You’ve seen it on TikTok. That satisfying swipe where a shiny forehead suddenly turns into a matte, blurred-out dream in one single frame. It looks like black magic, honestly. But here is the thing about the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Universal: it’s probably the most misunderstood product in the beauty world right now.
People either treat it like a regular primer or a standard translucent powder. It's neither.
If you use this like a typical silicone primer, you’re going to hate it. It’ll pill. It’ll look heavy. It might even make your foundation slide right off your nose by 2:00 PM. But when you understand the actual science sitting in that little jar, it’s a total game-changer for anyone who deals with texture or a T-zone that produces enough oil to fry an egg.
The Swedish "Super Ingredient" You’ve Never Heard Of
The heart of this formula isn't some fancy silicone or a generic clay. It’s Upsalite.
That sounds like something from a Marvel movie, but it’s actually a specialized form of magnesium carbonate developed by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden. Basically, they created a material with an incredibly high surface area and tiny pores that can absorb sebum and sweat far more efficiently than traditional ingredients like talc or kaolin.
The "Universal" shade is the purest expression of this tech. Because it has no pigment, it relies entirely on the structural behavior of the balm-to-powder transition to diffuse light.
It’s smart.
🔗 Read more: The Recipe With Boiled Eggs That Actually Makes Breakfast Interesting Again
Unlike powder, which just sits on top of your oil, the Upsalite in the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Universal actually balances the skin. It absorbs what it needs to without sucking the life out of your face. This is why you’ll see squalane and hyaluronic acid in the ingredient list. They kept the hydration in so you don’t end up looking like a cracked desert floor by the end of the day.
Stop Using the Spatula (Seriously)
Most people open the jar, see the little plastic spatula, and start scooping. Don't do that.
Unless you are a professional makeup artist working on a client and need to maintain strict hygiene, the spatula is your enemy. This formula is "thermoplastic" in a sense—it needs the warmth of your skin to break down from a solid balm into that silky, blurred finish.
How to actually apply it:
- The Finger Method: Swirl your ring finger gently in the pot. You only need the tiniest amount. Honestly, less than you think.
- The Warm-Up: Rub it between your fingertips for two seconds.
- The Press: Do not swipe it across your face like a moisturizer. Press it into the areas where you have large pores or high shine.
- The Wait: Give it 60 seconds to "set" before you touch it with foundation.
If you’re someone who prefers a brush, use a dense, synthetic kabuki. Something like the Danessa Myricks Yummy Face 2.0 brush works, but any stiff foundation brush will do. Just remember: stipple, don't streak.
Why the "Universal" Shade is Better than the Tinted Ones
There are plenty of tinted versions of this balm, and they’re great for light coverage days. But the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Universal (the translucent one) is the real MVP for a few reasons.
First, it’s truly invisible. There is no white cast, even on deep skin tones. Because there’s no pigment, it doesn't settle into fine lines or emphasize dry patches the way the tinted versions sometimes can. It’s just... a filter in a jar.
💡 You might also like: Finding the Right Words: Quotes About Sons That Actually Mean Something
Second, it's the ultimate lid primer. If you have oily eyelids and your eyeshadow always creases, try tapping a tiny bit of this onto your lids. It creates a matte, grippy base that holds pigment better than most dedicated eye primers I’ve tried.
Third, you can use it over makeup. This is the part that scares people. If you get shiny halfway through dinner, you can take a tiny bit on a sponge and pat it over your foundation. It absorbs the oil and resets the blur without adding a cakey layer of extra powder.
Does It Work for Dry Skin?
This is the nuance most "best of" lists miss.
If you have very dry, flaky skin, this product might not be for you. Or, at the very least, you have to be careful. While it has squalane, the primary job of Upsalite is to eat oil. If there is no oil to eat, it can occasionally cling to dry spots.
If you’re dry but still want that blurred look, you have to prep like crazy. A heavy moisturizer or a glow serum (like the Yummy Skin Glow Serum) is a must. Think of it as a "spot treatment" for texture rather than an all-over face product.
The Reality Check: Longevity and Limitations
Let’s be real for a second. No product is 100% sweat-proof if you’re running a marathon in 90% humidity.
📖 Related: Williams Sonoma Deer Park IL: What Most People Get Wrong About This Kitchen Icon
The Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Universal is incredibly effective, but if you have severe hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), it’s not going to keep you bone-dry for 16 hours. You’ll still see a little glow come through.
The difference is that with this balm, the glow looks like "expensive skin" rather than "I forgot to wash my face." It keeps the foundation from breaking apart and sliding into your smile lines.
It’s also worth noting the scent. Some people find it a bit "earthy" or plasticky because it doesn't have heavy synthetic fragrances. It’s not a dealbreaker for most, but if you’re sensitive to smells, it’s something to keep in mind.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Makeup Routine
If you want to get the most out of this product, change your order of operations tomorrow morning.
- Skip the silicone primer. This is your primer.
- Apply to the T-zone only. Unless you're extremely oily all over, keep it to the forehead, nose, and chin.
- Use a damp sponge for foundation. Applying foundation over the balm works best when you "bounce" the product on rather than rubbing it, which can disturb the blurring barrier you just created.
- Try it on your "no-makeup" days. Wear it over sunscreen to kill the grease and look polished without a drop of actual foundation.
This isn't a "slap it on and go" product. It’s an artistry tool. But once you nail the "less is more" approach, you'll probably wonder why you ever bothered with traditional setting powders in the first place.