Glass Skin Makeup: Embracing the Rise of Glow-Effect Makeup
Across social media and in makeup trends, there’s one constant: the obsession with a natural yet luminous glow. From glazed donut skin and clean-look makeup to the ultra-popular glass skin makeup, today’s beauty standards focus on a radiant complexion with minimal coverage. The latest products, especially liquid highlighters and glow drops, are flying off the shelves as they help create that dewy, fresh-faced look. This aesthetic – whether seen as “no-makeup makeup” or “glow effect makeup” – transforms the skin, enhancing natural beauty with a subtle, glass-like finish that celebrates a youthful, radiant appearance. Below, we’ll break down how to master this popular trend using your Twelve Beauty faves.
The Origin and Appeal of Glass Skin Makeup
Originating in Korean skincare, the concept of glass skin embodies a clear, smooth, and radiant complexion. This is not about covering the skin but rather perfecting it to the point that it appears glowing from within. Achieving this look requires a disciplined skincare routine and a less-is-more approach to makeup, focusing on hydration, evenness, and a subtle shine that gives the skin a luminous finish.
How Do I Get the Glass Skin Makeup Look?
For those new to this trend, glass skin makeup involves a mix of essential skincare practices and strategic makeup applications that blend seamlessly to create a natural glow. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting that coveted, “glazed skin” finish:
- Start with Skincare: Glass skin begins with well-prepped skin. Regular cleansing and sun protection are crucial. The use of purifying masks and effective cleansers is recommended to help eliminate any textured patches. Follow with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to create a permeable film, allowing for smooth makeup application.
- Foundation for Evenness: Opt for a lightweight, natural-looking foundation or BB cream that provides just enough coverage to even out the skin tone without looking cakey. The key here is using low-pigmented formulas.
- Ready, Steady, Set: To avoid excess shine in areas prone to oil, apply a light dusting of translucent powder or use a setting spray. This keeps the makeup in place without muting the skin’s natural glow. To help regulate excess shine, we recommend the daily use of a facial oil rich in linoleic acid to improve sebum quality. The use of rebalancing yet hydrating serums is also advised.
- Liquid Highlighters and Glow Drops: The recent surge in liquid highlighters, along with self-tanning serums, has made it easier to add a sun-kissed glow to any look.
- A Touch of Blush: A soft, natural blush adds warmth to the complexion. Lightly apply to the cheeks for a healthy, natural flush, blending thoroughly for a seamless finish.
The Benefits of Glass Skin Makeup
Aside from the beautiful aesthetic, the glazed skin look has several appealing qualities:
- Fresh Appearance: The glowing finish of this makeup trend promotes a healthy, vibrant look that gives skin a fresh appeal.
- Emphasis on Natural Beauty: Unlike traditional makeup, which often aims to mask imperfections, this new focus enhances and celebrates your natural features, highlighting the unique beauty of each complexion.
- Versatility: This look works across all skin tones, types and ages. You can adapt the level of glow and coverage to suit personal preferences, making it a flexible trend for both everyday and occasion wear.
The Rise of Highlighters and Glow Drops
As glass skin makeup continues to trend, we’re seeing highlighters and self-tanning serums take centre stage on social media. These products have gained popularity with influencers and celebrities alike showcasing fresh, luminous skin that’s both glamorous and attainable. Self-tanning serums or glow drops, in particular, bring a natural, sun-kissed warmth, which enhances glass skin’s “healthy glow” effect, especially in the winter months. The key to their success is the fact that are so easy to use and the result is instant.
Liquid Highlighters vs. Traditional Highlighters
When it comes to achieving the perfect glass skin makeup, the choice of highlighter is key. Liquid highlighters have quickly become a beauty favourite, offering a seamless, natural finish that enhances the glow without looking overdone. Here’s why they’re the ideal choice for creating that radiant, skin-like luminosity:
- Blendability: Liquid highlighters blend effortlessly into the skin, creating a smooth, radiant finish that mimics natural luminosity. Unlike powders, which can sit on top of the skin and create a distinct shimmer, liquid formulas melt into the complexion for a more seamless look.
- Long-Lasting Radiance: Liquid highlighters maintain their glow throughout the day, without the risk of fading or looking patchy. Their hydrating properties help keep the skin glowing and fresh, which is key to the dewy effect that glass skin makeup is all about.
- Natural, Subtle Finish: Traditional powder highlighters can sometimes look too bold, especially when aiming for a more natural, “no-makeup makeup” look. Liquids, on the other hand, enhance the skin’s natural light reflection, making the glow appear soft and effortless.
How to Use Glow Island as a Highlighter
Glow Island serves two purposes: it adds instant warmth to your complexion while also providing the glowing finish of a highlighter, making this multi-use self-tanning serum the perfect way to achieve a sun-kissed glow and naturally enhance your features. Here’s how to use it for a healthy, radiant finish:
- As a Standalone Product: For an all-natural glow, apply Glow Island to your skin as the final step in your skincare routine (after your SPF).
- As a Primer: Before applying foundation, add a layer of Glow Island for a soft, luminous base.
- Mixed with Foundation: If you’re not a fan of layering, combine Glow Island directly with your foundation, enhancing both coverage and glow.
- As a Highlighter: Once your makeup is applied, identify the natural light-catching points on your face – chin, nose bridge, high points of the cheeks, and brow bone. Apply small amounts of Glow Island to these areas and blend using gentle circular motions. Remember, less is more: build gradually to control the intensity of the glow, ensuring a natural finish. For added longevity, try setting the look with our Ultra Revitalising Elixir as a finishing spray.
Insider Tips from MUAs
To achieve a natural, glowing look, we’ve gathered expert advice from some of our favourite MUAs. Their insights and product recommendations bring a professional touch to creating this look at home using some of our most popular products from the range:
- Patri del Moral, celebrity MUA specialising in SFX and art, advises starting with Clementine Cleansing Balm followed by Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream for deep hydration. “I like to mix Intelligent Frontier Facial Oil with Ideal Moisture Level Serum and then apply Nutritive Repair Emulsion to prep the skin. For a finishing touch, dabbing a bit of Clementine Cleansing Balm on the high points like the cheeks, chin, and nose adds extra glow.”
- Alex C Keating, a New York-based red carpet and grooming specialist, shares, “For a healthy glow, I love to mix a few drops of Intelligent Frontier Facial Oil with a liquid or cream foundation. It provides an all-over glow that’s perfect for the red carpet or everyday wear.”
- Sarah Matia, a celebrated Spanish film MUA, says, “The combination of Glow Island with Tint & Glow in Mulberry Hue is bang on trend this season. It adds just the right amount of radiance while keeping the look fresh and natural.”
- Sjaniël Turrell, a conscious beauty and health consultant, holistic makeup artist, and nutritional therapist, emphasises that “Skin prep is the most important part of achieving glowing skin. I rely on Purifying Cleansing Beauty Cream as my first step. On shoots, I always spritz Ultra Revitalising Elixir, then apply a generous amount of Ideal Moisture Level Serum or Brightening Serum, massaging it well into the skin. This not only creates a smooth base for makeup to glide on but also keeps skin looking fresh and radiant all day.”
The draw of glass skin makeup lies in its effortless natural beauty enhancement. By focusing on skincare and using glow-inducing formulas, anyone can achieve a radiant, fresh-faced look whenever desired.
