Beauty has been going through all sorts of foodification revivals. From glazed donut skin to blueberry milk nails to latte makeup, social media can’t get enough of transforming into edible things. The latest on the cutting board is butter skin. Rich, plump, dewy, the trend was arguably the skincare trend of 2025.
According to a report by Google Trends, the search term ‘butter skin’ reached an all-time high this year. In April 2025 alone, Google searches for the trend soared by 300 per cent. For You pages had plenty of tutorials, information cards, and butter-yellow moodboards to channel butter-like skin.
The recipe behind the skin is simple, really. Unlike glazed donut skin which had a wet sheen to it, butter skin is like a subtle sister. Hydrating? Yes. Dewy? Also yes. But instead of a wet, blinding sheen, butter skin opts for a natural satin finish just like the radiance of butter. Beyond the looks, butter skin focuses on being smooth and plump, equating the richness of skin to the richness of butter.
This means skincare is everything. In order to achieve butter skin, skincare products that are deeply hydrating and are focused on repairing the skin barrier are the number 1 priority. A typical skincare routine for butter skin involves gentle cleansing, barrier repair, sealing everything in with a rich hydrating cream, and of course, protecting the skin with an SPF.
If you’re unsure what products to look out for, simply keep an eye out for skincare ingredients that nourish and moisturise the skin. We’re talking ceramides, oils, peptides, and of course, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin that retains moisture in the skin. With this strategic layering, the skin over time will reflect a radiance akin to butter while also being nourished and strong.
When it comes to recreating butter skin with makeup, once again, the skincare will do the work. As skin prep, skincare should bring out a natural dewiness and makeup should emphasise the shine without falling into glazed donut territory. To achieve this, opt for hydrating primers followed by skin tints that have a radiant finish. Work in thin layers as the goal is luminosity, not cakiness. Bronzer and contour are up to personal preference, whereas blush continues the food theme, mixing up butter with a cherry jam. Ideally, for butter skin you should skip the highlighter since the lit-from-within glow is already prevalent. But for those looking for an extra hit of radiance, buff out a tiny bit to the high points of the face, where light would naturally hit.
It’s easy to see why this trend made it to the top of Google. Although packaged neatly in a cute name, butter skin simply means taking care of your skin. And now, with a shift towards skincare-makeup hybrids, achieving the look is as easy as spreading rich butter on hot toast.
