What is Cloud Makeup -

In the dynamic realm of beauty, trends continually evolve, offering fresh takes on classic aesthetics. One such trend captivating makeup enthusiasts is “cloud makeup,” characterized by soft-focus skin and blurred lips. This style harmoniously blends matte and dewy finishes to create a dreamy, ethereal appearance. This article delves into the nuances of the cloud makeup trend, providing insights and techniques to help you learn what is cloud makeup?

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Understanding Cloud Makeup

Cloud makeup centers on achieving a soft, diffused complexion that balances matte and luminous elements. Unlike the high-shine “glass skin” trend, cloud makeup offers a more subdued radiance, reminiscent of sunlight filtering through clouds. The result is a hazy, lit-from-within glow that exudes subtle sophistication.

Cloud makeup involves utilizing specific techniques to create a soft focus finish on your skin, eye makeup, and lips. It avoids harsh lines, including those you get from using tape to create flawless eyeshadow lines. Instead, you’ll want to blur everything.

There are several techniques used to get the look. It can involve cheek tint for a more natural-looking flush. Blurred lips and cloud skin go together like peanut butter and jelly. Setting powders that advertise a filter-like finish are your best friend for this look.

Achieving the Cloud Skin Effect

The foundation of cloud makeup is the “cloud skin” effect—a complexion that appears soft, smooth, and slightly matte with a hint of inner luminosity. To attain this look, follow these steps:

Skincare Preparation: Begin with a well-hydrated base. Apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to ensure a smooth canvas. This step is crucial, as hydrated skin helps achieve the desired soft-focus finish.
Primer Application: Use a blurring primer to minimize pores and fine lines. This creates an even surface for foundation application and contributes to the diffused effect characteristic of cloud skin.
Foundation Selection: Opt for a foundation that offers a natural satin or velvet finish. Applying it with a damp makeup sponge ensures a seamless blend, enhancing the soft-focus appearance. Celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray suggests that cloud skin is about a “light veil of loose powder, used as a way to lightly set makeup and blur texture.”
Setting the Base: Lightly dust a translucent setting powder over the T-zone to control shine while maintaining the skin’s natural radiance. This step helps in achieving the delicate balance between matte and dewy finishes.
Subtle Highlighting: Apply a soft, non-shimmery highlighter to the high points of the face, such as the cheekbones and bridge of the nose. This adds a gentle glow without overpowering the matte elements.

Incorporating Blurred Lips

The blurred lip effect is a defining feature of the cloud makeup trend. This technique complements soft-focus skin by creating lips that appear diffused and slightly smudged, offering a more relaxed and approachable look.

Steps to Achieve Blurred Lips:

Lip Preparation: Exfoliate the lips to remove dry skin and apply a hydrating lip balm. Well-prepped lips ensure smooth application and longevity of the lip product.
Lip Color Application: Choose a lipstick or lip tint in your desired shade. Instead of applying it directly and precisely, dab the product onto the center of your lips. This method deposits color without creating harsh lines.
Blurring the Edges: Using your fingertip or a small, fluffy brush, gently diffuse the lip color outward towards the edges of your lips. The goal is to soften the boundaries, achieving a hazy, cloud-like effect.
Setting the Look: To enhance the longevity of the blurred effect, lightly tap a translucent powder over the lips. This not only sets the color but also maintains the soft-focus finish.

Complementary Eye Makeup

While cloud makeup focuses on the skin and lips, the eyes can be subtly enhanced to tie the look together. Opt for neutral, matte eyeshadows in soft browns or taupes to add depth without drawing attention away from the overall ethereal aesthetic. A light mascara application can define the lashes, completing the understated elegance of the cloud makeup trend.