Skin trends continually evolve, bringing us the likes of moisture sandwiching, cannabidiol skincare, and skin flooding. There’s no denying that sometimes they can be hard to keep up with, but glass skin swept the industry and seems to be here to stay. 

Discover what glass skin actually is – don’t worry, fragile skin isn’t on the agenda – as well as how to achieve glass skin using UpCircle products.

What is glass skin?

Glass skin is a term that originated from Korean beauty (K-beauty) trends, describing skin that looks so smooth, clear, and luminous that it resembles glass. K-beauty and skincare has been growing in popularity in recent years, famed for hydrated, plump, and smooth skin. 

Many people love the glass skin trend for achieving a poreless, even-toned, and hydrated complexion. This gives the skin a dewy, almost light-reflecting finish. This trend is all about healthy, plump skin that looks naturally radiant, rather than makeup-enhanced beauty, helping people to feel more confident in their skin.

It’s important to keep in mind that when trying to achieve glass skin, this should be a long-term goal, achieved through consistent care and a focus on overall skin health. 

How to get glass skin 

1. Double cleanse your skin

To start the process of achieving glass skin, it’s important to first cleanse your skin of all makeup, dirt, pollution, and sunscreen, then secondly any bacteria and congestion from deep within your pores. Double cleansing gives your skin the best base to absorb all the skin-goodness the subsequent products will provide. 

To double cleanse, firstly use an oil-based cleanser which helps to dissolve oil, makeup, pollution, and any other surface layer dirt that has accumulated throughout the day. For this cleanse we recommend our Cleansing Face Balm with Vitamin E which is rich in fatty acids to support your skin’s elasticity, and leaves skin smooth, soft, and nourished.

How to use: Gently massage the oil-based cleanser and wash it off with a damp muslin cloth or a flannel. YouTube Video

For the second cleanse, it’s important to use a water-based cleanser which helps to remove any remaining oil as well as bacteria and dead skin cells. We recommend using our Cleansing Face Milk with Oat Powder + Aloe Vera which works to repair and restore the skin’s moisture barrier, while calming inflammation and any irritation. 

How to use: Massage between your fingers and onto damp skin in upward circular motions. Rinse with warm water. YouTube Video

2. Gently exfoliate

Use a gentle natural exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover for smoother skin. Opt for an exfoliator that targets your skin concerns, such as dry skin, acne-prone skin, or sensitive skin. 

Our natural exfoliators are packed full of skin-loving ingredients such as coconut oil. rosehip oil, and jojoba oil, helping to nourish and hydrate for plump, dewy skin. 

How to use: Apply scrub to damp face in gentle circular motions. Leave for a few moments, rinse with warm water and pat dry. YouTube Video.

3. Spritz some toner

Now it’s time to add some nutrients back to your skin, such as plumping and intensely hydrating hyaluronic acid. Our Balancing Face Toner with Hyaluronic Acid helps the skin appear bright, and refreshed which is essential for glass skin. This product also leaves the skin feeling plump and hydrated, while clearing pores and working to keep blackheads at bay.

How to use: After cleansing your skin, apply toner to fingertips or a cleansing pad and gently sweep over the face. This product can also be used as a mist; spritz over the face at any time to revitalise and refresh the skin. YouTube Video.

4. Give your skin a boost with serum

Adding concentrated active ingredients to your skin, water-based serums help to nourish the skin. Ingredients to look out for in your serums include: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and peptides.

Our Peptide Serum with Custard Apple + Blood Orange is clinically proven to improve skin elasticity, helping to promote the supple, plump skin that is revered with glass skin. Boosting collagen and improving hydration, this serum helps with skin regeneration and with scar healing, promoting smooth skin.

How to use: Apply a few drops to your fingertips and massage into the skin. Apply before moisturiser to allow the hydrating properties to seep into your skin. 

5. Keep your skin moisturised

After cleansing your skin, toning, and using a water-based serum, it’s time to add a hit of moisture with a hydrating cream that provides lasting hydration without feeling heavy on the skin. Our Face Moisturiser with Vitamin E is deeply nourishing, soothing, and balancing on the skin.

Rich in vitamin E, this moisturiser helps to boost collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the skin's natural barrier, boosting hydration, and improving skin elasticity.

How to use: Apply to clean, dry skin and massage until the cream absorbs. YouTube Video

6. Protect your skin

The smooth, clear and luminous skin that glass skin strives for is only possible when your skin is protected from UV damage, which can cause pigmentation and premature signs of ageing. Our Mineral SPF is a high-performance sunscreen that protects against UVA + UVB rays.

How to use: Apply liberally to face after moisturiser, massaging into face until absorbed. Apply before sun exposure. Re-apply frequently to maintain protection, especially after swimming, perspiring or towelling.

Does retinol give glass skin?

Retinol can help to achieve the ‘glass skin’ look by promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. Retinol is a popular ingredient in many skincare products aimed at helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, which are often targeted when trying to achieve glass skin.

However, retinol can be too harsh for some people’s skin, so opting for natural retinol alternatives can be gentler on the skin.

Discover our full range of vegan, cruelty-free skincare.