Korean skincare—with its hydration-centric products, multi-step routines, and emphasis on relaxing face masks—has enamored the global skincare sphere for years. Perhaps one of the buzziest K-Beauty trends is a concept known as “glass skin,” which, to many, is synonymous with flawless skin. The term took hold a few years ago, but it’s still among the most coveted skincare trends we know. (It’s even the inspiration for several viral spin-off trends, such as glass lips and glass hair). If you’re itching to learn more, keep reading. Ahead, we explain what glass skin is, offer advice on nailing the look, and share some of our favorite glass skin products for scoring a dewy, luminous complexion. What Is Glass Skin? According to esthetician and Korean skincare specialist Sarah Kinsler-Holloway, “glass skin is a term used to describe flawless, poreless-looking skin.” The “glass” descriptor refers to the skin’s glass-like appearance: smooth, light-reflecting, and almost translucent in its clarity (much like a clean windowpane). Of course, all skin has some texture—even the best glass skin products won’t erase your pores. So, while you’ve probably seen seemingly perfect glass skin flaunted on your social media feeds, Kinsler-Holloway says it’s important to remember that oftentimes, makeup (and filters) are to credit. That being said, the right skincare routine and habits can help give your skin a smoother, more glass-like appearance. Why Is Glass Skin Trending? The popularity of glass skin coincides with the overall popularity of Korean skincare, which, as anyone with social media likely knows, only continues to gain steam. Proponents of the trend like the smooth, youthful-looking complexion that glass skin creates—it makes you look hydrated and healthy. Glass skin is also popular amongst those who favor no-makeup makeup, as it allows your luminous, healthy-looking skin to be the focal point of your look. What Are The Characteristics Of Glass Skin? A smooth skin texture, even tone, and a visibly hydrated, dewy appearance are the key characteristics of glass skin. Learn more—and discover a bit more about how to achieve glass skin—ahead. Smooth texture A defining characteristic of glass skin is its ultra-smooth texture and (apparent) porelessness. We say “apparent” because everybody has pores—they’re an important and necessary feature of the skin. However, their size can vary significantly. As Kinsler-Holloway explains, your pore size is primarily determined by genetics, and, on the whole, can’t be changed (the concept that you can shrink your pores is, sadly, a myth). That being said, there are things that you can do to help your pores appear smaller or less prominent. In general, pores are easier to spot when they’re clogged with oil or other debris. Using skincare products that help balance oily skin and reduce congestion may help make your pores less noticeable and give you the glass skin look you’re after. If you’re prone to clogged pores or breakouts, don’t attempt DIY extractions—you could end up damaging your skin. Instead, deep-clean your pores with a weekly clay mask or reach for products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, which can help to dissolve excess oil for a more balanced appearance. Even tone An even, uniform skin tone devoid of redness, dark spots, and discoloration is another hallmark of the glass skin trend. While some types of discoloration can be tricky to address, achieving a more even skin tone is possible with the right products and routine. Look for gentle exfoliators like lactic acid or skin-brightening ingredients like vitamin C, both of which can help minimize the appearance of discoloration and pave the way for even-toned glass skin. Products with these ingredients may also help to improve skin texture and boost radiance, making them ideal for those after a glass skin look. If you have persistent discoloration or questions about which products are best for you, consult your dermatologist. They should be able to provide personalized advice and help you build a skincare routine that’s right for your needs. Dewy appearance Glowiness, dewiness, radiance—whatever you want to call it, natural-looking luminosity is a key feature of Korean glass skin. Ensuring your skin gets adequate hydration can help give you that glassy glow you’re after. Fortunately, the skincare world has no shortage of hydrating products to choose from. We suggest seeking out toners, moisturizers, and serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, both of which can help hydrate the skin. Other ingredients worth considering include ceramides, which can help trap moisture in the skin and promote a dewier, plumper appearance. How To Get Glass Skin In 5 Easy Steps Now you know what glass skin is, it’s time to get into revamping your routine so you can achieve it. Here, we’re breaking down a simple five-step glass skin routine to help you get started. Step 1. Double cleanse You may already be familiar with the double cleanse, but if not, we’ll clue you in. This Korean cleansing method involves washing your face twice—first with an oil-based cleanser, and then a second time with a foaming cleanser. The first cleanse helps remove makeup, excess oil, and other pore-clogging impurities, while the second helps remove lingering debris for a thorough, squeaky-clean cleanse. We recommend kicking off your glass skin routine with Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil. Dispense three to four pumps of the luxurious formula into your palms, then massage it onto your dry face, including your eye area (just keep your eyes closed). Once your makeup begins to melt, wet your hands and continue massaging—the oil will emulsify into a milky cleanser that removes makeup and other impurities to reveal soft, smooth skin. After rinsing, cleanse your face once more, this time with a gentle foaming cleanser (we love the CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Facial Cleanser). Pat your skin dry with a clean washcloth, then proceed to step two. Editor’s tip: While tempting, avoid washing your face with hot water; doing so can dry out your skin and interfere with your glass skin look. Step 2. Tone Most glass skin routines include an exfoliating step, since exfoliation can help remove dead surface skin to reveal a smoother, plumper appearance. For gentle exfoliation, we recommend reaching for an acid toner, such as Youth To The People's Kombucha + 10% AHA Power Exfoliant. It’s