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For years, glowing skin was all the rage in beauty. First, there was glass skin, then its baby sister, glazed donut skin, conquered 2022. Shiny and light-reflecting skin was the much-coveted look.
Now, we're seeing a birth of a more relatable skincare trend, Cloud skin. This term was coined by MAC global makeup artist Dominic Skinner. "It’s all about specifically placed powder, a touch of foundation, and a facial oil to prime the skin," said Dominic in an interview in Refinery29. He explained that these layered products create "an impression of a cloud." The matte powder and foundation give a soft, airy, fluffy effect.
Unlike glass skin and glazed donut skin which may not be that friendly to oily skin, cloud skin is more doable for all skin types and PERFECT for the Philippines' tropical climate. It's a cross between matte and dewy skin, aka your complexion looks super fresh. You can get this look by layering both hydrating and lightweight products that won't melt off your face in hot weather.
Our favorite part about the cloud skin trend is that we don't need to have "perfect" skin texture. It's a "come as you are" trend! And we truly hope this concept would stay! Curious? Here's how to achieve it:
How To Achieve Cloud Skin
The key to following this trend is to remember these: Your skin needs to have a soft blur or a diffused glow. Your complexion has to appear velvety soft like a fluffy cloud. The skin needs to be prepped, hydrated, and primed—all according to your skin type.
Prep and Hydrate
As always, start with a clean face, using a facial wash that's right for your skin type. Then, pat a hydrating toner on your skin. Let all the products absorb before going to the next step.
Since we live in a tropical country, we usually steer clear of products that would potentially make our skin look shiny and sticky. Thankfully, the hydrating products of today keep the complexion plump and nourished without the sticky film. For this step, you may use a hydrating serum or moisturizer. But, you must note that the formula must be light-as-air!
We're particularly loving the MAC Hyper Real Serumizer because it's powered by niacinamide (to refine and brighten), Japanese Peony extract (to boost radiance and skin health), hyaluronic acid (to hydrate, ofc), and ceramides (to strengthen the skin barrier.)
MAC Hyper Real Serumizer Skin Balancing Hydration Serum, P3,400, (currently out of stock), Lazada
While you're waiting for the MAC Hyper Real Serumizer to restock, you can go for this drugstore gem! The Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum has radiance-boosting ingredients and it's made for sensitive skin.
Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum, P1,075, Lazada
The Cloud Skin base
Opt for a lightweight tinted base. Cloud skin is all about the airy texture. Buff a tinted moisturizer or skin tint all over your face.
We can't get enough of the VICE Cosmetics Blurrfection Skin Tint because of its second-skin finish! Plus, the shade match to Pinay skin tones is seriously satisfying!
VICE Cosmetics Blurrfection Skin Tint, P340, Shopee
Now the final touch: The velvety smooth texture! Dust a light veil of finely-milled powder in the right places. Celebrity makeup artist Mark Qua shared during MAC's Hyper Real launch that using a fan brush to apply powder foundation is enough to seal the deal. If you apply too much, it weighs the layers down and the base will just slide off your face.
We recommend this local powder foundation, the Issy & Co. True Flex Powder Foundation, because of its staying power and buildable coverage. Promise, it will never look cakey!
Issy & Co. True Flex Powder Foundation, P549, Shopee
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Links are updated regularly and as much as possible, but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.
READ MORE ABOUT LOOKING FRESH:
ICYMI, ‘Glazed Donut Skin’ Is The ~*Sweet*~ Beauty Trend You Need To Try
'Skinimalism' Is The Beauty Trend That Is Here To Stay
The Influencer Trend We Are Here For: Real. Effing. Skin.
These Powder Foundations Will Keep Your Face Looking Fresh And Matte All Day
