Poreless, flawless skin is beauty's holy grail and it seems the influencers of South Korea might just have the edge on how to achieve it. Korean women have long aspired to achieve smooth, hydrated and poreless skin with a sheen like glass, and thanks to the Instagram, we're now catching onto the latest K-Beauty trend. Celebrity facialist and Time Bomb skincare expert Michaella Bolder tells us: "This is such a popular trend as it is what so many of us are striving for - flawless and youthful skin. It is like that squeaky, tight botox effect but without the needles."
"To try and replicate the 'glass skin' trend you're going to need to put the effort it. This isn't a trend you can simply recreate with a moisturiser and some highlighter; it will take a serious and diligent skincare regime." The K-beauty ideal requires multiple lightweight layers of hydrating products so skin looks dewy and plump. While the trend can be used by women with varying skin textures, Michaella advises those with sensitive, problem or ultra-dry skin to skip the regime. "You will end up overwhelming and over-stimulating your skin which makes the skin reactive causing breakouts, redness, and sensitivity," she warns.
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How to achieve glass skin
"Ultra-clean skin is the first step to achieving 'glass skin' so you need to be super strict with your cleansing routine, avoid any stripping cleansers as these will just cause your skin to freak out and overproduce sebum," says Michaella. Instead invest in an oil cleanser like the Time Bomb Peace & Quiet Coconut Cleansing Oil and double cleanse with this after taking your make-up off. Oils have a smaller molecular structure to creams or lotions which means it gets to work at a deeper level, plus you'll be hydrating, soothing and cleansing your skin all at once.
Reveal with a peel
A chemical peel is also a must for the 'glass skin' as you'll want the freshest, dewiest look possible. Choose an AHA or BHA serum with no more than 10 per cent glycolic and apply this twice a week so you're effectively sloughing off that top layer of dead, dull and drab skin. Elemis' Papaya Enzyme Peel is perfect for a gentle but thorough, non-abrasive, intense exfoliation, which will ensure the deeper layers are healthy too.
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Hydrate for dewy skin
"Hydration is absolutely key if you're going to have that dewy, plump sheen - so I would suggest layering hydrating products in true Korean style. Firstly, you'll need a high percentage hyaluronic acid serum like Glossier's Super Bounce which will visibly plump skin up with moisture and includes Vitamin B5 for elasticity, followed by a plant-based facial oil like Kerstin Florin Organic Rejuvenating Anti-Stress Facial Oil, a nourishing and fast-absorbing blend of organic geranium, melissa and lavender essential oils. "Then finish off with a lightweight yet super hydrating moisturiser like Time Bomb Powerball Intensive Moisturiser," recommends Michaella. But remember, the most important step is commitment and patience as glass skin won't happen overnight, but the payoff will be youthful, shiny, happy skin that pops!