Embrace the Velvet Skin Trend: A Comprehensive Guide

For years, glass skin has been the gold standard in achieving that coveted high-gloss, radiant finish in beauty. Think of the iconic look: high-shine highlights, glistening cheekbones, and an overall ethereal glow. Recently, however, the beauty industry has shifted gears. Enter velvet skin—the soft-matte finish that is sweeping social media platforms like TikTok and making waves on red carpets. Leading celebrity makeup artist Lisa Chamberlain captures this sentiment perfectly: "As we’ve moved away from heavy filters on social media, there’s this desire to still have a filter-like finish, but without the filter." Velvet skin offers beauty enthusiasts a chance to look polished yet authentic.

Understanding Velvet Skin

So, what exactly is velvet skin? Imagine it as glass skin’s more refined version, favoring a diffused glow over the reflective shine. “I love to think of velvet skin as a timeless foundation look,” notes Chamberlain. It aims to even out skin tone while adding a touch of color and vitality to your complexion. This approach effectively blurs imperfections, minimizes the appearance of pores, and reduces fine lines—all while ensuring the skin retains its breathing, natural essence. The key characteristic? It looks impeccable in various lighting conditions, whether in natural daylight or under studio lights, making it a universally appealing option.

Velvet Skin vs. Glass Skin

Comparing velvet skin to glass skin reveals a transformative approach to makeup. According to Chamberlain, the velvet look is more wearable for the everyday woman. Glass skin might seem unattainable unless you have undergone extensive skincare treatments, but velvet skin is incredibly inclusive. It works across different ages, skin types, and textures, offering a refined finish that doesn’t come off as fake. The application process involves layering thin amounts of products strategically to even out skin tone and texture while maintaining a breathable finish. This technique eliminates the heavy, caked-on look often associated with traditional makeup applications.

How to Achieve Velvet Skin

To master the velvet skin trend, a well-prepped canvas is crucial. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle micellar water, followed by hydration using a lightweight, peptide-rich moisturizer such as the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer. It’s essential to choose a formulation that isn’t overly heavy. The goal is to create a clean, balanced base that feels hydrated yet not slippery. This balance will facilitate building light, seamless layers without causing excess shine.

Next, apply a pore-filling primer, especially around the T-zone. A product like the Benefit Porefessional Pore Minimizing Primer can be highly effective in achieving that soft-focus base.

The Right Foundation for Velvet Skin

When selecting a foundation, aim for a soft-matte, velvet-like finish, such as the NARS Natural Matte Longwear Foundation. Layering is key here; instead of applying one heavy layer, start with thin, buildable ones. Focus on the center of your face where coverage is usually most needed, then blend outward using a brush or damp sponge. The emphasis should be on smoothing rather than masking, thus achieving an even tone while keeping the finish subtle and breathable.

Setting Your Velvet Look

Setting your base correctly is essential to transition from just-looking-good to embodying the velvet effect. Begin by sealing your cream products with a setting spray like the Hourglass Veil Soft Focus Setting Spray. Once that’s done, it’s time to set your foundation with powder carefully. Apply a light veil of the Hourglass Veil Setting Powder to softly set your complexion without sacrificing dimension.

Finally, to lock everything in place, utilize the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Pressed Powder with a velvet triangle puff for extra smoothness and longevity.

Conclusion

Embracing the velvet skin trend allows for a polished yet natural look that suits various skin types and tones, making it accessible for everyone. By following a strategic application process—from proper skin prep to thoughtful product selection—you can achieve this sought-after finish that offers the perfect balance between looking effortlessly radiant and beautifully authentic. With products like Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer, Benefit Porefessional Primer, and NARS Natural Matte Foundation in your beauty arsenal, you’re well-equipped to recreate this gorgeous look that captures the essence of radiant skin.

Explore these trends and products to elevate your makeup game and enjoy the beauty of ‘real’ skin in all its glory.