KOREAN BEAUTY: HOW TO GET GLASS SKIN
How to get glass skin is a question on everyone’s lips… and for good reason too. Glass skin is more than just a beauty trend… it’s the ultimate glow-up goal. Originating from Korean skincare, this coveted look is all about achieving smooth, intensely hydrated skin that reflects light like clear (you guessed it) glass. Think: skin so radiant, it looks almost translucent, with a natural, dewy finish that radiates health from within.
It’s not about heavy makeup or filters, it’s about nourishing your skin to the point where it shines with a fresh, lit-from-within glow. So, if you’ve been wondering how to get glass skin, you’re in the right place. Here at Cult Beauty, we’ve done the hard work for you and uncovered everything you need to know to achieve that signature Korea Skincare sign off.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
WHAT IS GLASS SKIN
Glass skin focuses on achieving a complexion so smooth, clear and luminous that it appears almost transparent, like glass. It first gained popularity on Instagram in 2017 when Korean-American makeup artist Ellie Choi posted the pristine results of her step-by-step skincare routine.
Encompassing intense hydration, a balanced skin tone, and of course, a dewy finish, glass skin replaces heavy cosmetic with beauty rituals that nurture your skin’s vitality from within. Emphasising layers of lightweight moisture and targeted treatments, it boosts the ultimate glow with fresh vibrancy that reflects light in the most flattering way.
Mastering how to get glass skin requires consistency and dedication to these principles, allowing your skin to reveal its natural radiance.
HOW TO GET GLASS SKIN
Understanding how to get glass skin starts with rethinking your approach to skincare. This sought-after gleam isn’t achieved through quick fixes, it’s the result of a consistent routine that focuses on hydration, gentle exfoliation and targeted treatments that enhance your skin’s natural radiance.
YOUR GLASS SKIN ROUTINE
Step One: A Gentle Cleanse
The foundation of any glass skin routine is a pH-balancing cleanse.
How to use: Start by splashing your face with lukewarm water before dispensing a small amount of cleanser into your hands. Rub the formula together to create a soft lather and massage the foam onto your face using gentle, circular motions, concentrating on your forehead, nose and chin. The key here is not to rush. Take about 30 seconds to a minute to massage the formula before rinsing it off thoroughly with water. Finish this step by patting your skin dry with a clean, soft towel to ensure your complexion feels clean and balanced, not tight.
For your PM routine, switch things up with a double cleanse. Take a small scoop or pump of your oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm and gently massage it into your skin with circular motions. Focus on areas where makeup, sunscreen and oil tends to build up. As the cleanser melts impurities, add a splash of lukewarm water to emulsify it into a milky texture, then rinse thoroughly. Follow immediately with your water-based cleanser. Lather a small amount between your hands until it foams and massage it onto damp skin for about 30–60 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry with a soft towel.
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Step Two: Exfoliate (2-3 times a week)
Exfoliating is a key step in how to get glass skin as a build-up of dead skin cells can dull your complexion, blocking light reflection and leaving your skin looking flat or ashy.
How to use: After cleansing, apply your exfoliant (liquid or serum) onto a cotton pad or your fingertips and sweep it gently across your face, avoiding the eye area. If you’re using a leave-on exfoliant, let it absorb for a few minutes before layering anything else on top. Alternatively, if it’s a wash-off exfoliant, allow it to sit for the recommended time then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. You may feel a slight tingle, which is normal. Use this step only 2–3 times a week to avoid over-exfoliation.
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Step Three: Essence
Treatment essences are a breakthrough in Korean beauty, designed to deeply boost skin hydration. Calming and comforting the complexion after exfoliation, they work to boost moisture throughout multiple layers of the skin, leaving it plump and radiant with a natural, light-reflective glow.
How to use: Pour a few drops the essence into your hands and press it gently into your skin. You can layer this step twice if your skin feels dry or tight after exfoliating. Remember to take your time to pat it in with open palms as it should feel cooling and instantly soothing.
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Step Four: Active Serums
Now the time has come to apply your targeted treatments – think active serums that include retinol, AHAs, BHAs or niacinamide. By utilising these powerful ingredients, you support your skin’s natural repair process, helping to refine pores, fade dark spots and boost cell turnover. This not only enhances the overall clarity and brightness of your complexion but also lays the foundation for that radiant glass skin finish.
How to use: Apply a small amount of serum and gently smooth it over your face, focusing on areas where you have concerns like dark spots, breakouts, or fine lines. Avoid layering multiple strong actives at once unless you’re used to them. Give your treatment time to absorb before moving on to the next step.
