In this post, you’ll take a deep dive into the infamous glass routine that everyone is so obsessed with, and decide whether it’s for you or not.
Glass skin…The phrase sounds like something straight out of a beauty fairy tale, right?
Whenever I think about it, the image of a flawless woman springs to mind, someone who has a dewy and crystal-clear skin that reflects freaking light.
And obviously, we all want that, which is why we’re here.
The coveted glass skincare trend hails from South Korea, and it’s become insanely popular in the beauty world.
But before I tell you anything about it, I want to pop both your and my bubble by telling you that glass skin is NOT about achieving perfection.
It’s about cultivating healthy, hydrated, and glowing skin through consistent care and nourishment.
I’ve personally tried the glass skin routine for three months and it was such a blessing for my skin.
I later had to discontinue it (reasons shall be revealed at the end of this post), but I have enough experience to be able to give my ten cents (not just two) on this thing.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your reflection, wishing for that plump, radiant, and naturally luminous complexion, then you’re in the right place, queen.
This guide will walk you through the ultimate glass skin routine. No gatekeeping here. We’re going all in!
The 10-Step Glass Skin Routine
1. Double Cleanse Your Skin
Double cleansing, my dear reader, is the foundation of radiance.
It is the best thing you can do to beat dirt, oil, sunscreen and makeup buildup.
This two-step process ensures your skin is thoroughly clean without stripping its natural moisture.
You might think double cleansing means using your cleanser twice, but no. It involves using two different cleansers, first an oil cleanser, and then a water-based cleanser.
Step 1: Oil Cleanser – An oil-based cleanser helps dissolve stubborn makeup, SPF, and excess sebum while keeping your skin soft and nourished. Gently massage it onto dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 2: Water-Based Cleanser – The second cleanse will remove any leftover residue and prep your skin for the next steps. You need to go for a gel-based or gentle foaming cleanser that will maintain your skin’s natural barrier and not overstrip.
2. Exfoliate the Dead Skin
Did you know that your body is always shedding dead skin cells? This process is called skin cell turnover and it happens every 30 days or so.
But sometimes, the dead skin doesn’t shed easily, and that’s when your skin loses its shine and goes dull.
Thank God for exfoliation, the process in which you removing dead skin cells with the help of a tool or a product to reveal baby-smooth skin.
If you wanna do this chemically, you can use AHAs (if you have textured skin), or go for BHAs (if your skin is acne-prone like me).
If you want to do it physically, then use a gentle scrub or rice-based exfoliant. It will buff away the dullness in a jiffy.
Now, how often do you exfoliate? While some products would tell you they are safe for everyday use, you shouldn’t do it more than 2-3 times a week as it can irritate your skin.
3. Apply a Toner
Okay, now we are getting to the very first step of giving yourself a glass skin, i.e., using a toner.
In my teenage years, toners had just started getting popular, and they used to come in this alcohol form that stung like hell. But thank God all that’s in the past.
Toners these days (especially Korean toners) drench your skin in hydration and help balance its pH levels.
Use a cotton pad to gently pat the toner into your skin, instead of, know you, swiping at your skin.
Rather than swiping at your skin with a cotton pad, gently pat the toner into your skin.
It will also get rid of any dirt that may be left behind even after cleansing. You’ll start seeing a shiny look on your face from here onward, and we’ve not even started yet!
4. Add an Essence
If I had to describe an essence, I would call it the magic elixir of hydration. No kidding, babe.
Essences are lightweight and powerful, and they give you deep hydration which then helps in the absorption of your serums.
They contain active ingredients like fermented extracts and antioxidants that enhance your skin’s elasticity and radiance.
Now, I don’t know if you’ve heard of the COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin, but it’s the ultimate essence out there that every glass-skin birdie would tell you about.
You just pour a few drops into your hands and gently press it into your skin. No need to rub it, just let your skin drink it in, and enjoy the smooth and shiny look on your face!
5. Use a Serum
Serums are where you can really target your skin concerns.
Whether you want to brighten, hydrate, or fight wrinkles, there’s a serum for every single skin concern.
If you have dry skin, then go for a serum with hyaluronic acid. It’s the holy grail of hydration. It will attract moisture to your skin and give you a super plump look.
If you need to target dark spots, then go for a Vitamin C serum. It’s an awesome ingredient for brightening skin and boosting your collagen production.
For those of you who have acne problems (like me), go for a niacinamide serum. It will balance your oil production, minimize your pores, and strengthen your skin barrier.
6. Pamper Your Skin With Sheet Masks
I love sheets masks so so much. They are like mini at-home facials.
Such a girlie and fun way to drench your skin in serum and give yourself that instant luminous boost.
As a part of your glass skin routine, you can safely use sheets masks twice a week.
You can also store your masks in the fridge prior to use. It will have a cooling and depuffing effect.
7. Put on an Eye Cream
I am yet to meet a woman who doesn’t complain about under eye issues.
Some struggle with puffy eyes, most complain about their dark circles, and of course, eye bags.
The thing is that the skin around your eyes is delicate, and its shaded by your eyelids which causes it to not receive the same attention from your environment as the other part of your face.
And if your sleep cycle isn’t on point (which, let’s admit, it never really is), your eyes are the first thing to get affected.
