| Beauty
✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
Ugh, finally someone said it: the glowy skin of 2020 is gone, and we’re all about the airbrushed look now. No more neon highlighters or 10-layer foundation — this is the new holy grail: skin that look…
Ugh, finally someone said it: the glowy skin of 2020 is gone, and we’re all about the airbrushed look now. No more neon highlighters or 10-layer foundation — this is the new holy grail: skin that looks like it’s been professionally edited, but still feels real. It’s smooth, lit, and somehow not grossly shiny. Think of it as your skin’s ultimate flex, but with zero effort.
So what’s the deal? “Airbrushed skin” is basically your face’s Instagram filter, but for real. It’s that glowy, even texture without the 2020s’ over-the-top “glass skin” vibe. “It’s like your skin’s highest self — plump, lit, and totally flawless,” says Desireé Delia, a makeup artist who’s basically a skincare guru. The key? No heavy-handed makeup. Just a base that’s so smooth, it feels like you’re wearing your skin, but better.
To get there? Start with skincare. “Makeup can’t fake hydrated skin if your base is trash,” Delia says. So exfoliate weekly (no, really — don’t do it every day), hydrate like your life depends on it (hello, Bobbi Brown Face Base), and slap on SPF. Pro tip: Micellar water is your BFF here. Then, primers are non-negotiable. “It’s like cement between bricks — it fills in the gaps,” says Tayaba Jafri. Go for color-correcting ones, like Stila’s One-Step Correcting Primer, to blend everything seamlessly.
Now, the foundation. “Lightweight, buildable formulas are your vibe,” says Beautyblender founder Rea Ann Silva. Liquid foundations, serum foundations — whatever makes your skin look like your skin but with zero texture. Armani’s Luminous Silk is a flex, but Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Foundation is basically a cult classic. And don’t forget: buff, don’t slap. Use a damp sponge or a buffing brush, layering in thin coats. Overdoing it? No way.
💫 Set strategically — focus on areas that need it, not your whole face.
Concealer? Keep it low-key. “Sheer it on the brush, wipe excess, and press into skin,” says Jafri. And powders? Set strategically — focus on areas that need it, not your whole face. Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder is your go-to for that soft-focus, blur-effect.
KEY POINTS: Skincare is the foundation (pun intended) — hydrate, exfoliate, and SPF. Primer is your secret weapon for seamless, smooth coverage. Use lightweight, buildable foundations and buff, don’t slap, for that airbrushed finish.
So, are you ready to upgrade your skin game and finally achieve that flawless, airbrushed glow? Let’s chat in the comments!
❓ People Also Ask
How long does airbrushed skin last?
Airbrushed skin lasts 3–5 days. Touch-ups may be needed for longer wear. Results fade naturally as the skin renews.
Is airbrushed skin safe?
Airbrushed skin is generally safe when done by a professional. It uses gentle pigments and minimal pressure. Always choose a licensed esthetician for best results.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