What's Glass Skin? The Hydrating & Radiant Beauty Trend, Explained
Outside of captivating romantic plots and fabulous costumes, "Bridgerton" fans have likely noticed the characters' glass-like skin. However, the hydrating and radiant beauty look was not pioneered by the hit Netflix show or even inspired by Hailey Bieber's glazed-donut skincare trend, contrary to popular belief. Instead, glass skin has been a staple look in South Korea since long before it crossed over to Europe and North America — and it's easy to see why.
As the trend's name suggests, glass skin is skin resembling glass in its appearance and texture — it's flawless and radiant. In fact, speaking to Allure, Glow Recipe founders Sarah Lee and Christine Chang explained the beauty trend as "skin that looks crystal-clear, poreless, translucent, [and] luminous."
In addition to promoting healthy-looking skin, the K-beauty trend puts an emphasis on wellness and coveted "me time." There's something about taking time for yourself after a long day and pampering your skin with an array of products that you know will make a difference. "The glass-skin trend reflects a broader desire for natural-looking beauty and consumer practices prioritizing effortless beauty routines and a 'high-maintenance to be low-maintenance' mindset," licensed esthetician Erica Choi told Vogue. Notably, although the glass-skin craze prioritizes skincare over makeup, the look can be mimicked with certain products, much like we've seen on social media and even on "Bridgerton."
Skincare steps to follow to get the glass skin look
Glass skin is all about one's skincare routine, and you'll want to start with double cleansing when washing your face. The reason for this is that not all cosmetics, especially sunscreen, and built-up dirt can be fully removed with a single product. To handle makeup and SPF, go for an oil-based cleanser or micellar water. According to Hollywood hair and makeup supervisor Lynda J. Pearce, Phoebe Dynevor, who plays Daphne on "Bridgerton," uses the latter (via Cosmopolitan). Then, a water-based cleanser will deal with any remaining impurities, making your skin ready for the next step: exfoliation.
Exfoliating, however, shouldn't be an everyday skincare step. To avoid irritation in your pursuit of a flawless complexion, make sure you're applying a gentle exfoliator, such as mandelic acid, no more than a few times per week.
Once you've successfully cleansed your face without stripping it of its precious oils, it's time for hydration. A good toner and a creamy moisturizer are musts (Dynevor uses both). The type of product used for this step will depend on the type of skin you have. For example, those prone to acne might not like the same moisturizer that individuals with dry skin swear by, so make sure to do your research beforehand. Additionally, getting regular facials — Dynevor gets one every month and a half — and drinking plenty of water can help you achieve a beautiful, glassy complexion.
Recreate the glass skin look with makeup
Skincare isn't an overnight fix, so you might have to be patient until the glass skin effect kicks in. While you wait for your meticulous routine to do its magic, you can get the illusion of glass skin with a little makeup. The makeup-achieved porcelain skin look went viral after Pat McGrath's take on it debuted at Maison Margiela's show at January 2024's Paris Haute Couture Week, but you'll likely want to go for a more toned-down version of it for everyday wear. In an Instagram Live appearance, McGrath revealed that she used a mixture of different peel-off masks to achieve the glassy look, but all you'll need is a glowy foundation and a good-quality highlighter at home.
@voguemagazine In an exclusive with Vogue, #PatMcGrath finally revealed how she made the viral glass skin look for the #Margiela spring 2024 couture show. Head to vogue.com for all of the details.
Moreover, celebrity and editorial makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes told Byrdie that she loves going in with Revlon's Candid Glow Foundation for sheer coverage with a touch of shine. The artist recommended applying it in a "patting" motion to avoid uneven application. Pro tip: For an even glossier look, try mixing your favorite serum with foundation. Then, go in with your go-to highlighter to mimic the high shine of glass, applying it anywhere you'd like the light to hit you a bit more than usual. To finish off your fake glass skin look, seal the deal with a dewy setting spray.