Sunkissed

Sunkissed is a term used to describe skin, hair, or an overall aesthetic that resembles the effects of sunlight. In common usage, sunkissed skin refers to a warm, bronzed or rosy complexion that may result from sun exposure or makeup. The term conveys a natural, healthy glow and is widely used in fashion, beauty, and marketing.

Etymology and variants: The phrase derives from the notion of being lightly touched by the sun; it is often written as sun-kissed, sunkissed, or sun kissed, with the hyphenated form being common in formal writing and the single-word form prevalent in branding.

Usage in cosmetics and styling: In cosmetics, sunkissed describes products designed to mimic a sun-touched glow, such as bronzers, highlighters, blush, and sheer lip colors. In fashion and photography, the term can describe styling or lighting intended to evoke late-afternoon sun or a soft, warm palette.

Health and cultural context: Although the term promotes a flattering aesthetic, extended sun exposure carries risks, including skin damage and cancer. Many beauty brands promote sun protection, or suggest alternative methods such as self-tanning or makeup-based glow, to achieve a sunkissed look without excessive UV exposure.

See also: sun-kissed, golden hour, tan.