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How to Get Glass Skin

How to Get Glass Skin

Learn how to achieve glass skin - the latest K-beauty trend that promotes hydrated and glossy skin. Find the best routine & Kiehl's products for glass skin.

glass skin

HOW TO GET GLASS SKIN


Learn how to achieve glass skin - the latest K-beauty trend that promotes hydrated and glossy skin. Find the best routine & Kiehl's products for glass skin.




‘Glass skin’, the Korean beauty trend which has taken the world by storm, refers to a specific order and application method of radiance-boosting skincare products. The glass skin look revolves around radiant, reflective and plump complexions, reflecting skin its healthiest.

The Korean glass skin method will shift depending on your skin type – but everyone – including dry, oily, sensitive and combination skin types can tap into this glowing skin trend.

Ahead, see how to get Korean glass skin and the ingredients to implement in your skin routine. The end goal of this method is healthy-looking and happy skin – discover the right tailored skincare products that will get you there!


What is glass skin?


Glass skin is like it sounds. The K-beauty trend is all about luminous, poreless and radiant complexions with a ‘polished’ feel. Sometimes referred to as dewy skin, the glass skin treatment does require a little commitment. This method definitely sits in the multi-step skincare category, but each product works together to promote healthy skin and achieve the final look. A glass skin skincare routine works towards:

  • Even skin tone
  • Long-lasting glow
  • A bouncy and soft skin texture

The best skincare ingredients for glass skin


The glassy appearance in this skin beauty trend results from deep hydration and skin cell turnover. For best results, the steps in your glass skin facial routine should be applied both morning and night. Layered hydration, exfoliants and moisture-sealing facial oils feature the following ingredients:

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

As exfoliants, AHAs gently clear dead skin cells away to reveal fresher skin underneath. They also help to improve moisture content in skin, promoting a ‘bouncy’ skin texture and reducing rough skin alongside the appearance of fine lines.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help to protect skin and reduce oxidisation, which is an important step in supporting happy and healthy-looking skin. Vitamin C, ferulic acid and plant extracts like turmeric and peony extract can all feature in Korean glass skin methods

Hydrating ingredients

Hydrating ingredients

You'll notice multiple moisturising steps within a glass skin skincare routine. The layering technique helps to seal in moisture so that all skin layers are hydrated. Ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid help to implement moisture and strengthen the skin moisture barrier so that it can retain water content for longer.

How to get the glass skin look: Skincare essentials


Each of these glass skin essentials work together to promote brightened and soft complexions. Some of these products will most likely feature in your routine already, and some you might be less familiar with. Below, see how to achieve Korean glass skin for your skin type with the right application methods.

Glass skin look

Step 1: Brightening cleanser

Rough textured or dulled skin is often caused by environmental pollutants. The first step in glass skin treatment is cleansing. This helps to remove stressors like debris, dirt and sweat and prep skin for hydration. Clearly Corrective™ Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser gently purifies with antioxidants and nutrients to assist skin clarity.

Apply a small amount of Clearly Corrective™ Brightening Exfoliating Daily Cleanser to wet skin and massage upwards in circular motions before rinsing the face.

Toner

Step 2: Toner

Toners help to balance skin tone and increase the absorption of following products – making this step a glass skin essential. Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner is a mild and alcohol-free toner (and is suitable for sensitive skin!). The non-drying formula helps to promote the soft glass skin texture.

Saturate a cotton pad with Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner and pat across skin.

Facial essence

Step 3: Facial essence

A mainstay of K-Beauty, facial essences are considered an important aspect of the glass skin look. Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence is packed with AHAs and squalane to help promote radiance and hydration. This step also primes skin, so your following products such as moisturiser can absorb fully.

Where the toner is swiped across skin, a facial essence is absorbed into skin. Gently press a few drops of Ferulic Brew Rejuvenating Facial Essence into skin – focusing on cheeks, forehead and chin area.

Retinol and vitamin C serum

Step 4: Retinol and vitamin C serum

The effective combination of retinol and vitamin C helps to promote the bright skin complexion synonymous with Korean glass skin. In the morning, a vitamin C serum like Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution helps to protect skin against environmental stressors like UV radiation.

As part of your evening glass skin skincare routine, a retinol serum like Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum helps to speed up skin cell turnover. By bringing fresh cells to the surface, retinol encourages even skin texture and tone for glowing glass skin.

Moisturiser for glass skin

Step 5: Moisturiser

Integral to how to get glass skin is intense hydration. To attain the bouncy and bright look, we recommend using a deeply nourishing moisturiser – a gel-free formula like Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream works for oily and mild acne-prone skin. For dry and normal skin types, Clearly Corrective™ Brightening & Smoothing Moisture Treatment combines vitamin C with AHA glycolic acid to correct the appearance of discolouration across skin and continuously hydrate for 24 hours.

Apply around 2 thin layers of moisturiser to skin in the morning. At night, apply slightly thicker layers to ensure skin is steeped in moisture as your sleep.

Eye cream

Step 6: Eye cream

Because the skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of facial skin, signs of premature ageing and stress can appear here first. To look after the unique needs of this area, eye creams are thick and hydrating without being overwhelming. Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado includes avocado oil, beta-carotene and shea butter to gently moisturise the delicate under eye area for a youthful-looking glow.

Facial oil

Step 7: Facial oil

Facial oils help to lock in moisture and create a layer on skin to protect against environmental stressors. Midnight Recovery Concentrate is our night-time facial oil glass skin treatment. A replenishing facial oil that helps restore skin overnight, our evening oil includes squalane and lavender essential oil to calm skin. The result: radiant, younger-looking skin by morning.

Apply 2-3 drops of Midnight Recovery Concentrate before bed, and gently massage into skin.

SPF for glass skin

Step 8: SPF

Especially in Australia, UV radiation is one of the biggest contributors to premature ageing and visible skin stress. Korean glass skin reflects healthy skin, so daily sunscreen application is an essential step. Opt for broad-spectrum SPF and reapply as directed.

Mask for glass skin

Step 9: Face mask (optional)

To attain and maintain the bright glass skin look, dead skin cells need to make way for new skin. To promote visible hydration and combat dullness, we recommend using a brightening facial mask 2–3 times per week. Our exfoliating Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energising Radiance Mask clears dead skin with antioxidant cranberry seeds, while the inclusion of turmeric encourages radiance and evened skin texture.

At night, apply the mask and wait 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water, massaging into skin as you go. The cranberry seeds should be felt across skin – move your fingers in a gentle, circular motion.

Shop your anti-ageing routine.

Discover the best in supportive retinol anti-ageing products and other formulas.

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