Minimalist skincare routine setup with natural beauty products and eco-friendly packaging.

Weathering the Storm: Finding Your Calm with the "Cloud Skin" Trend

Written by: Raven Botanicals

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Time to read 9 min

If you are anything like us you might hear the word "trend" in skincare and automatically assume its the latest viral sensation that will have you doing something disturbing with snails! However, to quote Miranda Hart, "bear with", not all trends are fleeting fads. Some are subtle, yet powerful, shifts towards more effective, time-tested approaches. We're 100% on board with this kind of trend. It's about natural and clever formulations, innovative ingredients, and thankfully for our hectic lifestyles, simple upgrades that lead you to your best skin yet. So what is this latest approach to obtaining the skin we have always dreamed of actually called? I give you, Cloud Skin!

You know when you catch your skin in a gentle soft light, and it catches you by surprise at how effortlessly smooth, even and luminous it looks? That is the core of the Cloud Skin trend and what we aim to capture all day long! 

When new processes, or even re-invented ones emerge onto the beauty scene they are classed as as a trend, this word never sits well with us, it makes it sound like it's flaky and prone to caving in when the going gets tough, or more likely too tough to keep going! This "Cloud Skin" movement isn't a flash in the pan; it's what is seen as a longevity trend that speaks to a bigger shift in beauty. It signals a move away from long over complicated, harsh routines and heavy, full-coverage makeup and steps meaningfully towards celebrating skin's natural, healthy radiance. It's a macro-trend that's all about a simpler, more sustainable approach to beauty.


While this macro trend might be appearing all over social media at the moment, Cloud Skin isn't about cosmetic wizardry that makes you look like someone unrecognisable. It's a skincare-first philosophy and we are delighted to hear that because as you know, we believe that good skin care is where the real magic begins.

This look is about creating a soft, semi-matte finish that's still hydrated and healthy underneath, like light filtering through a cloud. And it all begins with building a solid skincare foundation.

Woman applying facial oil as part of a minimalist skincare routine for healthy, glowing skin.
Minimalist skincare routine setup with natural beauty products and eco-friendly packaging.

The Cloud Skin Philosophy: A Skincare-First Approach

While Cloud Skin is primarily a makeup look, its success is completely dependent upon your skincare. It’s a philosophy that starts with a good, calming foundation—and this is where our ethos at Raven Botanicals perfectly aligns with this philosophy. Our products are formulated to work in synergy with your skin, repairing and protecting it with the best that nature has to offer. We believe in turning your routine into a mindful ritual, connecting you to the power of botanicals and the bountiful apothecary that our Scottish landscapes have to offer.

To achieve that soft, ethereal finish, the goal is to balance deep hydration with a gentle, blurring effect. 

  • Focus on a streamlined routine. Too many products can stress your skin's natural barrier, leading to confusion and irritation.

  • Prioritize quality over quantity. Overloading your skin can cause inflammation, dryness, and breakouts. Skin thrives on balance, not complexity.

  • Simplify for clarity. Committing to a minimalist skincare routine can lead to clearer skin and a calmer mind (and a healthier bank account).

  • Embrace sustainability. Using fewer products means less waste, making it a beauty philosophy that's kinder to you and the planet.

Who is Cloud Skin For?


The beauty of the Cloud Skin philosphy is its universal appeal. It truly suits everyone, regardless of skin type or age, because it prioritises skin health over a specific aesthetic.

  • For Oily or Combination Skin: If you've ever felt that dewy looks make your skin appear greasy, Cloud Skin is your perfect match. It allows you to control shine and achieve a velvety finish without stripping your skin of its natural, healthy glow.

  • For Dry or Mature Skin: This trend is a lifesaver for those with drier complexions. The focus on deep hydration ensures your skin remains plump and dewy beneath the soft-focus finish, preventing the look of fine lines and a dull, flat complexion.

  • For the Minimalist: Cloud Skin is the ultimate "less is more" philosophy. It simplifies your routine, allowing your natural skin to shine through and empowering you to feel confident without a heavy mask of makeup.

Achieve Cloud Skin With Raven Botanicals

At Raven Botanicals, our philosophy is rooted in the belief that skincare should be a nurturing ritual—a quiet moment of indulgence, not a stressful chore. Our curated collection makes it beautifully simple to build a minimalist routine that still delivers exquisite results. We harness the wisdom of plants, earth-derived actives, and gentle, multitasking formulas to help you reconnect with your skin's natural radiance.

Build Your Cloud Skin Strategy Step By Step

Step 1: THE MINDFUL CLEANSE


Your canvas needs to be clean, but not stripped. The key is to start with a gentle, nourishing cleanser that removes impurities without compromising your skin barrier.

  • Raven Botanicals’ 24 Carat Oil to Milk Cleanser: This is the perfect product to begin your Cloud Skin journey. Its alchemical blend of plant oils and gentle papaya enzymes works to melt away makeup and impurities while deeply nourishing the skin. The formula transforms into a delicate milk upon contact with water, leaving your skin soft, supple, and perfectly prepped, never tight or dry. It’s a ritual in itself, turning a daily necessity into a moment of pure sensory pleasure.


Step 2: THE HYDRATING TREATMENT


The secret to Cloud Skin's hydrated glow lies in layering a potent, moisture-rich treatment.

  • Raven Botanicals’ Ultra Hydrating Serum: This is your essential step for building that plump, dewy base. Packed with moisture-locking Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, it quenches thirsty skin, refines texture, and minimises the appearance of pores—all crucial for the semi-matte, soft-focus look. Its lightweight texture absorbs instantly, creating a smooth, non-sticky canvas. For an extra touch of radiance, you could also consider the Glow Illuminator, a skincare-cosmetic hybrid that nourishes while providing a sheer, elegant luminosity without being shimmery.


