As a beauty editor, I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go over the years. But one that has been going strong for quite some time now, is the glass skin trend. So much so that I wouldn’t actually call it a ‘trend’ now, but more of a skin ‘look’. A look that thousands of skincare addicts (including myself) have strived to achieve. Billions actually, if the 4.4 billion TikTok views are anything to go by. After a lot of trial and error, I think I’ve nailed it, so I want to share my tips with you, so that you too can manifest your glass skin dreams.
What is glass skin to me? I define it as skin that’s very smooth, shiny and glossy, and then when you add a lot of hydration and dewiness to it, it starts to look translucent and reflective like glass. With the right skincare products and routine, you can make your skin have this ultra shiny appearance naturally. However, with certain makeup products and skincare finishers, you can also fake it, at least to some extent. That’s why, in this article, my product recommendations are split between ‘make it’ and ‘fake it’ – allowing you to experiment with achieving your own glass skin look in a way that suits your lifestyle, budget and skin type.
But first, I’ve spoken to some experts — Stuart Kaplan, M.D., Beverly Hills dermatologist, and founder of KAPLAN MD Skincare and Dr Jinah Yoo, a Korean, UK board certified dermatologist — to find out exactly what glass skin is, where the look originated, and the skincare ingredients that you should look out for when trying to get glass skin for yourself. Are you ready to get your gloss on?
What Is Glass Skin?
When it comes to my own skin, I know what glass skin looks like on me. But what do the experts define ‘glass skin’ as? Dr Jinah Yoo explains that it was a trend that originated in South Korea as part of the K-beauty phenomenon. It’s “a complexion so clear, smooth, and luminous that it appears like glass, with the emphasis on healthy, radiant skin over heavy makeup.” Dr Kaplan also puts the emphasis on it being skin that’s “very hydrated and poreless, with a luminous, dewy tone.”
With #glasskin accumulating 4.4 billion views on TikTok, it’s definitely a hotly desired skin look, and since it’s all about healthy skin, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to aim for.
How Can You Achieve Glass Skin?
Like with everything in skincare, consistency is key. This isn’t something that’s going to happen overnight – it will take weeks, or even months, to get your skin to a place where your glass skin look is purely about consistent maintenance. Dr Kaplan explains that we are battling against the effects of “sun damage, lifestyle habits (what we eat, how much we sleep, how much we exercise, smoking, medications, health complications), environmental damage, and even the effects of hormonal aging” in our quest for glass skin, as these all cause our skin to become duller, more lackluster, dry, wrinkled and blemished – the opposite of ‘glass skin’.
Dr Yoo says that, to achieve glass skin, we must follow “a multi-step, consistent, daily skincare routine that emphasises hydration, moisture retention, and skin barrier strengthening.” She says this includes “exfoliating to remove dead skin cells, a lightweight, hydrating essence to enhance moisture absorption, the targeting of specific skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, protecting the skin from UV damage with SPF and antioxidants, and the frequent use of hydrating sheet masks to infuse extra moisture”, amongst many other things. I agree and these are all steps that I practice daily.
What’s the First Step in Achieving Glass Skin?
Dr Kaplan says the most crucial thing you must start with is exfoliation – “removing the dry, dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, to bring fresh new cells to the surface.” He explains that “by forcing the skin to remove the build up of dead skin cells on a daily basis, in a gentle way that is non-irritating and hydrating at the same time, this will lead to minimised pores, collagen stimulation, and radiant ‘glass’ skin naturally.” After exfoliation? Pack on that hydration!
Dr Yoo emphasises proper cleansing – in particular, double cleansing. She says this “ensures that your skin is thoroughly clean, which is essential for absorbing the hydrating products that follow. By removing all layers of grime, your skin can better absorb hydrating products like toners, serums, and moisturisers, which are crucial for the dewy, clear appearance associated with glass skin.”
