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When Wende Zomnir, founder of Caliray and co-founder of Urban Decay, coins something as “big,” you listen, and she’s declared blurring products the next big trend in makeup.
“Blurring is of the moment,” the makeup maven says. “And I think the focus on this trend will continue because we are creating unique formulations with innovative ingredients that create a filtered, perfected look to the skin and deliver a lightweight feel.” As Zomnir sees it (no pun intended), blurred skin looks healthy and hydrated but not shiny. “Pores are minimized, and the complexion has a ceramic-like texture, so it’s extremely flattering for everyone.”
Blurring vs. Airbrushed
While the age-old beauty adjectives of “airbrushed” and “smoothing” are certainly similar, Zomnir sees the blurring trend as something new. “The terms are often used interchangeably but are slightly different. Blurring creates a smoothed, flawless look. It might have a diffused edge if it’s a color product like a blush. Air-brushed is a fine, smooth application technique that often features a blurred edge or seamless effect.”
Tisha Thompson, founder and CEO of LYS Beauty, is also a fan of the trend, and she sees it as having a time-specific interest. “Since the pandemic, there’s been a strong focus on achieving a flawless complexion through skin care, which allows the complexion makeup to take center stage in a look. The idea is that makeup looks its best when it enhances—rather than masks—our skin. Since then, there has been a growing demand for products that address uneven texture and imperfections, which has led to a surge in primers, skin tints, concealers and foundations specifically formulated to smooth and blur.”
Like Zomnir, Thompson also sees a difference between blurring and “everything else.” “Blurring focuses on addressing specific skin concerns, such as enlarged pores, fine lines and acne scarring, enhancing the skin’s natural texture. On the other hand, air-brushed refers to that beautifully soft, natural matte finish that creates a filtered effect in real life. While both techniques aim for a refined appearance, they each serve different purposes and skin concerns in the makeup application process.”
Shop Blurring Products
1 / 10
A mega-multitasker that is beyond simple to use, this all-in-one serum, primer and foundation stick instantly erases the look of texture while giving skin a natural coverage. “The convenience of a stick formula simplifies makeup application, making it less daunting for everyone while delivering coverage and finish that rivals liquid and cream products,” Thompson says. “I wanted to introduce a complexion product specifically designed to tackle texture concerns. This new addition perfectly fulfills that need within our range.”
2 / 10
Combining the benefits of a high-performing setting spray with a blurring powder, this talc-free powder makes makeup last. “This is truly a makeup artist’s powder,” says celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes. “It’s super matte but gives you control to achieve the skin finish you want. If you use just a little bit, you can create a demi-matte finish, but you can also choose to really bake it for a full matte look. I love how versatile they are, offering blurring, brightening and filtering benefits that last. It’s ideal for when I’m on set.”
3 / 10
“Blush is currently having a huge moment, but most creamy blushes on the market deliver a dewy finish that may enhance pores, plus they often fade quickly,” Zomnir told us of her brand-new Sephora launch, available in five shades. “Blurry Blush smooths pores, helps skin look flawless and lasts all day.”
4 / 10
Coined the brand’s biggest launch of the year, the 29-shade Huda Beauty Foundation took 107 versions to get “just right.” While the team was in the lab, they also went to work on the new silicone-free primer. A plant-derived complex helps blur pores, while capsule polymers smooth skin.
5 / 10
This powder-infused, pore-blurring setting mist smooths texture for a hydrating and long-lasting matte finish that is fully locked in.
6 / 10
The lightweight formula effortlessly glides onto the skin, transforming from a buttery cream to a silky-soft powder. As you blend, the simple stick leaves you with a demi-matte, soft-focus flush.
7 / 10
Created by celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic himself, this talc-free, pro-performance (read: it looks good on camera) loose powder sets makeup for up to 12 hours, as it blurs and smooths with a natural finish and all-day shine control.
8 / 10
Weightless, creamy and velvety, this talc-free cloud blush delivers buildable color to both the cheeks and lips with a satin-powder finish.
9 / 10
This product is a minimal-effort game-changer designed to leave an ultra-blurring matte finish. It’s infused with REFY’s innovative Blur-Gel Technology, and the creamy formula glides on effortlessly. The result: The look of lip lines is minimized, as lips are moisturized and enhanced.
10 / 10
This luxe formula uses a skin-blurring primer, vitamin E, hyaluronic filling spheres, vegetable collagen and bamboo extract to melt into the skin on contact for a healthy-looking flush and matte finish. Besides blurring the skin, the ultra-unique cream-to-veil texture smooths out pores and delivers a soft-focus, second-skin effect.
