“Glass skin” is a term with origins in the Korean beauty space referring to a smooth, clear complexion that glows with health. There’s no single way to achieve this coveted skin state–with countless products on the market to choose from, it can be difficult to decide what to buy. Below, I’m sharing the routine I’ve been using lately to get that lit-from-within look, even without an ounce of makeup.
The Holifrog Tashmoo Hydrating Water Lily Milky Wash is a thick, luxurious cleanser that almost feels like a lotion on your skin. It contains antioxidant-rich botanicals to help restore skin’s barrier, and is ultra calming and soothing. When I start my day with this product, I know I’m setting myself up for a good skin day.
After cleansing, I pat skin dry and then spritz on a face mist, one of my favorite skincare categories. I find that spraying a light layer of face mist after every step keeps my skin crazy-hydrated (the key is waiting long enough for it to be mostly dry). I’ve tried many facial sprays, and my absolute favorite is the Curél Deep Moisture Spray, something I first heard about from @BambiDoesBeauty on Instagram. It provides a fine mist that is excellent for moistening skin before applying serums and toners. This Japanese skincare product contains glycerin and ceramides for lightweight moisture that never leaves my skin greasy.
While my skin is slightly damp from the spray, I drop on about three drops of SKIN1004’s Madagascar Centella Ampoule. This is a water-like skin-soother that offers anti-inflammatory, barrier relief, and antioxidant properties. I find that in order to get the glassiest skin, it’s important to apply thin layers of hydrating products. This ampoule may look like water and absorb immediately, but it has an instant hydrating effect.
I like to layer skincare products from thinnest to thickest, so the next step here has to be something a bit creamier, but not as heavy as a moisturizer. I’ve discovered the perfect product in Ilia’s new Base Face Milk. This facial essence is true to its namesake–the texture is like milk, but it’s packed with hyaluronic acid, barrier renewal complex, microalgae extract, and prickly pear flower extract. When patted in, it aborbs almost instantly. If you have oilier skin or if it’s humid outside, you can use this as your moisturizer.
I love a lot of moisturizers, but my favorite of all time, and the only one I can trust completely for a glass skin day, is Kopari’s Moisture Whipped Ceramide Cream. This vegan face moisturizer is magic on my skin–it’s extremely hydrating and calming, but its whipped texture keeps it lightweight and never sticky, something I can’t stand. There’s also no scent and no irritating ingredients (I’m usually not looking for actives in my moisturizer). If I could only use one product for the rest of my life, it would be this moisturizer–it’s just that good.
The last step is, of course, sun protection. I have been loving the Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+PA++++ from SKIN1004, a serum-like, lightweight, hydrating sunscreen that leaves a dewy glowy. Although this is a chemical sunscreen, I find it does not irritate my sensitive skin. An accompanying product that I love, especially for summer, is the Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick, a similar product that comes in stick form, so it’s perfect for reapplying at the beach or pool without interfering with your glass skin.
