Blurring Balms 101: Here’s What You Need To Know

It’s hard to resist a photo filter. With the touch of a button, every little imperfection fades into nonexistence. Now, there’s a new crop of beauty products that promise the same flawless, airbrushed effect: blurring balms. What are blurring balms, you ask? Any formula—especially a pre-foundation primer—that aims to mask blemishes and other imperfections on the skin’s surface by giving them a hazy, faded appearance—just like your favorite filters. From what they are and how they work, we’re sharing all the details on blurring balms, below.

It’s hard to resist a photo filter. With the touch of a button, every little imperfection fades into nonexistence. Now, there’s a new crop of beauty products that promise the same flawless, airbrushed effect: blurring balms. What are blurring balms, you ask? Any formula (especially a pre-foundation primer) that aims to mask blemishes and other imperfections on the skin’s surface by giving them a hazy, faded appearance — just like your favorite filters. From what they are and how they work, we’re sharing all the details on blurring balms, below.

What Do Blurring Balms Do?

Blurring balms are aimed at smoothing the appearance of the skin’s surface by minimizing the look of pores, fine lines, and other texture concerns. The formulas typically deliver a matte, soft-focus finish that helps to create a smoother look and can even prolong the wear of your makeup. Because of this, blurring balms often take the form of primers, moisturizers, and other bases that can be used underneath or in place of other color cosmetics. Many blurring balms even contain an SPF so you can protect your skin while you prime.

The Clean Up

Because many blurring balms contain silicone, it’s important to thoroughly cleanse the skin after each use. Built-up makeup can lead to clogged pores which, in turn, can result in breakouts and blemishes. So, even though blurring balms give you a temporarily faux flawless complexion, remember to give your bare skin a chance to breathe by following a daily skin care routine: removing your makeup, cleansing your skin, and moisturizing, as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael Kaminer explains here.

Try One For Yourself

Looking to add a blurring balm to your routine? There are a few we’re pretty much obsessed with, from Maybelline’s Face Studio Master Prime in Blur + Smooth to the Lancôme Blur & Go Stick and the Laura Geller Spackle Blur Stick. These lightweight primers do the work to visually blurs skin tone imperfections and smooth out fine lines with a few swipes. After you’ve blurred and primed, your skin will be as sleek as a Snapchat filter and ready for the rest of your makeup!

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