For those of you who don’t know what “Glass Skin” means, it’s basically a term for exceptionally smooth, glowing, even toned skin that looks so flawless that it seems like the surface of your face has the appearance of looking like, you guessed it, glass! Many think that you can achieve the currently trending “glass skin” effect by using a hydrating primer with a dewy foundation and calling it a day, but that actually won’t cut it if you really want to achieve the look effectively and make sure that it STAYS looking as it should throughout the entire day. The key to a proper glass skin look is all, and I mean ALL, in the skincare routine and skin prep, meaning what you put on even before applying any makeup. While hydration is key, there’s a few other things you need to do before applying anything to make sure your skin is properly prepped. However, it should be noted that to truly achieve a glass skin look is not a 1-2-3 thing...it requires a consistent and regular skincare regimen with lots of hydration both inside and topically, as well as regular exfoliation. So don’t think that there are any quick fixes or shortcuts to it! But don’t worry, I’ll take you through an easy step by step on achieving the glass skin look you’ve always wanted to try!
Step One- Exfoliate
Exfoliating is key for any makeup look, but especially important in achieving the glass skin look. You want to make sure that there are no traces of dead skin on the surface in order to have as smooth a complexion as possible which will help to make sure you get that glass look down. The only exfoliator I really use anymore is called Sexapeel by Sonia Roselli.
Step Two- Tone
Using a toner has a bad reputation unfortunately, but that’s because there are so many ones on the market that tend to be very drying to the skin. Luckily, there are a select few that are amazing at both toning and providing hydration without any of the dryness afterwards that you might get from others. For this step, I love the Hydrating Toner by Murad. It helps to balance your skin’s pH levels and instantly and noticeably refresh your face. With chamomile and cucumber extracts to soothe the skin and Sodium PCA to replenish lost moisture, this toner is also alcohol free which means no post-toning dry outs! Hydrating Toner $35 is available at www.murad.com
Step Three- Essence
There’s nothing I love more than the Water Elixir Skin Prep by Sonia Roselli, and I use it in both my pro kit for clients as well as for myself. Unfortunately, I’ve raved about it so much that my entire household has taken to using it as well, which means it runs out much faster haha. But that just goes to show how great of a product it is! Packed with ceramides to help relieve dehydration, redness, dryness and malnourishment, this liquid moisturizer and serum in one packs a punch! However, I treat this as more of an essence, since it is so light and absorbs into the skin easily. It also has Hyaluronic Acid to visibly plump the skin, as well as Organic Japanese Rice and Amino Acids, and is free of any chemical fragrance and is cruelty free! Plus, you can mix this with your powder blushes to create a cream blush to further get that glass skin look. Just scrap a little of the powder onto a palette and put a pump of this stuff in to mix with it and voila: your very own cream blush in your favorite shade! Talk about a multi-tasker! Water Elixir Skin Prep $49 is available at www.soniaroselli.com
Step Four- Serum
My favorite serum when creating a glass skin look is the(and also, just a plain favorite!) is the Violet-C Brightening Serum with 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA by Tatcha. This serum gently helps smooth, soften and brighten the skin and feels so luxurious when on! The Vitamin C helps support surface cell turnover and improve moisture levels with mild fruit AHA to remove buildup of dead skin cells to reveal a smoother complexion. It’s also fragrance, oil, and silicone free as well as being vegan and cruelty free, which means no fluffy bunnies were hurt for them to make it! YAY! Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA $88 is available at www.tatcha.com
Step Five- Moisturize
Water Balm by Sonia Roselli is my go to for this, since it keeps your skin glowy and plump.
Step Six- Top It Off!
This step is optional but one that still helps, and just tops off any skincare routine, and that is either using a facial spray both AM and PM, and/or using a sleeping mask at night. I’ve talked about my Favorite Facial Sprays at www.theglossedit.com/ and as for my favorite sleeping mask, I love the one called Cica Sleeping Mask by Laneige Korean Skincare. This mild, repairing mask hydrates and smoothes your skin and is a great addition to top off any and every skincare routine. It’s wonderful for all skin types and tones, and is vegan as well as free of any mineral oil. Cica Sleeping Mask $34 is available at www.us.laneige.com