Koreans are one group of people who take skincare very seriously – men and women alike.
In fact, Korean beauty routines are renowned for their meticulous approach to skincare which is aimed at restoring and maintaining skin health. And this is where the concept of Korean skincare comes from.
This skincare technique is one of the most talked-about skin care methods globally, extending to places like India and other parts of the world.
It’s a very effective skincare routine for people looking to up their skincare game. So, if you also want that flawless and radiant Korean glow, sit tight because I’m about to share some juicy secrets with you.
Here, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of achieving the Korean glass skin. I’m so excited to share this with you!
So without delay, let’s start with the basics.
What is glass skin?
Have you ever scrolled through social media and marveled at celebrities with an incredible glow? Their skin appears impossibly smooth, clear, and luminous, almost as if crafted from glass. Exactly!
This incredible look is often referred to as glass skin and is a term that originated from the popular Korean skincare that has taken the world by storm. So what exactly is glass skin, and how can you achieve this seemingly flawless complexion? Let’s explore further.
Glass skin goes beyond slapping on a mask and hoping for magic. It’s a philosophy centered around achieving optimal skin health—that is, attaining a point where your skin is most balanced. This involves being perfectly hydrated, blemish-free, and radiating a healthy translucency.
Simply put, it’s all about revealing the natural beauty of healthy skin rather than covering up imperfections with makeup. Sounds interesting, right? The glass skin look is defined by three major characteristics: clarity, smoothness, and radiance. These three features are the focal points of Korean skincare.
Let’s see the various steps involved in achieving the Korean skincare glow.
Korean Skincare Steps for Glass Skin
Korean skincare often involves a multi-step process focusing on layering products for maximum effectiveness. It’s a strategic combination of skincare procedures such as double cleansing and hydration and incorporating skincare products like essence, serum, moisturizers, and even hyaluronic acid.
So here’s the breakdown of the procedure.
Double Cleansing
This is a critical part of Korean skincare. It’s a two-step process to ensure a clean canvas for your skincare products. The first step involves the use of an oil cleanser. This is gently massaged onto dry skin to melt away makeup, sunscreen, and any oil-based impurities, after which it is rinsed off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Next, a water-based cleanser is used to remove any leftover residue and sweat. The key here is to look for gentle cleansers that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Incorporate essences and serums into skincare
Essences are the workhorses of Korean skincare. These watery, lightweight liquids deliver a concentrated dose of hydration and can contain various active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or snail mucin. Some essences offer additional benefits like brightening or calming the skin.
Serums are also essential. Examples include vitamin C for brightening and reducing hyperpigmentation and retinol for promoting cell turnover and reducing wrinkles.
Applying a thin layer of your chosen serum after your essence has been absorbed is advised.
Using Moisturizers
Moisturizer is essential for locking in all the products that you layer on. But if you have oily skin, choose lightweight, gel-based formulas. And if your skin is dry, opt for richer and creamier moisturizers that provide long-lasting hydration.
Other essential skincare routines include exfoliation, toning, and application of sunscreen.
Lifestyle style tweaks
While a good skincare routine is crucial, achieving glass skin requires a holistic approach—for instance, hydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is essential for keeping your skin plump and hydrated from within.
Likewise, diet also plays an important role. To attain the Korean skincare glow, it is crucial to nourish your body with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as these foods provide essential nutrients that contribute to healthy skin.
Also, aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can lead to dull and tired-looking skin.
In the same way, chronic stress can wreak havoc on your skin. So finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature, can help reach your skincare goals faster.
Makeup Tips for Enhancing Glass Skin
Now that we know how to achieve the Korean glass skin, let’s talk about how you can enhance this look with makeup.
Choose lightweight foundations
Gone are the days of cakey, heavy foundations. When it comes to glass skin, the key is to embrace lightweight formulas that provide sheer to medium coverage. These foundations even out your skin tone without masking it, allowing your natural glow to peek through and enhancing your look.
The magic of dewy finishes
To achieve the glass skin effect, you may need to ditch the matte powders and foundations and opt for foundations and setting products with dewy finishes. These formulas often contain light-reflecting particles that enhance your natural radiance and create a more luminous appearance. They also enhance your glow.
However, you might need a little tweak here if you have oily skin.
Since your skin tends to be oily, you can lightly dust some translucent powder in your T-zone, that is, your forehead, nose, and chin, while maintaining the dewy finish.
Try illuminating highlighters
Highlighters are a game-changer for achieving glass skin. However, you must ensure that they’re formulas with a luminous finish rather than those with a heavy metallic sheen.
Apply the highlighter strategically to the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, cupid’s bow, and the bridge of your nose. This creates a natural-looking dimension and catches the light, further amplifying your glow.
Korean skincare focuses on embracing one’s natural beauty. Healthy skin comes in all textures and tones, and so the ultimate goal is to achieve a healthy, radiant complexion that you feel confident and comfortable in.
