Glass Skin Makeup Trend. How to Get Dewy, Luminous Skin in 2025

The glass skin trend has taken the beauty world by storm, and for good reason. This Korean beauty-inspired look creates a luminous, poreless complexion that appears as smooth and reflective as glass. My makeup style is flawless skin and a blended beauty look so this trend has been requested by many of clients. While skincare is the foundation of this aesthetic, the right makeup techniques can help you achieve that coveted dewy, translucent glow even on days when your skin needs a little extra help.

The glass skin trend was optimized when Pat Mcgarth designed the makeup look for Maison Margiela Couture Spring 2024. The models strutted down the catwalk looking like China dolls with the glass skin and high shine the focus. Since then, this trend has filtered down to the mainstream and joined forces with the gen Z and frankly every generation obsession with fresh youthful plump skin.

What Is Glass Skin?

Glass skin is a complexion that appears incredibly smooth, hydrated, and luminous with a subtle sheen that catches light beautifully but not iridescent or glittery in any way, it’s more of a healthy glow like you have drunk four litres of water every day for your whole life. Think of it as skin so perfect it looks like it could be made of glass – hence the name. This look emphasizes natural radiance over heavy coverage, creating an almost ethereal, lit-from-within glow.

The Glass Skin Makeup Philosophy

Unlike traditional full-coverage makeup looks, glass skin makeup is all about enhancement rather than coverage. The goal is to create the illusion of perfect skin while maintaining a natural, breathable finish. This means strategic highlighting, minimal coverage, and lots of hydrating products that work with your skin rather than sitting on top of it.

Essential Products for Glass Skin Makeup

Base Products are an essential in achieving the glass skin look whilst having longevity throughout the day and not just sliding off when you step outside.

Hydrating primer: Look for primers with hyaluronic acid or glycerine a couple of my favourites at the moment are:

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'R Hydrating Primer 30ml - Soft Silk

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip + Glow Prime

Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer

Lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer: Choose something with a natural to dewy finish I love the Laura Mercier’s and also Fenty beauty’s tinted moisturiser’s. Act a

Concealer: Use sparingly and only where needed

Setting spray: opt for a dewy or hydrating formula

Highlighting Products

Liquid highlighter: Can be mixed into foundation or applied strategically

Cream highlighter: For a more natural, skin-like glow

Illuminating powder: Very light application for subtle enhancement

Now you know some of the key products to use here is my step-by-step guide to creating glass skin yourself.

Step 1: Prime for Radiance

Start with a hydrating primer that will create a smooth base and add an extra layer of luminosity. Apply with your fingers, pressing the product into your skin rather than rubbing it around. Focus on areas where you want extra glow, like the high points of your face and where the light would naturally hit.

Step 2: Create a Luminous Base

Mix a drop of liquid highlighter into your foundation or tinted moisturizer before applying. This creates an all-over glow that looks like it's coming from within your skin. Use a damp beauty sponge to press the product into your skin, building coverage gradually and only where needed.

Step 3: Strategic Concealing

Less is more with glass skin makeup. Use concealer only where absolutely necessary – under the eyes, on any blemishes, and around the nose if needed. Blend thoroughly with a small brush or your finger, ensuring there are no harsh lines.

Step 4: Add Strategic Highlights

Apply cream or liquid highlighter to the high points of your face where light would naturally hit: the tops of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose, cupid's bow, and center of your forehead. The key is to build slowly and blend seamlessly its all in the blending and that’s what will make your makeup look flawless and skin like.

Step 5: Set Strategically

Only set areas that tend to get oily, like your T-zone. Use a very light dusting of translucent powder, focusing on maintaining that dewy finish everywhere else. You want to prevent sliding without eliminating the glow.

Step 6: Final Glow Boost

Finish with a hydrating setting spray, holding the bottle about arm's length away and misting your entire face. This helps meld all your products together and adds that final glass-like finish.

Keep eye makeup to a minimum for this look with the emphasis on lashes and brows, we want the skin to be the focus and not me overtaken by any other products.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Glass Skin Look

Skin Preparation Is Key

Even with the best makeup techniques, glass skin starts with well-prepped skin. Make sure your skin is clean, exfoliated, and properly moisturized before beginning your makeup routine.

Build Coverage Gradually

The biggest mistake people make with glass skin makeup is applying too much product at once. Start with thin layers and build up coverage only where needed. Remember, you want your natural skin to show through.

Focus on Texture

Pay attention to how your skin feels, not just how it looks. Glass skin should feel comfortable and breathable. If your makeup feels heavy or cakey, you've likely applied too much product.

Choose Your Moments

Glass skin makeup works best for certain occasions. It's perfect for daytime events, romantic dinners, or any time you want to look naturally radiant. For photos, be mindful of flash photography, as the dewiness can sometimes create unwanted shine. Do a light powder around the nose and upper lip and this will ensure you look glowy and not sweaty.

Customize Your Glow

Not everyone's skin is the same, so customize your approach. Those with oily skin might want to focus highlights only on the center of the face, while those with dry skin can embrace glow all over.

Common Glass Skin Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Highlighting

While glow is the goal, too much highlighter can look unnatural or sweaty rather than glass-like. Build your highlight gradually and step back frequently to assess your progress. Don’t use a highlight with any pearlized or shimmer affect try to find one which is just shine. Tower 28 do a great face gloss which you can apply with your finger.

Makeup By Verity

Laura Green Spring /Summer 2025

How the glass skin trend works on your skin type.

Oily Skin

Focus your glow on the centre of your face and use a mattifying primer in your T-zone. You might need slightly more setting powder but be careful not to eliminate the dewiness entirely. And embrace your natural dewiness.

Dry Skin

You're at an advantage for this look! Focus on hydrating products and don't be afraid to embrace glow all over your face. Skip powder where possible.

Combination Skin

Treat different areas of your face differently. Use mattifying products in oily zones and hydrating products in dry areas.

Remember, the best glass skin look is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. Don't be afraid to adapt these techniques to work with your unique features and skin type. After all, the most beautiful glass skin look is one that feels authentically you

Verity Samson21 August 2025