Cloud Skin is Spring's Biggest Beauty Trend
A blend of hydrating skincare and simple makeup techniques, cloud skin is the beauty trend where dewy meets matte.
Luminous skin is always in, and describing that glow has gone through several iterations over the years: glass skin and dolphin skin, to name a few. Now, there's another wave in beauty that's trending: cloud skin.
Coined by makeup artist Dominic Skinner, cloud skin is about achieving a lit-from-within look with plenty of dimension. By using a mix of hydrating skincare and carefully-layered makeup products, skin appears in soft focus, without the harsh highlights and contours we're used to seeing. Essentially, cloud skin is the middle ground between full coverage matte and natural dewy.
When setting out to achieve cloud skin, beginning with a hydrated base is key. Prepping skin with a moisturizing mask or facial oil will ensure products go on more evenly. Next, you're going to apply primer, then begin applying the products. By mixing products of different textures—a matte foundation with strategically-placed powder, for example—your skin will appear to have been sent through a soft-focus filter. Adding a shimmer-free cream highlighter plus light cream blush completes the angelic look.
Below, shop all the products needed to achieve the cloud skin look.
The key to achieving cloud skin is starting off with a strong base by prepping the skin with a hydrating primer.
Poreless Putty Face Primer, $10, E.L.F. Cosmetics
Applying a matte foundation will help achieve that smooth and blurry look against the dewy primer. It will ensure your face doesn't look too glassy but still retains a natural radiance.
Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Powder Foundation, $40, Sephora
If you prefer something with a more radiant finish, but still have the same smooth effect, then a moisturizing skin tint is the way to go.
Positive Light Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen, $30, Sephora
This rich, highly blendable highlighter adds all the glow without the shine—exactly what you're looking for to master the cloud skin look.
SuperDew Highlighter Balm, $18, Tower 28
When it comes to blush, a cream product best adds the semi-matte finish you're looking for.
Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick, $24, Sephora
Finishing the look off is a nice, translucent setting powder. Finely-milled powders work perfectly fine, though this looser setting powder by Laura Mercier is one we recommend.
Jumbo Translucent Loose Setting Powder & Velour Puff, $49, Ulta Beauty
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