2018 and the start of 2019 saw the rise of glass skin and yoga skin as they made their way into the top beauty trends. This summer however, it's set to all be about velvet skin. Yes, you read that correctly.
Velvet skin has been gaining popularity in part due to its ability to make the complexion appear flawless, poreless and downright perfect. The other reason is because unlike glass and yoga skin, this trend is perfect for the warmer months as it mattifies the complexion and reduces shine. Perfect for the upcoming summer months.
How do I get velvet skin? It's simple. As with all makeup trends, the secret lies in your skincare routine.
4 steps to velvet skin
- Start with your skincare routine
- Pick the perfect base
- Conceal, conceal, conceal
- Ready, set, finish
Start with your skincare routine
The key to creating a velvety, matte finish lies in the order of product application.
Start with a hydrating face mask as this will help infuse your skin with moisture without making it greasy. We love the Origins x Madeleine Shaw Glow-Co-Nuts Face Mask, which is packed with nourishing actives that add radiance and plump-up the complexion.
The next step is a purifying toner that sweeps away excess oil and reduces sebum production. One of the best ones is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion. It's 100% hypoallergenic, so suitable for all skin types and won't irritate or cause redness.
Finish your routine with a mattifying cream that doesn't zap moisture from the skin. It doesn't get any better than Su-Man's Velvet Skin Moisturising Cream, which has been specially formulated to suit all skin types and give that gorgeous flawless finish to your complexion.
Pick the perfect base
It's so easy to pile on foundation in the quest for flawless skin, but the result couldn't be further from the truth. Adding layers of foundation will only cause pilling and by lunchtime, your base will look less than perfected. Instead, apply a lightweight layer all over and then use a little extra where you need it the most.
But first, start with primer. DHC's Velvet Skin Coat is our favourite primers to help achieve velvet skin. The transparent gel sits on the skin as a shield of armour; not only keeping makeup in place, but minimising the appearance of imperfections and redness.
Follow with Chantecaille's Future Skin Oil-Free Foundation for the perfect base. The ultra-lightweight formula can be built-up on certain areas without going cakey and with the 60% water formulation, it hydrates without looking shiny.
Conceal, conceal, conceal
If you have any major imperfections or blemishes, you can use a concealer to go in and cover. This way, you don't end up applying too much foundation.
Use a concealer that's 1 or 2 shades lighter than your foundation as it will help highlight certain areas without the need for high shimmer or glitter products.
We love the bareMinerals bareSkin Liquid Concealer, which delivers amazing full coverage that doesn't budge all-day. The hydrating formula works to infuse your skin with moisture and the liquid texture dries-down instantly to leave a flawless, matte finish behind.
Ready, set, finish
To achieve the perfect velvet skin finish, make sure you are using a translucent powder to set your makeup and keep it looking flawless all-day long.
The key to achieving a non-cakey look is in the application; instead of using a brush, use a dampened sponge to press and roll the powder into the skin.
One of our favourite face powders is the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, which helps to moisturise without looking shiny. Plus, it literally melts into the skin upon application, leaving no white-powder trace behind.
