You’re probably thinking: How is this look different from glass skin? Don’t they both emphasize plump skin with an emphasis on the dew? And you’re definitely right; the looks are perhaps two sides of the same coin. But dumpling skin focuses on supple, moist skin rather than looking luminous and reflective. As for the cream, you’ll want to keep it water-based to keep the look lightweight. “That will eliminate the reflective shine a more occlusive formula would provide,” explains makeup artist Alexandra Compton, product development manager at clean beauty retailer Credo. To seal in the moisture (don’t forget, a water-based formula can evaporate and dry your skin out even further), apply a good facial oil with your fingertips. Keep your touch light, really focusing on the areas you’ll highlight later on to emulate a healthy glow.
To do so, she suggests mixing your foundation (or BB or CC cream, if you so choose) with a few drops of liquid highlighter. That way, the product will cling to your skin’s natural shape and texture.
Just don’t go too heavy on the highlighter, and keep most of it on those cheekbones. As Stenson points out, “too much highlighter can become reflective,” which may fare better for a glass skin look than a dewy dumpling glow. Less is more to achieve the natural dumpling steam sheen. Finally, be sure the powder is your last step in the routine; you don’t want to be layering cream products over powders, as they won’t glide on as easily and can even become splotchy.