So, your eyes need extra love, and that’s what a good eye cream is for.
It can help you with hydration, dark circles, and fine lines. It’ll also make you feel fresh.
Apply it under your eyes with your ring finger (it’s the gentlest finger to tap the product in without tugging on the skin).
8. Lock In With a Moisturizer
Now, down to the most important step of this glass skin routine — moisturizer. You can’t skip it even if you have oily skin.
What does a moisturizer do? Well, besides moisturizing your skin (duh), it acts as a seal for all your hard work.
Your skin will have a good barrier and will stay plump all day long.
Choose one based on your skin type:
- Gel-based moisturizers: Great for oily and combination skin.
- Cream-based moisturizers: Perfect for dry and sensitive skin.
- Lightweight emulsions: Ideal for layering without feeling heavy.
I have sensitive skin and the only moisturizer that works for me is Moiz LMF 48 lotion. Can’t imagine a day without this thing.
9. Protect with Sunscreen
No skincare routine is complete without SPF!
Sunscreen is your best defense against premature aging and sun damage.
So, please at the end of your glass skin, lather on a generous amount of sunscreen on your face.
You need to do this even if you’re not going to be out in the sun and will be staying indoors all day.
Just don’t ever go to sleep with your sunscreen on, as it can clog your pores while you sleep.
My choice: Brunton UV Doux SPF 50
10. Spritz on a Face Mist
Okay this last step of the glass routine is kinda optional, but it’s fabulous, and I would recommend you finish off with it.
A quick facial mist will give your skin a dewy effect and also set in all your skincare layers.
It’s also the perfect pick-me-up whenever your skin needs a little extra hydration during the day.
You can go with Caudalie beauty elixir or pick anything of your choice.
Lifestyle Tips for Glass Skin
Okay, nobody asked for this section, but you’re still getting it.
Glowing skin isn’t just about skincare. It’s a lifestyle, ladies.
You can lather on product after product, but for a real glow up that comes from within, it’s important to build a lifestyle that your skin loves.
Here are some extra tips to keep your skin looking luminous from the inside out:
1. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is key to pretty much everything, be it your skincare or your healthcare.
Drink loads of water throughout the day and eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges.
This habit will show up so fast on your face. You’re going to love it, I promise.
2. Get enough sleep
Beauty sleep is so so real.
Without good sleep, your skin will be meh, but with good sleep, nobody can stop you from looking and feeling your best.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest each night, no matter what’s going on in your life. Every inch of your body needs this, queen.
3. Have a skin-friendly diet
I won’t ask you to quit all the sugary and oily stuff, but if you realize want that glass skin, then minimize, please?
Make sure you’re eating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts. They will give you that inner glow that your gut needs to aid your outer shine.
4. Manage stress
You might already know this — stress can wreak real havoc on your skin.
Whenever I stress about anything in life, be it boy trouble, skin issues, or all my unfixable mistakes, my face starts popping pimples left and right.
I have now stopped worrying about stupid stuff. Unless it’s life-threatening, me not gonna worry, because my skin hates it!
Do meditation, journaling, yoga, and feed yourself positive affirmations every day. Whatever it takes to keep your cortisol levels in check and stress away from your beautiful mind.
5. Exercise regularly
Okay, fine, I know exercise isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but your skin loves this thing, darling.
Sweating yourself with exercise helps detox your skin, improves circulation, and gives you a natural glow that nothing else can give you.
It also keeps you in shape, you know, which is the best motivation to get moving.
Give your body just 4 weeks of exercise a day, and watch the magic happen on the outside.
6. Keep your environment clean
Okay, last but not the least (could I be any cheesier), keep your environment clean!
This includes your bedsheets, your towels, clothes, phone, and everything else that your skin comes in contact with.
Change your pillowcases frequently, clean your phone screen every week, and wash your hands frequently.
Avoid touching your face at all costs. You don’t wanna transfer anything from your fingers onto your skin, trust me.
Why I Dropped The Glass Skin Routine
Okay, I promise you in the beginning that I would reveal why I stopped the glass skin routine, so here we are.
I enjoyed the luxury of follow this 10-step routine for three whole months, and my skin was loving it too.
But then I started my laser session treatment, and my skin then stopped supporting all these products.
My dermatologist strictly advised me against going heavy on my skin, and to stick to minimal skincare.
Since the glass skin routine is not minimal (as you can see), I had to come down to my simple three-step routine, which is cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
So, if you’re undergoing any kind of skin treatment (even if it’s for acne), then I won’t suggest you try this routine.
You should work on fixing your skin health with doc-prescribed treatment and then try this routine. We don’t want to risk irritating skin that is already irritated.
But the rest of you who have an okay skin, you can go ahead and give this thing a try. You can always discontinue it later.
Last Few Words On The Glass Skin Routine
Glass skin routine will work if you are consistent with it and treat it as a form of gentle self-care instead of a miracle skincare fix (because it’s not that).
Also, no two people’s skin is the same, so don’t be disheartened if this doesn’t work for you.
You gotta embrace your unique glow and find what works best for you.
Now go ahead, glow queen, give this glass routine a try and see how it goes for you! I hope you love it as much as I did.
