A Celebrity Makeup Artist’s Method

Whether you’re headed to a holiday party or have a special occasion on the calendar, a flawless face of makeup feels essential. Throughout the year, several complexion trends have made a comeback, including matte, butter and satin skin. But the latest takes the cake. Soft-matte satin skin elevates those finishes into one polished look that flatters every skin type and sets a new luxury standard for makeup.

“It’s refined and modern without sacrificing radiance,” says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. Even better, it photographs beautifully, looks great on video and wears comfortably from day to night. Ahead, the pro breaks down the dos and don’ts of soft-matte satin skin and explains exactly how to achieve the look.

What Is Soft-Matte Satin Skin?

Unlike traditional satin skin, which leans illuminated, soft-matte satin skin dials things back. “Think low glow,” says Briceno. “The skin isn’t dewy, but it’s not flat either. It has a gentle sheen in specific areas, such as the high points of the cheeks, the brow bone and the bridge of the nose.”

The texture takes a similarly balanced approach. The finish looks softly blurred, much like classic soft-matte makeup, while still allowing natural skin details to show through. Pores, fine lines and unevenness remain visible—just subtly softened, as if through a soft-focus filter.

Coverage matters here, too. “It’s best when done in multiple sheer layers so the skin can still peek through,” he says. Placement brings it all together. “The T-zone and area around the mouth need a true matte finish, while the perimeter and high points stay slightly softer and lean satiny. That contrast gives the face dimension and depth.”

How to Master Soft-Matte Satin Skin

As always, skin prep sets the foundation. Briceno notes that soft-matte finishes last longer when the skin underneath is properly prepped, making it essential to tailor your routine to your skin type. For oily or combination skin, he recommends choosing water-based moisturizers over heavier creams and applying an oil-control serum to the T-zone and chin. If your skin is normal or dry, a thin layer of a lightweight cream works well, as long as excess product stays out of the center of the face.

Because certain areas require a shine-free finish, a mattifying primer plays an important role. “Apply it to the sides and bridge of the nose, the center of the forehead, smile lines and the chin,” he says. This step helps smooth and subtly blur the skin without flattening it.

When it’s time for foundation, a buildable approach delivers the most natural result. “Place foundation under the eyes, around the nose, the center of the forehead and the chin,” says Briceno. “Then use a brush—either buffing or flat-top—to blend it out in thin layers.” To perfect the finish, he follows with a damp sponge, gently pressing the product into the skin and lifting away any excess. “It helps the foundation fuse with the skin and read as lighter coverage,” he explains.

He applies concealer the same way, with restraint and precision. “Less is more,” he says. “Use a satin or natural-matte concealer under the eyes and around the nose, and a slightly thicker formula to cover blemishes or areas of discoloration,” he explains.

How to Set Soft-Matte Satin Skin

Longevity is the goal here. While not every makeup look requires heavy setting, Briceno notes that the soft-matte effect comes to life during the powder step. A light dusting should go under the eyes, along the sides of the nose, between the brows, around smile lines, on the chin and at the corners of the mouth to blur and set the base. When using a loose translucent powder, he prefers a fluffy brush, while a velour puff works best for satin-finish pressed formulas.

Powder bronzer further enhances the finish when applied thoughtfully. Briceno recommends choosing a neutral shade with a soft-matte texture and focusing it on the cheekbones and temples to add structure without harsh lines or heavy contour. “Then apply blush with a similar texture to the high points of the cheeks, shearing out the color as you move upward,” he says.

The final step is setting spray, which helps everything meld together. “Choose a long-wearing formula and mist from a distance so the droplets fall lightly on the skin,” Briceno says. Let it dry naturally. “This helps the powder melt into the base and creates that smooth, velvet-skin finish.”