Decoding Pearl Skin – The Trend of Skin Makeup as Luminous as Pearls

Naturally radiant, plump, smooth, and glowing skin has been the focus of beauty enthusiasts for quite some time. Following the viral waves of “dolphin skin” and “glass skin,” 2024 brings us a new trend: pearl skin.

The Pearl Skin makeup trend is currently very popular among Western youth – the hashtag #pearlskin has garnered over 40 million views on TikTok, making every beauty enthusiast eager to experience it. This article will suggest makeup and skincare tips for you to achieve the most effective and radiant “pearl skin.”

What is Pearl Skin? True to its name, this trend is inspired by the gentle sparkle and radiance of pearls, as well as the hues of wine and shellfish.

Unlike glass skin, pearl skin doesn’t look overly “wet” – instead, it’s soft like silk, dreamy, and easy to blend with any style.

“Glass skin gives a glittery and shiny feeling and is translucent,” explains global makeup expert Melanie Baresse from By Terry. “But pearl skin has a softer shimmer and less gloss.”

Where to Apply Pearl Skin on the Face? “The application of pearl skin is similar to highlighting but with some minor adjustments,” says Melanie. “While you usually use highlighter along the upper part of the cheekbones, with pearl skin, the powder will be pressed onto the cheekbones and along the cheekbones, as well as along the forehead. Pearl skin looks less glossy but appears more sparkling.”

Guide to Makeup for “Pearl Skin” Beauty influencer Zoe Kim Kenealy shares the idea of bringing “daily radiance. People will wonder if you are wearing makeup or if this is your natural skin?”

“It’s a very natural makeup style, so the best foundation for you will be a CC cream. Normally, foundation looks best when just applied, but this makeup technique will help you maintain a smooth and shiny base all day long.”

You should use a little powder on the T-zone, avoiding areas where highlighter has been used. She believes that darker powder and blush create “natural radiance as if we weren’t trying to put on makeup.”

Cream-based products will help blend together for a more natural texture. Another secret place you can use foundation is on each eyebrow hair.

Beauty magician Gaps points out, “This makeup style requires a foundation in really good condition and adequately moisturized.” You can start with MAC’s Serumizer to maintain a fresh base.

Meanwhile, makeup and skincare influencer Jasmin Lily shares all the makeup products she used to achieve pearl skin – including Iconic London’s Radiance Booster and YSL Beauty’s Rosy Quartz Highlighter.

Cream and liquid highlighters like Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight and Vieve’s Nova Glow Liquid Light will also bring out the refined radiance of pearl skin, while powder highlighters like MAC’s Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle can create a subtle glow on your face.