The Undying Quest for 'Glass Skin'
The original viral K-beauty trend, ‘glass skin’, is back. It’s not about a single product, but a philosophy. The goal is to achieve skin so luminous, hydrated, and smooth that it looks like a pane of glass. This is achieved through meticulous layering
of hydrating products. The routine typically involves a double cleanse (oil cleanser followed by a water-based one), an exfoliating toner, a hydrating essence, a serum, and finally, a moisturiser. The key is to use lightweight, water-based products and pat them gently into the skin to maximise absorption. It’s less of a hack and more of a commitment to a multi-step routine focused entirely on hydration.
‘Slugging’: The Ultimate Moisture Seal
‘Slugging’ has become a sensation on TikTok and Instagram, and it’s simpler than it sounds. It involves applying a thin layer of an occlusive product, most commonly petroleum jelly, as the final step of your nighttime skincare routine. The idea is that this locks in all the moisture from the products applied underneath it and prevents water loss from your skin overnight. Proponents wake up with incredibly soft, plump skin. However, a word of caution for Indian users: this might not be for everyone. Dermatologists advise that while it's great for very dry skin, those with oily or acne-prone skin should steer clear, as the heavy occlusive layer can trap oil and bacteria, potentially leading to breakouts, especially in humid climates.
The ‘Jamsu’ Makeup Setting Trick
This is perhaps one of the most unusual K-beauty hacks to go viral. ‘Jamsu’, which translates to ‘submerge’ or ‘dive’, involves plunging your face into a bowl of cold water after applying foundation and powder. You hold your face in the water for about 15-30 seconds, then gently pat it dry. The logic is that the cold water helps to ‘set’ your base makeup, giving it a flawless, matte, and incredibly long-lasting finish. While it sounds bizarre, many beauty gurus swear by it for controlling oil and keeping makeup intact through a long day. If you’re not ready to take the plunge, a thorough dousing with a mineral water face mist can offer a less intense version of the same effect.
Rice Water for Hair and Skin
While using rice water is an ancient beauty secret across many Asian cultures, including India, K-beauty has popularised it as a go-to toner and hair rinse. The milky water left over from rinsing or boiling rice is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. As a facial toner, it's believed to brighten the skin and calm irritation. As a hair rinse, it's used to strengthen strands, add shine, and promote growth. To try it, simply save the water after rinsing uncooked rice, let it ferment for a day (optional, but said to increase its potency), and then apply it to your face with a cotton pad or use it as a final rinse for your hair after shampooing. Always rinse it out of your hair to avoid stiffness.
The 7-Skin Method
If your skin feels constantly dehydrated, the 7-skin method might be the answer. Don't worry, it doesn’t involve seven different products. Instead, you apply seven layers of the same hydrating, alcohol-free toner or essence consecutively. After cleansing, you pour a small amount of toner into your palms and pat it into your skin until it's mostly absorbed. You then repeat this process six more times. This technique allows your skin to soak up an intense amount of hydration without the heaviness of a thick cream. It’s particularly effective for dehydrated skin types, leaving the face feeling supple and deeply moisturised from within. It’s a perfect prep step before makeup or as a restorative treatment at night.
