If there’s one thing Korean beauty has perfected, it’s the art of achieving a complexion that practically glows with hydration. The glass skin trend, a hallmark of K-Beauty, is more than just a viral moment but a global movement that redefines what it means to have radiant, healthy skin.
It continues to dominate the beauty industry and for good reason, its ability to transform dull skin into a radiant, hydrated masterpiece.
And the best part? You don’t need to hop on a plane to Seoul to achieve it. With Korean skincare products now readily available through Boots and BeautyBay.com, your path to glass skin is just a purchase away. Here’s your ultimate guide to a K-beauty routine that will leave you glowing like never before.
Step 1
Double Cleanse: The Non-Negotiable Foundation of Glass Skin
Ask any K-beauty expert, and they’ll tell you that double cleansing is the cornerstone of a glowing complexion. This two-step process involves starting with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, SPF, and impurities, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to sweep away any remaining residue.
Oil-Based Cleansers
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil – €28
This antioxidant-rich cleanser effortlessly dissolves even the most stubborn makeup while nourishing your skin with black rice extract.
ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil – €23
With its calming heartleaf formula, this cleanser purifies pores and soothes redness, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Water-Based Cleansers
Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel – €16.50
This Ph-balanced gel cleanser provides a gentle yet effective clean, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.
ANUA Heartleaf Pore Deep Cleansing Foam – €16
This lightweight foam cleanser combines the soothing power of heartleaf with deep-cleansing properties, effectively removing any lingering impurities while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance.
Why it works: Double cleansing creates the perfect base, removing debris and allowing your skin to fully absorb the benefits of your skincare routine.
Step 2
Tone And Nourish – The Glow Boosting Essentials
Toning is a critical step in the K-beauty routine, designed to hydrate and refine the skin while enhancing the absorption of subsequent products.
The right toners can streamline this step by combining hydration and gentle exfoliation in one swipe.
ANUA Heartleaf 77 Clear Pads – €28
These pre-soaked pads are packed with heartleaf extract to calm irritation, smooth skin texture, and deliver a burst of hydration. Perfect for use after cleansing, they leave your skin refreshed and balanced.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk Toner – €20.50
Packed with rice milk and brightening properties, this toner deeply hydrates and leaves your skin glowing from within.
Known as a hydration powerhouse, this essence repairs and nourishes your skin, offering benefits akin to snail mucin with a velvety finish.
Why it works: These products enhance moisture levels and refine texture, giving your skin the ultimate lit-from-within glow.
Step 3
Lock In Hydration: The Final Flourish
The key to achieving glass skin lies in hydration. Once your skin is prepped and glowing, it’s time to seal in all that goodness with deeply nourishing treatments and moisturizers.
Cosrx Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream – €28.50
Infused with 92% snail mucin, this multitasking cream hydrates, repairs, and smooths your skin, leaving it with a glass-like finish.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream – €44.45
Packed with ceramides, this rich cream locks in moisture and protects against dryness, making it a must-have for glass skin seekers.
Etude SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream – €16.49
Formulated with panthenol and madecassoside, this cream is ideal for sensitive skin, helping to restore hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum (Ginseng + Snail Mucin) – €17
A multitasking serum that combines the hydrating power of snail mucin with ginseng to nourish and revitalize tired skin.
Why it works: Hydration is the key to glass skin, and these products lock in moisture to maintain that radiant glow all day long.
Why Korean Skincare Works Wonders
Korean skincare isn’t just solely about achieving a specific look, it’s a philosophy rooted in the belief that healthy, glowing skin isn’t achieved through quick fixes but through consistent care and nourishment over time. This holistic approach prioritises balance, hydration and the use of gentle yet effective ingredients to create a complexion that radiates vitality from within.
Unlike traditional routines that focus purely on problem-solving, K-beauty is proactive. Each step is meticulously designed to address your skin’s needs, whether it’s hydration, brightening, or calming irritation. By layering lightweight products with complementary benefits, it creates a synergy that enhances your skin’s natural functions without overwhelming it.
Words by Hannah Wujiw