The “skinification” of makeup has been an explosive trend following the pandemic. With more people working from home and embracing a “less is more” look, makeup preferences have shifted. We’re also investing more in our skin-care routines, and when our skin is bright and clear, we don’t need as much makeup. More of us are reaching for skin tints, skin enhancers and second-skin foundation and concealer rather than their heavier, full-coverage counterparts. Even the lightest-weight products can lend a little necessary skin tone–evening or a healthy glow. Here, experts weigh in on the second-skin makeup trend and we share our favorite product picks.
Featured Experts
- Jamie Greenberg, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of JamieMakeup
- Gloria Ryu, chief product officer for Haus Labs
- Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat skincare
- Rachel Johnson, a cosmetic chemist
The Second-Skin Makeup Trend
Gloria Ryu, chief product officer for Haus Labs, considers the skinification of makeup the new benchmark of high performance for complexion products. “Today it is possible to achieve full coverage without a heavy, occlusive feel, so why should we have to compromise?” she says. “The technology now exists to have breathable, lightweight makeup with buildable coverage that also considers the health of the skin.” It’s not an easy feat for R&D, but it is possible. “To create our award-winning Triclone Skin Tech Foundation and Concealer, we spent more than two years and 1,800 hours conducting 50-plus formula trials in our Korean lab,” Ryu adds.
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg is also a fan of the second-skin foundation trend. “I love using foundations and concealers that blend comfortably onto the face and melt into your skin,” she says. People care more these days about the way makeup affects their skin. “Social media has been great for teaching everyone about the importance of skin care, so now we’re seeing that pay off. Our faces are happy about this.”
Cosmetic chemist Rachel Johnson agrees, saying consumers are learning the benefits of layering their makeup on top of skin care. “People are gravitating toward makeup formulations that have skin-nurturing benefits. Better skin is definitely a reason to ‘wear less and go out more.’ However, heavy foundations, better known as ‘Full Glam’ looks, still have their place with pro makeup artists who serve the entertainment and fashion industries.”
Johnson also has insight on the color-matching processes for second-skin formulations. “They are done in a way that the undertones are a perfect match and the overtone complements or enhances the overall complexion,” she says. “This is another reason why these products feel like a second-skin. Imperfections appear to be buffed away while giving a smooth application that moves with your skin.”
What to Look For
“Look for foundations and concealers that say they offer sheer coverage,” says cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson. “That means there is less pigment, and they will provide a lighter feel on the skin. Another thing to look for is a serum-like texture. Serum-based makeup products are thinner formulas and will feel much lighter than heavier liquids.”
Johnson adds that “functional ingredients” are the superstars for this trend. “Some common ingredients that help formulations perform this way are silica, crosspolymers, copolymers and boron nitride. Additionally, lightweight and silky yet effective film formers and emollients with great skin affinity that provide a breathable finish. Trending ‘skin enhancers’ also fall into this second-skin category.”
How to Get the Look
Greenberg says the way you apply your products is important to achieving this look. “Always start with a little, and then slowly and carefully build.” You can also create a sheer finish using a heavier foundation you already have. (No need to waste product!) “Apply it using a wet Beautyblender,” says Greenberg. “This is a great way to make your existing products look like second skin.”
Our Favorite Second-Skin Makeup Products
