The Ultimate 10-Step Routine for Achieving ‘Glass Skin’ at Home

1. The Foundation: Cleansing, Balancing, and Refining

The first three steps are all about creating the perfect canvas. No amount of serum can work miracles if it’s applied on congested, poorly cleaned skin. This foundation ensures deep cleansing and sets the skin's pH for optimal absorption.

Step 1: Oil-Based Cleansing (The First Cleanse)

For centuries, Korean beauty practices have sworn by the principle of Double Cleansing. The first step uses an oil-based cleanser (balm or liquid) to dissolve oil-soluble impurities: makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. This step is non-negotiable for truly clean skin.

• How to: Apply a quarter-sized amount to dry skin and gently massage for 60 seconds, focusing on congested areas like the T-zone. Add a splash of water to emulsify, then rinse thoroughly. Look for lightweight formulas with natural oils that won't clog pores. Start with a gentle Jojoba Oil-Based Cleansing Balm to melt away the day’s buildup without stripping essential moisture.

Step 2: Water-Based Cleansing (The Second Cleanse)

Following the oil cleanse, a water-based cleanser removes water-soluble debris, like dirt and sweat, and any residue left from the oil cleanser. This completes the deep-clean process, leaving pores clear and ready for treatment.

• How to: Use a pea-sized amount and work it into a gentle lather. Massage onto your face for 30–60 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. Choose a low pH, non-foaming formula to avoid disturbing your skin's natural barrier. We recommend a pH-Balanced Foaming Cleanser to ensure your skin barrier remains intact and calm.

Step 3: Exfoliation (The Smoother)

Exfoliation is critical for achieving the 'glass' texture by sloughing off dead skin cells that cause dullness and block product absorption. However, this step should not be done daily; 1–3 times per week is enough.

• How to: Focus on chemical exfoliants (AHAs or BHAs) applied gently with a cotton pad or fingertips. AHAs work on the surface for brightness, while BHAs penetrate pores to clear congestion. Salicylic Acid (BHA) for oily/acne-prone skin, or Lactic/Glycolic Acid (AHA) for dryness/texture. Incorporate an AHA/BHA Liquid Exfoliant into your routine a few nights a week to refine texture and boost clarity.

2. The Core Treatment: Hydration and Nourishment

This section is where the Glass Skin glow is truly built. It involves saturating the skin with layer upon layer of lightweight, nutrient-dense moisture. This is the difference between simply moisturised and deeply hydrated skin.

Step 4: Toning (The Prep Step)

Forget the astringent toners of the past. In Korean skincare, a toner, or refresher, is a balancing agent that preps your skin to better absorb the subsequent steps. It should be hydrating and free of alcohol.

• How to: Apply with a cotton pad or, better yet, pat it directly onto your face with your palms, repeating the motion until fully absorbed. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or flower waters. Our favourite non-drying Rice Glow Milky Toner restores the skin’s pH and delivers a first wave of moisture.

Step 5: Essence (The Heart of K-Beauty)

The essence is arguably the most vital step in the Korean routine and the secret weapon of Glass Skin. Essences are lightweight, fermented liquids packed with high concentrations of active ingredients designed to hydrate, brighten, and accelerate cell turnover.

• How to: Gently pat the essence into your skin until fully absorbed. Fermented ingredients (like rice or yeast), ginseng, or snail mucin are common and effective. A quality Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence can significantly boost skin elasticity and radiance.

Step 6: Serum, Ampoule, or Booster (Targeted Care)

Serums and ampoules are powerhouses of concentrated ingredients aimed at specific concerns—be it hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or lack of firmness. Choose one based on your personal skin goals.

• How to: Apply 2–3 drops and lightly tap into the skin. Wait a minute for the formula to sink in before moving on. Vitamin C for brightening, Niacinamide for pores/oil, or Peptides for anti-aging. A Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid Serum is ideal, offering both barrier strength and plumping hydration—key to the glass look.

Step 7: Mask (The Deep Soak)

A quality mask delivers a potent dose of essence in a compressed timeframe, allowing the skin to deeply soak up all the nutrients. This step is the turbo-boost for achieving the dewy finish, but it only needs to be performed 2–3 times a week.

• How to: Apply for 15–20 minutes. Massage the remaining essence onto your neck and décolletage after removing the mask. Do not rinse. Look for formulas rich in antioxidants and skin-calming botanicals. Keep a tub of Real Collagen Fit, Hydrolyzed Collagen Wrapping Mask on hand for those days when you need an extra glow-up.

3. Sealing and Protection: Locking in the Glass

These final steps seal the preceding layers of hydration, locking in all the nourishing ingredients and providing a barrier against the environment.

Step 8: Eye Cream (Delicate Defence)

The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face and often the first to show signs of aging and dehydration. A targeted eye cream provides the necessary moisture and treatment without overburdening the delicate area.

• How to: Use your ring finger to gently tap a tiny amount (about the size of a grain of rice) around the orbital bone. Peptides, Retinol (at night), and Ceramides for barrier repair. Use a cooling Snail Mucin Peptide Under Eye Cream to firm and hydrate the under-eye area.

Step 9: Moisturiser (The Seal)

The moisturiser acts as an occlusive layer, preventing the evaporation of all the lovely serums and essences you just applied. Choose a texture that suits your skin type—gel for oily skin, or a rich cream for dry skin.

• How to: Warm the cream between your palms and gently press it onto your face. Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, and Shea Butter. A soothing, lightweight cream, like a Snail Mucin All-in-One Cream, is a K-Beauty favourite for that plump, glowing finish.

Step 10: Sunscreen (AM Only – The Ultimate Protector)

Sunscreen is the final, non-negotiable step in your morning routine. UV damage is the primary cause of dullness, spots, and premature aging, all of which sabotage the glass skin goal. This step is what protects your entire investment.

• How to: Apply a generous, two-finger length amount 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors. Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Look for hybrid filters for a lightweight feel. Finish your morning ritual with a Lightweight SPF 50+ Sunscreen that leaves no white cast and a dewy, non-greasy finish.

Consistency is the Key to Clarity

While the 10 steps may take a little longer than your old routine, the results—truly glowing skin that reflects health from the inside out—are well worth the effort. The secret to achieving and maintaining your Glass Skin is not perfection, but consistency.

By focusing on deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, and relentless protection, you empower your skin to heal and renew itself. Remember, transformation takes time. Commit to this routine for at least four weeks, keep exploring high-quality products, and watch as your skin evolves from simply moisturised to incredibly luminous. Start your journey today and let your inner radiance shine through!