© Getty Images / Rosdiana Ciaravolo Cloudy skin is the only makeup trend we can think of right now.There was a time when matte leather was all the rage. we applied a matte foundation, followed by a generous amount of baking soda and then a matte setting spray. After a few years, we went to the other end of the spectrum. we've grabbed just about anything with a glossy finish, applying highlights and glitter until we shine like the sun. Right now, it seems we are in the midst of the cloud skin makeup trend.
Starting with the rise of "skinnymalism" in 2020 and 2021, we've seen more skin than ever. Imagine the best day of your life with glowing, moisturised, supple and moisturized skin, now imagine how you can achieve it with light makeup.
"Cloudy Skin is bold but light and effortless, luminous but slightly matte," Chantel Miller, director of artistic and digital content at MAC Cosmetics, tells POPSUGAR. It combines the best of both worlds: matte and glossy skins for an otherworldly look.
"Cloud Skin is the idea of having perfect, plump, matte skin and not necessarily the idea of a finish like foundation," says Miller. She described it as "youthful and girlish" and emphasized that it was not an overt makeup trend.
Cloud Skin requires preparation. "Regardless of your skin type, we want to plump your skin before doing anything else," says Miller. Choose a hydrating serum to start with. MAC Cosmetics recently introduced a new line called Hyper Skin, which includes the Serumizer Skin Balancing Hydrating Serum ($55). We also like Wet n Wild Prime Focus Primer Serum ($8) or Ilia Beauty True Skin Radiant Primer Serum ($52).
Depending on your skin type, your preparation may end here. (People with oily skin will most likely find the serum quite moisturizing for their skin.) "You don't want your skin to feel slippery or sticky," says Miller. "You want to feel like you just stepped out of the shower and wiped your face with a new towel." Normal and dry skin types can continue their preparation with their favorite moisturizer.
After the product is absorbed into the skin, you can apply makeup. "Then find an area where you can get light throughout the day," says Miller. Instead of applying a shimmer primer to your face, target the areas where you tend to shine. Miller likes MAC Prep & Prime Skin Refined Zone ($25). "The pinhead-sized drop in this bright spot is a real miracle," he said. We also like Rare Beauty Pore Diffuser Primer ($28).
Finally, you are ready for the foundation. "This was one of those times when I preferred a softer brush to a straight synthetic brush or sponge," says Miller. For this, we like the Jones Road Blush Brush ($34). Using your brush, apply the product to a small area of skin in a circular motion. “It's like the difference between painting or painting an object. we paint here." This is where the facial skin process ends for minimal overall makeup. However, the final step for "cloudy skin" is powder.
It's best to mix your favorite loose powder with sheer to medium, but don't overdo it. We like Beauty Bakerie Face Embossing Powder ($24). "For an airy matte finish, powder all over the face, but with a very light touch and a soft brush," says Miller. "Make sure you're intentional with your brush strokes; a smudging motion works best to ensure you're gently cleaning the surface of the foundation. This is it.
In case you didn't know, cloudy skin makeup isn't something you can apply in five minutes. It takes patience for each product to fully absorb into the skin before moving on to the next step. Find the joy in slow cooking by turning it into self-care moments. Start a podcast, listen to music, and really focus on what you're doing.