How To Get ‘Glass Skin’ In 5 Easy Steps

You can’t achieve glass skin without good hydration. It’s the secret to that coveted, dewy, luminous glow, so layering up is key. Start with a nourishing toner or essence as these formulas break down dead skin cells and dullness to give you a plump, fresh canvas to work with. I swear by Garnier’s Vitamin C Brightening Liquid Care. It’s full of skin brighteners and it works immediately to get rid of unwanted tones. 

Next, layer up hydrating serums to get that bounce and enhance skin’s elasticity. Serums are full of concentrated, active ingredients that can make a big difference. There are so many new ones worth trying, including The Inkey List’s Ectoin Serum and Byoma’s Phyto Mucin Glow Serum. Both are designed to boost glow, while supporting a healthy barrier. For an extra pick-me-up, use a mask weekly to deliver a surge of moisture that will help smooth texture. I love Pat McGrath’s Glass Skin Fetish Artistry Mask for this. Nothing beats a well-hydrated base for flawless, luminous make-up.

Peptides are everywhere right now and for good reason. Acting like building blocks for proteins such as collagen and elastin, they help maintain firmness, elasticity and a smooth, even texture. Plus, they give you that youthful glow. I recommend applying your peptide-based products after cleansing – they usually come as a serum or cream for maximum absorption, but I advise using a serum. There are plenty to choose from, but my favourites include Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser, Medik8’s new Liquid Peptides Advanced MP and Skinceuticals P-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Serum. For something more affordable, Naturium’s Multi Peptide Moisturiser and The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide Serum are brilliant.

No matter whether you wear make-up or not, using a skin-illuminating primer will make the world of difference to your complexion. For the glassy look, try primers with light-reflecting particles to quickly enhance glow and create that candlelit radiance. Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base is always a standout, while Super Skin Nova by Vieve offers skin a beautiful, quenched effect I can’t get enough of. Similarly, the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum works to give a glass-like sheen, providing hydration and blurring imperfections. Apply it before make-up or mix it with your foundation.

Glass skin calls for radiant or luminous foundations – not matte ones. The lighter they are, the better the effect. Application really matters here – use your fingers to warm up the product, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the skin for a more natural blend. You can use a foundation brush, but fingers will meld the textures together better. You can’t beat the NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation or Guerlain’s Terracotta Le Teint Glow Healthy Foundation – both are perfect for glass skin. For a texture that’s lighter and more breathable, try the Kosas BB Cream Burst Tinted Gel. For extra glassiness, add a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation or primer to amplify the sheen.

The final step to achieving glass-like skin is the strategic application of highlighter. Just remember to use it to enhance, not to cover, the skin. Sticks are best as they allow for more precision. The L'Oréal Paris Lumi Le Sticks are an affordable alternative to the cult-favourite Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick – both offer a beautiful, dewy finish. Apply these to high points of the face such as the cheekbones, cupid’s bow and brow bone to accentuate your features and create an instant glow – think about where the sunlight would naturally hit. These sticks are especially great for dry skin too, as they add hydration along with radiance.

If you have oily skin, opt for a powder highlighter instead. Powder formulas provide the same luminous effect while controlling excess shine, making them perfect for avoiding emphasised pores. Whether you prefer a cream or powder formula, strategic placement will help you achieve that flawless, glass-skin glow. I swear by Max Factor’s Facefinity Powder Highlighter. For liquids that you want to dab on lightly, try Dior’s Forever Glow Maximiser and Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Liquid Luminizer. Both look nice washed over the lids to tie all the luminosity together.

Inspiration credit: @RHODE