'10 years of #blurryface': What is it and why is it trending

Trends on social media are often seasonal – they come, they take over the internet for a while, and then poof.. They vanish into thin air!

However, not with the #blurryface trend!

Netizens are observing the 10th anniversary of the #blurryface trend, and once again – it has marked significant outreach!


What is #blurryface?

Primarily, ‘Blurryface’ is the fourth studio album by the American musical duo Twenty One Pilots , which was released on May 17, 2015. Lyrically, the album incorporated themes of mental health, insecurity, doubt, and religion. The widely popular album contains the hit singles "Stressed Out" and "Ride", both of which reached the top five on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The album's title track features the lyrics: “My name’s Blurryface, and I care what you think.”

In the context of the album, Blurryface represents the persona of self-doubt and insecurity that the band's lead vocalist, Tyler Joseph, grapples with. This character is depicted with black paint on his neck and hands, symbolizing the internal struggles and fears that many individuals face.


The origin of the trend:

10 years back, when the album was released and earned significant accolades and appreciation, the hashtag #blurryface gained massive traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users began to associate it with themes of self-expression, vulnerability, and personal challenges. Content under this hashtag often includes creative edits, makeup transformations, and cosplay inspired by the Blurryface persona, reflecting the album's exploration of identity and mental health.

zayn had just left one direction, taylor and katy were beefing, the music industry was in shambles, they had a red beanie, black paint, and trauma. they had ONE chance to make history #blurryface pic.twitter.com/FkSSxgGPid

— lari (@youarehcme) May 17, 2025

Fans of Twenty One Pilots embraced the "Blurryface" character and its symbolism, leading to various fan-made content, including the "blurry face" trend, where Tyler Joseph's embodiment of "Blurryface" with black paint on his face and hands serves as a visual metaphor for the grip of insecurities, further fueling the trend. The fictional world of Dema, established in "Blurryface" and later explored in "Trench," also connects to the "Blurryface" character and its symbolism.

In simpler words, the "blurry face" trend is a manifestation of the band's creative concept, lore, and character, which has resonated deeply with their fan base.

#BFX #Blurryface #blurryface10 because of blurryface, i met my best friend in the whole wide world. we’ve been best friends for 9 years now and i don’t know what i would do without her. thank you so much to this album. pic.twitter.com/FXU7Rl30hm

— v |-/ (@v1gn3tt3) May 17, 2025

Today, 10 years from that trend, netizens are remembering how that album – and in extension, the trend – impacted their lives.

blurryface.

the start of an incredible and essentially life changing journey for so many of us. i was introduced to this album, this era, this band at the age of 11. SO much has changed since then but this band has always been a constant for me. thankful.#blurryface #bfx pic.twitter.com/K8W8VRw5KU

— evie Ψ (@softestbandito) May 17, 2025

As one user on X posted, “ten years ago today, twenty one pilots released the best album of that decade, (and possibly ever) #blurryface. since then i have lived and breathed this album, the lore, and every single song that tyler joseph has written or been attached to in any way. 10 years ago, i went høme. happy birthday, friend,” another wrote, “the album that changed my life. ten years have gone by and i'm still here. still the little kid who fell in love with the pilots when she was 8 years old. still alive, still listening. it really does feel like yesterday i was trying to learn the judge on my uke.”


The extension of #blurryface:

The #blurryface" trend is directly related to the album and the fictional character "Blurryface" who represents the insecurities and doubts within each person. The character "Blurryface" is prominently featured in the album's artwork and songs, becoming a symbolic representation of these themes.

For instance, TikTok users have shared videos demonstrating how to achieve the Blurryface makeup look , showcasing the album's influence on visual culture. Additionally, fans have used the hashtag to discuss the impact of the album on their lives, sharing personal stories and interpretations of its themes.


What is the #blurryface trend in terms of beauty and makeup?

On social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, the "blurry face trend" refers to a visual editing technique where facial features in photos and videos are intentionally obscured or blurred. In terms of beauty and makeup, the #blurryface trend is also known as blurring or soft-focus makeup, focusing on creating a natural, diffused finish that blurs imperfections and harsh lines, rather than achieving a flawless, high-coverage look. It's about softening features and enhancing the skin's natural texture, rather than covering it up.


Here's why it still remains relevant and popular:

Natural and effortless: Blurred makeup aims for a "just right" finish, somewhere between dewy and matte, creating a natural, airbrushed effect without looking cakey or flat.

Forgiveness and acceptance: It's particularly appealing to those who don't have "perfect" skin, as it minimizes the appearance of pores and imperfections by diffusing light and creating a more unified skin texture.

Soft-focus effect: The trend uses blurring products, such as primers, powders, and foundations, to create a soft-focus effect, making the skin look smoother and more refined.

Celebrity and social media influence: The trend has gained traction on platforms like TikTok and red carpets, with celebrities and makeup artists adopting it for its natural, glowing finish.