brand. I actually bought it to try out baking, a technique I’ve been seeing all over my TikTok. Essentially, all you do is let the setting powder sit on your face for five minutes or so, and dust it off with a brush. The result? A smooth makeup finish that doesn’t budge throughout the day. Note: A little goes a long way, so I’d suggest lightly dipping your brush into the product.

MAC Cosmetics

Blot Powder Pressed

$35

TBH, I haven’t used this product in a hot minute (I’m rarely near a MAC counter or browsing the brand’s site these days!). It was, however, a mainstay in my makeup routine at one point. I love how it soaks up any oil on my skin like a sponge. Plus, it doesn’t give my makeup a cakey feel, unlike some I’ve tested in the past.

Laura Mercier

Translucent Loose Setting Powder

$43

There’s a very good chance you’ve heard one of your makeup-loving friends rave about Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder. Why? Simply because the fine-milled formula is so lightweight, you can’t feel it at all. And that’s not all: It also goes on the skin like an absolute dream and keeps makeup intact for hours.

Fenty Beauty

Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder

$36

All hail Rihanna. Seriously, the beauty mogul can do no wrong, and this Fenty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder is proof. With just a small amount of product, the texture of my complexion is blurred. Another bonus? It’s great for under-eye brightening as well.

Urban Decay

All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray

$36

No matter which powder I opt for, I always lock in my makeup with Urban Decay’s All-Nighter setting spray, as it helps to keep the products I applied in place all day. (And when I say all day, I mean until 9 p.m., when I wash my makeup off and get into bed).