Demystifying the Skin Aesthetic Trends of 2025

The beauty world is buzzing with various skin finish trends that promise different glowing effects. Each technique offers a unique approach to achieving that perfect complexion through specific products and application methods.

Skincare trends come and go, but in 2025, three major aesthetics are battling for the spotlight: Glass Skin, Cloud Skin, and Dolphin Skin. Each promises a different version of that coveted healthy glow we all desire.

The most popular skin aesthetic for 2025 is Cloud Skin, which offers a soft-focus, airbrushed finish that balances luminosity with a velvety matte effect. While Glass Skin's ultra-dewy look dominated previous years and Dolphin Skin brought wet-look radiance, Cloud Skin has emerged as the perfect middle ground for everyday wear.

People love these trends because they celebrate healthy skin rather than heavy coverage. The techniques behind each aesthetic vary, from intensive hydration routines to specific product combinations. Understanding these differences helps anyone choose the right approach for their unique skin type and personal style.

What is Glass Skin?

Glass skin is a Korean beauty trend that focuses on creating an ultra-smooth, reflective complexion. The goal is skin so clear and luminous it resembles glass.

This look requires a thorough skincare routine featuring multiple hydrating layers. People typically use:

• Double cleansing to remove all impurities

• Exfoliation 2-3 times weekly

• Essence and toner for added moisture

• Sheet masks for intensive hydration

• Serums with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide

The makeup is minimal, with dewy foundation and strategic highlighting. Glass skin emphasizes health from within through consistency and hydration rather than heavy product application.

In 2025, glass skin has evolved to incorporate more sustainable products and simplified routines that still deliver that signature reflective finish.

Understanding Cloud Skin

Cloud skin represents the softer alternative to the high-shine glass skin trend. It features a hazy, diffused glow that looks natural and effortless.

The technique creates a soft-focus effect that blurs imperfections while maintaining dimension. Think of how clouds look – soft, pillowy, and with a gentle luminosity.

Cloud skin uses:

• Mattifying primers as a base

• Liquid foundation mixed with moisturizer

• Setting powder applied strategically

• Cream blush for a natural flush

Products with light-diffusing technology are essential for this look. They scatter light across the face rather than reflecting it directly.

Many makeup artists in 2025 recommend this finish for everyday wear because it photographs beautifully and requires fewer touch-ups. It's particularly flattering for those with textured skin or fine lines.

Discovering Dolphin Skin

Dolphin skin mimics the wet, glossy appearance of—you guessed it—a dolphin's skin. This trend focuses on creating an ultra-dewy, almost wet-looking highlight.

The key difference from glass skin is the targeted glossiness rather than all-over shine. Dolphin skin features:

• Cream or liquid-based products instead of powders

• Strategic placement of glossy highlighter on cheekbones, bridge of nose, and cupid's bow

• Facial oils mixed into foundation

The technique involves layering hydrating skincare, followed by cream products that maintain that wet-look finish.

In 2025, makeup brands have created specific "dolphin skin kits" with the exact products needed. This trend works particularly well for photoshoots and special events, though some devoted fans wear it daily with setting sprays to increase longevity.

Comparative Analysis: Glass Skin vs. Cloud Skin vs. Dolphin Skin

These three popular skin aesthetics each offer unique looks and benefits for those wanting to achieve the perfect complexion in 2025. Let's examine how they differ in texture, care routines, and everyday wearability.

Texture and Finish Contrasts

Glass skin creates a crystal-clear, reflective finish that looks almost transparent. The skin appears poreless with an intense shine that reflects light like glass. This aesthetic is the most high-shine of the three.

Cloud skin offers a soft-focus, diffused glow with a semi-matte finish. It's less reflective than glass skin and has a dreamy, blurred appearance. Think of how light passes through clouds - gentle and scattered rather than bouncing back directly.

Dolphin skin falls between these two, with a dewy, wet-look finish. It has the moisture level of glass skin but with more dimension and a natural-looking radiance. The shine is concentrated on the high points of the face, similar to how a dolphin's skin glistens when breaking the surface of water.

