GLASS SKIN - OUR NEW SKINCARE GOAL
The Korean beauty industry has a reputation for starting beauty trends -- think shattered “glass” nail art; gradient lips and straight brows, and dewy makeup looks. The latest beauty and skincare trend takes that last look to a whole new level with the concept of “Glass Skin”.
Going beyond simply dewy, Glass Skin refers to skin that is so moisturized, smooth, and translucent that it looks like a sheet of glass. And unlike the strobing/highlighting trend that has been popular for the last couple of years, the Glass Skin trend aims for this look to be achieved first and foremost with skincare, not makeup.
So how do you get that new-baby, poreless, glowing complexion? A multi-layered skincare routine is essential to achieving adequate hydration for plump, juicy skin -- referred to as chok-chok, the Korean term for the moist and juicy quality of healthy, hydrated skin.
The first step for getting the Glass Skin look is proper cleansing, which will keep pores clear and remove impurities that can cause breakouts and blackheads. The foundation of the Korean skincare routine is double-cleansing, first with an oil-based cleanser, which dissolves makeup and oils, and then with a gentle foaming cleanser to sweep away remaining impurities.
We suggest starting out with a popular oil-based balm cleanser. Massage it over your dry face to dissolve your makeup, then rinse it off. Finish off your cleansing routine with a gentle foam cleanse.
Exfoliation will remove flaky dry skin, help smooth rough patches, and keep pores clear to help you get glass-smooth skin. Just be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can damage your skin and end up making your skin worse.
One gentle way you can exfoliate daily is by using exfoliating toner. These refreshing exfoliating toners gently remove dead skin cells without stripping your skin, leaving it ready for your next hydrating step. Sweep it over your skin with a cotton pad, and then follow it with a hydrating toner, essence, or serum.
The secret to getting chok-chok, glass-like skin is in hydration. Toners are the first essential step in restoring moisture to your skin. You may want to try the “7-Skin Method”, in which you layer a hydrating toner several times over your face. It doesn’t have to be seven times, but adding more layers of watery hydration will plump up your skin, making pores appear smaller and smoothing the surface of the skin.
After your skin has drunk up all that watery hydration, continue by adding an essence or serum (or several) that will boost your skin’s dewiness and give it that lit-from-within, glassy glow.
Another way to supercharge your hydration routine is to use sheet masks. Use them after putting on your toner and serum to help the products to absorb while adding additional hydration.
After pumping your skin full of moisture, make sure you seal in all that hydration and keep your skin plump and moisturized with a good cream. Don’t be afraid of shine -- after all, that’s what glass skin is all about, an all-over glow.
If your skin isn’t radiant and flawless right away (whose is?), don’t worry! There’s always the option of fine-tuning your complexion with a dewy BB cream and highlighter. With the Glass Skin KBeauty trend, focusing on providing ample hydration and moisture, while smoothing skin with gentle exfoliation, will help to form a smoother and more flawless base for makeup.
You might also find that spending the time to nourish and hydrate your skin creates a beauty ritual that just might become your favorite time of the day!