How to Get Glass Skin on a Budget

Last Updated on April 18, 2025 by Amy

Want glowing, glass-like skin without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place.

Glass skin is one of the most sought-after skincare trends and for good reason. This K-beauty-inspired look is all about hydrated, dewy, ultra-smooth skin that looks almost translucent, like glass. But don’t be fooled: it’s not about piling on highlighter or faking it with makeup. The real secret? Skincare.

Honestly, I avoided the glass skin trend for a long time. With my visible pores and textured skin, I figured it just wasn’t realistic for me. But once I gave it a proper try, I was genuinely surprised by the results. My skin still isn’t flawless (and it never will be), but it’s so much more hydrated, smoother, and more radiant than it used to be—and I didn’t need expensive products to get there.

In this post, I’ll walk you through an easy, affordable glass skin routine, step by step, with every product under $30. Most of the recommendations come from Korean skincare brands, but I’ve also included a few budget-friendly favourites from Byoma, The Ordinary and Beauty Pie that work beautifully in this routine.

What Exactly Is Glass Skin?

Glass skin refers to a clear, plump, intensely hydrated complexion that reflects light, just like glass. It’s not about perfection or being poreless (because that’s impossible). Instead, it’s about healthy, well-moisturised skin with a natural, dewy glow.

Key Characteristics of Glass Skin:

✔ Deep hydration – Skin should look plump, not dry or flaky
✔ Even tone – Reduces dark spots and redness for a smooth look
✔ Smooth texture – Gentle exfoliation helps refine the surface
✔ Glow – Not oily, just a fresh, radiant finish

The Budget-Friendly Glass Skin Routine (Step-by-Step)

You don’t need a complicated 10-step routine to get that glow—just a few targeted steps, the right ingredients, and consistency. Here’s a simple glass skin routine using products under $30.

Step 1: Double Cleansing

Removes SPF, makeup, oil, and buildup without stripping the skin.

➤ Oil Cleanser (First Cleanse)

Helps break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil.

Budget Picks (under $30):

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser – All skin types
• Mixsoon Cleansing Oil – Lightweight and great for sensitive skin

➤ Water-Based Cleanser (Second Cleanse)

Cleans away any leftover residue or impurities.

Budget Picks (under $30):

• Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser – Gentle and non-stripping (full review here!)
• Mixsoon Centella Cleansing Foam – Calming and refreshing

Step 2: Gentle Exfoliation (1–3x per week)

Exfoliation smooths texture and boosts radiance. Choose chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs, PHAs) over physical scrubs for best results.

Budget Picks (under $30):

• Dry Skin: Pixi Glow Tonic
• Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
• Sensitive Skin: Byoma Brightening Toner (contains gentle PHAs)

💡 Tip: Over-exfoliating can damage your barrier. Start slow!

Step 3: Hydrating Toner

Hydrating toners are a K-beauty essential—layerable and packed with moisture-binding ingredients.

Budget Picks (under $30):

• Mixsoon Centella Toner – Soothing and hydrating
• Byoma Milky Toner – Ceramides + oat extract for barrier care
• Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water – Adds glow and anti-ageing benefits

💡 Press gently into skin with clean hands—no need for a cotton pad.

Step 4: Essence

Essences are lightweight, watery formulas that deeply hydrate and help your skin absorb serums and moisturisers more effectively. I used to be a bit sceptical about whether they actually made a difference, but the stubborn line on my forehead that’s now barely visible has definitely changed my mind!

Budget Picks (under $30):

• Mixsoon Bean Essence – Brightens and nourishes with fermented extracts
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence – Great for glow and healing (full review here!)
• Mixsoon Bifida Ferment Essence – Strengthens the skin barrier and leaves skin firm and nourished.

Step 5: Serums – Targeted Treatments for a Healthy Glow

Serums are where you customise your routine depending on your skin’s needs. If you want bright, bouncy, even-toned skin, these are the key ingredients to look for:

• Hyaluronic Acid – Locks in hydration and plumps the skin.
• Peptides – Collagen boosting and smoothing.
• Niacinamide – Brightens and fades dark spots.
• Vitamin C – Boosts radiance and fights dullness.

Best Budget-Friendly Serums:

• Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
• Niacinamide: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Vitamin C: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

Step 6: Lightweight Moisturiser

A lightweight, nourishing moisturiser seals everything in and prevents moisture loss.

Budget Picks (under $30):

• For Oily/Combination Skin: APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Facial Cream
• For Dry Skin: Skin1004 Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
• For Normal/Combination Skin: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Step 7: SPF – Your Non-Negotiable

SPF is essential to maintain a glow, prevent dullness, and protect your skin.

Budget Picks (under $30):

• Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ – Lightweight and hydrating
• Mixsoon Centella Sun Cream SPF50+ – Calming and non-greasy
• Beauty Pie Featherlight SPF50 – Glowy finish, non-chalky

💡 Use every morning and reapply every 2 hours if outdoors.

Bonus Glow-Boosting Steps (Optional)

💤 Overnight Mask

• Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask – Although this is a slightly pricier option, it’s by far the best I’ve tried. Nothing else leaves my skin as hydrated and bouncy by morning! The 25ml mini is available for £17 and lasts longer than you think. Check out my full review of this product here!

🧖‍♀️ Sheet Masks (1–2x per week)

• Mixsoon Soybean Milk Pad – Hydrating and healing
• APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sheet Mask – Instant radiance

💆‍♀️ Facial Massage

Use your hands or a gua sha tool to boost blood flow and enhance product absorption.

Quick Recap: Glass Skin on a Budget Routine

1. Double Cleanse – Oil + gentle cleanser
2. Exfoliate (1–3x/week) – Use chemical exfoliants
3. Hydrating Toner – Add moisture and calm the skin
4. Essence – Boost hydration
5. Serum – Target concerns like dullness or dehydration
6. Moisturiser – Lock everything in
7. SPF – Every. Single. Day.

💡 What do you think?

Have you tried any of these affordable glow-boosting products? Do you have a budget glass skin favourite I should try? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!