The ‘cloud skin’ trend offers a dreamy, soft-focus complexion that mimics a hazy, sunlit sky, moving beyond traditional dewy or matte looks. Coined by MAC’s Dominic Skinner, this technique balances hydration and strategic powder application, making it universally achievable for all ages, including mature skin, as advised by celebrity esthetician Mimi Luzon.
In the ever-evolving world of beauty, new trends emerge constantly, captivating enthusiasts with their unique approaches to complexion perfection. From the high-shine effect of ‘glass skin’ to the intensely hydrated ‘dolphin skin,’ each fad leaves its mark. The latest sensation to sweep across social media and beauty communities is ‘cloud skin,’ a captivating trend designed to give you a dreamy, soft-focus appearance reminiscent of a cloudy sky with sunlight peeking through.
Unlike its predecessors, cloud skin prioritizes a velvety, semi-matte finish that still radiates natural glow, without appearing overly shiny or dry. This alluring balance has made it a favorite among makeup artists and celebrities alike, and its principles are perfectly adaptable for anyone seeking a refined, ethereal look, regardless of age.
What Exactly is Cloud Skin?
Cloud skin is all about achieving a complexion that looks healthy, hydrated, and serene with a soft matte finish. It eschews the heavy shine often associated with traditional dewy looks, focusing instead on an understated elegance. Celebrity esthetician Mimi Luzon describes cloud skin as part of a “new era of glow,” where skin is “soft, diffused and effortlessly refined.” The goal is a velvety, matte texture that feels light and breathable, allowing your natural radiance to shine through without appearing “overdone.”
The term “cloud skin” itself was coined by Dominic Skinner, the director of makeup artistry at MAC Cosmetics and a judge on the Netflix series “Glow Up.” Skinner noted that while past trends often centered on skincare, cloud skin brings makeup to center stage, complemented by a touch of strategic skincare, as highlighted by Glamour.
Can Mature Skin Embrace the Cloud Skin Trend?
Absolutely. Mimi Luzon confirms that mature skin can achieve the cloud skin look with the right approach. She advises that for mature skin, an intense glow can sometimes appear overly shiny, especially during periods like menopause when oil balance might be unpredictable. The key, according to Luzon, is to use lightweight, breathable formulas that hydrate and illuminate without any heaviness, ensuring a timeless, cloud-like glow.
The Steps to Cloud Skin Perfection
Achieving this coveted look involves a thoughtful blend of skincare preparation and strategic makeup application. Here’s a comprehensive guide, incorporating insights from experts like Dominic Skinner, Jamie Greenberg, and Mimi Luzon:
Step 1: Prep & Cleanse for a Smooth Canvas
The foundation of any flawless makeup look is well-prepped skin. Begin with a thorough cleansing to remove impurities and create a fresh base. Luzon suggests micellar water for a gentle yet effective cleanse that purifies while maintaining a balanced, velvety-matte glow. Following cleansing, ensure your skin is plump and hydrated before any makeup application.
Step 2: Hydrate and Nourish with Lightweight Layers
Hydration is crucial for the ethereal glow of cloud skin. Opt for products that provide intense moisture without feeling heavy. Luzon recommends applying skincare products in thin layers: start with a mist, essence or toner, then a serum, and finally a cream. “Think of it as building light layer by layer until the skin appears softly lit from within,” she advises. For extra dry skin, she suggests adding a layer of hyaluronic cream.
Look for star ingredients that protect the skin’s natural barrier and melt seamlessly into the skin, such as:
- Rose and lotus extracts for natural glow.
- Niacinamide to refine and strengthen the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid for plumpness and deep hydration.
- Antioxidants like vitamins C and E for a radiant, protected finish.
Step 3: Illuminate Strategically
The soft-focus radiance is at the heart of the cloud skin effect. Incorporate an illuminator that provides a subtle glow rather than an overt shimmer. Luzon suggests products with a gel-to-velvet texture infused with natural extracts for a sensory experience and luminous finish. The aim is to create light from within, not a glittery external shine.
Step 4: Protect and Prime Your Skin
Before moving to foundation, apply a primer and SPF. You can use a product that combines both for efficiency, or layer them. A hydrating primer creates a smooth canvas, blurs imperfections, and contributes to the overall hazy, soft-glow makeup look. This step also ensures your makeup lasts longer.
Dominic Skinner demonstrates his approach in his viral video:
Step 5: Lay Your Base with a Luminous Foundation
For your base, choose a lightweight foundation with a luminous finish or a tinted moisturizer. 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 to create a natural, seamless look. Dominic Skinner specifically recommends a “velvet soft, matte foundation” for this step.
Step 6: Strategic Powder Application
This is where the “cloud” effect truly comes into play. Instead of heavy powdering, apply a light, translucent powder strategically to create a hazy, blurred appearance. Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg advises dabbing powder in the hollows of your cheeks, upper forehead, and a little on your nose and chin. This technique removes wetness, blurs areas, and creates dimension with different textures on your face, according to an interview with Glamour. Greenberg also suggests adding concealer on top of the powder with a beauty blender, then adding another layer of powder for that “fluffy,” soft look.
Step 7: Dial Up Dimension with Blush and Bronzer
For cloud skin, subtle sculpting is key. Use a cream blush and bronzer to softly define your cheekbones, temples, and jawline. Blend them well for a natural, diffused effect. Choose shades that complement your natural skin tone for a healthy-looking flush on the apples of your cheeks.
Step 8: Subtle Highlighter for an Ethereal Touch
While the dewy base and layered powder will naturally highlight some parts of your face, a highlighter can be used for a more ethereal glow. The key here is to use a shimmer-free highlighter. Apply it sparingly on the high points of your face: cheekbones, cupid’s bow, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. Blend, blend, blend to ensure a seamless, lit-from-within glow that is natural and not glittery.
Pro Tips for Enduring Cloud Skin
- Focus on Skincare: The easiest way to achieve cloud-soft features is by maintaining healthy, hydrated skin through consistent cleansing and moisturizing.
- Embrace Natural Radiance: The cloud skin look enhances your natural beauty, rather than masking it. Let your skin’s natural luminosity shine through.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: Seamless blending is paramount for the soft-focus effect. Take your time to ensure all layers melt together effortlessly.
- Less is More: Avoid heavy application of any single product. The essence of cloud skin is a light, airy touch.
- Set Your Look: Finish with a hydrating matte setting spray to meld all layers and lock in your ethereal look for all-day wear.
The cloud skin trend offers a beautiful, universally flattering approach to makeup that celebrates natural radiance with a soft, diffused finish. With these expert tips, anyone can achieve this dreamy, filter-like complexion at any age, embodying a sophisticated yet effortless glow.
