A glass skin routine aims for skin that looks smooth, hydrated and so evenly luminous that it seems to reflect light like a pane of glass. It is not about heavy makeup or a filter: it comes from well-cleansed skin, several light layers of hydration and consistent sun protection. Beauty of Joseon, with its rice, ginseng and propolis formulas, is one of the easiest Korean brands to build this look with. Here is a realistic, step-by-step glass skin routine you can follow morning and night.
What “glass skin” really means
The term comes from Korean beauty culture and describes a complexion that looks clear, plump and dewy. In practice, three things create that effect:
- Hydration in the upper layers of the skin, which makes the surface look smooth and bouncy.
- Gentle exfoliation, so dead cells do not scatter light and dull the complexion.
- A healthy skin barrier, which keeps moisture in and reduces redness and flaking.
Nobody has poreless skin, and texture is normal. The goal is skin that looks its healthiest, not a filtered photo.
The Beauty of Joseon glass skin routine (AM and PM)
The table below summarizes the order. You do not need every product; pick one per step that suits your skin type.
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser or just water | Radiance Cleansing Balm or Ginseng Cleansing Oil, then gel cleanser |
| 2. Hydrating layer | Ginseng Essence Water | Ginseng Essence Water (2–3 thin layers) |
| 3. Serum | Glow Serum (propolis + niacinamide) | Glow Deep Serum (rice + alpha arbutin) or a calming serum |
| 4. Moisturize | Red Bean Water Gel (oily) or Dynasty Cream (dry) | Dynasty Cream |
| 5. Protect | Relief Sun SPF 50+ | — |
Step 1: Double cleanse in the evening
Glass skin starts with a clean canvas. At night, melt sunscreen and makeup with a balm or oil, then follow with a gentle gel cleanser. If you are new to this method, our guide on how to double cleanse with Beauty of Joseon explains the technique and the mistakes to avoid. In the morning, a mild cleanser or a splash of lukewarm water is usually enough.
Step 2: Layer hydration (the 7-skin idea, simplified)
The signature trick of glass skin is layering a watery toner or essence several times. Pat a small amount of Ginseng Essence Water into damp skin, wait about 30 seconds, then repeat once or twice. Each thin layer absorbs better than one thick one, and the skin looks noticeably plumper. Dry skin can go up to three layers; oily skin often feels best with one or two.
Step 3: Choose a glow serum
Serums do the targeted work. Glow Serum is a favourite for dull or blemish-prone skin, while Glow Deep Serum is often chosen for uneven tone. If you want to use two serums, follow the order in our article on how to layer Beauty of Joseon serums: thinnest texture first, then the richer one.
Step 4: Seal it with the right moisturizer
A moisturizer locks in the water you just added. Lightweight gels suit oily and combination skin; richer creams suit dry or mature skin, especially during Canadian winters. Apply a thin, even layer and press it in with your palms rather than rubbing.
Step 5: Sunscreen every morning
UV exposure is one of the main causes of dullness and dark spots, so no glow routine works without daily SPF. Beauty of Joseon offers several textures; see Relief Sun vs Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh to choose between the creamy and the more fluid version. Use about two finger lengths for the face and neck.
Exfoliation: once or twice a week, not more
Over-exfoliating is the fastest way to lose that glassy look, because irritated skin becomes red and flaky. Use a gentle peeling gel or a mild acid product one or two evenings per week, on dry skin, and skip it if your skin stings. On exfoliation nights, keep the rest of the routine simple: essence, a calming serum and moisturizer.
Adapting the glass skin routine to your skin type
- Oily skin: one layer of essence, a light gel moisturizer and a fluid sunscreen. Focus on hydration without heaviness.
- Dry skin: up to three essence layers, a cream at night, and possibly a few drops of facial oil mixed into the cream in winter.
- Sensitive skin: introduce one new product at a time and patch test first. Choose calming textures and limit exfoliation.
- Acne-prone skin: keep layers light, avoid heavy oils on breakout zones and never skip cleansing at night.
Lifestyle habits that make a visible difference
Products do a lot, but glass skin also depends on habits. Sleep, hydration and a balanced diet influence how rested the skin looks. Changing pillowcases often, keeping phone screens clean and not touching your face help limit breakouts. Results build over weeks, not days: give any routine at least four to six weeks before judging it.
Looking for more Korean skincare ideas beyond one brand? Browse this Korean skincare guide and K-beauty catalogue, which covers other popular brands and product types.
FAQ: glass skin routine
How long does it take to get glass skin?
Hydration can make skin look plumper within days, but smoother texture and a more even tone usually take several weeks of consistent use, especially with daily sunscreen.
Can oily skin get glass skin?
Yes. Oily skin often lacks water rather than oil. Light, watery layers and a gel moisturizer give a healthy glow without extra shine.
Do I need all ten Korean steps?
No. Five well-chosen steps (cleanse, hydrate, serum, moisturize, protect) are enough for most people. More products also mean more chances of irritation.
Is glass skin possible in winter?
It is, but the barrier needs more support: add an extra essence layer, switch to a richer cream at night and keep using sunscreen, since UV is present all year.