The Era of High-Shine Skin: A Trend That's Taking the Beauty World by Storm

The Rise of High-Shine Complexions

In the aftermath of last week's Maison Margiela couture show, the beauty world was left in awe as the captivating looks created by makeup artist Pat McGrath continued to dominate conversations and captivate online audiences. Renowned as the most influential makeup artist in the world by Vogue magazine, McGrath's transformation of models into living dolls with porcelain skin, pencil-thin eyebrows, and strikingly shaded eyes, lips, and cheeks was nothing short of mesmerizing.

Social media has been a hotbed of speculation about how the make-up artist created the waxen shiny skin on models for the Maison Margiela couture show.

The waxen, glazed complexions that McGrath crafted stole the show, sparking a flurry of magazine analyses and TikTok tutorials, some of which garnered millions of views. The mystique surrounding the products used to achieve the 'china doll' complexions has fueled intense online speculation, with theories ranging from peel-off masks to high-shine products from professional makeup brands.

The last decade has seen a range of trends celebrating skin with a high sheen, from so-called "glass skin" to 2022's "glazed donut" look.

Social media has been abuzz with speculation about the techniques employed by the makeup artist to create the waxen shiny skin on models for the Maison Margiela couture show, adding to the allure of McGrath's enigmatic artistry.

The Secrets Unveiled: Behind the Glass Skin Trend

McGrath's creations are the latest, and most extreme, manifestation of the trend for high-shine, seemingly poreless and flawless complexions. Originating in Korea as early as 2013, the 'glass skin' look gained popularity in wider culture four years later, as beauty influencers shared their extensive skincare routines to achieve the glistening sheen.

The evolution of this trend saw the emergence of the 'dolphin skin' aesthetic in 2020, credited to makeup artist Mary Phillips. Unlike 'glass skin,' 'dolphin skin' involved layering color cosmetics with skincare to achieve a sleek, shiny, ocean-fresh effect, albeit through a labor-intensive process. While these trends were sensations on social media, they also sparked debates about the portrayal of skin ideals and beauty standards.

The Controversy and Cultivation of the High-Shine Trend

While the high-sheen trends have garnered widespread attention and admiration, they have also faced criticism for promoting unrealistic expectations of healthy skin and beauty standards. The 'glazed donut' look, popularized by model Hailey Bieber, further propelled the fascination with glossy, flawless complexions, prompting discussions about the impact of these trends on perceptions of beauty and aging.

Despite being known for their body positivity and authenticity, young people are buying into anti-aging products and procedures more than ever. How will they grow old?

Celebrity makeup artists, including those with renowned clientele, have weighed in on McGrath's mesmerizing looks, offering insights into the techniques and products that contribute to achieving similar effects. Despite the allure of the high-shine trend, experts emphasize the importance of balanced representations of beauty and encourage a nuanced approach to skincare and makeup.

Pat McGrath received an Honorary Clio Award in 2022. The organization — which awards creativity — credited her with "pushing boundaries with her art."