In the ebb and flow of beauty trends, glass skin has stuck around a lot longer than you might have expected. This look’s glowy, cared-for skin is it’s own accessory and it’s created plenty of spin-offs and variants. Glazed skin, this. Pearl skin, that. But meanwhile, glass skin hasn’t gone anywhere. A favorite of makeup artists that relies heavily on skincare, this trend is fast becoming the new standard.
Luckily, we have the experts on hand. This is your perfect cheat sheet to achieving the luminous glass effect on skin you’re looking for, no matter your starting point.
Featured Experts:
- Erika La’Pearl is a celebrity makup artist known for her work with Cardi B
- Emily Gray is a celebrity makeup artist based in Nashville
- Alicia Lindner is Co-CEO of cosmetic and skincare brand ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND
What is Glass Skin?
Unlike many other makeup trends, what sets glass skin apart is its marriage of skincare essentials and makeup technique to create a flawless finish. “Glass skin is different from other skin trends in that in really relies on skin products, hydration levels and facial massage, more so than a certain combination of makeup products,” explains celebrity makeup artist Emily Gray. “That being said, there are makeup techniques to use to enhance the glass skin look. I would also add that maintaining a hyper reflective skin look is more maintenance if you want to keep it looking like that all day. [Your skin] may look greasy or too shiny if not properly touched up throughout the day.”
If you’re trying to narrow down the main points of glass skin, one big key is hydration. “In my opinion, I feel the glass skin trend makes the skin look hydrated and very youthful,” explains celebrity makeup artist Erika La’Pearl.
Defined by the plump and bouncy look to skin, this trend requires you to nourish your skin. “Glass skin is a super-hot skincare trend characterized by a smooth, clear, and translucent complexion resembling glass,” explains Alicia Lindner, Co-CEO of ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND. “It involves achieving a poreless, luminous and hydrated skin texture. Only healthy and well nurtured skin will have this flawless [look].”
How to Get the Look:
When it comes to this trend, you’ll need to start with skin care before you reach for your makeup brushes. “Achieving glass skin requires a holistic approach to skincare,” says Lindner. “This includes consistent cleansing, exfoliation, hydration, and protection from environmental stressors like UV rays. Key steps may involve double cleansing, using hydrating toners, incorporating serums with brightening and hydrating ingredients, and sealing in moisture with lightweight yet nourishing moisturizers.”
Keeping your skin hydrated is of serious importance. And you can also use this step to inject a bit more glow to your look. “Sometimes I will use Dew drops and add them to the moisturizer,” La’Pearl explains. “Also, moisturizers that contain Hyaluronic acid.”
Skin Saviors
If you’re a fan of a glass-like complexion, uneven tone or texture could be holding you back. “To address texture concerns, I recommend products containing gentle exfoliating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to promote cell turnover and smooth the skin’s surface,” Lindner explains. “Additionally, incorporating hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can help plump and refine skin texture.”
Particularly dry skin will benefit from additional moisture. And Gray suggests incorporating a light massage into this step to help achieve that glassy look. “I have extremely dry sky, so I’ll follow with a facial oil (love The Outset’s Ultralight Moisture Boosting Oil [$44]) and a moisturizer (Rhode’s Barrier Restore Cream [$30] is a popular pick in my kit),” Gray says. “If you have normal/oily skin, you do not need to do both, unless you want extra hydration. On the moisturizer step, really work it into your skin, massage the product. This will help with absorption, any puffiness, and give your skin that glass skin appearance.”
If it’s uneven tone that’s got you down, it’s time to bring out the brightening heroes. “To tackle uneven tone, look for products containing brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice root extract, and arbutin,” Lindner says. “These ingredients can help fade dark spots, even skin tone, and impart a radiant complexion. Additionally, incorporating antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea extract can help protect the skin from further damage and maintain a healthy glow.”
Makeup Moves
If you’re going for a luminous, glass look, La’Pearl points out that you don’t want to distract too much from your skin with the rest of your look. That includes one area that people love to go all out on: lashes. “If you’re doing a glass skin, natural look, you shouldn’t exaggerate anything,” La’Pearl explains. “I like using i-ENVY Glam Day Press & Go cluster lashes ($10) or the Every Day Natural Press & Go lashes ($10) along with a simple lip liner and clear glossy lip.”
When it comes to your complexion, if you have the opportunity to add a dewy or glowy finish, do it. “For makeup, I love to go in with a glow boosting primer, the new Catrice Skin Glaze Hydrating primer ($8) is absolutely perfect for this technique,” Gray says. “It illuminates with a pearl finish, makes makeup last, and is a vegan and cruelty free formula. I like to go a bit extra with glow, so next for the base, choose a really luminous and reflective foundation base product.”
Glass Skin Products:
Skincare Essentials
Must-Have Makeup