Julia Marinkovich, UK representative of K-beauty brand COSRX says that hydrating products containing certain key ingredients are the secret to glass skin. She recommends “snail mucin, centella asiatica, rice extracts, propolis and galactomyces” in particular, and advises “incorporating these ingredients through serums, toners and sheet masks to achieve the glass skin finish, and then lock them in with a skin barrier protection product such as a rich moisturiser and SPF.”
Can All Skin Types Have Glass Skin?
It’s obvious that the ideal definition of glass skin is skin that is free from blemishes and has a smooth, refined texture, but let’s face it, this isn’t very achievable for everyone. I believe that all skin types can still achieve key elements of the look, even those with acne or psoriasis, for example. Dr Yoo agrees that “all skin colours and types can work toward achieving ‘glass skin’, though the approach and products used may need to be customised to address different skin concerns and sensitivities.” Dr Kaplan agrees that everyone can “find a skincare regimen that works for their skin type, and stick to it on a daily basis. The result of all of this will help achieve healthy, radiant, naturally glowing skin.”
How to Get Glass Skin:
The In-Salon Skincare Treatment: MOXI™ Laser Treatment
I recently underwent the laser treatment that’s being heralded as the fast route to glass skin, all in the name of research. The MOXI™ Laser Treatment is a gentler laser treatment that only has one or two days of downtime. It’s a groundbreaking, ‘non-ablative treatment’ (meaning it does not damage the skin’s surface). It’s all about triggering the skin’s repair process. Fiona Ross, founder and director of The Aesthetics Club where I had my treatment, says that “when we disrupt the skin in a controlled way using treatments (such as micro-needling, MOXI™ or ablative lasers), the skin produces more collagen and elastin to heal the skin and repair it, meaning the skin becomes tighter, plumper and texture free.” This was definitely my experience.
She says that “MOXI™ is designed to improve skin texture, tone, and radiance by addressing early signs of skin ageing and sun damage. Non-ablative lasers target deeper layers of the skin without damaging the surface, making MOXI™ a more gentle option compared to more aggressive lasers. It works by delivering controlled laser energy into the skin, which promotes collagen production and accelerates cellular turnover, leading to smoother and healthier-looking skin.”
Immediately after treatment
During my MOXI™ Laser Treatment (which costs approximately £550), I really didn’t feel much at all – kind of like the sharp tingle that you get when you use a micro-current device without enough of a conductive base on. However, by the end of the treatment I could increasingly feel the heat, like my skin was badly sunburnt. I was told to expect this and that’s exactly what it felt like for the next 12 or so hours. The heat then disappeared and my skin felt dry and tight. The key to healing quickly and well is to pack on the hydration (no active ingredients) after 24 hours, as well as lots of barrier repair moisturiser. Over the following few days, my skin felt like sandpaper but didn’t visually look dry or rough in texture. After five to seven days this disappeared, and my skin tone and texture was visibly improved and my skin felt soft, smooth and looked radiant. I actually couldn’t believe how good my skin looked at the five to seven day mark, that I was itching to book in for my next treatment.
Two weeks after treatment
(Image credit: @alifewithfrills)
Is the MOXI™ Laser Treatment suitable for all skin types?
Fiona Ross, who is also a registered nurse, says that it is generally safe and suitable for all skin types as “it’s non-ablative, so it doesn’t carry the same risks of hyperpigmentation or scarring that some more intense lasers can cause, especially for those with darker skin tones. However, as with any laser treatment, individual suitability depends on factors such as skin condition, medical history, and any active skin concerns. A consultation with an experienced aesthetic professional is always recommended to assess if MOXI™ is the right treatment for them.”
So now that I’ve tried it for myself, is MOXI™ a fast route to glass skin? Yes, I very much think it might well be, and I’ll definitely be going back to get it again.
