The 5-Step Korean Skincare Routine 

This five-step glass skin routine brings together gentle exfoliation, hydration, brightening and barrier-supporting formulas to create that fresh, dewy finish. 

Glowy. Smooth. Plump. Seriously hydrated. There’s a reason glass skin has become one of the biggest beauty trends to come out of Korean skincare, and after trying this routine for myself, I can see why the obsession has lasted.

Glass skin isn’t about having perfectly poreless skin; it’s about creating a complexion that looks deeply hydrated, smooth, plump and naturally luminous.

So, how do you get glass skin? The K-beauty approach focuses on layering hydrating products, gentle exfoliation and formulas that support your skin barrier. 

I put this routine to the test on Sunday night as part of my weekly reset, and the results genuinely surprised me. My skin looked fresh and hydrated straight away, but it was the glow that stuck around that really caught my attention. By the next morning, my skin was still looking smooth, plump and seriously radiant.

So, naturally, I had to share the five-step routine behind it.

 

WHAT IS GLASS SKIN?

The trend has its roots in Korean skincare, where layering lightweight, hydrating products has long been a key part of achieving healthy-looking skin.

Rather than relying on one miracle product, the glass-skin approach is all about building a routine that supports your skin from the first cleanse to your final layer of SPF. Glass skin isn’t about having perfectly poreless skin; it’s about creating a complexion that looks deeply hydrated, smooth, plump and naturally luminous. 

Ready to build your glass-skin routine? Here’s where to start. 

 

Step 1: Exfoliate

The Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 helps refine the appearance of pores, smooth uneven texture and remove daily buildup for a clearer, more polished complexion. Formulated with AHA Lactic Acid and BHA Salicylic Acid, these exfoliating toner pads help lift dead skin cells and unclog pores while preparing skin for better absorption of your skincare routine. This was my first K-beauty product, and I’ve been using them ever since. They’re quick, simple and mess-free, gently lifting away dead skin without feeling too harsh. 

 

Step 2: Hydrate

The Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask helps improve the appearance of skin elasticity, hydration and radiance for a smoother, plumper and more luminous complexion. Formulated with salmon PDRN and low molecular collagen, this innovative hydrogel mask delivers intensive hydration while helping support the skin barrier. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it leaves skin looking firmer, smoother and glowing. 

*What is PDRN? We’ve got you covered. Check out our latest post, PDRN: The Korean Skincare Ingredient Taking Over, for the lowdown on this Korean skincare favourite. 

 

 

                                                  Step 3: Brighten

The BEAUTY OF JOSEON Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin helps brighten the appearance of dark spots, pigmentation and uneven skin tone for a more radiant, even-looking complexion. Formulated with rice water and alpha-arbutin, this lightweight Korean serum helps hydrate the skin, support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of dullness. Ideal for all skin types, especially those concerned with pigmentation and uneven tone.

 

 

Step 4: Moisturise 

The Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream helps plump, smooth and brighten the appearance of skin for a hydrated, glass-like glow. Formulated with hydrolysed nano collagen, niacinamide and squalene, this lightweight moisturiser helps improve the look of firmness while supporting the skin barrier.. We love the bouncy jelly texture and handy applicator, which make applying your moisturiser feel that little bit more enjoyable.

 

 

 

Step 5: Refresh

The Biodance Collagen Peptide Jelly Serum Mist helps hydrate, refresh and firm the appearance of skin for a smoother, dewier-looking complexion. Formulated with 77% 243Da collagen water and a 10-peptide complex, this innovative jelly-to-mist formula helps support skin elasticity and lock in lightweight moisture without feeling heavy. Suitable for all skin types, it instantly refreshes the complexion while leaving skin looking healthy, hydrated and radiant.

 

GLASS SKIN, YOUR WAY

Despite what social media might have you believe, glass skin doesn't mean following a 10-step routine every night. In fact, you don't even need to follow all five steps above.

Your skin is personal, and your routine should be too. For some, that might mean a simple cleanser, serum and moisturiser. For others, it might be layering a toner, mask, serum, cream and mist when their skin needs an extra boost.

The goal isn't to use as many products as possible. It's to find the combination that leaves your skin feeling hydrated, comfortable and glowing.

Medicube, Biodance and Beauty of Joseon are now available

at Cloud 10 Beauty.

 

Ready to build your glass-skin routine?

Discover Korean Skincare at Cloud 10 Beauty