What’s the deal with blurring sticks? And, better yet, why can’t we stop seeing them everywhere? You may have noticed that brands are launching them left and right, leaving us all asking, “what exactly are we supposed to be blurring?” Let's break it down, because they're one of the hottest new products of 2017.
Though strangely vague in name, these new sticks seek to replace all your primers in one fell swoop — with a universal goal among them: to erase your pores. We all want our pores shrunken to the size of nothingness — cue Regina George's "my pores are huge!" — but sometimes even the most diligent of skin-care routines fails to address the concern.
These sticks pick up where your morning skin routine leaves off. In fact, they're a bit like the skin-perfecting Snapchat filters you always use. “In a filter-obsessed culture, we've progressed past concealer to cover blemishes, uneven textures, and fine lines," says Chauntal Lewis, head makeup artist at 901 Salon in L.A. "In fact, we all know sometimes concealer makes it worse. Blurring sticks can help soften areas on the face to get rid of shine and smooth things out. It's like Facetune without the Facetune!”
Burring sticks work by harnessing light-diffusing powder that blends into the skin to reduce fine lines and the visibility of pores. So, pretty much the work of wizards. They're easy to apply, too, just draw over your areas of concern and blend or pat with your fingers or a damp sponge.
Ahead, a look at the latest blurring sticks looking to give your pore-fect skin.
The One Step Wonder
This multi-performance stick works in five different ways — and makes us think it may be the only complexion product we need. The tinted, waterproof formula contains SPF 45 to protect skin from the sun and lasts all day without clogging your pores — all while blurring them to oblivion.
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Multi-Performance Stick, $35, available at Sephora.
The Touch-Up Master
Bust shine and oil on the go with this blurring pen, which goes on transparent to match all skin tones. Use this tool under makeup to prime your skin, alone for a your-skin-but-better look, or over makeup for a refresher during the day.
CATRICE Prime & Fine Anti-Shine Blur Stick, $8, available at Ulta Beauty.
The Shine Eliminator
Dubbed “the universal face filter” by the brand, this blur stick works on every skin tone to reduce the look of pores and prep skin for makeup. The silicone- and oil-free formula mattifies the skin, too.
Milk Makeup Blur Stick, $36, available January 9 at Milk Makeup.
The Pore & Oil Eraser
This Vanishing Stick contains an outer core of oil-absorbing powder and an inner core of universal, sheer pigment. “I love the Estée Edit vanishing stick for more mature skin,” Lewis says.
The Estée Edit Pore Vanishing Stick, $28, available at Sephora.
The Radiance Maker
If you’re partial to dewy finishes, this prepping stick has an unexpected take on priming you'll love. The multipurpose balm is packed with essential oils that quickly absorb to instantly hydrate and plump skin before makeup application.
MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Essential Oils Stick, $27, available at Nordstrom.
The Satin Stick
Philosophy’s blur stick picks up excess oil in your problem areas with a weightless formula. The stick creates a seamless look on the skin and leaves a soft, satin finish behind — perfect for those that love their skin to be somewhere between dewy and matte.
Philosophy Instant Miracle Worker Line-Erasing Blur Stick, $32, available at Sephora.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
There's More To This Sparkly Silicone Makeup Blender Than You Think