The At-Home Skincare Products To Give You Glass Skin:
Best for Hydration: Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Facial Serum
Indeed Labs
Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Facial Serum
This is a real drink for your skin. Not only does it have hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, but there’s also nutrient-rich Red Marine Algae which encourages circulation, helping the Hyaluronic Acid to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Customer Review: “Great absorption and leaves your skin feeling super hydrated. Great product to use when you are in warmer climates and your skin feels dried out. Also great to use after a plane ride to refresh the hydration levels in your skin.”
Best for Exfoliation: Kaplan MD Diamond Contour Supercharged 1 Minute Daily Facial
Kaplan MD
Kaplan Md Skincare Diamond Contour Supercharged 1 Minute Daily Facial
This is a powerful manual and chemical exfoliator, which feels very gentle and hydrating to use. Finely milled diamond dust and bamboo, as well as fruit enzymes, exfoliate away dead skin cells and brighten the complexion.
Customer Review: “This is a powerhouse product. It’s one of those products that you can see results from quickly, and it’s also easy to use which is a plus. It exfoliates, brightens and makes my skin feel amazing.”
Best for Radiance: Beautypro LED Mask
Use this every day, and I guarantee that after a week, you’ll be amazed at the glass-like shine of your skin. It also reduces the appearance of pigmentation and helps to heal the skin – all things you are looking for in your quest for glass skin.
Customer Review: “I am so happy with my skin since buying this mask. I’ve been using its 4/5 times a week for 30 mins on red and yellow and my skin is glowing. My rosacea is noticeably reduced and I keep getting compliments. I did have some issues with the battery, but contacted Beautypro directly and they sorted it out in a few days with a new control. Very pleased with the service and results.”
Best for Firmness: Kitsch Ice Facial Roller
Pop this is the freezer and bring it out to roll over your skin when you are wearing a sheet mask. The cryo therapy from the cold, will tighten the skin and firm it, making it look more lifted and awake.
Customer Review: “I love this roller. Keep it in the freezer. Such a good size for an all over de-puff in the morning. Works a treat!”
Best for Texture Refining: COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum
COSRX
The Niacinamide 15 Serum
Niacinamide has long been my hero ingredient for a reason – it does so much. It’s the main ingredient I rely on to refine the texture of my skin and minimise pores. It also helps with dark spots and pigmentation and can help treat acne.
Customer Review: “I’ve been using the COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum for a few months now, and I’m absolutely loving it! As someone who struggles with acne-prone skin, I’ve found that this serum has really helped to clear up my complexion. The niacinamide has helped to reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts, leaving my skin looking smoother and more even-toned. I also appreciate that it’s lightweight and non-greasy, making it perfect for daily use. Highly recommend!”
Dr Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads
These are the holy-grail of AHA and BHA acid toners. These pre-soaked pads bring out my glow like nothing else I’ve ever used. They also help to keep my skin clear of blemishes and smooth in texture.
Customer Review: “I saw an immediate effect after using this once! It looked like my skin was overall smoother and just ‘right’. It felt almost like the texture had changed and it was just generally smoother and cleaner. Love the tingly effect after step one which makes me feel like its really working. Definitely have a sense of really deep cleaning my face and can feel the active ingredients. After regular use, I feel like it makes my skin texture more even.”
Best for Plumpness: Laneige Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask
Laneige
Bouncy and Firm Sleeping Mask
This overnight sleeping mask works wonders and you’ll awake to plump, juicy skin with better elasticity. Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid hydrate the skin while you sleep. A unique peony-collagen complex boosts elasticity and plumps the skin, and the probiotic lysate supports the skin barrier, soothes and reduces inflammation. Your bedtime BFF.
Customer Review: “This face mask is divine. It leaves my skin so soft and plump the following morning. My skin is hydrated, nourished and this is now a staple in my skincare routine.”
Best for Moisturising: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream
This light gel moisturiser will leave your skin feeling hydrated, plumped, cool and refreshed. It promises an incredible 100 hours of hydration, and whilst I can’t attest to that, I can tell you that it is incredible. Not only does it hydrate with Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid, there’s a biopeptide complex that improves the appearance of skin tone and texture, as well as niacinamide to refine the look of pores.
