We’ve all seen it—those flawless, glowing complexions that look like they’ve been Photoshopped to perfection. The skin looks smooth, radiant, and almost translucent—like glass. It’s what’s known as the “glass skin” trend, and it’s been taking the beauty world by storm. While achieving it might sound like something out of a dream, I’m here to tell you it’s actually possible to get that glow—no filter needed!

If you’ve been wondering how to achieve that enviable, lit-from-within look, here’s a simple guide to help you get that glow.

Start with a Clean Slate

Before anything else, you need to make sure your skin is clean and ready to absorb all the good stuff you’re about to apply. A good cleanse is the foundation of any skincare routine, and it’s especially important if you’re after that perfect glass skin.

Choose the Right Cleanser

Find a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Harsh cleansers can leave your skin feeling tight and dry, which isn’t the look we’re going for. Instead, look for a cleanser that will leave your skin feeling fresh and soft but not stripped. A cream or gel cleanser works well for this purpose. Trust me, the right cleanser sets the tone for the rest of your routine.

Exfoliate for Smooth Skin

exfoliate

Exfoliation is key to getting smooth, glowing skin. It helps remove dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull. When you exfoliate, your skin can better absorb the products you apply afterward, which means you’re getting the most out of your skincare.

Go for a Gentle Exfoliant

You don’t need to go harsh on your skin to get the best results. Choose a gentle chemical exfoliant with ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These acids help to slough off dead skin cells without scrubbing too hard. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin, so aim to exfoliate 1-3 times a week depending on your skin type.

Hydration is Key

If you want that glass skin look, hydration is a must. Your skin needs moisture to look plump and glowing. Hydrated skin has that dewy, healthy glow that we all want, so make sure you’re giving your skin the hydration it craves.

Drink Water and Use a Good Moisturizer

Start by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Then, layer on a good moisturizer that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, go for a richer, cream-based moisturizer. For oily or combination skin, a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer will work best. Make sure to apply it while your skin is still damp from cleansing or toning to lock in the moisture.

Incorporate a Serum

Serums are packed with active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Whether you’re looking to brighten your complexion, reduce fine lines, or improve texture, a serum can give you that extra boost.

Go for a Hydrating or Brightening Serum

For that glass skin glow, look for a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or vitamin C. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture, giving it that plump, juicy look. Vitamin C is a great option for brightening up dull skin and giving it a healthy glow. Apply your serum after toning, and make sure to pat it in gently so it absorbs fully.

Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine, especially if you want your skin to look youthful and glowing for years to come. The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin, cause premature aging, and even lead to pigmentation issues that can take away from that glass skin effect.

Choose a Lightweight Sunscreen

Go for a lightweight sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Look for formulas that are hydrating and don’t leave a white cast on the skin. There are so many options out there, from tinted sunscreens to mineral-based ones, so pick one that works best for your skin type. Trust me, sunscreen is one of the best things you can do to maintain that glow and protect your skin.

Try a Glow-Boosting Face Oil

woman face oil

Face oils are not only nourishing, but they also give your skin that glossy, radiant look. If you want to take your glow to the next level, consider adding a face oil to your skincare routine. Face oils lock in moisture and give your skin a luminous finish, making it the perfect step before heading out the door.

Pick the Right Oil for Your Skin Type

When choosing a face oil, pick one that suits your skin type. For dry skin, oils like jojoba or rosehip can provide deep hydration and help with skin elasticity. For oily or acne-prone skin, lighter oils like argan or grapeseed oil are less likely to clog your pores while still giving you that glow.

Add a Dewy Makeup Finish

Once your skincare routine is complete, you can enhance your glass skin look with a dewy finish makeup. The key is to use light coverage and focus on products that enhance your natural glow rather than cover it up.

Choose a Dewy Foundation or BB Cream

Opt for a dewy foundation or a tinted moisturizer with a glowing finish. These will give your skin that radiant, fresh look without looking cakey. Avoid matte formulas, as they can make your skin look flat instead of glowing. Finish off with a touch of highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone, and down the center of your nose to really amplify that glow.

The Final Touch: A Hydrating Mist

Throughout the day, you can keep your skin looking fresh and dewy with a hydrating mist. These sprays are packed with ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and rose water, which help to refresh your skin and keep it hydrated, even when you’re on the go.

Keep It in Your Bag for a Mid-Day Refresh

Having a hydrating mist on hand is perfect for those times when your skin starts to feel dry or dull during the day. Just spritz it on and let your skin drink it in. It’s an instant pick-me-up and will give you that glass skin glow whenever you need it most.

Conclusion

Achieving that radiant, glass skin look is totally possible with the right routine and products. By focusing on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and using the right serums and moisturizers, you can get that smooth, luminous complexion that turns heads. Remember, skincare is all about consistency, so stick with your routine and be patient. With a little love and care, you’ll have glowing skin that’s filter-free and all-natural.