In case you were unaware: skin is in. Whether we’re talking Dolphin Skin or Glass Skin, the fact is our obsession with our complexion isn’t going anywhere anytime soon! And, the latest skin memo has been sent direct from up above. Cloud Skin is one of the latest skin trends that is, literally, heaven sent! And, we have the 411 on this heavenly makeup routine.
Coined by M.A.C Cosmetics global senior artist, Dominic Skinner, Cloud skin is all about striking the perfect balance of textures between glowy, matte and dewy to achieve that lit-from-within vibe (think soft-focus, hazy cherubic skin). Have you ever seen a Rococo painting? That’s what we’re talking about.
We’ve broken it down for you in three easy to follow steps that anyone can recreate at home.
Step 1.
The key to achieving the perfect soft cloud like glowy finish is to start with the perfect hydrated and nourished base. To achieve this, you’ll want to apply a base product, whether that be a primer, moisturiser or serum, that contains hyaluronic acid and is super hydrating and apply to your face. Our pick is Summer Friday’s Cloud Dew oil-free moisturiser, which is infused with three types of hyaluronic acid and is ultra-hydrating and brightening.
Step 2.
When it comes to complexion you want to choose a foundation or tinted moisturiser that has a luminous finish, like Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Skin Serum Foundation or Nars Radiant Longwear Foundation. Rather than buffing your foundation into your skin, start out by dotting the product all over your face before blending it in with your fingers. Using your fingers will help you achieve the hazy-cloud-like finish that you’re aiming for.
From there you want to be strategic in the placement of your setting powder. The key areas you’ll want to focus on include the hollows of your cheeks, along your hairline (avoid the centre your forehead), nose, chin and inner corners of your eyes. Therefore, creating a cloud-like effect of contrasting that matte points of your face, against the dewier areas.
For a loose powder we suggest the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder and for a Pressed Setting Powder, we suggest the Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting and Smoothing Powder.
Step 3.
For a final touch of sun-kissed dewiness, picture the sun streaming through the clouds above, you’ll want to add a touch of highlight to tie the look together. Although, if you prefer more matte-dewy finish you can skip this step. Shimmer-free highlighters are the best choice when it comes to highlight, as you’re aiming for that natural from within glow, rather than blinding highlight. We recommend a translucent finish highlight like the Tower 28 SuperDew Highlighter Balm for that finishing heavenly glow.