Skin Care Regimens for Each Trend

Glass Skin Routine:

• Double cleansing (oil + water-based cleanser)

• Exfoliation 2-3 times weekly

• Multiple layers of hydrating toners

• Essence and ampoule treatments

• Sheet masks regularly

• Lightweight moisturizer

• SPF (non-negotiable)

The glass skin approach requires patience and dedication with 7-10 steps daily.

Cloud Skin Routine:

• Gentle cleansing

• Hydrating toners (1-2 layers)

• Moisturizer with blurring properties

• Pore-minimizing primers

• SPF with a velvet finish

Cloud skin focuses on hydration plus strategic powder application, making it a 5-6 step routine.

Dolphin Skin Routine:

• Cream or oil-based cleanser

• Gentle exfoliation

• Hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid

• Facial oils on high points

• Gel-cream moisturizers

• Illuminating SPF

This 6-step routine balances moisture retention with strategic highlighting.

Longevity and Practicality in Daily Life

Glass skin can be challenging to maintain throughout the day, especially for those with oily skin types. It often requires touch-ups and blotting. The intensive routine can be time-consuming but delivers dramatic results.

Cloud skin offers better staying power for everyday wear. Its semi-matte finish handles environmental factors better and works well in professional settings. This trend is more forgiving for different skin types and requires less maintenance during the day.

Dolphin skin strikes a balance in wearability. It's more practical than glass skin but still provides that coveted glow. It works well in various lighting conditions and photographs beautifully. The focused hydration makes it suitable for normal to dry skin types but might need occasional touch-ups.

Climate considerations matter too. Glass skin works better in humid environments, cloud skin in dry climates, and dolphin skin adapts well to moderate conditions.

Adopting the Trends: Tips and Tricks

Getting the perfect skin finish doesn't have to be complicated. Each trend has specific techniques and products that can help you achieve your desired look.

Starter Guide for Glass Skin Enthusiasts

The key to glass skin is hydration and layering. Start with double cleansing—use an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one to remove all impurities.

Next, apply a hydrating toner by patting it gently into the skin. Korean beauty experts recommend the "7-skin method," which involves applying seven thin layers of toner.

Add these essential products to your routine:

• Hyaluronic acid serum

• Vitamin C for brightness

• Lightweight moisturizer

• SPF (always!)

Exfoliate 1-2 times weekly with gentle AHAs like lactic acid to remove dead skin cells. This helps create that smooth, transparent look.

For makeup, use a dewy foundation or BB cream and highlight the high points of your face with a liquid illuminator.

Achieving the Effortlessly Chic Cloud Skin

Cloud skin balances matte and dewy textures for a soft-focus effect. Begin with a hydrating primer that has a slightly powdery finish.

The foundation technique is crucial—mix your favorite foundation with a drop of facial oil and apply with a damp sponge. Press gently, don't drag.

Create dimension with these steps:

1. Set your T-zone lightly with translucent powder

2. Leave the perimeter of your face more dewy

3. Apply cream blush for a natural flush

A setting spray with a natural finish helps merge all products together. The goal is looking like you're softly filtered in real life.

For touch-ups, use blotting papers instead of adding more powder to maintain that perfect balance.

Embracing the Luminous Glow of Dolphin Skin

Dolphin skin celebrates wetness and reflection. Start by prepping with a rich moisturizer or face oil to create a naturally slick base.

Use a highlighter before foundation—this "underlighting" technique creates glow from within. Apply a dewy foundation only where needed.

Product recommendations for maximum gleam:

• Gel-based primers

• Liquid illuminators (mix with foundation)

• Clear balm highlighters for cheekbones

• Glossy lip products

Avoid powders except where absolutely necessary. Instead, use setting sprays that enhance luminosity.

For maintenance throughout the day, keep a facial mist handy. A quick spritz refreshes your glow without disturbing makeup.

The dolphin skin effect works especially well for photo opportunities and special events where you want to stand out.

Medicube Double Cleanser Duo

Paula's Choice Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

COSRX Snail Repairing Essence

BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Peptide Serum