As Australian summer starts to roll around, one beauty trend that looks set to stay is understated skin.
This trend is all about embracing the ‘fresh-face’ aesthetic and letting your skin thrive (particularly in the heat and humidity).
However, don’t mistake it for completely ditching coverage. The essence of understated skin lies in the strategic use of the right products to achieve a glowy, luminous look.
Skin Tints: The ‘Understated Skin’ Staple
Enter skin tints, the cornerstone of the ‘understated skin’ movement — with almost 800 million TikTok searches, they are a trend in itself.
Positioned between BB/CC creams and full-coverage foundations, Skin Tints offer a lighter coverage and provide a veil of colour and sheen to your complexion. They are often formulated with skin-loving ingredients like squalane, glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Skin tints provide a happy medium for those who want to enhance their natural skin while enjoying some coverage and luminosity.
Maybe contradictory to ‘minimalist makeup’, there are plenty of products beyond your base that can enhance the understated skin look.
How to Do the Understated Skin Look
Achieving the understated skin look requires the right products and a thoughtful approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. All About Prep
Consider using a hydrating or illuminating primer to create a smooth canvas.
However, if you prefer a more streamlined approach, using the right skincare products like hydrating serum, moisturiser and SPF can create the perfect base for a skin tint to follow.
Related Read: 10 of the Best Hydrating Serums (That Aren’t All Hyaluronic Acid)
My favourite skincare combination for a hydrated, protected and glowing base is a mix of cult favourites. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, though an investment, not only protects and nourishes your skin but also imparts a gorgeous glow.
Follow up with the K-beauty bestseller, Relief Sun by Beauty of Joseon, for a lightweight moisturiser consistency that hydrates and provides a subtle ‘glass skin’ look for everyday wear.
2. Go Sheer with a Skin Tint
@jaeldorotan
Apply your skin tint, post your skincare routine and SPF.
Remember, it has sheer coverage so ultimately you can build it to the look you are after. Skin tints can be applied with your fingers or a makeup brush or sponge.
3. Liquid Blush for a Subtle Flush
@mathildegoehler
Blush is non-negotiable in many makeup routines, and for the understated skin look, it’s about achieving a subtle, flushed appearance.
I love a liquid blush like Cloud Paint from Glossier as they create a dewy, natural-looking appearance to the skin.
Try placing the brush under your skin tint for a seamlessly blended effect.
4. Faux Freckles for a Natural Touch
Makeup artist @katiejanehughes nails the faux freckles look
To complete the ‘understated skin’ look, consider adding faux freckles. This can easily be done with a light brown eyebrow pencil or a freckle pen.
To make them look natural, place them where the sun hits your face.
It’s a subtle touch that adds to the overall natural and effortless aesthetic.
