Photo via @yasminist
A decade ago, beauty was all about high-coverage, matte complexions with an airbrushed finish. Now, the pendulum has swung toward dewy, light-reflecting skin. But as we move toward fall, matte makeup is making its way back – but with a softer point of view. Meet cloud skin. This updated take on matte makeup swaps heavy coverage and layers of powder for a velvety, diffused finish. The complexion looks softly blurred rather than flat and injects just enough radiance to keep the skin looking alive. Think less full-beat matte and more softly filtered skin. Ahead, we’re breaking down exactly how to recreate the cloud skin look for fall.
Prep
Cloud skin is essentially an ode to the fluffy, muted texture of a cumulus cloud illuminated by golden hour. The goal is an overall matte complexion with a hint of radiance, so the skin never veers into cakey or flat territory. And like any complexion-focused look, it starts with proper skin prep. Hydration is key, especially since matte formulas have a tendency to emphasize uneven texture. If your skin runs oily, reach for a lightweight gel moisturizer to create a slightly grippy base without adding excess shine. If you’re on the drier side, opt for a richer cream to thoroughly hydrate and cushion the skin. Allow your skincare to fully absorb before applying a smoothing primer to create an even canvas for the makeup to come.
Cloud Skin
Once your skin is primed, reach for a foundation with a matte finish but resist the urge to pile it on. Dispense a pump onto the back of your hand, then use a makeup spatula or dense brush to apply the product in thin, even layers. The goal is to build coverage exactly where you need it while keeping the overall complexion lightweight. Next, tap a sheer, blendable concealer over any areas that need additional coverage, such as dark circles or redness. Follow with your usual bronzer and blush, keeping the application soft and diffused rather than overly sculpted. Finally, lightly dust a matte pressed powder over the T-zone to take down excess shine and lock in the cloud skin finish.
As we transition from glossy summer complexions into moodier fall beauty, cloud skin feels like the perfect middle ground: matte, but never flat; polished, but never heavy.
