What is glass skin?
Glass skin refers to skin that looks clear, smooth, plump, and dewy. While the concept originated from South Korea, glass skin is now a globally loved trend, too. As for the name, the term ‘glass skin’ comes from the skin’s ability to reflect light – something that’s achieved through a combination of hydrating products, serum layering, and pore-refining ingredients.
How to achieve glass skin: a seven-step glass skin routine
Achieving glass skin relies on choosing ingredients with proven efficacy, mastering skincare layering, and adhering to a consistent daily routine.
Below, we’ve curated a seven-step glass skin routine using L’Oreal Paris’s most-loved smoothing, brightening, and hydrating formulas.
Step 1: Cleanse gently
The first step of a glass skin routine is to use a facial cleanser that works for your skin type.
Ideally, this should be a cleanser that effectively removes impurities without robbing the skin of essential moisture – and the Revitalift Filler Smoothing Cleanser is our frontrunner.
Formulated with salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, this cleanser has been developed to smooth and refine skin texture while ensuring skin stays plump, soft, and well-hydrated – the essence of glass-like skin. We recommend cleansing morning and night; simply apply to damp skin and massage in circular motions for at least 30 seconds.
Step 2: Exfoliate two to three times per week
Regular exfoliation sloughs dead skin cells and unclogs pores, helping to unlock smoother, brighter skin. That said, how often you exfoliate should be dictated by your skin type.
For instance, more tolerant skin types – like oily and combination – might benefit from exfoliation two to three times per week. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may only need to exfoliate once per week.
When it comes to exfoliating in your glass skin routine, you can substitute your regular facial cleanser with an exfoliating scrub or follow up your cleansing with an exfoliating serum – like the Bright Reveal Dark Spot 25% [AHA + BHA + PHA] + Niacinamide Exfoliant Peel.
Step 3: Use a brightening serum
The best serums for glass skin target the concerns that stand in the way of a smooth, dewy, glowy complexion. Since the goal of glass skin is luminosity, we recommend adding a brightening serum to your glass skin routine.
Designed to visibly fade dark spots and post-blemish marks, the Bright Reveal 10% [Niacinamide + Melasyl + Amino-Sulfonic Acid] Dark Spot Serum is a standout serum for unifying skin tone. Apply it morning and night onto a clean, dry face.
Step 4: Apply a hydrating serum
Skin hydration is the benchmark for glass skin, and you can boost your skin’s moisture retention with the help of hydrating serums. As a general guideline, it’s important to populate your glass skin routine with hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides – which are all renowned for supporting the skin moisture barrier.
To take advantage of hyaluronic acid’s benefits, layer on the Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum. This fast-absorbing serum delivers instant, intense hydration – resulting in a visible plumping effect and a radiant complexion. Just bear in mind that hyaluronic acid works by binding external moisture to the skin surface, so be sure to apply this serum to damp skin to enhance its efficacy.
Step 5: Integrate a weekly face mask
While this step isn’t part of a daily glass skin routine, a face mask is the perfect dose of supercharged hydration and radiance on those weekly self-care nights.
Powered by a high concentration of nourishing active ingredients – including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and adenosine – the Revitalift Glass Skin Hydrogel Glow Mask instantly smooths, plumps, and refreshes the skin surface. This is a 90-minute mask designed for application on clean, dry skin. Simply apply the bottom mask first, then the top mask, and leave on until the mask becomes transparent.
Step 6: Seal in hydration with a moisturiser
Now you’ve treated your skin to a combo of skin comforting and nourishing ingredients, next it’s time to secure hydration with a moisturiser – a step that’s especially important if you’re looking to create a glass skin effect on mature skin.
Moisturisers play an important role in preventing water loss in the skin and contributing to that dewy, bouncy effect that’s become synonymous with glass skin.
For a moisturiser that packs the potency of a serum into a lightweight formula, we recommend the Revitalift Filler Glass Skin Liquid Cream. A cross between a serum and a moisturiser, this liquid cream infuses the skin with lasting hydration and amplifies your natural radiance for an instant glass-like finish.
Step 7: Apply SPF (morning only)
Many visible skin concerns are the result of – or, at least, are exacerbated by – UV damage. So, just like any morning skincare ritual, your glass skin routine should finish with sun protection. Seek out a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF50 to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen won’t only safeguard your skin against sunburn – it will help prevent fine lines and hyperpigmentation, while preserving your skin moisture barrier.
Now that you’ve perfected your glass skin routine, it’s time to master the no-makeup makeup glass skin look to let your smooth, clear, dewy skin shine.
