Charlotte Tilbury brand pop-up at Sephora, Chinook mall location in Calgary, Alberta. (Sukh Dhillon, CMRU.ca)
Beauty on Cloud Nine
Beauty trends change every couple of years; recently, cloud skin has been the latest trend in the beauty community. A cloud skin trend can be described as a mix of dewy skin with
velvety, matte skin resulting in an airbrushed finish. The final look will have a subtle, cloudy, and blurry tint to it. This is perfect for somebody who struggles with extremely oily skin or doesn’t like the look of a wet, glassy makeup look.
Step 1: Skin Prep
Skin prep plays a vital role in any makeup routine. A well-hydrated skin can help make the application process easier and increase the longevity of the look. A basic skin prep involves cleansing, toning, moisturizing and SPF. Cleansing eliminates any impurities and dirt from the face. Toning is excellent for regulating pH levels, tightening and unclogging pores, and removing excess oil from the skin. Moisturizing hydrates the skin and aids in protecting the skin’s barrier from irritants. Sun protection should be the last step in the routine as it locks all of the products in and helps protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays (responsible for sunburns and other skin diseases). The types of products for these steps vary depending on skin type. It is recommended to go in with a primer before applying makeup as it alleviates pores, and uneven skin texture, as well as smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 2: Picking a base
While picking a base it is important to look at products that give a matte, natural, or satin finish. If the goal is a lightweight natural coverage, opt for a concealer like Make Up For Ever’s matte velvet skin 24-hour coverage concealer. If the goal is a full face, add a foundation to that routine such as the Charlotte Tilbury airbrush foundation.
Step 3: Adding back the glow
In order to achieve cloud skin, adding a hint of glow to the face is important. Use a liquid or cream-based highlighter for that ethereal glow and apply accordingly. The key is to go softly and blend well to create a natural radiant finish.
Step 4: Set, Blur, and Finish
Here comes the fun part, setting the face! Use a small amount of translucent powder to set the makeup shortly after applying foundation/concealer, paying particular attention to the T-zone and other areas that are prone to shine. To maintain a subtle and natural finish, lightly dust it off. Lastly, go in with a setting spray that will help to fuse the makeup for a long time.
The soft, pillowy appearance of cloud skin can be immediately achieved with these easy techniques and tactics. It all comes down to striking the right balance between matte and glow that accentuates the inherent beauty and gives oneself a complexion that looks flawless as if they just walked off a cloud!
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