WHAT ON EARTH IS BUTTER SKIN AND HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE IT?

Butter skin has arrived, and it’s currently knocking glass skin right off its influencer throne.
butter skin trend
Butter skin has officially oozed onto the scene, promising a complexion as temptingly soft as a pat of butter on hot toast.

TikTok’s “soft girl era” is all about adopting a mellow, nurturing vibe that embraces comfort and a gentle brand of confidence. Instead of trying to impress with loud statements or over-the-top glam, it’s about embracing simpler pleasures: pastel aesthetics, cozy self-care routines, and a glow that feels organic, not forced. Think breezy afternoons in a sundress, a swipe of hydrating lip balm, and the contentment of knowing you look—and feel—great without all the fuss.

Naturally, this fresh, understated energy is spilling into skincare and makeup with a new, ultra-creamy aesthetic known as “butter skin.” Think of it more as a beauty extension of that same soothing ethos. It’s a look that revolves around plush, hydrated formulas and gliding, melt-in makeup techniques. In other words, get ready to trade in that bright glare for a subtle, velvety gleam that’s putting everyone in a trance (minus the grease factor).

According to TikTok sensation Aisha Potter—whose now-viral TikTok shows makeup gliding on so smoothly it practically melts into her face—the secret is all about products that melt seamlessly into your skin. Translation? It’s time to invest in creamy textures that create the perfect base for your radiant, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it makeup.

Skincare is the real MVP here. You want high-hydration formulas that leave your face feeling plump, fresh, and prime for that soft-focus finish. Think of it as a cozy sweater for your skin—only infinitely more glamorous. And for those thinking, “Is this just more TikTok hype?” consider the search stats: the term has shot through the roof, with over 300k people hunting for tips on how to achieve it. Factor in the recent Oscars red carpet, where stars like Elle Fanning and Margaret Qualley strolled in with a subtle, dreamy glow—no disco-ball shine in sight—and it’s safe to say butter skin is here to stay.

The butter skin trend is the opposite of loading up on grease or dabbing in excessive highlighter. Instead, it focuses on creating a plump, soft-focus canvas so your makeup looks effortlessly radiant, giving you a natural-looking glow that whispers rather than shouts. 

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