Step 3: THE PROTECTIVE VEIL


The final step is to seal in all that goodness with a light, yet protective, layer of oil. This provides a natural, comforting barrier that prevents moisture loss and gives your skin a velvety-smooth finish.

  • Raven Botanicals’ Skin Saviour Facial Oil: Our multi-award-winning oil is the perfect choice for this final step. It’s formulated with Scottish Sea Buckthorn, hand-picked from the ancient East Lothian coastline, and other bee-friendly British botanicals. Despite being an oil, it has a surprisingly light texture that sinks in beautifully, leaving your skin feeling nourished and protected. It creates that subtle, soft-focus finish that diffuses light and makes your skin look naturally airbrushed.

Raven Botanicals natural skincare products for a simple and effective minimalist skincare routine.

Cloud Skin Ritual Sets

An image showing the natural texture of a botanical skincare balm
An image of a botanical butter used in minimalist skincare routines

At Raven Botanicals, we don’t believe in doing more for the sake of it. We believe in doing what matters... with care, consciousness, and clarity.

Our minimalist skincare philosophy is rooted in:

Our multi-functional products - like a serum that hydrates and soothes or a cleanser that exfoliates and purifies while nourishing - are about doing more with less. Without unnecessary fillers, each botanical ingredient shines with its full benefit. We call this quiet luxury: honouring both your skin the earth with a minimalist skincare routine that treads lightly.

24 CARAT CLEANSER


Melt away the day with this gentle, plant-powered cleanser—crafted for those who believe less is more. This is the first essential step in achieving Cloud Skin's soft, luminous finish. Rich in nourishing botanical oils and natural extracts, it leaves your skin soft, balanced, and renewed, providing the perfect canvas. Inspired by a deep love of the natural world, it’s a grounding daily ritual—the perfect start to a minimalist skincare routine rooted in nature and designed for long-lasting, ethereal radiance.

ULTRA HYDRATING SERUM


Cloud skin products typically contain ingredients that work differently than traditional suface hydrators. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides pull moisture into the skin rather than just sitting on top. These ingredients can hold up to 1,000 times their weight in water, creating that bouncy, elastic feeling.


Ultra Hydrating Serum is an instant drink for the skin. Our incredible hydrating serum brings together clinically proven actives hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to deliver an intense hydration boost while refining skin tone and texture.

SKIN SAVIOUR NIGHT BALM


Sink into serenity with our cocooning night balm - an indulgent final step for skin that revels in softness. Brimming with restorative botanicals and nutrient-rich oils, it melts effortlessly into the skin, replenishing moisture and easing signs of daily stress as you sleep. As it works overnight, skin awakes renewed, supple, and luminous, laying the foundation for Cloud Skin’s velvety, ethereal glow. it’s a nightly ritual of calm, rooted in nature and designed to restore both complexion and spirit while you rest.

From Trend To Philosophy - your sustianable glow

The beauty of the Cloud Skin trend, and why we’re so aligned with it at Raven Botanicals, is that it’s more than just a fleeting look. It’s a quiet revolution that champions healthy skin over heavy makeup. It's a reminder that true beauty lies in taking care of your skin with mindful intention and nourishing ingredients. By embracing a simpler, more holistic routine, you're not just achieving a popular look—you're investing in your skin’s long-term health and your own wellbeing. This autumn, let’s leave the harsh, full-coverage looks behind and step into the new season with a calm, cloud-like radiance that feels as good as it looks.

Jars of botanical ingredients for a minimalist skincare routine

The Cloud Skin philosophy perfectly aligns with our brand's mission: to nourish skin from the ground up using high-performance, plant-based ingredients. This trend demands a base that is intensely hydrated, plump, and smooth, ensuring makeup glides on seamlessly and doesn't look cakey or dry in mattified areas.

By prioritising skin health and luminosity—not just shine—our customers build a resilient, smooth base that is naturally conducive to the soft-matte, filter-like effect of Cloud Skin. Start your routine with our concentrated plant power, and the on-trend makeup finish will simply be the beautiful result of truly healthy, well-cared-for skin.

Ready to prep your skin for that perfect soft-focus finish? Explore our range of award-winning serums and oils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cloud skin a realistic philosophy?

Yes, "cloud skin" is considered relatively easy to achieve, especially compared to more high-maintenance trends like "glass skin." The core philosophy is what makes it so accessible: it's less about complex techniques and more about a simple, skincare-first approach.




Does "Cloud Skin" mean I have to stop using makeup?

Not at all! "Cloud Skin" is a makeup trend that begins with a solid skincare foundation. The philosophy is to use makeup to enhance, not conceal. The look is achieved with light-coverage, blurring makeup products that work in synergy with your skincare. Think of it as a collaboration: your skincare provides the healthy canvas, and your makeup adds the final soft-focus touch.

Can I achieve "Cloud Skin" if I have oily or acne-prone skin?

Absolutely. In fact, "Cloud Skin" is an ideal trend for oily or combination skin types. The emphasis is on a balanced, semi-matte finish, which helps to control shine without completely stripping your skin. By focusing on a minimalist routine with a gentle cleanser and a lightweight facial oil, you can balance sebum production and avoid the heavy, pore-clogging products that can exacerbate breakouts.

The author : Charlotte Harvey, Founder, Raven Botanicals

Charlotte is the co-founder of Raven Botanicals, a natural skincare brand rooted in the wild beauty of the Scottish landscape. With a background in botany and forensic science, Charlotte brings a unique blend of scientific insight and plant wisdom to every formulation. Passionate about gentle, purposeful skincare, she champions the philosophy of botanical minimalism - helping others find confidence through nature-led rituals that nourish both skin and soul.

Cloud Skin Essentials

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