Hi! Pookies🎀 Have you ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok and wondered how some people achieve that ultra-glassy, almost mirror-like skin, while others rock a soft, blurred, natural-matte look? Welcome to the world of ‘Glass Skin’ and ‘Cloud Skin’ - two of the biggest skincare trends right now!
These skincare trends have taken over the beauty world, each offering a unique approach to achieving flawless skin. While Glass Skin derived from Korean Beauty, focuses on extreme hydration and glow, Cloud Skin derived from makeup trends, embraces a soft-focus, velvety finish.
But which one is right for you? Let’s break it down step by step.
Why It Matters:
Understanding these trends can help you choose the right skincare routine based on your skin type, lifestyle, and personal preference. Whether you want a radiant glow or a blurred, dreamy finish, I’ve got you covered with product recommendations and tips to achieve both looks.
Glass Skin vs Cloud Skin: Which One Should You Try in 2025?
1. What Is Glass Skin?
- Definition: Ultra-hydrated, smooth, pore less, and luminous skin that looks like glass, from Korean Beauty.
- Key Characteristics:
- High moisture levels
- Intense glow
- Even skin tone
- No visible pores or texture
- Skincare Routine for Glass Skin:
- Double Cleansing – Oil-based + water-based cleanser for a deep clean.
- Exfoliation – Gentle chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs) for smooth skin.
- Hydration Layers – Essence, hydrating serums (Hyaluronic Acid, Snail Mucin).
- Moisturizing – Lightweight but deeply hydrating creams.
- Sunscreen – Essential for maintaining the glow.
2. What Is Cloud Skin?
- Definition: A soft-focus, matte-yet-hydrated skin finish that mimics a natural, airy glow, from makeup trends.
- Key Characteristics:
- Soft matte finish
- Blurred imperfections
- Subtle glow (not dewy or oily)
- Healthy, balanced skin
- Skincare Routine for Cloud Skin:
- Gentle Cleansing – Removes oil without stripping.
- Hydrating but Lightweight Serums – Niacinamide, Peptides for a natural glow.
- Mattifying Moisturizer – Gel-based or oil-free for a balanced finish.
- Sunscreen with a Natural Finish – Avoid overly dewy SPFs.
- Optional: Blurring Primer – If wearing makeup, this helps achieve the look.
3. Glass Skin vs. Cloud Skin: Key Differences
| Feature | Glass Skin | Cloud Skin |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Glossy, luminous | Soft-matte, blurred |
| Hydration Level | High, layered hydration | Moderate, lightweight |
| Pore Visibility | Almost invisible | Blurred but visible |
| Best for Skin Type | Dry, dehydrated, normal | Oily, combination, normal |
| Main Focus | Hydration & glow | Balance & blurring |
4. Which One Should You Try?
- For Dry or Dehydrated Skin: Glass Skin for maximum hydration.
- For Oily or Combination Skin: Cloud Skin to avoid excess shine.
- For a No-Makeup Look: Glass Skin enhances natural radiance.
- For a Soft-Focus Makeup Look: Cloud Skin preps the skin perfectly for makeup.
- For an Everyday Look: Cloud Skin is more wearable, while Glass Skin is best for special occasions or skincare lovers.
5. Can You Mix Both? (The Hybrid Approach)
- How to achieve a balanced glow by combining elements of both.
- Example: Hydrate like Glass Skin but use a blurring primer for a Cloud Skin finish.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Including Indian Brands) for Glass Skin & Cloud Skin
Here’s a list of affordable products available in India that can help achieve both skincare trends.
Glass Skin Routine (Hydrated, Glossy, Luminous Skin) – Budget-Friendly Options
1️⃣ Double Cleansing
Oil Cleanser:
- The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Oil
- Earth Rhythm Deep Pore Cleansing Balm
Water-Based Cleanser:
- Simple Refreshing Facial Wash
- Dot & Key Barrier Repair Hydrating Face Wash
2️⃣ Exfoliation (2-3x per week)
- Foxtale AHA, BHA 2% Salicylic Acid Serum with Niacinamide (for acne & blackheads)
- Minimalist PHA 3% + Biotic Toner (for minimizing pore and hydrate skin)
3️⃣ Hydration Layers
Essence:
- COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Essence (Slightly above budget but effective)
- Pilgrim Korean Beauty White Lotus Natural Face Mist & Toner
Serums:
- Dot & Key Watermelon Glow Serum (Hyaluronic Acid)
- The Derma Co 2% Alpha Arbutin Serum for Dark Spots & Uneven Skin Tone
4️⃣ Moisturizer
- Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer
- Earth Rhythm Phyto-Ceramide Deep Moisturizer
5️⃣ Sunscreen
- Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
- Dr. Sheth’s Haldi & Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen
✨ Bonus: Overnight Sleeping Mask
- Dot & Key Glow Sleep Mask Vitamin C Overnight Radiance Recovery
- Dot & Key Hyaluronic + Ceramide barrier repair moisturizer
Cloud Skin Routine (Soft-Focus, Matte but Hydrated Finish) –
Budget-Friendly Options
1️⃣ Gentle Cleansing
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Deconstruct Hydrating Face Wash (Hyaluronic Acid + Amino Acids)
2️⃣ Lightweight Hydration
Toner:
- Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner
- Dr. Sheth’s Gulab & Glycolic Acid Toner
Serums:
- Minimalist Niacinamide 5% + Hyaluronic Acid
- Foxtale %% Niacinamide Serum
3️⃣ Mattifying Moisturizer
- Aqualogica Radiance+ Jello Moisturizer
- Plum Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer
4️⃣ Sunscreen with Natural Finish
✨ Optional: Blurring & Pore Control Step
- Dot & Key 2% Salicylic Cica Anti Acne Face Serum
- The Derma Co. Pore-Minimizing Face Serum (Niacinamide + PHA)
Best Products for Achieving Glass Skin vs. Cloud Skin
Here’s a curated list of KOREAN & GLOBAL Skincare products that align with each routine:
Final Thoughts: Which Routine Is Best for You?
- For Dry, Dehydrated, or Normal Skin? → Go for Glass Skin with deep hydration.
- For Oily, Combination, or Acne-Prone Skin? → Try Cloud Skin with lightweight hydration and blurring effects.
- Want Both? → Layer hydration but use a blurring primer for the best of both worlds!
Experiment and find what works for your skin.
Which skincare trend do you love more—Glass Skin or Cloud Skin?
Let me know in the comments!
Note: Please note, this blog is not a paid partnership or part of any influencer campaign. I am sharing my knowledge for Glass Skin and Cloud Skin and how one can achieve the look. My thoughts and opinions are unbiased.
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