Glass Skin - Your Guide to the Latest K-Beauty Trend

If you’re not up to date with glass skin, then we’re almost certainly on different TikTok feeds.

If, like most of us, you’ve found your way onto skin-Tok, then you will have seen glass skin just about everywhere. Strictly speaking, glass skin isn’t a new thing – but it’s definitely having a bit of a moment.

The sudden influx in glass skin can be largely attributed to social media. But it would be remiss not to mention the influence of K-pop stars (Hi: Suzy, Irene, and Taeyeon!).

K-pop stars have been pioneering the glass skin trend for more than 5 years. So let’s give them their flowers for the important role that they continue to play in promoting positive skin care rituals.

To get you up to speed, this simple glass skin guide will answer all of your questions and provide a simple framework with product suggestions that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without glass skin.

What is glass skin?

Glass skin can be characterised as flawless, pore-free skin that is almost translucent. A glass skin routine is about achieving a long-lasting glow, a bouncy feel, and an even tone right across your skin. In terms of glow, we’re talking about skin that is luminous and almost shining (note: definitely not oily).

Why is glass skin becoming so popular?

Unlike so many beauty trends, glass skin is about promoting healthier, more natural skin. It’s about investing in the steps, the layers, and the process that is needed to achieve your best skin. For that reason, so many people have fallen in-love with the ritual and the pursuit of achieving glass skin through an unbroken regimen that nourishes the skin.

In its simplest form, glass skin is almost a revolt against the overdone makeup trends that we’ve seen in years gone by. Glass skin is a positive step towards natural, healthy skin, and a defiant step away from the Insta perfect, filter-like makeup trends that we’ve seen in years gone by.

At its core, glass skin is about skin health. Sure, it’s not going to look like a filter, but when you see glass skin in real life, you’ll understand exactly why it’s so popular. If you love natural, then you’ve got to try glass skin – we promise it’s the healthy-skin pursuit that you’ve been searching for.  

How to get glass skin – step by step guide

Ok. Achieving perfect glass skin is a process. We’re not going to pretend otherwise.

However, for most of us, we already have a lot of these products at home. Some may need a top up (which we can definitely help with), but there’s a good chance you already have more than half of these products.

Step 1: Brightening cleanser:

Start out with a cleanser on a cleansing pad to cleanse your face. There's no shortage of great cleaners on the market, so choose one that you know works for your skin

Step 2: Exfoliate:

Exfoliating is the best way to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and dull your skin while promoting new skin cell turnover. Steer clear of anything too abrasive and opt for a mild exfoliating scrub – you want something that you’re comfortable using every day that won’t cause flareups.

Step 3: Balancing toner:

Traditional, alcohol-based toners can dry out the skin, so that’s where K-beauty is so different. Korean skin balancing toners are packed with hydrating properties that are designed to moisturise while prepping your skin to absorb the products that follow.

Step 4: Brightening facial essence:

Ok, if you’re new to K-beauty, then you might not be familiar with facial essence. Facial essence isn’t a serum, it’s a thin, water-based product that helps skin to absorb other products and retain moisture. Facial essence is one of the most important products for glass skin – so don’t brush over it

Step 5: Retinol & vitamin C serum:

Serum is one thing, but let’s talk serum with retinol and vitamin C. Retinol and vitamin C are two hugely important ingredients for skin health. Both help to build collagen and fight pigmentation.

Step 6: Nourishing moisturiser:

When it doubt – moisturise. Moisturiser is essential for hydration and also for achieving the appearance of ‘glass skin’. There are so many great Korean moisturisers on the market, so find one that works with the rest of your products and your skin type.

Step 7: Eye cream:

If you’ve read a few glass skin guides, then you’ll notice that some people are leaving eye cream off their guides – but we think this is a huge mistake. Eye creams help to protect the most delicate skin on your face and alleviate some of the most common skin concerns including dark circles and crows’ feet.

Step 8: Facial oil:

Finding the right facial oil can be tricky, but it’s essential if you’re serious about achieving your best skin. Face oil helps to add a further layer of hydration to the skin and delivers a ‘dewy’, hydrated look that is essential for glass skin.

Step 9: SPF (daytime): 

SPF is the most underrated skin care product on the market. Whether you’re in it for glass skin, or you just want healthier skin – a daytime SPF is essential for protecting your face from harsh UV rays that can cause premature aging and skin damage.

Final Thoughts

Noone said it was easy, but it will definitely be worth it. Just like anything in skincare, it’s all about consistency. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and glass skin wasn’t achieved in a week. Glass skin is a ritual. If you’re looking for a repeatable, proven formula to achieve clear, radiant skin – then glass skin is the answer.