The Secret to TikTok's Angel Skin Trend Is This $20 Foundation
Every time I see a new makeup trend on TikTok, I can't help but halt my endless scrolling. Sure, Hailey Bieber's latte makeup might have broken the internet, but I recently discovered an easy technique that gives you the most ethereal (yet natural) glow. I've always wanted to achieve that airbrushed, dewy, and radiant look without getting my makeup done professionally or spending hours doing it myself, and this trend might be the way to do that.
What TikTok users have deemed "angel skin" is an otherworldly radiance that looks airbrushed yet natural. The best part? The routine to get said angel skin isn't overly complicated and doesn't require a lot of steps. However, according to one TikTok user, it does require a $20 foundation from Sephora. It polishes the glow, gives it that professional finish, and pairs well with a concealer, foundation, or skin tint. If this look is your vibe, then definitely keep scrolling. I'm sharing the product you can't skip when trying this look, along with advice from a celebrity makeup artist on how to execute it.
According to TikTok user Karissa Wampler, this powder foundation is the key ingredient in the angel skin recipe. Although it's technically labeled a foundation, Wampler uses it as a finisher on top of foundation and concealer because it creates that airbrushed angelic look. It has a super subtle shimmer and creates a natural radiance on the skin. As a bonus, it can be used as a powder, contour, or bronzer.
Start With Skin Prep
Although a look like this is all about the makeup, you'll be able to achieve this kind of glow without makeup by making sure your skincare routine has a few key things. To get the best advice, I asked nurse practitioner and CEO/founder of Skin Pharm Maegan Griffin. Skin Pharm is a fave of celebs like Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Hill, and more. "Getting that natural glow really comes down to maintaining a healthy skin barrier, so there are a few key things you should focus on in your skin care routine—hydration, exfoliation, and protection," Griffin shares. "For glowing skin, make sure you incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum, either a chemical or physical exfoliant (like a toner or a scrub, respectively), and a vitamin C serum (along with your SPF!). These products can help balance the skin’s moisture levels, stimulate skin cell turnover and protect against environmental stressors—all factors that contribute to bright, glowing skin."
"Skin Pharm’s Glow Factor vitamin C serum is my holy grail! I recommend applying it before your daily SPF—the protective properties of vitamin C and SPF together are unmatched, and it leaves the skin dewy and glowing." — Griffin
"Youth Serum offers the perfect amount of hydration to keep skin plump and moisturized." — Griffin
"When it comes to managing breakouts, I swear by our Crystal Clear clarifying pads. These gently exfoliate and cleanse pores to leave the skin brighter, clearer and smoother." — Griffin
A Makeup Artist's Tips for Creating Angel Skin
Although TikTok users offer some seriously great advice on this trend, I tapped celebrity makeup artist Elizabeth Seropian for a few tips on creating the most luminous look. For starters, Seropian recommends opting for a primer with a radiant finish to create that ethereal base. "I would opt for a radiant and luminous complexion by using a hydrating primer and a lightweight foundation or even a tinted moisturizer," she says. The key, Seropian says, is hydration. You want a dewy, natural glow for this look. "Use a dewy or glow-enhancing foundation or tinted moisturizer for a radiant complexion. You can also add a drop of liquid highlighter to your foundation to give you that glow as well. Apply a liquid or cream highlighter on the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid's bow. Layer a powder highlighter over the cream highlighter for an intense glow."
On the eyes, Seropian says you'll want to stick to soft pastel shades. "[Think] soft pale pinks and light purples, and define your eyes with a soft eyeliner. But remember, less is more with this look. Enhance your lashes with a lengthening mascara, and add a rosy pink flush to your cheeks using a gentle blush. Opt for eyeshadows with shimmer or metallic finishes to enhance the luminosity of your eyes."
The Best Products for Angel Skin
This hydrating primer from Armani adds a soft, subtle shimmer to the skin, making it the perfect base for this kind of makeup. It's also noncomedogenic, so it's pretty safe for acne-prone skin.
This creamy, lightweight concealer contains brightening vitamin C and creates an airbrushed finish on the skin. It's a favorite of TikTok users for creating that flawless ethereal glow.
Nars blushes are pretty pigmented, so you only need a light touch with this one, but Wampler used this one for her look. It adds a beautiful flush to the skin that looks gorgeous in natural light.
A bronzing or contour stick is also ideal for this look to add extra warmth and luminosity.
Wampler set her look with this classic Charlotte Tilbury setting spray. It's oil-free but extremely hydrating with Japanese green tea.
Seropian says she loves this Nars concelear as it helps her create the perfect canvas for any makeup look.
Seropian recommends this highlighter with ultra-fine multidimensional pearls that reflect and refract light from every angle.
Fenty Beauty's Diamond Bomb is another favorite of Seropian's because it has a 3D formula with a unique jelly-powder texture that melts into the skin for a radiant sheen.
If you don't want to use a foundation for this look, Seropian recommends trying this best-selling tinted moisturizer from Laura Mercier. It's infused with hydrating skincare ingredients like macadamia, kukui seed oil, tamarind seed extract, and silica to help create a soft and naturally dewy finish.
Packed with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E, this It Cosmetics offering is a foundation and CC cream in one that Seropian loves. It's another product that pairs perfectly with a radiant base, highlight, and a rosy blush.
Seropian loves the soft pastel shades and shimmers in this palette.
To complete the look, Seropian recommends applying a glossy or shimmery lip gloss.
Top your makeup with this dewy setting spray from Anastasia Beverly Hills for a radiant finish. It adds a nice glow to the skin but doesn't contain any glitter or shimmer.
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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