The "Butter Skin" trend is essentially a shortcut to achieving easy, radiant makeup.

      I haven't used setting powder in months, and it's been years since I've even thought about applying a matte foundation. It's not just me—this reflects a broader trend. Regardless of whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in the middle, achieving a glowing finish has been a primary goal for beauty enthusiasts for some time now. From the K-beauty "glass skin" trend to its recent version "butter skin," our obsession with achieving a luminous complexion shows no signs of fading. As someone with oily and acne-prone skin, the idea of perfect 'glass skin' can occasionally feel overwhelming. After all, during my teenage years, I focused on eliminating any shine from my face, which is why the subtler 'butter skin' trend is more appealing to me. "Unlike the super-dewy glass skin, butter skin has a more natural, satin finish—hydrated and glowing but not excessively shiny," says Anna Payne, a makeup artist at Chanel. “The butter skin trend emphasizes a smooth, creamy, and radiant complexion that appears soft and even like butter.”

      For me, 'butter skin' begins with a solid skincare routine involving toner, serum, and moisturizer. However, I sometimes require additional products to boost my glow and ensure it lasts throughout the day, which is where hydrating makeup items come into play—products that not only provide color but also a healthy dose of dewiness. Glow is no longer optional, applied quickly with a highlighter; it’s expected—and everything from foundation and blush to bronzer and lipstick contributes to it. Additionally, hydrating makeup products can benefit your skin. "Hydrating makeup enhances moisture, leaving the skin smooth, plump, and naturally radiant. They create a dewy finish and combat dryness," explains Payne. "They're particularly effective for dry, dehydrated, and mature skin, as they provide moisture, prevent flaking, and yield a smooth, plump, dewy look; they also work well for normal and combination skin, especially in colder months or when a dewy finish is wanted." To keep hydrating makeup fresh all day while maintaining a glow, Payne recommends starting with a lightweight moisturizer. "Apply makeup in thin layers using a sponge for a flawless finish," she adds. Regarding powder, she suggests using a light, translucent one only where necessary to avoid excessive shine while preserving radiance.

      What ingredients should you look for in hydrating makeup? You’re likely familiar with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, which can be found on the labels of your favorite serums and moisturizers. Along with other essential hydrating components such as ceramides, polyglutamic acid, and vitamin E, these are also included in hydrating makeup formulations. This means your makeup is actively working to hydrate and nourish your skin throughout the day.

      ### The Best Hydrating Makeup Products

      #### Base Makeup:

      If you've noticed your makeup becoming flaky or peeling throughout the day, it may indicate that your skin is dry or dehydrated, as your skin is trying to absorb moisture from your makeup. A hydrating skincare routine is vital, but preparing your skin with a hydrating primer and a hydrating foundation can also help prevent this.

      Preparation is crucial for any makeup look, and when aiming for a glow, I rely on the Vieve primer. It's not just a primer; it's a skincare-makeup hybrid that provides 12-hour hydration, thanks to glycerin, shea butter, and squalane.

      **CHANEL Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint**

      This product acts like skincare, as Chanel's Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint is one of my top choices for achieving a natural glow. "It contains 75% water, providing an instant hydration boost that enhances the skin's natural luminosity for a sheer and healthy glow," says Payne, who considers Fresh Water Tint one of her essential hydrating makeup items.

      **Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint**

      Designed for a radiant, dewy finish, this lightweight skin tint is infused with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and aloe.

      #### Blusher:

      To achieve glowing skin throughout your makeup routine, it’s best to skip powder formulas and opt for creams and liquids. These formulations leave a dewy, natural finish that doesn't highlight dry patches or textured skin and are usually rich in hydrating ingredients. The first time I used this blusher, I was amazed by the finish it gave my skin: smooth, satiny, and dewy without any glitter.

      **Drunk Elephant O-Bloos Rosi Drops**

      This product is essentially a skincare serum enriched with rosy-pink pigment, utilizing naturally-derived plant and seed oils to nourish the skin.

      **Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick**

      When applied to the cheeks, this blusher doesn't require highlighter— it leaves a soft, natural sheen, thanks to hydrating