CLOUD SKIN MAKEUP TREND

Step into the world of cloud skin makeup, a soft matte makeup trend. Forget the harsh lines and heavy contours of the past; cloud skin is all about achieving a soft-focus, ethereal glow that mimics the dreamy, diffused look of clouds. This matte makeup trend focuses on creating a radiant, filter-like complexion that looks effortlessly beautiful and fresh, not cakey or dry. The cloud makeup technique blurs imperfections and enhances your natural radiance, making your skin look like it's lit from within. Maybelline New York will help you score this dreamy look in just a few easy steps.

There will always be a place for dewy, glowy skin (hi, glass skin, we love you!). But the latest trend on social media is a new take on matte skin and it’s as dreamy as its name suggests: cloud skin. When you think of clouds, what comes to mind? Soft, pillowy, airy? That’s spot on for the soft focus effect that you get when you apply powder in a certain way. The goal is not to rid your skin of any glow or dimension with cloud makeup, but instead to strategically place powder so that you’re left with a lit-from-within glow. In fact, it’s a trick that makeup artists have been using on red carpets for years to keep shiny complexions at bay. 

Ready to trade in your sharp lines for a softer, more romantic aesthetic? Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the coveted cloud skin makeup look.

STEP 1: PREP YOUR SKIN

Like any great makeup look, the key to cloud skin starts with a well-prepped base. In order to achieve this glowy, yet matte look, begin by cleansing and moisturizing your skin. Hydration is key to achieving that dewy, cloud-like finish. You’ll want to ensure your skin is plump and hydrated before applying any makeup.

STEP 2: PRIME FOR PERFECTION

Next, apply a hydrating primer to create a smooth canvas for your makeup. Use a primer like Grippy Serum™ Up To 24HR Hydrating Grip Primer to hydrate, smooth, and plump. For even more hydrating power, try Poreless Jelly™ Up To 24HR Hydrating Blur Primer. This will help to blur any imperfections and create a soft-focus effect. A good primer will not only help your makeup last longer but also contribute to the overall hazy, soft-glow makeup look.

STEP 3: LAY YOUR BASE

Choose a lightweight, radiant skin tint or matte foundation for your base such as Super Stay® Lumi-Matte Foundation. The goal is to even out your skin tone without completely masking your natural complexion. Apply a thin layer and blend well, focusing on the center of your face and blending outwards. For an all-in-one product, apply Instant Age Rewind Perfector® 4-in-1 Glow Makeup® with a brush for a smooth finish. It’s dry-skin friendly and will leave skin looking radiant.

STEP 4: LIGHTLY CONCEAL

Use a creamy concealer to target any areas that need extra coverage, such as blemishes or dark circles. Apply sparingly and blend seamlessly into your foundation for a natural look. If you want to add some highlight sans shimmer, go in with a concealer that’s lighter than your foundation shade and target the high points of your face. Super Stay® Longwear Liquid Concealer offers a handy doe foot wand for targeted application.

STEP 5: SET WITH POWDER

Here's where the "cloud" effect really comes into play. This is the step that makes or breaks this look. Instead of heavy powdering, use a light, translucent powder to set only the areas that tend to get oily, such as the T-zone. Apply Super Stay® Up To 24Hr Hybrid Powder-Foundation or Lasting Fix® Banana Powder Loose Setting Powder with a damp sponge. 

PRO TIP: It helps to concentrate on areas that need the most coverage first (when you have the most powder on the sponge) so that you’re not completely mattifying your entire complexion. This will help to diffuse light and create a soft-focus finish while maintaining an overall semi-matte complexion.

STEP 6: DIAL UP DIMENSION

For the cloud skin look, subtle sculpting is key. Warm up your skin a little and build your contour with the City Bronzer® Bronzer & Contour Powder to softly define your cheekbones, temples, and jawline. Blend well for a natural, diffused effect. For a more blushy bronze, you can use Sunkisser Multi-Use Liquid Blush and Bronzer on cheekbones.

STEP 7: BRING ON THE BLUSH

Healthy-looking skin calls for a flush of the cheeks. Fit Me® Blush or Sunkisser Hazy Mattes on the apples of your cheeks and up the cheekbones will do just that while sculpting the face, too. Choose a shade that complements your natural skin tone, such as a soft pink or peach. Apply to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples for a youthful, radiant flush.

STEP 8: HIGHLIGHT SUBTLY

A highlighter is essential for achieving that ethereal glow, but the key is to apply it strategically and to focus on a natural finish rather than a glittery glow. Use highlighter on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. Blend well for a seamless, lit-from-within glow. This soft-focus makeup trend is all about subtlety.

STEP 9: MAKE YOUR CLOUD SKIN LOOK LAST

To ensure your cloud skin makeup lasts all day, finish with a hydrating matte setting spray. This will help to meld all the layers of makeup together and create a seamless, radiant finish. A few spritzes of FaceStudio® Lasting Fix Makeup Setting Spray will lock in the look for all day wear. Cloud skin makeup is a great choice for everyday wear that appears effortless and natural.

• Focus on Skin Care: The easiest way to have cloud-soft features is to focus on maintaining healthy, hydrating skin with gentle cleansers and moisturizers. Stay hydrated and always wear sunscreen when you’re going to be outside for prolonged periods of time to protect your skin.
• Embrace Your Natural Radiance: Don't be afraid to let your natural radiance shine through. The cloud skin look is all about embracing a matte, hydrated complexion.
• Blend, Blend, Blend: Seamless blending is key to achieving the soft-focus makeup effect. Take your time and ensure all the layers of makeup are blended together seamlessly.
• Less is More: Avoid heavy application of any one product. The cloud skin look is all about enhancing your natural beauty, not masking it.