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At the beginning of last year, I highlighted trends and products to watch out for in the new year. Now here we are at the start of a new year, and let me tell you: One of the trends that is not going anywhere is Korean "glass skin"! It has proven so popular that I thought I'd do a deep dive for all my skincare beauties out there.
"Glass skin" is a term that originally came from the skincare gurus that dominate the K-beauty scene. Because of its descriptive name, and the healthy glow that is its namesake, it quickly went viral — and hasn't gone anywhere since.
The idea is that your complexion is so luminous that it actually has a glassy shine to it. Some people describe the look as "dewy" or "glowy" because of how healthy and hydrated your skin becomes. The end goal is essentially to nurse your skin towards its absolute healthiest, "reflecting" the best version of you.
The popularity of glass skin aligns with an overall shift back to natural beauty. Korean skincare routines are excellent for this since their product's formulas consistently focus on health, prevention and maintenance. The higher maintenance it takes to have a base of excellent skin pays off by making your everyday beauty looks low-maintenance.
This routine's health-centered focus creates an overall glow and skin health that can slow down the effects of aging. That makes the effort worth it, right? This is largely because the hallmark of this kind of routine is to drench your skin in moisture.
As a master esthetician, here are the steps I've identified that can help you achieve glass skin! Think of the routine as a starting point, which you can then modify according to your skin type.
You should always be using a gentle cleanser at the start of your day, something that cleans your pores and prepares your face for the products ahead. I recommend using a renewing, anti-aging cleanser like the House of PLLA's Volumizing Foaming Cleanser, a K-beauty product line that I swear by.
This step builds the ever-important moisture back into the skin. I say "2+" because you can build moisture into your skin with almost as many layers as you want (check out the K-beauty seven skins routine for more on this), depending on what hydrating products you prefer.
For example, some people use a hydrating moisture essence, then hydration moisture pads, followed by a hydrating serum, or a product that uses natural derivates like my current favorite in the lineup of Korean beauty products, the Dr. Esthé Rejuvenating Ampoule. Then, finish by locking all that moisture in with a hypoallergenic moisturizer — I love Dr. Esthé's Dual Barrier Cream.
It is up to you how you build this step! However, I suggest adding at least two different types of products in, as the bottom line for achieving "glass skin" is to pack a moisturizing punch.
The skin around your eyes is more sensitive and can show signs of dryness and fatigue faster than anywhere else on your face. The glass skin routine accounts for this with strict daily application of a firming eye cream. My recommendation? The C. Tox Eye Cream to brighten and detoxify the skin under your eyes.
You'll find this step in all the best Korean skincare routines, because no matter how much you care for your skin morning and night, it won't matter if you continuously damage it whenever you enjoy time outside. Apply a facial sunscreen every day, whether or not you are planning a day at the beach or in the office. You'll thank me later! I suggest using something mild for daily application, like this Sun Protection sunscreen that simultaneously uses microparticles to absorb excess sebum.
Once you have done all of that in the morning, you have marched glowing and ready through the day and are preparing for a good rest (which I might say is equally important in maintaining a healthy complexion)... do it all over again! Minus the sunscreen, of course.
I also suggest you stick with the Korean beauty trend of cleansing twice to thoroughly remove any makeup at the end of the day, and leave your skin sparkling clean before layering on the moisture.
I also recommend adding a bit of extra care to your routine weekly. Use an exfoliating mask or pads to get rid of that extra layer of dead skin that might be blocking some of the benefits of your other products. I love the Hevatox Exfoliating Pad that helps to plump your skin using a deep exfoliating moisturizer.
Unsurprisingly, when trying to achieve glass skin, the step after exfoliating should be a hydrating mask like this sensitive skin-friendly option from EXODERM. If you want to try out multiple options, check out this video on the other masks I love to recommend to clients.
This Korean skincare routine for glowing skin will get you far, but if you need more product recommendations to personalize this process to your skin type, here is a list of my favorite K-beauty products. I understand that creating an entire skincare routine can be overwhelming, but with a little help, it doesn't have to be!
I have tested products, treatments, and routines for years with my decades of experience as a licensed master esthetician. Take advantage of this through the Christine Byer Beauty Club. I offer a 14-Day FREE preview with full access to everything in the Club. Get personalized support for your questions and have access to savings and the opportunity to win a FREE consultation. If you don’t find value in your membership, cancel within the 14 days at no charge.
