The 4 skin trends you're seeing everywhere right now, explained.

The beauty trends floating around on my Instagram and TikTok feeds are truly *giving* this year. I promised myself not to get sucked into every other trend that hits my feed, but there are a few that I think have deservedly gone viral.

Of course, as a beauty writer, experimenting with new trends means exploring new products to add to my collection. When it comes to replicating the latest trends, I typically find that I already have similar products or dupes in my stash. However, if there happens to be something missing, I'm running straight for Myer for any skin and makeup needs. Their range is quite literally huge (150 beauty brands!) and they stock my favourite products, both in-store and online. Plus, they also carry the skincare and makeup picks that have been lingering on my wishlist for the longest time. 

Now, let's get into these 4 viral skin trends that I've been loving, and actually do rate. 

Underpainting 

The secret is out! Underpainting, also known as subtle sculpting, is the key to that red carpet-worthy, radiant look. Once TikTok caught wind of this beauty technique, it quickly became a sensation, with the hashtag racking up over 150 million views on the platform. 

The credit for the surge in underpainting's popularity goes to celebrity makeup artist, Mary Phillips. Known for her clientele, which includes names like Priyanka Chopra, Hailey Bieber, and Kendall Jenner, Mary took to TikTok and began sharing her own tutorials.

@victorialyn The @maryphillips Routine‼️Underpainting seen on @Hailey Bieber @Kendall Jenner & more✨#makeup #beauty #haileybieber #maryphillips #underpainting ♬ French Jazz Cafe (Gypsy Jazz Manouche) - SplashStudio

To master the art of underpainting, start by grabbing your contour products and applying them strategically to create flattering shadows and enhance your natural facial contours. Think cheekbones, jawline, the sides of your nose – basically, anywhere you want to add some definition. 

And don't forget highlighter! Sweep it across your cheekbones, brow bones, and cupid's bow for an illuminating effect. Now, let's tackle those under eyes with a touch of concealer. For the base, opt for a super sheer foundation that lets your skin shine through while still providing some coverage. Remember, the concealer did most of the heavy lifting. And finally, the finishing touches: bronzer and blush. 

To effortlessly achieve this soft-focus, glowy look, I'd recommend checking out M·A·C's expertly crafted products that provide the versatility to sculpt, correct, and conceal without requiring a bunch of items – like the M·A·C Studio Fix Sculpt And Shape Contour Palette ($83) and M·A·C Shape Contour Palette and Studio Fix CC Palette ($74).

When it comes to complexion products, M·A·C's stand out as my fave, and as someone with oily skin, they are one of the few brands that stay in place without slippin' and sliding off my face.

Skin flooding

I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say this, but if I had to pick only one trend as my ultimate favourite, it would be skin flooding. 

The trend is super simple yet it packs a juicy punch. All you need to do is apply generous amounts of hydrating products like mists, toners, or essences, and pretty much flood your skin (but in a good way). The goal is to deeply hydrate your skin, leaving it plump, dewy, and supple. Skin flooding has transformed my skin in just a few months – it's insane. I used to think that my skin issues stemmed from using the wrong products, but it turns out that my oily/combo skin was actually dehydrated and my skin barrier was going through it. 

Here's a dermatologist on TikTok explaining exactly how it works:

@dermatology.doctor Skin flooding hack for dry skin with @REN Clean Skincare #dermatologist #dermatologydoctor #skincareroutine #skintok #skincaretips #skinflooding #dryskin #skinhacks #foryou #fyp #renskincare ♬ original sound - Dr Adel | Dermatology Doctor

The products I've been loving to flood my skin with much-needed moisture: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist ($42), and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% B5 Treatment ($14.30). I adore this Elizabeth Arden mist and spritz it between each skincare step to further hydrate my skin. My skin also drinks this HA serum like crazy. I apply a few drops after misting my face and allow it to really absorb into my skin before going in with a gel moisturiser. 

Barbiecore™aesthetic

You know what? I blame Margot Robbie for my love of the Barbiecore™ trend. As someone who has a wardrobe of mostly black and wears minimal makeup, it's crazy how I'm now all about those pink lips and bright pink blush. But, tbh, I love it! It's probably the influence of the upcoming Greta Gerwig Barbie film that's got me hooked on this trend.

@stxph.h thoughts on the #barbiecore ♬ original sound - stephhui

This trend is all about fully embracing the hyper-feminine, pretty-in-pink aesthetic of the iconic doll herself in every aspect of life, including makeup. So, when it comes to rocking a statement Barbiecore™ lip, think bold bubblegum pink or vibrant coral. And don't forget to add that rosy, doll-like blush to embrace your inner Barbie. 

If you're keen on adding more pink to your makeup looks, the products I'd recommend to get you started are the Benefit Crystah Strawberry Pink Blush ($33) and Revlon's Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipstick in the shade Cherries In The Snow ($25.95). The coral pink of this blush is the prettiest shade and has a soft-shimmer finish. Plus these Revlon lippies went viral last year online and sold out nearly everywhere. But thankfully, Myer had some stock (yay)! With just one swipe, they deliver an incredibly buttery, high-shine, glossy look without any stickiness. This pink shade is hardcore Barbiecore™.

Skin cycling 

I'm SO on board with the skin cycling trend that has been making waves in the beauty community lately. I’m a bona fide overdoer when it comes to skincare, so skin cycling was calling my name when I saw it being talked about all over my socials. 

So, what exactly is skin cycling? It's a term coined by dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe that refers to your skincare routine that incorporates "rest days" for certain ingredients and steps in a week's "cycle". The idea behind it is to allow your skin to recover from more active treatment products. A classic skin cycling routine usually follows a four-night cycle and looks something like this:

• Night 1: Exfoliation
• Night 2: Use of a retinoid product
• Nights 3 and 4: Give your skin a chance to recover and rejuvenate.

I'm yet to find ~the one~ in a retinol product for my skin, but for the exfoliating night, I’m an Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid ($74.95) girl through and through. This trend has made me realise that exfoliating every night isn't the best for my skin, and instead, cycling the products is the way to go. I’ve been practising skin cycling for a few months now, and the results so far are amazing. My skin is less angry and textured, and I’m excited to see what’ll happen when I finally find a retinol I adore. (I'm eyeing you off next though, SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5!)

@teawithmd #Skincycling 101: Dr. Joyce explains why #dermatologists have been preaching this concept for ages. Don't overdo it when you #exfoliate ♬ original sound - Dr. Joyce Dermatologist

Shop your favourite skincare and makeup products from Myer. Head in-store for knowledgeable, trusted, beauty advice from the brands you love, like M.A.C, The Ordinary, Estée Lauder and more.

Feature Image: TikTok/@victorialyn/@stxph.h/@teawithmd