Popcorn ceiling patching?

Unfortunetely, I have popcorn ceilings throughout the house. I recently removed a light and had to repair the patch. After replacing the drywall, I used the popcorn patch bought at lowes and applied with a puddy knife. I'm not satisfied with the way it looks as it seems to catch my eye every time I walk in. Would you think putting this material on a paint roller would work better and blend in better? I also bought a can of the sprayable and defintely a waste of money.