How to get the “Glass Skin”?

More than a decade ago, the West was first introduced to Korean beauty term “glass-skin”. Peach and other K-beauty professionals like Peach & Alicia Yoon, Lily, discussed it on podcasts. Instagram was flooded with images of what appeared to be impossiblely dewy skin. K-pop stars were the first to embrace the coveted complexion trend. If the fact that people still desire to have glassy skin is any indication, it wasn’t a trend.

Glow Recipe founders Sarah Lee, Christine Chang and frequent glass skin-havers tell us straight-forwardly that “Glass skin” is the ideal skin in Korea. What exactly is glass skin? It refers to skin that appears crystal-clear and poreless, transparent, and luminous, like a piece glass.

It’s all about layering, according to Lee and Chang. You can use several lightweight layers of hydrating products to make your skin look like a baby’s bottom, similar to the K-beauty “7 Skin Method”. This involves applying toner or essence seven times after cleansing. There is no one way to achieve flawless skin. However, experts have shared their firsthand experiences with us, as well as popular social media posts, to help us narrow down the process to just a few key steps.

1. Double-cleanse using non-drying cleaners

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that K-beauty includes the well-loved double-cleanse.

David Kim, a New York City-based dermatologist, told us that the oil-based cleanser should be used first. Do you have a favorite cleanser? We love the Best of Beauty Award-winning Pai Light Work Rosehip Oil Cleansing Oil, and the Simple Micellar Cleansing water.

After you have removed all makeup and sunscreen, use a gentle hydrating cleanser to clean your skin. The Best of Beauty winner La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrogel Gentle Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser will do the trick without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.

Our picks:

• Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
• Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
• Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser for Skin

2. Exfoliate.

This step may be best saved for nighttime if you use photosensitizing acid as your method of exfoliation. Dr. Kim told us that acid-based face masks and peels that are made with beta and alpha hydroxy acids, give skin a glowing glow after exfoliating dead skin cells. The Paula’s Choice 25% BHA + 2% AHA Exfoliant Peel is a Best of Beauty winner. However, it’s best to not use it every night for irritation. Remember to apply sunscreen (and reapply it) as the final step in your morning skin-care routine. (More about that later.)

Our pick:

Paula’s Choice 25% AHA + 2 % BHA Exfoliant Peel

3. Add liquids to the layers.

Toners today aren’t as drying and irritating as the old days, so they don’t hinder glass skin’s desire for hydrated skin. Lee explained that the idea is to cleanse thoroughly and clarify your skin using a double cleanse. Then, use a toner to hydrate and treat your skin. Two of our favorite options: Dr. Jart’s skin-barrier-bolstering Ceramidin Liquid Moisturizing Toner and Versed Baby Cheeks All-In-One Hydrating Milk.

Follow your toner with an essence to really boost the moisture. Mona Gohara MD, a Connecticut dermatologist, says that essences are ideal for people who want to drive moisture into their skin. Two essences that are perfect for pressing onto your skin: Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 mucin power Essence and Hourglass Equilibrium Restoring Oil.

Our picks:

• Hourglass Equilibrium Restoring Essence
• Cosrx Advanced Snail96 Mucin Power Essence
• Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid Moisturizing Toner
• Versed Baby Cheeks All in One Hydrating Milk

4. Use a hydrating serum that can do it all

A variety of ingredients are needed to achieve glass skin’s smoothness, dewiness, even tone, or smoothness. You don’t need to use three different serums for the same benefits. Hyaluronic Acid draws in moisture. Vitamin C brightens and protects with antioxidants. Peptides are great for smoother and firmer skin.

Our picks:

• Protecting and enhancing Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tripeptidide Collagen Brightening Serum
• Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Brightening Serum

5. Protect and moisturize

You can choose to use a separate moisturizer with sunscreen or a very moisturizing sunscreen. But, protection and hydration are the most important steps in your glass-skin regimen. Do not use sunscreens or moisturizers that promise a matte finish. Glassification is possible by looking for glowing results.

Glow Recipe’s Plum Plump Hydraluronic Cream is a great day cream for anyone, even people with oily skin that is prone to breakouts. Supergoop Glowscreen 40 is a great choice for a double dose of SPF and dewiness.

Our picks:

• Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic cream
• Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40

6. Make it look real with makeup

Glass skin is not something you can achieve overnight. Although you can make your skin look dewier immediately, it takes time to achieve the next level of clarity and smoothness. You can get instant gratification by choosing sheer skin tints that have extra-fine illuminating glitter, such as Huda Beauty’s Glowish Multidew Tint Skin Tint. Apply your concealer of choice, wherever it is needed, and then highlight your skin with a glossy liquid highlighter such as Saie Glowy Supergel on the highest points.

Our picks:

• Huda Beauty Glowish Multidew skin tint
• Saie Glowy Super Gel