Achieve the MANI Glow: A Step-by-Step Guide to Viral "Glass Skin"

Achieve the MANI Glow: A Step-by-Step Guide to Viral "Glass Skin"

"Glass skin" is the viral beauty trend that originated in South Korea, promising a complexion so smooth, clear, and intensely hydrated that it reflects light like a sheet of flawless glass.¹ While filters often enhance the images you see online, the essence of the "MANI Glow" is achievable: skin that is truly healthy, radiant, and deeply nourished.

It's not about being flawless; it's about achieving optimal skin health through strategic layering and consistent care.² Here is your step-by-step MANI routine to unlock that coveted, luminous complexion.

Phase 1: Preparation – Clear the Path to Glow

Glass skin is built on a perfectly clean, smooth canvas.³ You must remove all impurities and dull, dead cells so the light can reflect evenly.⁴

1. Double Cleanse (The Foundation of Flawless Skin)⁵

This crucial K-Beauty technique ensures a completely clean slate without stripping your skin.⁶

• First Cleanse (Oil-Based): Start with an oil-based cleanser or balm to melt away makeup, SPF, and excess sebum.⁷ Massage gently onto dry skin, then emulsify with water before rinsing.

   

• Second Cleanse (Water-Based): Follow up with a gentle foaming or cream cleanser, like MANI's Pore Perfecting Gel Cleanser or Comforting Cream Cleanser, to deep clean pores and remove lingering debris.

2. Gentle Exfoliation (The Smoother)⁸

A smooth texture is key to the "glass" effect.⁹ Exfoliation removes the surface layer of dull, dead skin cells, allowing light to bounce off naturally.¹⁰

• MANI Tip: Use a gentle chemical exfoliant (like a mild AHA or PHA) 2-3 times per week, not daily.¹¹ Our Radiance Renewal Exfoliating Mask uses gentle resurfacers to instantly refine texture and boost radiance.

   

Phase 2: Layering – The Hydration Sandwich

The glass effect comes from layering successive, lightweight hydration products.¹² The goal is to drench the skin in moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.

3. Hydrating Toner/Essence (The Prep)¹³

Immediately after cleansing, apply a hydrating toner or essence to balance your skin's pH and reintroduce initial moisture.¹⁴ This is sometimes referred to as the "7 Skin Method," where you lightly pat on several layers of a watery toner/essence.¹⁵

4. The Serum Trifecta (The Plumper & Brightener)

Serums are the heart of the glass skin routine. Layering them ensures comprehensive treatment for clarity, even tone, and plumpness.

• Serum 1 (Plumpness): MANI Hydra-Boost Serum

  • Focus: Hyaluronic Acid.¹⁶ Apply this first. It attracts water into the skin, instantly plumping fine lines and creating that bouncy, hydrated look.

     

• Serum 2 (Clarity & Brightness): MANI Clarity + Bright Serum

  • Focus: Vitamin C / Niacinamide.¹⁷ These ingredients address the clear aspect of glass skin by reducing dark spots, evening skin tone, and minimizing the appearance of pores. Pat this on after the HA has absorbed.

     

• Serum 3 (Resilience): MANI Youthful Glow Peptide Serum (Optional)

  • Focus: Peptides. If anti-aging is a concern, use a lightweight peptide serum to boost collagen and elasticity, contributing to a smoother, youthful surface.

Phase 3: Sealing – The Lock & Luster

This is the final step where you "lock" the multi-layered hydration into the skin and add the final sheen.

5. Moisturize & Seal (The Barrier Guard)

Use a moisturizer that is rich enough to seal everything in but formulated to avoid feeling heavy.

• MANI Recommendation: Our Barrier Defense Cream is infused with Ceramides. This is crucial as Ceramides reinforce the skin's natural barrier, preventing the newly applied hydration from escaping (TEWL). A healthy barrier is the only way to maintain that lasting, dewy glow.

6. Strategically Apply Facial Oil (The Final Glaze)

If you have very dry skin or want an intensified night-time glow, finish with an oil. This is the ultimate dewy finisher.

• MANI Recommendation: Apply 1-2 drops of the Radiance Elixir Facial Oil by lightly warming it in your palms and gently pressing it onto the high points of your face (cheeks, bridge of the nose). This is where the light hits, giving you that perfect, non-greasy luster.

7. Protect (The Non-Negotiable Morning Step)

In your morning routine, always finish with a luminous, broad-spectrum SPF. UV damage is the #1 cause of dullness, spots, and texture issues. A well-formulated sunscreen prevents all the hard work from being undone and often provides a beautiful, dewy filter-like finish.

The MANI Glow: It's a Lifestyle

Remember, the viral look on social media often involves lighting and filters.¹⁸ The real, sustainable MANI Glow is a sign of overall wellness.

• Consistency is Key: Stick to your routine daily.

• Inside-Out Hydration: Drink plenty of water.¹⁹

   

• Sleep: Quality sleep is non-negotiable for cell repair.²⁰

   

By committing to this strategic, hydration-focused routine using your favorite MANI products, you will genuinely transform your skin, achieving a luminous, clear, and healthy glow that makes makeup optional.