Here is how you achieve the coveted ‘cloud skin’ look with make-up

After a long-standing romance with the dewy makeup look and glass skin, the beautyverse has finally come full circle, back to the classic matte finish. Remember the early 2010s when people went all out on the matte bandwagon? Everyone wore mattifying foundations set and baked with all the loose powder they could get their hands on. Thankfully, today’s take on the trend includes a few upgrades that keep you from looking like you dipped your face in a bucket full of flour. This matte skin trend 2.0 is called ‘cloud skin’ and it focuses on creating a dimensional look that leaves behind a soft-focus finish. 

Coined by makeup artist and director of Makeup Artistry for MAC Cosmetics UK, Dominic Skinner, 'cloud skin' is a beauty look that aims to mimic how clouds look when the sun shines through them. What sets this apart from most matte makeup looks? 'Cloud skin' doesn’t eliminate the skin’s luminosity. It aims to strike a balance between matte and radiant by blurring parts of the face that need it, leaving you with that coveted subtle glow-from-within look. 

Read on as we break down the 'cloud skin' trend into easy-to-follow steps! 

Prep your base   

A makeup look is only as strong as the skincare you lay down before. So, the first step to recreating the ‘cloud skin’ look is to boost moisture levels to nourish the skin and create an even canvas. Start with a hydrating serum followed by a lightweight moisturiser (if you’re doing this look during the day, don’t forget to apply sunscreen). If your skin type is dry or combination, apply a mattifying primer once you’re done with your skincare. If not, you can skip the primer.  

The next step is creating a perfectly even base. For this trend, opt for a lightweight blurring foundation or skin tint. Buff it out well (as opposed to painting it on) to get a natural air-brushed look instead of a full-coverage one. Then go in with your concealer and colour corrector as needed. Don’t forget to set your base before moving on. 

Build it up  

Here is where the real fun starts. Once your base is applied and set, go in with some blush, bronzer, and highlighter. The trick to achieving the 'cloud skin' look is to use the right kind of products. Instead of powders opt for cream-based products that leave behind a semi-matte finish. Ensure you blend it all well. The aim is to make it look like each texture is seamlessly leading into the next. Try avoiding products with shimmer and focus on ones that will give you a more natural look.  

The last step is powdering it up. Use a loose setting powder to mattify the look you’ve just created. Tap the powder to get a light dusting all over your face. You can also use a face puff to get some targeted applications (around the nostrils, inner corner of the eyes etc). Remember to avoid powdering the parts of your face where you’ve applied highlighter—a.k.a your high points. This is to strike a good balance between matte and slightly shiny, giving you a fluffy, cloud-like look.  

Feature image: Harper's Bazaar June-July 2023 issue 

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