Last updated: 23/05/2024
Milky formulas are officially trending across skin care, body care and even make up. And no, they don’t contain *actual* dairy, but rather the trend refers to products that have a milky appearance, consistency and texture.
To learn more about this beauty trend we caught up with one of our expert Buyers, Hannah Grimes.
“In recent years we have seen the surge in popularity of milky formulations within the skin and body space as a direct response to the growing demand for simple, effective and multifunctional beauty solutions,” says Hannah. “After the pandemic, many people emerged with compromised skin barriers from using ingredients that were either unsuited to their skin type, or too harsh to be used in conjunction.”
Hannah continues that milky formulas are often rich with panthenol, lipids and ceramides, which offer hydration without the heaviness, making them perfect for all skin types — but particularly those looking to restore their skin barrier.
“Milky formulas also align perfectly with the 'Naked Ambition' movement, which was predicted in our 2024 Trend Report. These products provide consumers with gentle, versatile formulas that deliver results without compromising skin health,” says Hannah. “Brands such as BYOMA are leading the charge with its Milky Oil Cleanser and Milky Moisture Cleanser, while Paula’s Choice offers an alternative to its bestselling 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with a Nourishing Milky Toner, designed to quench thirsty skin.”
So, grab yourself some milk and cookies and read on for the best milky formulas your routine will thank you for... Yep, we’re really milking it.
MILKY MARVELS TO ADD TO YOUR ROUTINE
Searching for a toner specially formulated for sensitive skin? Give a warm welcome to The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, a gentle, hydrating formula that works to refine skin texture, lessen the look of pigmentation and boost radiance. Itssecret to greatness? Yeast ferment technology (which is the exfoliant), squalane (which provides the milky texture) and antioxidant-rich n-acetyl glucosamine (the hero that reduces the look of dark spots). You're welcome.
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Designed to leave your complexion clean and balanced without that dreaded tight and squeaky feeling, the BYOMA Milky Oil Cleanser effortlessly melts away the day’s impurities, make up and SPF with the gentlest of formulas (think: olive fruit oil, moringa seed oil and squalane). Starting as a nourishing oil, simply add water to reveal a soothing milk that unveils soft and smooth skin.
SHOP ALL BYOMA >>> The most important part of any (daytime) skin care routine is sunscreen, and the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30 fits the bill with its sheer, luminous and intensely hydrating formula. Blending into all skin tones and revealing lit-from-within radiance, this milky SPF is also enriched with squalane and antioxidant-rich vitamin E to deliver moisturising, nourishing benefits.
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SHOP ALL SKIN CARE >>> Dry lips? Let us introdewce you to the Tower 28 ShineOn Milky Lip Jelly. Available in milky nudes, peachy pinks and chocolatey browns, this juicy lip gloss coats your kissers in apricot, avocado and raspberry seed oil for a shiny finish, comfortable feel and a hydrating slick of vibrant colour.
SHOP ALL TOWER 28 >>> SHOP ALL MAKE UP >>> If you’ve had a long day and you’re daydreaming about a glorious soak in the tub, the L’Occitane Almond Milky Bath is your golden ticket to a soothed soul and nourished limbs. Delicately scented with the sweet aroma of Provencial almond, allow this milky marvel to transform your mood —and your body —from tense to relaxed in mere moments. Snacks, Netflix and a gently flickering candle, optional...
SHOP ALL L’OCCITANE >>> Want to smell like you’ve just spent a week on a tropical island? Silly question — you need the Kopari Beauty Guava Hydrating Body Milk. Bursting with fresh notes of mango, sweet nectar and, of course, guava, this quickly absorbing body milk swathes limbs in soothing and conditioning goodness. Think: chamomile, shea butter and coconut oil, all housed in a featherlight formula for silky smoothness that’ll have your housemates *borrowing* this hydrating hitmaker.
SHOP ALL KOPARI BEAUTY >>> Enjoy a year-round tan the safe way with the Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, which gradually builds up a faux glow with an easy, fuss-free application. Ideal if you’re a tanning newbie or want to maintain a bronzed, just-back-from-the-beach appearance, simply smooth onto limbs for a golden tan that looks as if you’re bathed in dappled golden hour light.
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SHOP ALL BODY CARE >>> SHOP MORE MILKY MUST-HAVES
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