formulated with 7% lactic acid, 3% glycolic acid, antioxidant-rich black tea ferment filtrate, plus hydrating ingredients to create a more even complexion with lasting nourishment. To use it, simply soak a cotton pad in the toner and gently swipe it over your face, avoiding your immediate eye area. Editor’s tip: A popular trend amongst Korean beauty enthusiasts is the seven-skin method, which involves applying up to seven layers of toner in between your cleansing and moisturizing steps. If you want to experiment with using more than one toner, feel free to do so—though for your second tone, we recommend opting for a hydrating formula, such as Thayer’s Milky Hydrating Face Toner with Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid. Step 3: Apply your serums Next come your serums—plural. You’ll need two for this routine: one that targets visible discoloration and one that provides another layer of skin-plumping hydration. For the former, we recommend the SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Serum. The powerful formula provides intense hydration and helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and expression lines. After just one week of use, you’ll enjoy smoother skin with a noticeable, glass skin-like radiance. After allowing your first serum a moment to absorb, layer on your hydrating serum for an added boost of hydration. We love Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, which helps strengthen and repair the skin barrier while delivering deep hydration for a hydrated, plump appearance. Step 4: Moisturize Skincare for glass skin often prioritizes moisture, and for good reason—as we mentioned earlier, adequate moisture is key for securing a glowy, radiant appearance. If you’re looking for a new moisturizer to add to your glass skin routine, we suggest giving IT Cosmetics’ Confidence In A Cream® Barrier Boost Skin Barrier Repair Daily Moisturizer a try. The gentle formula provides up to 100 hours of continuous hydration and helps improve skin tone and texture for a more radiant-looking complexion. Step 5 (AM): Finish with sunscreen To achieve (and maintain) glass skin, proper sun protection during the day is a must. For sufficient protection, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. The Lancôme Supra Screen Invisible Serum Sunscreen SPF 50+ is one of our top picks—it’s a 3-in-1 formula that combines the benefits of a hydrating serum, a lightweight sunscreen, and a makeup primer into one formula suitable for all skin types. Apply a generous amount to your face and neck at least 15 minutes before going outside, and be sure to reapply every two hours or after sweating or swimming for lasting protection. Editor’s tip: If you’re wearing makeup and don’t want to have to remove it to reapply your sunscreen, stash an SPF-infused face spray, like Habit No41 Face Mist with SPF 41, in your bag for easy on-the-go reapplication. Step 5 (PM): Apply a nighttime face mask At night, you can skip the sunscreen—it’s not needed. Instead, finish your glass skin routine with a sleeping pack. These Korean skincare staples are face masks that you leave on while you sleep. They deliver deep, lasting hydration to help plump, smooth, and soften your skin. While the K-beauty world has no shortage of sleep packs to choose from, we’re big fans of Pyunkang Yul Sleeping Mask at the moment. Per the brand, the hyaluronic acid and panthenol-packed formula helps replenish moisture while you sleep for a deeply hydrated, radiant appearance. Simply smooth a dime-sized amount of the mask onto your skin after moisturizing and hit the sheets—you’ll be one step closer to glass skin by sunrise. How Long Does It Take To See Results From a Glass Skin Routine? Results may vary on your journey to glass skin. The speed at which you achieve your desired level of radiance can depend on the types of products you incorporate into your skincare routine and the consistency with which you use them. Of course, the process can also depend on external factors like genetics, age, and (most importantly) skin type. Generally speaking, though, you’ll need to use your products consistently for at least a couple of months before you begin to see significant results. Glass Skin Tips for Different Skin Types Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here, we’re breaking down some tips to consider when building a glass skin routine, based on your skin type and concerns. Oily skin Oily skin, like all skin types, requires hydration to look and feel its best. But if your skin is oily, you’ll want to stick with lightweight, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores or contribute to breakouts. Water-based moisturizers, lightweight serums, and gentle exfoliating cleansers can all be useful for keeping this skin type looking smooth, even, and balanced. Dry skin Dry skin craves moisture, so to achieve a dewy complexion, we recommend focusing on skincare with ultra-rich or nourishing formulas for long-lasting hydration. Slugging is an excellent technique to lock in moisture—it’s a Korean beauty trend that involves applying a thin, even layer of petroleum jelly to your face before bed to help lock in moisture. Sensitive skin Gentle, fragrance-free products are always recommended for sensitive skin types. You can still achieve glass skin with a reactive complexion—simply focus on non-irritating products that highlight hydration without a ton of extra (and superfluous) ingredients. Blemish-prone skin Those with acne can absolutely achieve glass skin. To achieve a glowy complexion without further irritation, it’s important to incorporate gentle acne treatments that won’t dry out your skin to target problem areas. Pimple patches are a great tool to spot-treat breakouts without disrupting the look and feel of the rest of your complexion. As with oily skin, it’s also a good idea to steer clear of any products that are too heavy, oily, or contain pore-clogging ingredients. Combination skin Individuals with combination skin experience varying levels of oiliness and dryness across different parts of their face. To achieve glass skin, those with this skin type will need to prioritize balance. Look for lightweight products that can hydrate drier areas without making your oily T-zone appear slick or greasy. If your dry areas need a little extra hydration, you can spot-moisturize with a richer lotion or cream as needed. Next Up: Sunscreen Before Or After Moisturizer: Which Comes First?
