How to Use a Makeup Blur Stick

Co-authored by JoAnn Solomon

Last Updated: September 11, 2022

Makeup blur sticks are translucent sticks that can help to cover large pores, lines, and wrinkles.^{[1]
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Expert Source

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.} They create a soft-focus finish to your makeup and have a light texture that won’t clog your pores. To use a makeup blur stick, start by selecting one that fits your budget and works well with your skin type. Then, apply the makeup blur stick properly to get the most out of the product and use other makeup in addition to the blur stick as part of your beauty routine.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Selecting the Makeup Blur Stick

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Go for a blur stick that is suited to your skin type. Blur sticks appear colored in the package, usually a warm medium shade, but they are actually transparent when applied. This means you do not need to worry if the blur stick will match your skin tone. However, you should make sure the blur stick will work with your skin type. Blur sticks are often good for people who have oily or combination skin, as they reduce shine and minimize your pores.^{[2]
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- Blur sticks keep your skin looking supple and dewy, without clogging your pores.
- You may want to exfoliate your skin first to make applying the blur stick easier.
- If you have dry skin, blur sticks can also be beneficial as they can help to moisturize any dry patches and prep your skin for other makeup.
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Look for blur sticks that are silicone and oil-free. Silicone can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Avoid blur sticks that contain silicone and heavy oils. Some oils are fine, such as jojoba, geranium, and essential oils like tea tree and chamomile. Many blur sticks on the market are labeled as silicone and oil-free.
- Check the list of ingredients on the product to confirm it does not contain silicone or heavy oils.
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Shop for makeup blur sticks in person. To ensure you find a makeup blur stick that feels good on, try shopping for the product in person. Go to your nearest beauty supply store and try a few blur sticks directly on your skin. Swipe the product on the side of your face and make sure that it does not feel tight or sticky when applied.
- Talk to a sales representative and ask them to recommend blur sticks. There are several best selling makeup blur sticks that may be right for your skin.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying the Makeup Blur Stick

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Start with a clean face. To apply the makeup blur stick, begin by washing your face with your cleanser. Pat your face dry. Then, uncap the makeup blur stick and sit down in front of a mirror.^{[3]
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- If you plan to wear eye makeup other than eyeliner and mascara, put it on before you apply the blur stick. Doing your eye makeup before the blur stick or any foundation will ensure you do not get any makeup on other parts of your face.
- You can apply the blur stick before your foundation or after your moisturizer.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  JoAnn Solomon
  Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
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Apply the blur stick in light, sweeping motions. Hold the blur stick in your dominant hand and apply it on your face, starting on your cheeks and jawline. Apply it with light sweeping motions on your cheeks, jawline, nose, forehead, and around your mouth. Make sure you also apply it under your eyes.^{[5]
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- Use sweeping motions so the product is absorbed into your skin. Do not dab the product on as this can lead to an uneven application.
- If you have any areas on your face that are oily or red, make sure you apply the blur stick to this area. You can try applying the blur stick to only problem areas on your skin if you'd like, though it is a great primer for your entire face.
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Let the product dry. Once you have applied one coat of the blur stick, use clean fingers to blend in the blur stick in any areas that are not blended. You can also use your fingers to apply it to areas that are hard to reach, like along the sides of your nose. Then, allow the product to dry on your face for 1-2 minutes before you apply any other makeup.^{[6]
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- As the product dries, you should notice that your skin looks less oily and red. It should also look more even and supple.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Putting on Makeup Over the Blur Stick

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Wear foundation or tinted moisturizer over the blur stick. The blur stick is meant to act as a primer for your face, making it easier to then apply foundation or tinted moisturizer. Some people wear the blur stick on its own for a more natural look. If you tend to wear foundation or tinted moisturizer, apply it once the blur stick has dried.
- Use a beauty blender or a clean makeup brush to apply liquid foundation over the blur stick. You can also apply a tinted moisturizer if you tend to wear lighter coverage on your face.
- You can also apply setting powder to your face after you have put on the foundation if this is part of your normal beauty routine.
- If you want to add the effect of the blur to your entire complexion, you can even use the blur stick after applying your makeup instead.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  JoAnn Solomon
  Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
  Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.}
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Apply blush and bronzer. As a finishing touch, you can also apply blush and bronzer to your face. The blur stick should help to keep the blush and bronzer in place.
- Use a clean makeup brush to apply the blush and bronzer on your face as you usually would.
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Use the blur stick for touch ups. You can also use the blur stick throughout the day to touch up your makeup. This is especially useful if you are prone to oily skin when you wear foundation or other makeup. Simply swipe the blur stick over any areas of your face that are feeling oily or that need a touch up. It should help to blur and smooth out your makeup.^{[8]
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- Makeup blur sticks are also ideal because they are small and can be carried in a bag or purse easily. They also travel well as they are in stick form and will not leak in your bag.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you use a blur stick?

JoAnn Solomon
Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist
JoAnn Solomon is a Celebrity Makeup and Hair Artist, Beauty Consultant, and Founder of JoAnn Solomon Beauty, a beauty service in New York, New York. With over 15 years of experience, JoAnn specializes in beauty consulting and writing, makeup and hair artistry, product training, and creative directing. She is a licensed cosmetologist and esthetician and is certified in Airbrush Makeup. JoAnn has been published in Glamour Magazine and Lipstick.com. She is also a beauty contributor for Condé Nast, The List, Essence, Style Bistro, Family Circle, and Nylon Magazine. Her looks have been showcased in editorial, fashion, television, and red carpet events. A few of JoAnn’s celebrity clients include Beyoncé Knowles, Dr. Joe Biden, Alicia Keys, and Quincy Jones.

JoAnn Solomon

Master Beauty Consultant & Celebrity Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Makeup blur sticks are used to cancel out pores and make your makeup look smooth. They can also be used to fill in fine lines. You can use one prior to applying foundation, after moisturizer or it can be used after applying your makeup. That will add the effect of the blur to your entire complexion and secure your look.
Question

Is the milk makeup blur stick worth it?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Possibly, depending on what you're looking for. The milk blur stick creates an even skin tone and matte finish but also adds a subtle shimmer to the skin. This shimmer makes it unique as most blur sticks have a matte finish.
Question

What is a blur in makeup?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Blur in makeup is a term that refers to smoothing over imperfections and unevenness. Blurring products work almost like a blurring tool in photo editing software.