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Rihanna was onto something when she endorsed shining bright like a diamond — only in this case, the latest makeup trend is all about pearls. Yep, “pearl” skin is all over TikTok, with the hashtag #pearlskin bringing in more than 30 million views on the app and counting. It’s safe to say the obsession won’t be stopping anytime soon.
Some call it “ethereal,” some call it “celestial,” but everyone agrees: the end result always looks stunning. The trend is all about adding a pearlescent finish to your skin, but there are some key steps in your routine to follow in order to properly nail the look.
If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading for everything you need to know about pearl skin makeup, straight from an expert. Find out what it is, and how you can achieve the look at home.
What is Pearl Skin Makeup?
“Pearl skin is a makeup base using reflective, metallic finish highlighters in both powder, liquid, and cream formulas to highlight the high points of the face,” celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray tells PS. “It’s not glowy or dewy; it’s reflective, and [adds] a pearl-like finish to the skin.” Think of a pearl — it’s iridescent without being too shimmery.
While the trend may sound similar to “glass” skin, know that there are some key differences. The latter is all about looking hydrated, and typically looks more wet. It’s usually achieved with skin-care products to help you get a dewy effect. On the other hand, pearl skin is more silky, and is achieved with makeup — although solid skin-care prep is still key.
If you want to try the makeup trend for yourself, the good news is that it works on any your skin type and skin tone, because it can be fully customized. “There are all sorts of pearl colors, like pink, brown, black, or purple,” Gray says. “Pick your highlight in a shade that blends well with your own skin tone.”
How to Do Pearl Skin Makeup
Gray says it’s important to start with a hydrating skin-care routine, which will make your skin “glow from within.” She suggests starting with a product like the Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum ($82) for hydration after cleansing, and then following with a moisturizer. Next, prime the skin. “Lately I’ve been loving the new Catrice Glaze Serum Primer ($8), which has a pearl finish, and is ideal for this technique,” Gray says.
Then layer on the rest of your base makeup. “I go in with Catrice’s HD Liquid Coverage Foundation ($10), which is full coverage, but a thin formulation.” Next, bronze and contour the skin as you normally would, focusing on matte products to add contrast to the other areas that will have a pearl-like finish. Our current favorite is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer ($58)
If you have dry skin and aren’t into matte products, don’t worry. “There are modifications that can be done for people who have drier skin and don’t want to wear a matte foundation,” Gray says. “Choose a demi-matte [option] and take some time to really hydrate your skin before application.”
After you conceal and brighten, then it’s time to apply highlighter. Start with a cream or liquid formula, placed on the highpoint of the cheek, the cheekbone, and on the forehead above the brow bone. You can also add it underneath the brow, as well as in the corner of the eye for an extra pearly pop. We recommend the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer Highlight ($25). Once your cream highlight is done, go over the areas with a powder highlighter, like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Seeker Highlighter ($38).
Pearl Skin Makeup Inspiration
Keep scrolling for some pearl skin makeup looks you can check out for inspiration.