Gen X and Millennial Women Try Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm—Is It Universally Flattering for All?

Name: The Bottom Line: Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Is a Universal Staple
Brand: Danessa Myricks
Price: 36 USD

Including before and after photos

Author image: about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

By Chelsea Candelario

•

Published May 14, 2025

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

danessa myricks blurring balm a photo of purewow editors

Original Photography by PureWow Editors

Value: 18/20
Functionality: 20/20
Quality: 19/20
Aesthetic: 19/20
Coverage: 18/20
Total: 94/100

As someone with combination skin, balmy products are not my cup of tea. The texture often leaves my skin looking and feeling greasy. The last time I tried one, I vowed to keep these formulas far away from me—until I learned about Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm. I was already a big fan of the brand as I constantly use their Colorfix Liquid Pigment and Groundwork Palette, so I knew this latest product wouldn’t stir me in the wrong direction. After looking through countless reviews, I decided to give it a chance and tapped a few other women to see how it works on all skin types, tones and ages. Here’s our honest review.

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

What Is Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm?

It’s a balm-to-powder primer, foundation or contour that promises a smooth, matte finish. The blurring balm offers light coverage and works to enhance your complexion. It’s formulated with upsalite, a magnesium carbonate powder that absorbs excess sebum and sweat without drying out the skin. You’ll also find squalane to balance oily skin and reduce signs of aging, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. The balm can be worn alone or under your foundation for a natural look.

How to Use Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm

Whether you’re using it as a primer or foundation, you can use the included spoon to grab product before using your fingertips or complexion brush to apply a thin layer of product on your skin. The brand recommends letting it set for 60 seconds before continuing your makeup routine.

How We Tested the Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm

The brand strives to create products with all age groups in mind and I wanted it to be reflected in my testing. I tapped Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera, 32, along with former Assistant Editor Delia Curtis’s mom Laurie, 60, and my own aunt Millie Nuñez, 59, to try it out. We spent time assessing the texture, quality and scent—plus, how well it worked with our skin type and complexion. Keep reading to see if it’s universally flattering across generations.

Our Review of Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm

danessa myricks blurring balm a photo of laurie curtis

Curtis Wearing Universal Shade (Original Photo: Laurie Curtis)

If You Use It As a Primer

Danessa Myricks

Laurie and I agree that it hit out of the park as a primer. We found it was easier to apply using our fingertips versus a brush and just a dime-sized amount offered an even layer across our face. “The blurring balm felt similar to a traditional primer. It went on feeling a little moist, but surprisingly after it was applied, it had a very soft powdery almost silky finish,” says Curtis.

Candelario Wearing Universal Radiant and Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint in Shade 9 (Original Photo: Chelsea Candelario)

Danessa Myricks

I have combination skin and it did a great job at removing excess oils almost immediately along my T-zone. Although it’s labelled a balm, it never felt greasy or goopy on the skin. For Curtis, she was glad it didn’t fill in any of her fine lines and wrinkles. “I was very happy when I applied my foundation. It went on smoothly, and since I used the ‘Universal’ shade I didn’t have to worry about matching my complexion either,” she says. A plus if you have trouble shade matching—though you’ll find out later it’s not the case with this blurring balm either.

The blurring balm also comes in ‘Universal Radiant,’ which offers more shimmer to your base. If you’re looking for a glowy look to pair with your foundation, this one doesn’t skip out on its soft gold pearl finish. It worked well with my skint tint without making me look like a walking disco ball.

danessa myricks blurring balm a photo of millie nunez

Nunez Wearing Shade 6.5 (Original Photo: Millie Nunez)

If You Use It As a Foundation

Danessa Myricks

Aside from the translucent options, the blurring balm comes in 20 shades that can act as a foundation or contour for a more sculpted look. Both Nuñez and LaBarbera preferred using their fingers to layer the balm along their face. “It blended easily and was very lightweight on my skin,” shares Nuñez.

LaBarbera Wearing Shade 3 (Original Photo: Natale LaBarbera)

Danessa Myricks

They both agree the coverage was fantastic and has a great range for all skin tones. “I liked that it offered a mid-level of coverage (it evened my skin tone but didn't cover freckles). I was surprised at how well it matched my complexion,” says LaBarbera.

Universal Radiant Product (Original Photo: Chelsea Candelario)

The Bottom Line: Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Is a Universal Staple

What We Like

creamy formula
extensive shade range
can be used a primer or foundation

What We Don't Like

not great for large pores
not suited for very dry skin

Danessa Myricks

We give the blurring balm a raving 94 out of 100. It was easy to use and the quality was great for all skin types. While it doesn’t do well with tackling large pores, it excels in not accentuating fine lines and reduces the appearance of dark spots. We can also attest to its blurring abilities as it smoothed our skin. As Nuñez shares, “After a few hours, it still looked like I just applied it. I would definitely use this product again and recommend it to others.”

I would say it’s a great option for oily and combination skin. LaBarbera felt it faded a bit after a couple of hours and felt grainy on her dry skin. However, she notes it’s important to apply a moisturizer beforehand for a smoother coverage. Overall, if you’re searching for a primer or foundation, this blurring balm should be on your radar—regardless of age.

Fast Facts

Shades: 22
Key Ingredients: upsalite, squalane, hyaluronic acid

$36 At Sephora

Chelsea Candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz

read full bio

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.