How to Get the Butter Skin Look: The New Summer Glow Everyone Wants

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube lately, you’ve probably seen the term “butter skin” popping up everywhere. This K-beauty-inspired trend is the summer glow of 2025 — smooth, satiny, soft, and effortlessly radiant.

Join WhatsApp Channel

Unlike last year’s glass skin (super glossy) or donut skin (ultra-dewy), butter skin is all about a soft-focus, hydrated finish that looks natural and luxurious — like you just stepped out of a spa.

Here’s everything you need to know to get the look.

What Is Butter Skin?

Butter skin is:

• Smooth, even texture
• Satiny, velvety glow (not too shiny)
• Deeply hydrated, plump skin
• A fresh, youthful finish without heavy makeup

Think of it as the sweet spot between matte and glossy — your skin looks cared-for, healthy, and radiant, but not greasy or wet.

Step 1: Prep with Hydrating Skincare

The base of butter skin is hydration + barrier support.

• Cleanser: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser — avoid stripping foams or harsh scrubs.
• Toner: Apply a hydrating toner or essence (look for hyaluronic acid or glycerin).
• Serum: Use a plumping serum with peptides, ceramides, or niacinamide.
• Moisturizer: Seal it all in with a lightweight but rich moisturizer — creamy textures work best.
• SPF: Always finish with sunscreen (SPF 30+), even on cloudy days.

Pro tip: Use a facial mist midday to refresh hydration.

Step 2: Use a Skin-Enhancing Base

Forget heavy foundation — butter skin relies on skin tints or sheer bases.

• Apply a hydrating skin tint or BB cream.
• Use a damp sponge to blend for a natural, second-skin finish.
• Apply liquid or cream bronzer for soft dimension (powders can look cakey).

If you need extra coverage, spot-conceal only where needed.

Step 3: Add Soft Highlights (Not Glitter)

Butter skin is all about subtle radiance.

• Use a cream highlighter on the high points of the face (cheekbones, bridge of the nose, cupid’s bow).
• Avoid chunky glitter — opt for products that give a soft, lit-from-within glow.

Step 4: Finish with Hydrated Lips & Brows

To complete the look:

• Use a hydrating lip tint or balm for a natural flush.
• Fluff up brows with a clear or tinted brow gel.
• Skip heavy contouring or harsh lines — the goal is softness.

I only recommend products I love and I think you will, too. If you click on links I provide, I may receive a little compensation learn more

Products We Love for Butter Skin

• Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
• Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
• Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer

Why Butter Skin Is Perfect for Summer

This look works beautifully in summer because it’s:
✔ Lightweight
✔ Breathable
✔ Humidity-friendly
✔ Low maintenance

It enhances your natural skin without the risk of melting makeup or greasy shine.

Final Tips

• Stay consistent with your skincare — butter skin starts with healthy skin.
• Drink plenty of water and eat hydrating foods (like cucumber, watermelon).
• Avoid over-powdering — embrace a little natural glow!

Want more beauty trend updates?
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly tips, product recs, and exclusive tutorials.

A beauty expert and fashion designer dedicated to helping women achieve glowing skin, effortless style, and confidence through expert-backed tips and trend-forward advice.

Zainab Bohra