K-Beauty on a budget: Achieve the glass skin look
K-Beauty is well known for its distinct skincare regimen and the ever-coveted “glass skin” look, which is glowy, smooth, and has a hydrated and radiant complexion. However, achieving this flawless glow can seem quite expensive with so many high-end products on the market. Thankfully at deiji, you can achieve glass skin even if you’re on a budget. With the right affordable products and techniques, you can shine like a K-pop star without burning a hole in your pocket!
Understanding Glass Skin
You don't just get glass skin by throwing an endless array of products at your skin. It's about having a structured skincare routine that provides hydration, nourishment, and most importantly, a healthy skin barrier. The objective is to obtain skin that looks super smooth, and dewy, and can reflect light—this is why it’s referred to as “glass skin”.
Step-by-Step Budget-Friendly K-Beauty Routine
1. Double Cleansing (Important for a Clean Surface)
Double cleansing is essential within K-Beauty to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities from the skin.
With the Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil, you won’t have to reach for any expensive cleansing oils. Alternatively, you can use the cleansing oil in the mini size if you are travelling, or just want to try it out before committing to the full size. Suitable for all skin types!
Water-Based Cleanser: If you want a cleanser that goes well after any oil cleansers but is gentle yet effective, try COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser.
💡 Budget Tip: Micellar water (like Low pH Niacinamide Micellar Cleansing Water) can be a substitute if you do not like oil-based cleansers.
2. Exfoliation
Exfoliating the skin helps to remove the build-up of dead skin cells, and also helps your skin to absorb the rest of your skincare products better.
- Chemical Exfoliants: Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner - budget-friendly and effective. Dry and acne-prone skin safe,
- Physical Exfoliants: SkinFood Rice Daily Brightening Scrub Foam - a gentle, dual-purpose physical scrub that combines exfoliation with cleansing to reveal smoother, brighter skin.
💡 Budget Tip: Avoid over-exfoliating your skin. Try sticking to 1-2 times a week to avoid damaging the skin barrier or any irritation.
3. Hydrating Toner (Prepping for Maximum Absorption)
A lightweight and hydrating toner helps to plump the skin and adds that extra layer of hydration, helping you achieve that glass-skin look.
Affordable Picks:
- COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner - contains 72.6% black bee propolis extract and 10% Honey extract which can give off that glowy and smooth look.
- Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Toning Toner - a gentle, hydrating toner enriched with Centella Asiatica extract sourced from Madagascar that is designed to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin.
4. Essence (The Heart of Skincare)
Essences are lightweight and packed with hydrating ingredients.
Affordable Picks:
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - intensely hydrates skin and relieves skin dryness while restoring vitality to the skin. Also lasts a long time!
- COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence - highly concentrated with hyaluronic acid, this oil-free gel-type essence provides long-lasting hydration to the skin by retaining moisture in the skin.
💡 Budget Tip: If essences are out of your budget, applying multiple layers of toner can mimic the hydrating effect.
5. Serums & Ampoules (Targets Skin Concerns)
Serums add an extra layer of glow and target specific common skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and dullness.
- For Hydration: Manyo Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule - 90% Bifida ferment and 5 types of probiotics that focus on skin nourishing, creating a balanced skin barrier, and lasting hydration while improving skin tone.
- For Brightening: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum:Propolis + Niacinamide OR Glow Deep Serum: Rice+Arbutin - both are great picks for pigmentation, improving overall complexion and reflecting light off the skin.
💡 Budget Tip: Look for multipurpose serums that address more than just one skin concern to save you money!
6. Moisturiser (Lock in Hydration for that plump look)
A lightweight but deeply moisturising cream is key for the glass skin look. Always follow up with a moisturiser to lock in everything you’ve applied in your routine.
Affordable Picks:
- COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream
- Torriden DIVE-IN Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream
- COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All-in-One Cream
💡 Budget Tip: If you have oily skin, opt for gel-based moisturisers for hydration without heaviness.
7. Sunscreen (The Most Important Step!)
Sunscreen prevents dark spots, ageing, and sun damage—non-negotiable for glass skin. Always apply SPF as the last step of your morning skincare routine.
Affordable Picks:
💡 Budget Tip: sunscreen is a great investment. Skip extra products like mists and go out and splurge on SPF instead!
Bonus Tips for Glass Skin on a Budget
✔ Stay hydrated – Hydration starts from within so increase your water intake!
✔ DIY Sheet Masks – You can try soaking cotton pads with your toner and leave them on dry areas for a DIY sheet mask.
✔ Facial Massage – A simple 5-minute massage helps to improve circulation and enhances skin glow.
✔ Use Multi-Tasking Products – Products like the Benton Aloe Real Cool Soothing Gel can be used as a moisturiser, mask, and soothing treatment!
Final Thoughts
Achieving glass skin doesn’t necessarily mean you need to splurge on luxury brands. With affordable alternatives, proper hydration, and consistency, you can achieve that radiant, healthy glow without having to overspend. Skincare is an investment and lengthy commitment, but with the right choices, you can look luminous without breaking the bank.
💖 Ready to glow? Let us know your favourite budget K-Beauty finds!