Meet: Pearl skin. The new take on a lush, dewy and radiant complexion might seem familiar. Which is why you won’t need to feel too worried about trying to keep up – likelihood is, you’re already embracing some of the elements of the trend in some form.
‘Pearl’ or ‘pearlescent skin’ refers to recreating a pearl’s lustre and sheen on skin. The look is mostly created using lush, hydrating skincare and skin-boosting products that have a gentle sheen and iridescence, rather than anything too shimmery or with obvious glitter. Unlike ‘Glass skin’, it’s less reflective and wet-look, more soft-focus and flattering.
The effect in real life, and in photos, is that you’ve been blessed with healthy, glowing skin.
Of course this new name and approach is all over TikTok, with the hashtag #pearlskin racking up thousands of posts.
L-R: Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tint; MAC Strobe Cream; Revlon Skinlights Face Glow Illuminator; Gisou Honey-Infused lip Oil
How to create Pearl Skin
To create the lit-from-within glow, it’s all about a well-rounded skincare routine, and then the all-over application of a luminising product.
First, apply a dewy base, using a serum loaded with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Then, apply a medium-coverage skin tint to even your skin tone.
Apply concealer where needed and then apply a liquid luminising product with light-reflecting particles. These aren’t new – think MAC’s Strobe Cream, Benefit’s High Beam, or Revlon Skinlights – though there are some worthy new contenders.
Apply over the high planes of the cheeks like you would have a highlighter, but also blend onto the forehead, nose and chin. The luminiser can also be applied by mixing into your foundation or skin tint.
We love Westman Atelier’s Liquid Super Loaded Tint, a runny, pearl-like product that comes in three shades and contains skin-boosting Vitamin C, antioxidants, and nourishing oils. It gives a desirable glimmer to the face and you can use a tiny amount tapped onto skin with your fingers, or blended all over for a healthy glow.
Afterwards, complete the rest of your look with a touch of subtle glimmering colour in a similar pearlescent finish over eyes and cheeks.
Finish the look with a smoothing, gleaming lip balm or lip oil.
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