The Ultimate Guide to Glass Skin: 8 Steps to Perfect Skin
By Elissa Brown
@simplyelissab
Among skincare enthusiasts, especially in the Gen Z crowd, “glass skin” is a holy grail—perfectly smooth, luminous skin with a radiant, reflective glow. For years, I chased this dream but always came up short. That’s until I enlisted the expertise of my friend Marisa Russell, CEO and Chief Alchemist of Meadow & Bark.
Marisa crafted a tailored skincare kit for me, selecting plant-powered products based on my skin type. Along with a detailed, science-packed guide, she provided step-by-step instructions on achieving that elusive glass skin glow. While the routine may seem extensive at first, Marisa emphasizes it’s all about balance: cleanse gently, exfoliate wisely, hydrate thoroughly, and—most importantly—use sunscreen daily.
Many mainstream skincare products contain synthetic fillers and potentially harmful ingredients, but Meadow and Bark’s products are packed with natural, skin-loving ingredients that work wonders. Here’s the 8-step routine Marisa shared with me to finally achieve glass skin.
Before Getting Started: Understand Your Skin Type
Knowing your skin type—dry, oily, sensitive, combination, acne-prone, or normal—is essential before diving into a skincare routine. Marisa also points out that skin types can overlap, like having dry yet blemish-prone skin. Regardless of your type, choosing the right products is key to achieving optimal results.
Step 1: Cleanse Gently
Marisa recommends starting with a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. Depending on your routine, cleansing once at night may be enough. For those exposed to pollution or who exercise in the morning, a second cleanse is recommended. As we age and produce less oil, gentle cleansing becomes even more important.
Step 2: Exfoliate Smartly
Exfoliate about three times a week, but choose the right exfoliant for your skin. Meadow and Bark's Glycolic (8%) Toner delivers a youthful glow and can be a bit aggressive for some, while the Sea Kelp AHA/BHA Mask is a gentler option for sensitive skin. When using a scrub, such as the Hibiscus Cleansing Scrub, apply with a light touch to avoid irritation.
Step 3: Hydrating Toner
After exfoliating, a hydrating toner is a must. The Meadow and Bark Facial Mist, rich in aloe, colloidal silver, and hyaluronic acid, plumps and hydrates while preparing your skin for the next steps. Each botanical distillate is designed to balance the skin, with specific options based on your skin’s unique needs. (Lavender Haze / Frankincense / Neroli Rose / Sandalwood). I find myself using this mist several times a day to add a fresh dewy glow and calm my mind. It's amazing!
Step 4: Essence for Extra Plumpness
Incorporating an essence into your routine helps to lock in hydration and deliver essential nutrients. An essence is a must in K-Beauty, a blend of a serum and a toner that adds skin smoothing super hydration with its insane number of actives and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid. Meadow and Bark's Brightening Essence, packed with vitamin C and fruit enzymes, smooths and brightens the skin while laying the foundation for that glassy finish.
Step 5: Glow-Boosting Serum
To amplify the glow, apply Meadow & Bark’s Botanical Serum. It’s packed with moisturizing ingredients like sea buckthorn, rosehip oil, and bakuchiol, which work together to nourish the skin and lock in moisture. Alternatively, if you are struggling with dullness, acne or hyperpigmentation, their Adaptogen C Pressed Serum is a brightening powerhouse that offers 10% vitamin c, coQ10 and ashwagandha for balance.
Step 6: Eye Cream for Protection
Protect the delicate eye area with a nourishing eye cream. Meadow and Bark’s Illuminating Eye Lift hydrates, brightens, and lifts the skin, leaving an invisible shield against environmental damage. By evening, I could still feel its effects.
Step 7: Seal It In
To lock in all the hydration, apply the Adaptogen Bleu Recovery Serum. This serum calms and soothes while giving your skin a radiant, healthy glow.
Step 8: Sunscreen – Your Skincare Shield
Marisa’s biggest skincare rule: never skip sunscreen. Whether it’s the Everyday Sun Shield for a dewy, glowing finish or your favorite mineral non-toxic (void of ingredients like avobenzone, butyloctyl salicylate, etc) daily sun protection is essential for preserving that glass skin glow. If you are going to wear makeup, now's the time to apply. Finish with the Facial Mist to set all of it.
Bonus: Mask It
For an extra boost of hydration, treat yourself to a mask once or twice a week. The Rose Hydrogel Mask is a hydration hero and is gentle enough to use daily. It’s perfect for locking in moisture during your nighttime skincare routine.
With this routine, I’ve finally achieved the radiant, glass-like skin I’ve always wanted. Though it takes dedication, following Marisa’s tailored steps has given me results I didn’t think were possible.