GLASS SKIN
A complete guide
By Agnes Aui
Forget makeup, this year is all about glass skin. While makeup is essential to ensuring you look and feel your best throughout the day, especially when you’ve got important events to attend, having glass skin starts with skincare. With the right products and proper methods, achieving glass skin is a rewarding challenge. So, if you’re looking to flaunt that glass skin all year long, here’s a complete guide for you.
#WHAT IS GLASS SKIN?
Glass skin is a term used to describe exceptionally smooth, even-toned and luscious skin. It appears so flawless and clear that it mimics the appearance of glass. Glass skin is an elegant way of describing a complexion that is simply desirable. However, it shouldn’t be confused with the popular ‘dewy skin’. This is because ‘dewy skin’ refers to skin that looks moist, plump, replenished
and healthy. Glass skin, on the other hand, aims for an intensely moisturised skin that gives off an almost transparent complexion, hence the term ‘glass skin’. This trendy skin can be achieved by a skincare regime known in Korean beauty and we’re here to tell you all about it.
#PRODUCTS YOU WILL NEED
In order to obtain glass skin, you should be equipped with the products needed in the 10-step skincare regime. Here is the list of products you’ll need:
- Oil Cleanser
- Gentle Foam Cleanser
- Exfoliator
- Toner
- Essence
- Serum Or Face Oil
- Moisturiser
- Sunscreen
- Face Mask
#STEP-BY-STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE TO ACHIEVE GLASS SKIN
1. Cleanse
First, wash your face with a gentle oil cleanser that won’t clog pores or strip your skin of its natural oils. The benefit of oil cleansers is the fact that they remove excess oil and pollution from your skin without actually eliminating natural oils on your face. It’s also a great cleanser to use, especially if you’ve had makeup on all day long, as it gently melts your makeup, making it easy to remove.
2. Cleanse again
After cleansing with a gentle oil cleanser, cleanse your skin again with a gentle foam cleanser. This extra cleansing step will ensure that every bit of dirt is removed from your skin, allowing your skin to breathe and heal throughout the night. It is important to note that cleansing gently with your fingers is recommended for those with dry or sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
3. Exfoliate
Every other day, exfoliate your skin to get rid of excess dead skin cells and blackheads. Just take a small amount of face scrub and gently scrub your skin, going in circular motions until your entire face has been exfoliated. There are many face scrubs found in beauty stores but the great thing about exfoliation is that a face scrub is easy to make at home. Just combine sugar (or ground coffee) with coconut oil for a moisturising exfoliant.
4. Tone
Toners tend to be overlooked in a skincare regime when in fact, is the most important part of it. This is because toners help reset the pH value of your skin, allowing your skin to better absorb the products in the next part of your routine. There is also a vast variety of toners that you can find in beauty stores – with extra acid exfoliants such as AHA and BHA, alongside simpler toners like pure aloe vera.
5. Essence
An essence is a thin, water-based product that adds moisture to the skin. Though many skip this step in a skincare routine, incorporating it actually increases moisture retention and helps in the absorption of other products. It provides a natural glow to your skin and moisturises it further, making it ideal for those with dry to normal skin types. Overall, a functional essence also intensifies the benefits of any skincare regime.
6. Serum or face oil
One of the most important products in any glass skin routine is a serum or a hydrating facial oil. The serum or facial oil should be lightweight yet packed with antioxidants, which protect the skin and reduce the signs of ageing. For glass skin, it is important to choose a serum that has vitamins or hyaluronic acid as hyaluronic acid moisturises your skin and brings out your skin’s natural glow.
7. Moisturise
Moisturising in the day and night is an important step in a skincare routine as it gives you that instant burst of hydration, leaving your skin smooth and supple. For those with dry skin, try using a heavier moisturiser like cream-based or oil-based as your skin needs the extra oil. For those with oily skin, a gel moisturiser will work perfectly as it’s light and doesn’t cause a heavy or greasy feel to your skin.
8. SPF
Sunscreen is a must in every skincare routine, especially the glass skin routine. This is because sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays that eventually cause skin pigmentation. Skin pigmentation typically appears as you age and is difficult to reverse. Look for a sunscreen that’s equally hydrating, protecting, and won’t leave behind any residue.
9. Face mask
Every other day, you should be applying a face mask to restore the skin’s moisture or treat any skin issues. Clay masks are great for cleaning and reducing the appearance of pores without drying or irritating skin, while sheet masks are perfect for hydration and give your skin that instant glow.