Techniques and Tips for Achieving the "Cloud Skin" Makeup Trend

The blurring makeup trend, also known as "cloud skin," has its roots in K-beauty from the 2010s. This trend focuses on a soft, diffused finish that enhances the skin's natural appearance rather than concealing it. The goal is to create a light-diffusing effect that minimizes the appearance of pores and reduces oiliness, extending the wear of makeup. Initially, blurring makeup primarily involved base makeup products like primers, foundations, and powders.

Today, the blurring technique has expanded to encompass all aspects of a beauty look, including lips, cheeks, and eyes. The trend has gained global popularity, with makeup brands worldwide embracing it.

The blurring makeup trend emphasizes a softer blending of colors, avoiding harsh lines. The focus is on smoothing the skin's surface, minimizing pores, and creating a soft, cotton-like finish. Products often contain ingredients like silicone to diffuse light, which helps reduce the appearance of imperfections such as enlarged pores, fine lines, and skin roughness. These ingredients also absorb excess oil, preventing unwanted shine.

While blurring makeup shares similarities with airbrushed skin, there are key differences. Airbrushed makeup can appear heavy and sit on the skin's surface, whereas blurring makeup aims to create the illusion that the makeup is integrated with the skin.

To achieve this soft-focus look, proper skincare preparation is essential. Hydrating the skin with moisturizer before applying makeup is crucial for a natural base. This reduces the need for excessive makeup and helps it adhere better, extending its wear.

When applying primer, use circular motions with your fingertips to create a smooth canvas for foundation and powder. For foundation application, use a brush for even coverage, followed by a beauty blender to achieve the desired soft, diffused finish.

For other makeup applications, tapping is preferred over spreading. Use a small finger puff to gently tap makeup into the skin. For concealer, use a fine-tip brush to lightly dot it onto the desired areas and then pat it in to prevent a cakey appearance. Finish with a light layer of loose powder to achieve the soft-focus effect.

For lips, line them with your favorite lip liner and then gently buff over the natural lip line with your ring finger. This technique creates a blurred effect, making the lips appear fuller.

Blurring makeup products often contain silicone. If you are using products with silicone, apply less product to avoid pilling. If pilling occurs, gently pat the makeup down instead of brushing it out.