Glass skin has become one of the biggest beauty goals in recent years. That radiant, smooth, almost translucent finish that catches the light as if your skin were hydrated crystal. But here’s the truth: it’s not about miracle make-up or having “poreless” skin (spoiler: pores are normal and healthy). Glass skin is achieved through consistency, care, and a thoughtful routine tailored to your skin type.

This is your full guide to getting that glow — whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive.

The ABC of glass skin

Before diving into skin types, there are universal steps that never change:

  • Double cleansing: in the morning a gentle cleanser is enough, but at night pair an oil/balm cleanser with a gel/foam to remove all traces of dirt.
  • Gentle exfoliation: once or twice a week with light acids (AHA, BHA, or PHA). Skip the harsh gritty scrubs.
  • Layered hydration: essence, serum, cream — think of your skin as a sponge, slowly absorbing each layer.
  • Daily sunscreen: the most important step. No glow if your skin is sun-damaged.

If you have normal skin

Normal skin is balanced but still benefits from care to maintain glow.

  • Cleanser: Gentle foaming cleansers like Heimish All Clean Green Foam.
  • Toner: Laneige Cream Skin Refiner for light hydration.
  • Essence: Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence (Rose Edition) for luminosity.
  • Serum: Hydrating serums like Mediheal N.M.F Intensive Hydrating Serum.
  • Moisturiser: Balanced creams like Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream.
  • Extra Tip: Normal skin thrives with consistent hydration and sun protection; use it daily to keep glow intact.

If you have dry skin

Dry skin often feels tight, flaky, and lacks radiance. The key is hydration and nourishment.

  • Cleansing: use a nourishing oil cleanser and a creamy gel. Avoid stripping foams.
  • Toners and essences: look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera.
  • Serums: ceramides, niacinamide, or panthenol to reinforce the skin barrier.
  • Rich creams: creamy textures to lock in hydration.
  • Extra tip: mix a few drops of facial oil into your night cream for a nourishing boost.

If you have oily skin

Oily skin still needs hydration — in fact, neglecting it can trigger more oil. The goal is balance.

  • Cleansing: gentle foams to remove excess sebum without stripping.
  • Light exfoliating toners: with BHA (salicylic acid) to unclog pores.
  • Light moisturisers: gel textures with hyaluronic acid or aloe.
  • Serums: niacinamide to regulate oil + zinc to soothe.
  • Extra tip: a gentle clay mask once a week refines texture without over-drying.

If you have combination skin

Combination skin has dry cheeks and an oily T-zone. The strategy: balance and customise.

  • Cleansing: gentle gels that don’t strip.
  • Layered routine: hydrating serum all over + light moisturiser on T-zone, richer cream on cheeks.
  • Multi-masking: clay mask on forehead/nose/chin, nourishing mask on cheeks.
  • Extra tip: control shine with blotting papers instead of piling on powders.

If you have sensitive skin

Sensitive skin needs soothing and protection. Here, less is more.

  • Cleansing: cleansing milks or sulphate-free gels.
  • Toners/essences: avoid alcohol and fragrance; go for calming ingredients like centella asiatica or oat extract.
  • Serums: low-strength niacinamide, panthenol, or allantoin.
  • Barrier creams: with ceramides and protective, cocooning textures.
  • Extra tip: don’t introduce too many actives at once; give weeks between new products.

Extra tips for the glass skin glow

  • Facial massage: with gua sha or a roller to boost circulation and natural radiance.
  • Diet and hydration: drink water and eat antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
  • Consistency > perfection: glass skin doesn’t happen overnight, but you’ll see results in weeks.
  • Make-up for glass effect: enhance glow with light bases, liquid highlighters, and hydrating setting sprays.

Glass skin isn’t an unattainable standard or a TikTok filter. It’s the result of treating your skin with care, consistency, and products that suit what your skin actually needs. Whether dry, oily, combination, or sensitive — every skin can glow with that luminous, fresh effect.