Customer Review: “I’ve used the Magic Cream on and off for years, but I bought the hydrating face wash first which was lovely and led me to buy this moisturiser. I have combination skin and get dry patches in the winter. This cream resolved that concern. My skin looks plump and dewy after applying the cream. It’s easily absorbed and I will continue to purchase it.”
Best for Dewiness: Kinship Supermello Hyaluronic Gel Cream Moisturiser
Kinship
Supermello Hyaluronic Gel Cream Moisturiser
This is honestly one of my top two favourite moisturisers ever. It has a yummy, sweet marshmallow scent, and envelops your skin in a soothing, cooling, hydrating, silky veil. Hyaluronic Acid and coconut water hydrate, and there’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients in there too. My skin looks like dewy perfection after applying.
Customer Review: “Super lightweight moisturiser but super hydrating. Scent is lovely but might be overpowering for some.”
Best for Shine: Tweezerman Facial Razor
One of the easiest and fastest ways to boost your skin’s glow, is to shave off (or ‘dermaplane’) all those tiny vellus hairs aka peach fuzz. Your hair will NOT grow back thicker or darker.
This sturdy dermaplaning razor is the best for precision.
Customer Review: “So pleased with this tool. The only dermaplaning tool that hasn’t broken me out terribly. Results seem to be lasting long too. Really pleased.”
The Best Makeup Products To Help Get the Glass Skin Look:
Best for Dewiness: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
Glow Recipe
Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
There are many ways to use this product, but I either use it as the last step of my skincare routine for no makeup days, or I rub it between my palms and pat onto the skin over my makeup to add dewiness and give a more natural finish. It’s extremely hydrating, makes your skin look fresh and plump, and even has Niacinamide to help refine skin texture too.
Customer Review: “Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops truly cannot be beaten! This product is an absolute game-changer in my skincare routine. The texture is so smooth and lightweight, and it absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling greasy or sticky. The glow it gives is absolutely radiant, making your skin look dewy and fresh, but never too oily. What I love most is how it brightens my complexion. The niacinamide really helps to even out my skin tone, and I’ve noticed my skin looks much clearer and more radiant with continued use.”
Best for Under Makeup: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Bobbi Brown
Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Whilst this is technically a moisturiser (and it works great as one), it is my holy grail makeup primer. I cannot imagine a day when I will not have one of these in my makeup bag. It’s buttery texture deeply moisturises and adds a beautiful healthy shine to the skin. It’s cult for a reason.
Customer Review: “This product is one of my holy grails and I will always repurchase! It smells amazing and leaves such a nice sheen on the skin, amazing for before makeup too!”
Best for Luminosity: MAC Cosmetics Strobe Cream in Glowlite
MAC Cosmetics
Strobe Cream in Glowlite
This light moisturising cream has a pearlescent sheen to it which transfers beautifully to the skin, making it reflect light in stunning ways as you turn your head. It’s a truly unique product. I also use it as a highlighter over makeup, patted lightly onto the high points of my face.
Customer Review: “I’ve been this for years now and I still love it. It truly is a multi use product as you can use it mixed in with foundation. On its own and under makeup, for different levels of glow. Plus it smells so good.”
Best for Glow: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip and Glow Primer
Milk Makeup
Hydro Grip and Glow Primer
The bronzed glow this gives is unreal. You won’t fail to have the glowiest makeup look with this underneath. It uses algae to create a tacky layer that grips hold of your makeup to keep it in place all day.
Customer Review: “This is so much better then the original. This works with all my foundations. Both water and silicone based. You don’t need much and you need to let this dry on your skin for 2 minutes before applying foundation. Its not overally sticky and the glow it gives is stunning.”
Best for Shine: Glossier Futuredew Facial Oil-Serum Hybrid
Glossier
Futuredew Facial Oil-Serum Hybrid
This might not be the best choice for those with acne, as it is quite oily in texture and finish, but for everyone else, your skin will love this. I rub this between my palms and gently pat it onto my skin after I’ve applied my makeup, to make it look more natural and glowy. Amazing at instantly transforming the look of dry skin.
