As beauty trends come and go, “glass skin” has been making waves in the beauty industry for a while now. This Korean-inspired trend is all about achieving a smooth, clear, and radiant complexion that looks like it’s been lit from within. Who doesn’t want that? We’re exploring what the glass skin trend is all about, hooking you up with some application tips, recommending our favourites from Andersen Beauty and dipping our toe into the related “glazed donut” beauty trend. Glassy, glazed, let’s go.
What is Glass Skin?
The glass skin trend is all about creating a poreless, translucent complexion that’s free from imperfections. Think mirrored, reflective, glistening surface and you’re on the right track. To achieve this look, you’ll want to focus on skincare that hydrates, brightens, and evens out your skin tone. A multi-step routine that includes a double cleanse, toner, essence, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen is often recommended thanks to its roots in Korean skincare – often containing a plethora of products. But we’re going to simplify it and sort you out with glass skin with as few steps as possible.
Cleansing (really, really well.)
To start, cleanse your face thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup. Double cleansing, which usually involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, can help to ensure that your skin is completely clean. Next, use a hydrating toner or mist to balance your skin’s pH levels and help your skin better absorb subsequent skincare products. For true glass skin, you don’t want to skip this step. We suggest using a cotton pad to swipe your toner over the face, repeating until the pad is completely clean of makeup and dirt.
We love Ipsum Best Skin Cleansing Oil Balm and Catarina Barbosa Isabel Cleansing Oil for the first cleanse. A second cleanse using NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser will leave the skin feeling refreshed and ready for glazing.
For Glass Skin devotees, you’ll follow this up with an essence, which is a lightweight, watery product that contains active ingredients to help brighten and even out your skin tone. Our new favourite is Catarina Barbosa Eunice, which is like being spritzed with a bouquet of floral water.
If you’re struggling with acne or blackheads, a gentle exfoliation will help you achieve that smooth skin texture. Try NUORI Gentle Glow Tonic in place of an essence and add Clarity Mask once a week to purify the skin.
The Glass Serum Layer
After your essence, apply a serum that’s specifically targeted to your skin concerns. For example, if you have dark spots or hyperpigmentation, a vitamin C serum can help to brighten and even out your skin tone (try NUORI Supreme C Treatment or VENN Age Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster). If your skin is feeling sensitive or inflamed, we suggest VENN Probiotics Cica Complex Biome Booster and if your skin is especially dry and dehydrated look for products rich in hyaluronic acid and plumping ingredients (we love Catarina Barbosa Maria and Lernberger Stafsing Moisture Boost Serum).
Moisture Moisture Moisture
Finish off your glass skin routine with a moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type, and don’t forget to use a sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. Our superhero moisturiser for glass skin is La Fervance Eclat Extraordinaire. It contains a bounty of hydrating and nourishing properties, with the added bonus of real gold that illuminates the skin unlike anything else. A single application of Eclat Extraordinaire will offer instant radiance and a glassy glow.
Makeup Tricks for Glass Skin
In addition to a good skincare routine, makeup can also help you achieve the glass skin look. Start with a sheer, dewy foundation or BB cream to even out your skin tone and give your skin a natural-looking glow. Use a light hand when applying makeup, as you don’t want to cover up all the hard work you put into your skincare routine. We love Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation applied sparingly with our Otis Batterbee face brushes.
Finally, use a highlighter to add extra luminosity to the high points of your face, such as your cheekbones, brow bone, and the bridge of your nose. Fair complexions will adore Ere Perez Vanilla Highlighter in Falling Star that melts seamlessly into the skin, while Manasi 7 Strobelighter in Sunrise or Deliro will suit warmer skin tones.
Glazed Donut Skin
As a related trend, the “glazed donut” beauty trend is all about achieving a super shiny, dewy finish on your skin. While the glass skin trend is more about achieving a translucent, almost poreless complexion, the glazed donut trend takes things to the next level with an ultra-dewy, almost wet-looking finish. To achieve this look, you can use a facial oil or a super hydrating moisturizer as your final skincare step to create a glossy finish on your skin. Our favourites are VENN Advanced Multi-Perfecting Red Oil Serum, Catarina Barbosa Amalia or OM-SE Face Oil, or for those who prefer a cream try NUORI Infinity Bio-Catalyst Day.
But it doesn’t end there! For a truly reflective glazed donut complexion we recommend one final step to your skin. The use of a balm or cream product like Manasi 7 All Over Shine in Cristallo or Kaito – or a skincare balm like Eclat Extraordinaire takes this look to next level. Just warm a little product between your finger tips and press onto the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and any area you want to pop. Supercharge the glazed look by mixing a little Manasi 7 Strobelighter in Celestial with your balm for beams of light on the contours of your face.
The glass skin trend is all about achieving a radiant, flawless complexion that looks like it’s glowing from within. By using a multi-step skincare routine – customised to your own skin needs, applying makeup sparingly, and using the right products, you too can be glistening like glass.
Need help with your routine? Speak to us via Live Chat or email info@andersenbeautycom
