Remember the iconic makeup looks in the 2010s? Flashback to faces with heavy matte base makeup, cut-crease eyeshadow, and BIG, bold lips. Routines would take hours to apply as faces baked and concealer set. With so much heavy makeup, the health of the underlying skin was often ignored. Current trends are quite a departure from the “cake and bake” look that was popular a decade ago. These days, the trend is to wear minimal makeup, allowing well-taken-care-of beautiful skin to shine on its own. Popular trends such as “glass skin”, “slugging” and “12 step routines” are growing in popularity. But what led to this dramatic shift?
The Korean Beauty Market
Though not known by mainstream media until recent years, there is an increasing interest in Asian culture since the early 2000’s, especially the South Korean beauty market. “K beauty products” top the charts in the cosmetic industry. Groups such as BTS and Twice help put Korea on the cosmetic product map. Most popular in the Philippines, and also trending in China, the U.S., Japan, France and England, “K-Dramas” are also increasingly popular, having enough viewership that they can easily be found on any streaming service.
Now, with more interest in Asian music, dramas, and skincare, the rise in minimal makeup and extreme skin care is center stage. Having luminous, “glass skin” is the new trend with celebrities in particular. Eager to radiate like the stars, the mainstream market followed suit. This distinctive makeup look originating in Korea focuses on minimal coverage concealer and shiny, dewy finishes.
How to Get the Glass Skin Look
Phasing out heavier makeup, healthy, beautiful skin becomes the main focus. An effective skincare regimen is critical. The emphasis is on hydration and exfoliation. Water retention in the skin is essential, especially in cold winter months. Exfoliating dry, dead skin helps take your skin from dull to glowing.
Cosmetic ingredients that can increase skin hydration and glow:
- Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and elasticity
- Niacinamide can help skin lock in moisture & prevent environmental damage
- Vitamin C has antioxidant effects to protect skin from free radicals
- Squalene has emollient properties that can help smooth and soften your skin
- Ceramides help retain your skin’s moisture
- Seaweed is anti-inflammatory and supports your skin’s microbiome
- Aloe Vera replenishes and retains moisture in the skin
Retinoids are critical to the success of any skincare routine to encourage cellular turnover, stimulate collagen, help treat acne, soften wrinkles, fade pigmentation, and give the skin an overall youthful glow. Always remember to apply daily sunscreen. UV protection is essential to help prevent premature aging and maintain an even skin tone.
Some of the products that we offer can help achieve the healthy, fresh “Glass Skin” look. Products such as: Alastin’s HA Immerse Serum, Skinbetter Science’s Alto Advanced Defense & Repair Serum, Alastin’s Renewal Retinol .5, Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex, and Epionce’s Renewal Facial Lotion or Cream will help you achieve “Glass Skin” while hydrating and/or exfoliating your skin. Dewy sunscreens such as SkinBetter Science’s Tonesmart or the tinted EltaMD UV Clear will give you that appearance of a glow from within.
Cosmetic Procedures to Achieve “Glass Skin”
A variety of skincare treatments can help you achieve the “glass skin” look. Topping the list is a Hydrafacial. This non-invasive treatment uses patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate your skin. Excellent at exfoliating the skin, it does so without causing your skin to peel. And, a Hydrafacial includes added benefits by decongesting your pores and de-puffing your face. Customized boosters are available to target specific concerns ranging from dryness to fine lines and wrinkles.
Microneedling with a corrective serum is another great option. It creates micro-channels in the skin, allowing serums to temporarily penetrate the skin better. Microneedling also stimulates collagen and elastin production resulting in a plumper, younger-looking complexion.
Dermaplaning exfoliates the skin and temporarily removes the hair on the face, which increases product penetration and allows skin to shine with a dewy appearance.
Skincare routines do not have to be complicated, and cosmetic treatments do not have to be extensive. “Glass Skin” can be achieved with a little bit of education, consistency and a willingness to learn what is best for you. Book a consultation with one of our aestheticians for your unique skincare analysis. They will work one-on-one with you to help you achieve your skincare goals.
Request an appointment or Call 757-313-5813 for your custom cosmetic consultation.
