The Evolution from Glass to Glazed
Remember 'glass skin'? The K-beauty trend that demanded a poreless, translucent, and flawlessly smooth complexion? While beautiful, it set an almost impossibly high bar. The 2024 revival of the glossy look is thankfully more forgiving. Think less 'perfect
glass' and more 'glazed donut'—a term popularised by Hailey Bieber. This new iteration celebrates a juicy, hydrated, and plump look that feels healthy and radiant rather than clinically perfect. It’s not about erasing every imperfection but about letting your real skin shine through a dewy, luminous finish. The goal is skin that looks nourished and well-cared-for, with a sheen that catches the light beautifully, whether you're on a Zoom call or out for coffee.
Why We're Obsessed All Over Again
The return of glossy skin isn't random; it's a direct reflection of a larger cultural shift in beauty. After years of heavy contouring and full-coverage matte foundations, there's a collective craving for authenticity and a 'skin-first' philosophy. This trend puts the focus back on skincare as the true foundation of any makeup look. It aligns with the wellness movement, where a healthy glow is seen as an external sign of internal well-being. Furthermore, celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone have championed a more natural, radiant aesthetic on and off the red carpet, inspiring millions to embrace their skin. It feels modern, fresh, and much more achievable than the rigid beauty standards of the past.
It All Starts with Hydration
You can't fake this glow with highlighter alone. A true glossy complexion is built on a foundation of excellent skincare, and the non-negotiable first step is hydration. Start with a clean, slightly damp face to help products absorb better. The Korean 'seven-skin method' (layering a hydrating toner or essence seven times) might be intense, but the principle holds: layering lightweight, watery products is key. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, and glycerin. Apply a hydrating serum, followed by a moisturiser that suits your skin type. For a final boost, gently press a few drops of a non-comedogenic facial oil (like squalane or rosehip) onto the high points of your face.
Strategic Makeup for a Dewy Finish
Once your skin is prepped, the makeup should enhance, not cover. Ditch the heavy, matte foundations and opt for lightweight options like skin tints, tinted moisturisers, or cushion foundations. You can even mix a drop of liquid illuminator into your base for an all-over glow. The key is strategic application. Use concealer only where you need it, like under the eyes or on blemishes. Swap powder blushes and highlighters for their cream or liquid counterparts. A dewy cream blush tapped onto the apples of the cheeks gives a natural flush, while a non-glittery liquid highlighter applied to the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow will mimic a natural sheen.
Making It Work in Indian Climates
The biggest challenge for the glossy look in India is the humidity. How do you look dewy without veering into greasy territory? The secret is targeted control. Instead of powdering your entire face, which would kill the glow, use a fluffy brush and a translucent powder to lightly set only the areas that tend to get oily, like the sides of your nose, the centre of your forehead, and your chin (the T-zone). A good quality setting spray is also your best friend. Look for formulas that describe themselves as 'dewy' or 'radiant'. A few spritzes will lock your makeup in place while amplifying that coveted glossy finish. This hybrid approach gives you the glow where you want it and control where you need it.
