Glazed donut skin, popularized by Hailey Bieber in the last few years, is all one of the latest skincare trends, or is it? The concept has existed in skin care for a while. As someone who has a long-standing relationship with skincare, especially with products that come from Korea, the whole glazed donut skin trend is nothing new to me. Five years ago or so, it was glass skin, the glazed donut skin’s less dewy sister. Even before that practices such as slugging, the practice of applying an occlusive layer over the skin, have existed in different cultures. (I have unintentionally been micro-slugging for years.)
In order to achieve glazed donut skin, you have to cover all the bases. This means enlisting a multi-step skincare routine. It doesn’t have to be 20+ steps like they told you in the 2010s. It can be as simple as 1-2-3. My general routine goes like this: cleanser, toner, serum, mask/retinol (sometimes), and moisturizer. In the interest of saving time and money, items such as serums, masks, and retinol can be skipped.
Here are some affordable products for glazed donut skin:
Toner
As mentioned in my Self Care blog post, COSRX has continued to stay a part of my routine to this day. I like all three options mentioned in this post. Although, if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the propolis version.
Product suggestions:
COSRX Hydrium Watery toner, Propolis Synergy toner, or AHA BHA Vitamin C Daily toner
Serum
When it comes to approachable and affordable skincare, products from Korea offer a great selection at different price points. I have been a fan of Korean skincare for years. One of the first sites I used to buy skin care products was one I’ve known since middle school, YesStyle. These days, brands like Medicube are available at specialty Korean skincare stores, general Asian shops, and even Ulta.
Product suggestions:
COSRX Snail Mucin Power Essence
Medicube Age-R Glutathione Glow Serum
Occlusive
Occlusives lock in moisture in the skin by creating a physical barrier on its surface, which prevents water from evaporating and thus helps to maintain hydration. They create a protective layer that shields the skin from environmental stressors while promoting a smoother and more supple texture. Regular use of occlusive is said to significantly improve the skin’s moisture retention and overall health.
Product suggestions:
Bio-oil
Vaseline
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