Every year seems to bring a new skincare trend that has the internet buzzing. You’ve probably heard of slugging, glass skin and skin cycling. Well now the skincare obsession that’s been taking over my TikTok feed (and bathroom counter) is skin flooding. Unlike other viral skincare hacks of the past, this one has earned a permanent place in my everyday routine. Not just because my skin feels more hydrated, but because this routine has become the best makeup primer I’ve ever used.
Long gone are the days of patchy foundation and makeup melting off your face in the summer. Instead of relying on a comedogenic, sticky makeup primer to help makeup last all day, skin flooding focuses on maximizing the skin’s hydration to leave the skin better prepared for makeup.
Skin flooding is essentially layering several hydrating toners or essences onto wet skin to “flood” it with moisture in order to maximize your skin’s hydration. It originates from the Korean “7 Skin Method” which is based on the idea that several lightweight layers absorb better than one thick layer of moisturizer. While the traditional routine suggests applying toner or essence up to seven times, you don’t have to apply that many layers to achieve effective results. Three to five layers is often more than enough to noticeably improve your skin’s hydration.
The payoff goes far beyond skincare. When your skin is properly hydrated, foundation glides on more evenly, concealer blends more seamlessly, and makeup is far less likely to cling to dry patches or separate throughout the day. Instead of sitting on your skin, your makeup melts into it, creating that naturally fresh, healthy-looking glow,
Although it may seem like a lot of steps, you don’t have to overcomplicate it. You also don’t have to use several different toners or essences. I typically use just one essence and one facial mist, layering them a few times before moving on to the rest of my routine. My current favourite is the Rhode Glazing Milk, which is a ceramide-rich essence that strengthens the skin barrier while delivering lasting hydration.
If you want to try skin flooding yourself, here’s the routine I’ve been loving lately:
- Cleanse – Start with a gentle cleanser. My favourite is Tata Harper’s Regenerating Exfoliating Cleanser. It exfoliates the skin while remaining gentle enough for everyday use.
- Toner/Essence – While your skin is still slightly damp, pat on a thin layer of Rhode’s Glazing Milk. Wait about 20–30 seconds, or until it’s mostly absorbed.
- Mist – Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is an all time favourite of mine. Mist all over your face to help plump the skin and lock in hydration.
- Repeat – Continue alternating between your essence/toner and mist three to seven times (though I find three to five times is usually enough for my skin).
- Serum – Finish off your routine with a hydrating serum to help boost hydration and maximize your Skin Flooding routine. A few favourites of mine are Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate and Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid.
- Moisturizer – Lock in your hydration with a lightweight moisturizer. I’ve been reaching for Tatcha’s The Water Cream over the past few months because it hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy – perfect for the warmer weather.
- SPF – If you’re skin flooding in the morning, don’t forget to finish it off with a layer of sunscreen. Vichy’s Capital Soleil Ultra-Light UV Lotion SPF 30 has been a longtime favourite as it layers beautifully under makeup, but recently I’ve also been loving Summer Friday’s ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Mineral Milk Sunscreen for an everyday glow.
The biggest misconception about flawless makeup is that it starts with a makeup primer. In reality, flawless makeup starts with hydration. Skin flooding creates a smooth base that traditional primers have long promised, helping foundation blend more seamlessly, concealer look less cakey, and your makeup stay fresh for longer. It turns out the best primer in your makeup bag might not be a primer at all. —Gabrielle Rohovie
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