Bobbi Brown Instant Confidence Stick: The Line Smoother That Can Be Used Under Or Over Makeup

When Bobbi Brown was in London late last year I had the pleasure of spending an hour or so with her over breakfast. Her vivacious aura and infectious positive attitude make her one of the most delightful women in beauty, while her passion for makeup and helping women to feel great drives her forward to create products we both want and need. During our brief meeting she hinted at a product that would help to disguise fine lines and perfect the skin - and six months later it seems that the Instant Confidence Stick is just that. Although imperfections and little wrinkles are nothing to be ashamed about, many of us desire to keep them at bay as long as possible; although skincare can help over a longer period of time, sometimes a quick fix is just as welcome. This little stick may not look much, but it's actually penned as a 'magic eraser for wrinkles' that helps to instantly blur fine lines and imperfections, while simultaneously helping to control shine. Confidence is a very personal thing, but this universal product helps to give women the fearlessness to go about their day without worrying their complexion is letting them down. And that's something I'm on board with.


The transparent stick uses weightless light diffusing powders to minimise fine lines and deflect the light, while also offering a matte finish on skin. Although Bobbi Brown claim this is a weightless and ultra-lightweight formula, I definitely feel like it's sitting on the surface of skin when applied to my t-zone and eye areas; it's not hugely noticeable or irritating, but when touched I can feel the difference between the areas that have and haven't been touched-up with the product. However, in terms of performance it does help blur the appearance of the fine lines around my eyes, while helping to absorb oil from my chin and nose; it also helps to prep my makeup for foundation application and reduce the need for excessive amounts of concealer on a bad sleep day! Blurring products are nothing new, but until now they've mostly been gloopy and can only really be used under makeup; however, this stick makes that concept portable, a touch more luxurious (you can't beat a slick black Bobbi Brown package) and multi-faceted too.

I was expecting this to remove my makeup when applied as a touch-up, but I was surprised to find it leaves 90% of it in tact - even more when blotted on with a finger to areas where it's needed most. It seems that Bobbi has spent a long time developing a makeup-skincare hybrid that's targeted at her slightly older consumers that simply want to look their best; if a little silicone can offer up confidence, then why the hell not. I do like the fact you can use this under and over makeup, as well as touching-up throughout the day thanks to the simple and sleek design that makes it handbag friendly; there's no need to pack irritating (and rather dated) blotting sheets when you've got this little hero on your person. It is expensive for what it is and it's definitely not a must-have, but if you're concerned with fine lines or oily patches it could offer up a welcome helping hand. I'm on the fence, but it's always good to have options.


The Bobbi Brown Instant Confidence Stick is available now, priced £26.00.