Unlock the Secret Glow: The Untold K-Beauty Ritual That Transforms Skin Overnight

Ever wondered if your skin could glow so intensely that it looks like you’ve stepped right out of a fairy tale—minus the glass slippers but with all the magic? That’s exactly what the craze called “glass skin” is all about. Sprouting from the heart of Korean beauty rituals, this trend promises a glow so luminous and hydrated, it’s like your skin’s own spotlight moment. But here’s the real tea—it’s not just a surface sparkle. It’s about layering gentle, nourishing products that build a natural, lit-from-within radiance, not some greasy glitter masquerade. Fancy an $850 facial to get there? The world’s luxury spas have you covered! So, before you dive headfirst into this gleaming phenomenon, let’s unpack how to achieve that translucent, flawless finish with smart skincare moves anyone can master. Intrigued? LEARN MORE

Like glass slippers before them, there’s something a bit magical about glass skin. With origins in Korean beauty, the term derives its name from the ultra-dewy, radiant look it imparts to the skin—entirely through skincare.

But glass skin isn’t just about appearances. As Nancy Kim, assistant brand manager at skincare brand Belif, explains, “The look embodies K-Beauty’s long-held philosophy of layering gentle, nourishing products to achieve a natural and lit-from-within radiance.”

The term is so popular that the La Prairie Spa now offers a $850 glass skin facial to clients. “Guests are striving for glass-like complexions,” says Naima Refkan, lead Esthetician at the La Prairie Spa at the Ritz Carlton in New York City, Central Park. “Our clients are looking for treatments that address all types of skin challenges, and that leave them with a luminous finish.”

Although the definition may be somewhat straightforward, there is a process to getting the look. Ahead, find out the origins of the trend, how to get glass skin, products to use, and more.

“Glass skin is a skincare trend that originated from Korean beauty, referring to clear, smooth, and luminous skin that almost looks translucent—like glass,” explains Kim. However, “It’s not just about surface-level glow,” she explains. “It reflects overall skin health, with refined texture, even tone, and plump hydration.”

Dewy skin is great—but it’s not the same thing. Skin should have a glossy, plump, and even more hydrated finish to fully earn the name “glass.”

“You can accomplish dewy skin in other ways, but it does not carry the same continuing results throughout the day. You find yourself having to reapply sprays or moisturizers,” says Refkan. “The idea of having a treatment and achieving healthy, naturally radiant skin that is not greasy or oily, but rather soft and luminous, should be your ultimate goal.”

You may have heard of the “Seven Skin Method” in relation to glass skin. This particular skincare method involves seven ultra-hydrating steps.

“The Korean seven-step skincare routine typically includes double cleansing, toning, masking, treating with serums or ampoules, eye cream, moisturizing, and protecting the skin with SPF,” explains Kim. “Hydration is layered gradually, with lightweight toners and treatment products, to deeply saturate the skin without heaviness.”

However, you don’t have to use this method to achieve the look. “Glass skin is more about the quality of hydration and care than the number of steps,” says Kim. “A simplified routine can still deliver glow-worthy results if you’re using the right products that your skin needs.”

According to the experts, all skin types can achieve this look. “It’s about reaching your healthiest, most hydrated complexion, whatever that looks like for you,” says Kim. “What really matters is consistency and customization.” In other words, it’s great for dry skin, as the products used are all about hydration. However, it also works for oily skin types, as it actually highlights a glow. The key is to listen to your skin; if your skin is too dry for double cleansing, stick to a single wash. On the other hand, if a milky cleanser adds too much moisture to your complexion, skip that step.

The step-by-step is basic, but also customizable. “The glass skin approach centers on deep hydration and barrier support—nourishing the skin layer by layer,” says Kim.

1. Cleanser: “A gentle but effective cleanse is the first step,” says Kim, who says you’ll want to keep the skin barrier intact, and “wash away remaining impurities while hydrating the skin.”
2. Toner: Choose from a watery toner or a milky toner—either way, you’ll want a formula that focuses on hydration.
3. Treatment: Here’s where your serums and treatments come in. “Customize your routine to target your skin’s needs: hydration, brightening, and/or barrier repair,” recommends Kim.
4. Eye cream: A moisturizing eye cream or eye gel will not only keep your eye area hydrated, but also ensure your whole face gets the glass-skin look. “It’s the key to achieving that glassy, well-rested glow,” says Kim.
5. Moisturizer: As always, lock everything in with moisturizer. If you have dry skin, you can use a richer formula, while a hydrating gel-cream is ideal for those with oily or combination skin.
6. SPF: Use a sunscreen formula with a hydrating and dewy—not matte—finish. “For on-the-go SPF retouch, Aqua Bomb Glow Sunstick SPF 50+ is easy to carry and apply to keep skin protected and hydrated throughout the day, leaving the skin glowing with no white cast or greasy finish,” says Kim.

For a shortcut, you can also use a glass skin face mask. Or, if you want a decadent facial treatment that leaves you with glass skin, there’s always a glass skin facial, like the one offered at the La Prairie Spa. “The signature facial treatment combines lymphatic drainage techniques with illuminating and firming benefits of La Prairie’s White Caviar collection for visibly brighter, retexturized and more youthful-looking skin,” says Refkan. “Skin is firmed, allowing it to better reflect light and helps reduce the visibility of dark spots and discoloration.”

• Nancy Kim is the assistant brand manager for K-Beauty skincare brand Belif.
• Naima Refkan is the lead esthetician at La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park.