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Step Five: Sheet Masks (2-3 times a week)
Using a sheet mask is a powerful way to supercharge your skin’s hydration and nourishment in minutes. The mask’s soaked fabric delivers a concentrated dose of moisturising ingredients directly to your complexion, helping to plump and smooth the surface instantly. This intense hydration softens fine lines and creates that signature dewy, glass-like glow. Plus, the occlusive nature of the mask ensures essences are deeply absorbed to maximise their benefits. Think of it like a quick skin recharge that enhances luminosity.
How to use: Unfold a sheet mask and place it carefully over your face, smoothing out any bubbles. Sit back and relax for 15–20 minutes while it works its magic. Remove the mask and pat the remaining essence into your skin (don’t rinse it off).
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Step Six: Moisturiser
Let’s face it, moisturisers are the ultimate glow-getters. So, if you’re too busy to complete the whole glass skin routine, always make sure you apply your moisturiser as the bare minimum. It locks in all that hard-earned hydration and nourishment from your serums and essences. Skip this step, and all your hard work just slips away, leaving your complexion thirsty and dull.
How to use: Take a generous amount of moisturiser and apply it all over your face and neck, using upward strokes to massage it in. Don’t rush it, give yourself a few minutes to massage and really enjoy the texture.
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Step Seven: Face Oil
If your skin needs an extra boost, especially during the drier months, look to a lightweight face oil to give you an additional layer of nourishment. This staple traps in moisture and leaves your complexion glowing. Just be sure to use a lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that suits your skin type.
How to use: Warm a couple of drops of facial oil between your palms and gently press it into your skin. Focus on the cheeks and outer areas of your face, where dryness is most common.
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Step Eight: SPF
Your skin’s daily shield, sunscreen isn’t just a step — it’s the step. No matter how well you carry out your glass skin routine, UV rays can cause dark spots, wrinkles and all the annoying stuff that steals your skin’s radiance. Applying a generous layer of SPF every single day keeps your complexion protected, clear and seriously vibrant.
How to use: Squeeze about two fingers' worth of sunscreen (yes, that much), and dot it evenly across your face, covering your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Gently smooth it over your skin, being careful not to tug and making sure you cover often-missed spots like around the nose, ears, jawline and neck. Wait a minute or two before applying makeup or going outside.
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5 TOP TIPS FOR ACHIEVING GLASS SKIN
Consistency is key: Glass skin doesn’t happen overnight. Stick to your routine daily (morning and night) to see gradual, lasting improvements in hydration and clarity – this is how to get glass skin the right way. Layer light, build moisture: Use thin, hydrating products in layers rather than heavy creams all at once. This ensures your skin is able to absorb formulas better and stay plump without feeling greasy. Be gentle: Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-exfoliating. Treat your skin kindly. Pat products in, don’t rub, and use gentle massage motions to boost circulation. Listen to your skin: Adjust your routine based on how your skin feels. A case in point? If it’s dry, add more hydration. If it’s oily, focus on balancing. Tailoring your routine helps maintain that perfect, luminous finish. Take your time: Don’t rush your routine. Give each product a moment to absorb before applying the next. This helps your skin soak up all the goodness for maximum glow.
HOW TO GET GLASS SKIN FAQS
How do Koreans get glass skin?
Koreans achieve glass skin through the dedicated, multi-step skincare routine described above. This regimen focuses on deep hydration, gentle care and protection, combined with a mindful lifestyle that includes beauty sleep, a healthy diet and reduced stress.
How to get clear skin in 3 days?
While achieving clear skin in just three days isn't always guaranteed, you can take proactive steps to significantly enhance your complexion. Focus on gentle cleansing, regular exfoliation and consistent moisturising while avoiding harsh products. Other helpful factors include limiting makeup use to allow your skin to breathe and heal, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins and avoiding touching your face to prevent transferring oils and bacteria that clog pores.
Is having glass skin healthy?
Yes. Embracing the Korean-inspired glass skin routine is more than just chasing the glow. It’s a commitment to nourishing and protecting your skin’s natural radiance. By layering lightweight, hydrating formulas packed with powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, you give your complexion the ultimate moisture boost while strengthening its barrier against environmental stressors. This ritual not only enhances clarity and suppleness but promotes long-term health by encouraging consistent care, gentle exfoliation and robust hydration.
Now that you know how to get glass skin, it’s time to embrace the ritual that nourishes your complexion.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