Customer Review: “As a dry skin girlie, this is one of my favourite skin prep products. It’s literally glass skin in a bottle. It has a light botanical scent, which isn’t at all overpowering. Makeup also applies flawlessly on top for a dewy look.”
Best for Highlighting: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Glow Skinstick in Purrl
FENTY BEAUTY
Match Stix Glow Skinstick – Purrl
This highlighter is almost clear, with not a hint of glitter or shimmer. It has a very light pearlescent sheen, but it’s the slick, oily texture that gives the skin its glow. It’s like painting on dewy shine rather than shimmer.
Customer Review: “Love this product, this has lasted me literally a year and its still not done yet.”
Best for Coverage: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint
Charlotte Tilbury
Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint
This skin tint and highlighter combined has been a bit of a Marmite product since it recently launched. It’s extremely shiny and on some skins does make it look overly greasy and oily. However, on normal or dry skin, it’s perfection. It makes skin look very glassy and reflective, as well as healthy and moisturised.
Customer Review: “I’m giving the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint 4 out of 5 stars! This skin tint has a beautiful, sheer coverage that evens out my complexion while still looking incredibly natural – like my skin, but better. It gives a lovely, dewy glow that makes my skin look fresh and radiant without feeling heavy or greasy. I love how lightweight it feels, perfect for everyday wear when I want a more subtle, “no-makeup” look. The formula is hydrating and smooth, which makes application easy and seamless, though I did find it helps to set it with a light powder if you have oily areas, as it can get a bit shiny over time. The shade range is also a bit limited, which might make it harder for some to find an exact match. Overall, this is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a natural, glowy base with a light feel. It’s a great addition to a minimal makeup routine and perfect for that “barely-there” skin look.”
Best for Bronzing: REFY Gloss Highlighter in Topaz
REFY
Gloss Highlighter – Topaz
The bronze shade of this when it comes out of the tube does look a bit intimidating to a pale skin girl like me, but when you blend this out, it hardly has any colour to it at all – just a high-shine gloss finish that makes you look radiant and glowy.
Customer Review: “This highlighter is so beautiful! Definitely my all time favorite highlighter to use! The pigment is gorgeous and it blends out beautifully. And the price is amazing! Love, love, love!”
Best for an Even Tone: Chantecaille Sheer Glow Gold Face Tint
Chantecaille
Sheer Glow Gold Face Tint
This new festive iteration of the cult Chantecaille Sheer Glow perfects the look of the skin by evening out tone and blurring imperfections. This is a light, perfecting tint with a hint of gold shimmer. There’s barely any colour or shimmer to it at all, yet it manages to do so much to improve the look of your complexion.
Customer Review: “I use the bronze face tint in Summer but it is too dark for my pale skin at this time of year so I was interested to try this gold tint from the new Chantecaille collection. I was bit dubious that it might be a bit too ‘party -like’ and really only suitable as a highlighter in the evening but this is not the case so don’t be put off by the word gold. I have used it every day since purchase. The tint is actually very pale and is an absolutely fabulous base or primer under foundation when applied with a brush. It is hydrating and really helps smooth out the skin. I have also used it a couple of times on its own and it makes one look just that bit healthier and glowing. The texture is light and absorbs well into the skin.”
Best for Blush: Trish McEvoy Liquid Face Colour
TRISH MCEVOY
Liquid Face Colour
The dewiest, juiciest, most natural-looking blusher I’ve ever come across. It comes in one shade that’s designed just to add a natural flush to the cheeks rather than any serious colour. It makes you look so healthy, and moist… in a good way. The pen with brush applicator is so handy to throw in your bag and apply on-the-go.
Customer Review: “One of my absolute favourite products for many years. The colour is so perfect and gives a beautiful dewy look.”