How To Get Glass Skin with Blush and Highlighter

If you ask a dermatologist how to get glass skin, they’ll likely tell you that skincare is the key. And that’s certainly true—maintaining a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin type can help support a smooth, dewy-looking complexion. However, you can also achieve glass skin (or at least a similarly dewy look) with makeup products—specifically blush and highlighter. Ahead, we’ll show you how and share five fresh-faced glassy blush looks worth trying. Plus, we’ll introduce you to some of our favorite glass skin products for a luminous-looking complexion. Keep reading for all the juicy details. 

What Is Glass Skin?

Glass skin originated as a Korean skincare trend that emphasizes clear, smooth, dewy-looking skin with an even tone and texture. Shine is, unsurprisingly, a key element of the look—for a true glass skin appearance, your skin should have a natural-looking sheen. Achieving that sheen (without risking oily-looking skin) typically involves maintaining a targeted glass skin routine that prioritizes lightweight hydration. Many glass skin routines also involve regular exfoliation, moisture-locking techniques like slugging, or the viral double cleanse—though your routine may involve different elements, depending on your skin type and concerns. 

How To Choose the Right Blush for a Glass Skin Look

If you’re creating a glass skin look with makeup, you’ll want to be selective when choosing your makeup. Generally speaking, it’s best to stick to liquid or cream formulas that feel lightweight and hydrating on the skin. Avoid anything powdery or matte, as these can detract from your hydrated, dewy-skin finish. 

For blush, dewy finishes are ideal, but steer clear of anything with obvious shimmer or glitter—you want your skin to look hydrated, not sparkly. It’s also a good idea to seek out products that offer buildable coverage so you can tailor your look to your liking. The L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush checks all of the boxes. The liquid formula is buildable, blendable, and suitable for all skin types, and it’s available in six shades to complement a range of skin tones. For a classic glass skin look, opt for one of the three dewy shades: Dewy Worth It, Dewy Bright Pink, or Dewy Rich Coral. 

Finally, be sure to pick a blush shade that complements your skin tone and undertone for the most natural finish. If you need help on that front, check out our article How To Find the Right Blush Color for Your Skin Tone.

5 Flattering Glassy Blush Looks to Try

If you’re wondering how to achieve glass skin with blush and highlighter, the good news is that it’s very simple. Ahead, we’re sharing five glossy looks we love, plus details on how to nail the looks.

Glassy blush and faux freckles

Glassy cheeks and faux freckles make for the ultimate summer cheek combination. The dewy blush resembles being sweaty and flushed on a warm summer day (in the best way) and faux freckles add the perfect touch to summer skin. To get the look, blend a soft pink blush, like the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Dewy Worth It, onto your cheeks. Then, swipe a shimmer-free highlighter, such as the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Stick in Glassy Pearl Eclat, onto the high points of your face (specifically, your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, along your brow bones, and onto your Cupid’s bow). Complete the look by using the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Mechanical Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil to dot faux freckles onto your nose and cheeks. To keep the freckles from looking too fake, opt for a lighter, warmer shade than you’d use for your brows and lightly dab the dots with your ring finger before they dry for a soft, blurred effect. 

Sun-kissed glassy blush

The sun hits the high points of your face, and your nose often gets the most color. To make your glassy blush look like a natural, sun-kissed glow, apply a bit of the color onto your nose as well as your cheeks. Give any blush a boost of glow by applying a bit of the L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer as a base and layering a bit of blush on top. You can also use a darker shade of the Lumi Glotion in place of bronzer for an effortless, just-back-from-the-beach feel.

Monochrome glassy blush and lips

Elevate your everyday look by pairing dewy pink blush with a matching lip gloss or lipstick. Keep the rest of your makeup relatively minimal to ensure your glossy cheek and lip combo remains the focus of the look. For a bold feel, try pairing the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush in Dewy Bright Pink with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Lacque Resistance Liquid Lipstick in Paris Sunset. Or, for a slightly more subtle take on the trend, swap out the lipstick for a tinted lip gloss or oil, such as the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil in Rouge in Love.

Draped glass blush 

The draping technique is all about sculpting the face with blush. Typically, the blush is applied to the cheekbones and up onto the temples to give the face a more lifted appearance. Draping with a glassy-looking blush is perfect if you love a dramatic cheek. For added glow, top off your blush with a cream highlighter, like one of the three glassy shades of the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Glass Highlighter Sticks.

Glassy blush and minimal makeup

Skinimalism and natural makeup looks are ultra-popular right now, and creating a glassy blush look while keeping the rest of your makeup minimal is a great way to get in on the trend. This makeup style allows your cheeks and skin to remain the focal point, resulting in a fresh, youthful look. To get the look, hydrate your skin with a brightening moisturizer (we love the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Vitamin C Glow Moisturizer), then subtly even out your base with a tinted serum, such as the L’Oréal Paris True Match Hyaluronic Tinted Serum. Blend a sheer cream or liquid blush onto the apples of your cheeks and finish with a touch of highlighter for an extra-luminous look.

Next Up: This Is the Best Blush Placement for Every Face Shape

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris