Got Milk? It’s Skincare’s Biggest Trend Right Now
February 23 | 4 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
But that finish didn’t come from genetics or youth alone; it had a lot to do with an entirely new skincare step. When Bieber launched rhode’s Glazing Milk, she effectively introduced a whole new skincare category – skin milk.
The toner-meets-essence-meets-serum hybrid has since spilled into everyone’s routines – and after the recent launch of rhode at MECCA, you’d be hard-pressed to find a face Down Under that’s not sporting an even-toned dewy glow.
But before you slip a skin milk into your routine, here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Is A Skin Milk?
Despite the name, skin milks (as the internet has coined them) don’t actually contain any milk at all. It’s all about the texture – they're smooth and silky, designed to coat your skin barrier like a dewy little protective blanket. Usually, these formulas deliver hydrating humectants and soothing ingredients in spades, without the heaviness of a traditional moisturiser.
Sasha Plavic, Brand Founder of ILIA, likes to think of them as a “cross between an essence and a lightweight moisturiser.”
“It has soothing properties and redness reduction on application,” she tells us, referring to ILIA’s The Base Face Milk. “So, if you have any rosacea or kind of skin concerns, it will immediately soothe and smooth the skin and reduce redness. We have four types of hyaluronic acid in there, so it really helps to plump up the skin and get it ready for makeup application.”
They’re Actually Not New
Skin Milks Are Going Viral, Again
“They’re super versatile,” Emily Harris, MECCA MAX’s Product Development Manager tells us. “Skin milks offer a flexible way to boost moisture across a variety of skin types. For oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin, they provide a lightweight yet effective moisture boost. For drier skin, they serve as a perfect layering or top-up option, delivering added hydration whenever it's needed throughout the day.”
How To Use A Skin Milk
The Best Skin Milks at MECCA
Now you’ve got the skinny on skin milks, it’s time to find the formula that suits you. Here are our favourites right now...
The new Dewy Milk Moisturizer delivers that much-loved Tatcha glow along with balanced hydration thanks to a combination of zinc hyaluronate (it helps to balance excess oil while delivering essential yet lightweight hydration), prebiotic green tea (to activate the skin's own glow) and Japanese purple rice (for hydrating, antioxidant protection from free radical damage). “The results are two times more skin bounce instantly and weightless, all-day glow,” says Martin.
The specially developed formula combined with the ultra-fine mist format can also be used on top of makeup to refresh your skin throughout the day. “Creating a lightweight and even mist was really important for us to nail so that it wouldn't ruin makeup during application,” Harris adds. While the soothing ingredients are perfect for those with skin on the sensitive side.
The watery formula includes ceramides, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and plant-powered ingredients to strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture without the heavy feeling of a traditional moisturiser. “I would say it's my favourite product,” she explains. “It's just you know when I wash my face in the morning or come out of the shower the first thing I put on is Base Face Milk and the same thing at night, it just feels like a really nice refreshing kiss on the skin.”
