Butter Skin Is The Glow-Up TikTok Can’t Stop Talking About – Here’s How To Get It
You’ve heard of glass skin, glazed skin and cloud skin—but now, there’s a new glow goal, butter skin. And no, it’s not about slathering Lurpak on your cheeks. Think skin that’s irresistibly soft, velvety-smooth, supple, and just dewy enough to look lit-from-within. TikTok can’t get enough of it, and neither can we. So, what exactly is butter skin, and more importantly, how do you get it?
So, what is butter skin anyway?
According to TikTok skinfluencers like @demibskin and @skincarebyhyram, butter skin is hydration meets bounce. It’s less glazed-doughnut and richer and plusher—like your skin just drank a large glass of water and got 8 hours of sleep. The key difference? It’s not about slick shine, but a buttery, healthy finish. Think baby-soft texture, a subtle luminosity, and a cushiony feel.
Unlike the ultra-dewy glass skin trend, butter skin has a more natural, satin-like finish – hydrated and glowing but never overly shiny.
Anna Payne, CHANEL Makeup Artist
Why is butter skin trending?
Because we’re all a bit over the overly matte vs. ultra-glazed extremes, and butter skin offers that middle ground. It’s the answer to post-winter skin that needs some TLC. Perfect for this time of the year. Plus, as any influencer will agree, butter skin equals that healthy glow that doesn’t need makeup filters.
Even celeb makeup artists are on board. Makeup artist and skincare pro Cher Webb says, “Butter skin is all about skin that’s been loved—hydrated, pampered, and prepped. It gives the perfect base for minimal makeup, or even better, no makeup at all.”
Gentle exfoliation 1–2 times a week paired with ceramide-rich moisturisers will give you that buttery bounce without irritation.
Dr. Amiee Vyas, aesthetic doctor and founder of Doctor Amiee Clinic
How to get butter skin in 4 easy steps
1. Start with a nourishing cleanser
Avoid foaming formulas that strip the skin. Go for creamy textures that leave your skin soft and plump.
Try: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, £13; Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, £49; Dermalogica Magnetic+ Afterglow Cleanser, £49.
2. Layer in lightweight hydration
Butter skin isn’t greasy—it’s hydrated. Go for hyaluronic acid serums or essence-like layers.
Try: Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum, £41; Kama Ayurveda Urjasara Milky Essence, £68; Pixi Beauty Rose Essence Oil, £24.
Expert tip: Pat in your products, don’t rub. It helps them absorb deeper for that juicy finish.
3. Seal it with ‘butter’
Here’s where it gets fun. Look for moisturisers with buttery textures but non-comedogenic formulas. Shea butter, squalane, and ceramides are key.
Try: e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Face Cream, £13; Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, £52; Element Eight O2 Squalane Repair Protect Cream, from £150.
4. Finally, the glow topper
If you want a subtle sheen, finish with a drop of facial oil or a balm-like highlighter. Dab on the high points of the face for maximum effect.
Try: Pai The Light Fantastic Oil, £29; Jones Road Miracle Balm, £38; Merit Beauty Day Glow Highlighting Balm, £28.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
