How to Get Glass Skin

Makeup trends come and go so quickly it can be hard to keep up with the latest looks. But one craze that shows no sign of falling from the limelight is the Korean skincare trend, the glass skin routine. If you’re reading this and wondering, ‘What is glass skin?’, we’re here to enlighten you.

Inspired by Korean skincare and K-beauty which is well and truly (and rightly) having its moment, this trend might feel unachievable. But we’re here to show you how to get glassy skin in just a few steps.

The clue’s in the name with this one – Korean glass skin is essentially skin that’s so radiant it looks like glass. Reflective cheekbones, radiant skin, and a smooth, flawless complexion is the aim with this skincare trend reigning from Korea. And if there’s anything we’ll buy into, it’s a K-beauty skincare routine, especially one that’s loved by so many others. The secret to it is layering the right glass skin products to achieve hydrated and “Gwang” (Korean for dewy glow) skin.

The key to how to achieve glass skin lies in the essential ingredients you should be bringing into your skincare routine. From Korean glass skin ingredients that give everything from juicy hydration, to bouncy plumping, to increased collagen, here’s a few you should be looking out for…

Hyaluronic acid – a powerful hydrator that attracts, draws in, and retains moisture. Especially beneficial for those dry or dehydrated skin that needs a good drink.

Niacinamide – a bit of an all-rounder that works to reduce acne, refine texture, reduce pores, enhance barrier function, smooth out pigmentation, and more. 

Vitamin C – smooths and plumps fine lines and loose skin by increasing collagen production. It also visibly improves the appearance of brown spots and red marks.

Glycolic acid – leaves skin brighter, clearer, and more toned by removing dead skin cells in the top layers of skin so that fresh, new skin can come through. 

Ceramides – strengthens skin by reinforcing layers to help prevent moisture escaping and prevent harmful pollutants from causing damage.

Peptides – signal peptides plump and firm skin by increasing collagen production, whilst carrier peptides help with wound healing and support damaged skin.

From how to care for your skin to the hydrating products to use, follow our step-by-step guide on how to jump on the trend and get glassy skin yourself.

Cleansing is the first, and arguably most important, step in your skincare routine. Not only does it remove makeup, dirt, and grime, cleansing your face can also help to banish breakouts and a build-up of dead skin cells. To cleanse, massage your product of choice over your face for two to three minutes, before washing off with warm water and a clean flannel. If you have acne-prone skin, cleanse twice to ensure your skin is extra clean and free from impurities. Follow this twice a week with your favourite exfoliating scrub, working the product in circular motions around your face to buff the skin and prevent clogged pores.

Ultra-dewy skin is one of the key characteristics of glass skin. To give your skin a boost of hydration, make the most of nourishing treatments such as mists, essences, and serums after cleansing and exfoliating. To begin layering moisture, spray a facial mist three to five inches away from your face morning and night. Follow this with a lightweight facial essence formulated to tackle skin concerns such as redness and pigmentation, and a nourishing serum to promote a smoother, firmer complexion. Gently massage the products into the skin, or pat in for better absorption.

Add extra shine to your base by using a moisturiser and SPF. Hydrated skin not only aids healing and helps to prevent breakouts but is perhaps the quickest way to achieving that glassy skin glow. Aim for formulas that have a light, gel base, as this will leave your face looking fresh and hydrated without the sticky feel. The most effective moisturiser will also be enriched with hyaluronic acid, the ultimate hydration hero when it comes to attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. Follow this with a gel SPF for a final touch of hydration and protection in your glass skin routine.

Now you’ve got your skincare routine in check, it’s time to haul the makeup that will take your glass skin to the next level. Steer clear of any mattifying products, and instead get your glow on with products that promise to hydrate and boost radiance. Start off with an illuminating primer which will give your base the best chance at appearing sheer and glowy. Layer this with a lightweight, moisturising foundation with a dewy finish to create the fresh-faced, glazed effect of glass skin.

To get the best results, the Korean glass skin routine needs a relatively healthy base to begin with. So this makes having a thorough, diligent skincare routine essential when it comes to getting glass skin. Along with cleansing, toning, and moisturising, it’s also important to opt for glowy makeup that will hydrate the skin and boost radiance.

Thanks to the creation of cream and liquid blushers and bronzers, you can still achieve a contoured, healthy glow without sacrificing the dewy look of glass skin. Blending seamlessly into your foundation, these products are great for defining and sculpting your features while adding some warmth to your base. Apply bronzer to the natural contours of your face, followed by a dab of blusher just above the cheekbones for a refreshed and enhanced complexion.

For those of you with oily skin, the concept of a makeup trend best known for its dewy, shiny appearance might seem like a recipe for disaster. Never fear – you can still use powder when achieving the glass skin look. To ensure you don’t take away from that healthy glow you’ve worked so hard to create, choose a powder that is both lightweight and illuminating, and apply only to essential areas such as your T-zone and under-eye area. Then, lock your base in place with a dewy-finish setting spray for an all-over, glassy glow.

FYI: This article was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated