this powder is everything i want in a powder, but i didn’t expect any less from Mario. it is so smoothing, does not LOOK powdery, VERY blurring (i even apply this on days im not wearing makeup to blur my pores), does not accentuate my dry patches (HUGE win). it sets my makeup perfectly and makes it last so much longer. the biggest win is that it does not make my foundation look orange like other powders (like the laura mercier). i am shocked that this has no talc. i have never considered using a talc free loose setting powder because talc is a big part of what makes powders effective and cosmetically elegant. this powder has definitely changed my mind on that though.

i am very pale, so pale that most brands don’t make shades light enough for me, and the only other powder i’ve used that doesn’t darken my makeup is huda beauty’s powder in shade sugar cookie. i actually like this powder more than my previous all-time favorite powder (huda’s) because it is more lightweight but “heavy” enough to blur, smooth, and make my makeup last.

it makes my face feel much less dry than any other loose powder; i use less hydrating setting spray with this because when i finish my makeup it’s much less powdery and dry than usual, so i need less mist to melt that powdery finish. i use tretinoin which my skin has literally never adjusted to (i’ve used it for 1+ year), so my skin is always mildly flaky because tret makes your skin basically shed a lot. this makes base makeup very difficult at times. this powder smooths out the dry patches rather than make them look worse. unlike most powders. it doesn’t dry my skin to the point that my face looks more and more dry as the day goes on.

this powder also works beautifully over no makeup, light makeup, and full glam, making it very versatile. it applied beautifully with a puff or brush, and looks great if you apply a light or heavy amount.

it controls oil very well for the average person’s dry-oily skin without being drying and excessive

I received this product for free from Influenster and Makeup by Mario in exchange for my honest review. I got the Makeup by Mario Surreal Skin Soft Blur Setting Powder in shade 2-Neutral Light. This powder is advertised to provide a natural finish that helps reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines. It offers a soft look that is non-cakey and has no photo flashback. I used a fluffy powder brush to apply, but there are several different application options. The powder layers well, so you can build it up without worrying about a heavy, powdery look. It is finely milled and has a silky texture to it. It is supposed to help control shine without making skin look or feel dry. It’s sheer enough to set makeup without adding any noticeable color. This powder is infused with skin loving ingredients. It has light diffusing spherical powders and smoothing amino acid, kaolin, and squalane. I love that this uses ingredients that are beneficial for my skin! It is talc-free and non-comedogenic which is another huge plus for me! The container is a simple screw off top with a sifter to help control how much powder comes out. I don’t like the mess that can be created from using loose powder. Although the filter helps dispense the powder, it still is hard for me to keep it from getting on the counter when I screw the top back on if there is any leftover powder. For me, this makes loose powder- in general, less convenient to take on the go. This powder is supposed to set makeup for up to 12 hours, so if it does last that long, I wouldn’t necessarily need it on the go anyways. I felt like there was a little shine throughout the day, but the light diffusing powder may factor into that. I have combination skin and I would have liked for this to have stronger oil control. It definitely doesn’t make my skin look dry or dull. It is buildable, but I noticed it creasing some. The natural finish still makes it look like healthy skin without being matte and dry looking. This Surreal Skin Soft Blur Setting Powder comes in 7 skin tone enhancing and brightening tones. Neutral Light is designed to be a universal shade for light skin tones with neutral undertones. I am pretty happy with 2-neutral light for my skin. It is easy to blend and lightweight. This product advertises building in soft layers to create Mario’s “SOFTSET” look. The price point is very reasonable and usually a little goes a long way with loose powder, so it should last a while before running out. I personally don’t think this would be as long lasting for oily/very oily skin types. I don’t know if I will buy this myself, but I will continue to use it and see how it does with my skin. If you are a fan of Makeup by Mario or loose setting powder, it might be worth giving it a try!

I received this product for free from Influenster and Makeup by Mario in exchange for my honest opinion. Makeup by Mario's Surrealskin Soft Blur Setting Powder came at the most perfect time. I had been searching for a setting powder that was easy to go on, one that left me looking matte but not powdery or cakey, and one that was a great shade match for me; and I found that and more with this product. I received shade number 5 - Neutral Medium Deep and the texture seems to be velvety and smooth, making buildable in case I was darker or lighter, which makes it easy to match and work with. I especially love that it doesn't leave me ashy, just as many other setting powders do. It leaves my skin feeling light, as if I don't have makeup on. With this powder, I go all day without getting shiny or greasy. For the oily girls and guys, this powder will change your life. For the dry girls and guys, this won't leave you feeling tight. I've used this powder multiple days and with multiple variations of makeup bases and looks, and this powder doesn't change. You get exactly what you pay for. There is no scent, so if you're sensitive, this is a great resource for you. Also, the packaging is simple, uncomplicated, and works great to help you keep from easily losing product, especially if you drop it. I plan to use every drop of this product, buy again when out, and would recommend it to everyone.

I have oily skin but I struggle with dehydration in the dry winter months. I needed a setting powder that would not just set my makeup and help control my oils, but would also be lightweight and not dry me out. This powder by Mario absolutely has worked for me and checks what I was looking for. The Neutral Peach color is a true neutral shade that offers light pigment but is translucent enough that it does not alter the color of my foundation or leave a white cast. For being Talc-free, this powder does a great job at setting my makeup. I find I do not have to touch up later in the day and even if my oils peak through, my foundation stays in tact. I love the natural finish; it has body but feels lightweight, and does not feel dusty, crusty, or cakey. I also appreciate that the sift cap is easy to remove. So when traveling, if powder collects in the sifter, I can remove it and carefully dump it back into the jar without it getting messy. I will continue to repurchase as long as this stays in the line. I hope Mario never pulls a Givenchy.