How Emily In Paris Brought Korean Beauty’s Glass Skin Trend Into the Spotlight
Ever heard of the wildly popular Netflix series, Emily in Paris? Of course you have, because who has not?!
I, myself, am a massive fan, having studied French and loving the expat life, living well, and enjoying amazing food, Emily In Paris is right up my alley!
But me thoroughly enjoying this series aside, in Emily in Paris’ most recent season, “Glass Skin” was featured in one of the episodes. At first, I thought it was just something made up for the show, especially since they put lube on clients’ faces!
Can you just imagine doing that in real life?! But to my surprise, the Glass Skin trend is a real thing, and it is not only real but it is also a very popular skincare trend in Korean beauty (without the lube, may I add)!
Naturally, if you are passionate about the latest and greatest skincare routines, you should know that Korea is always at the forefront of incredible, innovative, and must-try beauty treatments. Commonly known as K-Beauty, it is perfect for all of us dreaming of flawless and radiant skin, right?
So, let us have a quick look at how you can achieve gorgeous Emily In Paris and K-beauty-approved skin together!
What Exactly Is Glass Skin?
Glass Skin is all about achieving a dewy, glassy, and luminous complexion that makes it look like you have just enjoyed a light run, leaving you with a healthy glow, DEFS not the aftermath of a marathon! It is all about creating a beautifully smooth complexion that mirrors the stunning clarity of glass. With a thoughtfully crafted skincare routine, the right products, and a dash of patience, you will be well on your way to radiant, luminous, gorgeous, and glowing Glass Skin!
Let it be known, that the Glass Skin look goes beyond aesthetics. It is also about nurturing and maintaining your skin’s health and hydration. The K-beauty philosophy emphasises gentle care and achieving healthy skin by treating the root of the problem.
Now that you know, let us continue.
Vital Steps To Achieve Glass Skin
1. First Up, Double Cleansing
It is all in the name. K-beauty advocates cleansing your skin in two different steps. You will typically start with a gentle oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup, sunscreen and other impurities, then follow it up with a refreshing water-based cleanser to leave your skin feeling clean and fresh! A gentle, hydrating water-based cleanser with ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile is ideal. Just throwing it out there.
2. Let’s Talk About Exfoliation
Regular exfoliation goes a long way in achieving a smooth texture, breaking up pigmented cells, and removing the buildup of dry skin to help retain your skin’s healthy glow and smoothness. When going the exfoliation route, you can opt for AHAs (like glycolic acid) or BHAs (like salicylic acid) to gently slough away dead skin cells without causing micro-tears, which physical scrubs can sometimes do. If physical scrubs are more your thing, try and choose scrubs with fine granules and avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin. To wrap it up on exfoliation, exfoliating 1 – 3 times a week should be sufficient, depending on your skin type. However, when in doubt, talk to your aesthetician or dermatologist, as they will be able to guide you in the right direction.
3. To Tone, Or Not To Tone
We vote for tone. Look at it this way, after cleansing, it is essential to restore your skin’s pH balance, and a toner can help you do just that. Look for hydrating toners that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid (which helps attract moisture and plump the skin), rose water (which helps soothe and hydrate your skin), and/or green tea extract (which provides antioxidants and calms irritation). The choice is yours.
4. Essences And Serums
Korean skincare often incorporates essences and serums packed with active ingredients to target specific concerns. To achieve that Glass Skin look, try adding these to your skincare routine. Not sure what essences and serums are, per se? We have got you covered. In a nutshell, essences are somewhere between a toner and a serum, and they are lightweight and often contain fermented ingredients, which are great for boosting hydration and luminosity. Serums, on the other hand, are lightweight, topical skin care products that contain a higher concentration of active ingredients. When looking for the serum of your dreams, try and aim for one that is formulated with ingredients like vitamin C for brightening, niacinamide for smoothing, and hyaluronic acid for hydration
5. Sheet Masks For The Win And The Vibe
Think girl’s night! What wholesome chick flick does not feature a group of friends with sheet masks on their faces? Sure, you might look a bit bizarre with one on, but trust me, when the mask comes off, you are one step closer to achieving that Glass Skin awesomeness. Try incorporating sheet masks into your routine 2 – 3 times a week for an instant hydration boost. Look for masks with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin, and brightening agents such as vitamin C or licorice extract for an even skin tone.
6. Moisturising
To lock in all that moisture, a good moisturiser is key. Ceramides are perfect for strengthening your skin barrier, and a gel-like texture is lightweight yet super hydrating, preventing clogged pores. When searching for a moisturiser that suits you, look for one that includes these benefits.
7. Sun Protection, Because YES, It Matters!
Never, ever skip sunscreen! Even on cloudy days, your skin needs protection. Remember, UV rays can still penetrate clouds and reach your skin, so always opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, whether the sun is shining or not. Bonus points if it hydrates too!
Makeup For Glass Skin
Now that skincare is sorted, let us talk makeup! If you want to boost your glow with a little makeup, here are a few tips: For a radiant, glass-skin finish, start with a lightweight, hydrating foundation or BB cream that gives you a dewy effect.
You can enhance your glow by applying a liquid or cream highlighter to your cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose, adding just the right touch of shimmer.
To ensure your dewy look lasts all day, finish with a hydrating setting spray to lock everything in place.
Maintenance And Lifestyle Tips
Remember when we said K-beauty is all about skin health? To maintain that Glass Skin look, consider these lifestyle tips: Staying hydrated is essential for keeping your skin glowing and healthy, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to nourish your skin from within.
In addition to staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins does wonders for your skin. Getting enough sleep is also super important, as it gives your skin time to repair and regenerate.
And please, DO NOT forget to relax! Reducing stress with activities like yoga or meditation can really boost your skin’s glow, since stress often causes skin issues, and we are not even joking!
Let Us Wrap It Up
Achieving Korean-inspired and Emily In Paris-worthy Glass Skin requires dedication and a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin type.
By following the steps in this guide and using the right products, you will be well on your way to achieving a luminous, dewy complexion that radiates health and vitality! We just need to reiterate: talking to your aesthetician and/or dermatologist can help catapult your Glass Skin goals, so if you’re unsure of what to do, book an appointment with one of them today!
If you are a fan of Emily in Paris or a devoted K-Beauty skincare enthusiast, drop your favourite Emily in Paris moment or go-to K-Beauty tip in the comments below!
