Master Korean Glass Skin The Vegan Way
What is it and where does it come from?
Korean glass skin has taken the beauty world by storm, inspiring skincare experts and make up artists to create routines and products in a bid to emulate that translucent, ethereal glow.
The term originates from Korean phrase "yuri pibu," which translates to "glass skin," and describes a complexion so clear and luminous it resembles a pane of glass. Rooted in Korean beauty traditions, this ideal has long been linked to notions of purity and prestige, where glowing, healthy skin was seen as a reflection of self-care.
Korean Glass Skin’s impact on the fashion industry
K-beauty has taken the fashion and beauty world by storm, seeing a meteoric rise both online and in the real world. Significantly influencing the fashion industry, it has inspired designers to incorporate its signature aesthetic into their runway shows. One of the most spectacular celebrations of this trend made a big impact in Paris last year when legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath debuted her bespoke take on it with her “porcelain glass skin” for John Galliano’s haute couture show for Maison Margiela. Models such as Gwendoline Christie walked the runway like porcelin living dolls, with near-translucent complexions that looked ethereally sculpted This iconic moment cemented glass skin as a high-fashion and global beauty phenomenon. Read on for how you can emaulate this look at home with the much anticipated release of Pat McGrath’s vegan and cruelty free Skin Fetish: Glass 001 Artistry Mask.
So how can we achieve Korean glass skin it at home?
As skin is a living, breathing organ the steps you take are ultimately to nurture your skin to a calm, balanced, and healthy state for natural vitality. Glass skin, in its essence, refers to a complexion that is smooth, even-toned, and hydrated enough to appear almost translucent, like light reflecting off clear water. Your skin responds to your hormones, stress, environment, and lifestyle, so what we should firstly aim for is “happy skin” - a balanced, well-cared-for complexion of natural radiance, minimal inflammation and a healthy barrier.
As Alicia Yoon, founder of Peach & Lily, explains, achieving glass skin is about “layering products that hydrate and create a bouncy, reflective complexion.” More than a fleeting trend, glass skin represents a ritualistic approach to skincare, a harmonious blend of nourishment, hydration, and balance. The first step to achieving the glow is to establish your skin type to tailor your products to your skin’s individual needs.
The Two Pillars of Glass Skin: Internal and External Care
To achieve glass skin, you need to focus on both what you put on your skin and what you put in your body. Skincare routines are essential, but diet plays an equally important role in achieving that ethereal glow. Here’s how to master both.
Step 1: Your Vegan Skincare Routine
Achieving glass skin involves layering lightweight, hydrating, and nutrient-rich products. Follow the steps below to get the glow.
1. Double cleanse:
Begin with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and impurities such as Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil 140ml £29
Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to clear out any residue such as Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser £38
2. Exfoliate (1-2 times a week)
Use a gentle chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and refine texture such as The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 30ml £8.90 or E.L.F Gentle Peeling Exfoliant £10
3. Tone
Apply a hydrating toner to buff dead skin cells from your skin and resurface it. We recommend KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA 200ml £25 and Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner 150ml £31
4. Essence
Layer a slightly thicker formular toning essense to deeply hydrate and plump the skin. We recommend PYUNKANG YUL Essence Toner 200ml and Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water 150ml £15.50
5. Serum
Choose a serum rich in hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to boost hydration and fight free radicals. We recommend The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum 30ml £28.90 and Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Lipopeptide Serum 50ml £35
Seal in hydration with a nourishing moisturizer. We recommend Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Deep Moisture Miracle Cream 50ml £45 for non members, £22 for members and The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100ml - £12.80 Holy Hydration! Face Cream - SPF 30 - £13 The Rich Cream - £150
Product Recommendation: Glow Recipe Banana Soufflé Moisture Cream
6. Sunscreen
Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin and leave a silky glow. We recommend Tirtir Ceramic Milk Ampoule and Coola Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops SPF 30.
When you want to give your skin an additional treat or pre nigth out
Facemasks: tip, squeeze a little of the excess syrun into the packet and seal to use another day - https://www.peachandlily.com/gb/products/glass-skin-collagen-ginseng-mask-single-useThese Korean Collagen Masks Are Your Answer to Glass Skin “Korean face masks have become so popular because they deliver real results while offering a moment of self-care and indulgence,” says Yanghee Paik, the co-founder and CEO of Rael. “In Korea, skin care is deeply rooted in our culture—it’s not just about appearance, but also about caring for yourself holistically. Face masks are an easy, accessible way to experience that."
Red light laser: LYMA - get detail from site and Ash - Shop The LYMA Laser: Pay in up to 12 Instalments. Free Express Shipping.
Higher grade and priced steps you can take to care for your skin on a deeper level.
Led light laser LYMA - get detail from site and Ash - Shop The LYMA Laser: Pay in up to 12 Instalments. Free Express Shipping.
Peach and Lily Glass Skin Discovery Kit: https://www.peachandlily.com/gb/products/glass-skin-discovery-kit - £33
Step 2: Your Vegan Diet for Glass Skin
What you eat directly affects your skin’s health and glow. Incorporate these nutrient-rich, plant-based foods into your diet:
Beta-Carotene: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers, beta-carotene helps protect your skin from oxidative damage and promotes even tone.
Vitamin C: Essential for collagen production, this vitamin improves skin elasticity and suppleness. Include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, and green leafy vegetables in your meals.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats maintain skin hydration and elasticity while reducing inflammation. Opt for walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds.
Vitamin E: Known for its protective properties, Vitamin E keeps skin moisturized and youthful. Sources include almonds, sunflower seeds, and avocados.
Zinc: This mineral helps with skin repair and reduces inflammation. Find it in pumpkin seeds, lentils, and chickpeas.
Probiotics: A healthy gut supports healthy skin. Incorporate vegan probiotic foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and coconut yogurt into your diet.
Glass skin is not about achieving perfection but about nurturing your skin and body for optimal health and radiance—it’s a love letter to yourself in this glow-getter era. By combining a solid vegan skincare routine with a nutrient-dense, plant-based diet, you can work towards that luminous, flawless complexion that epitomizes glass skin. Embrace the ritual, and let your glow speak for itself!
