In the Chair: The Secret to Achieving Glass-Like Skin

Chances are, unless you’re chasing the last of the summer sun, your suitcase is back in storage, and the cooler months are starting to come into view. But a change in weather doesn’t mean leaving your summer glow behind. The trick is knowing how to make it last.

In this edition of In the Chair, makeup artist Diana Macoveiu shares her tips for achieving a believable glass-skin finish. With glow-enhancing formulas, hydrated lips and highlighter placed exactly where it counts, you’ll have everything you need to keep that just-back-from-holiday glow in tow as the temperatures drop.

Written By: Madelaine Law - Published: 18.08.2026

Step 1: Start with Hydration
No matter the look, a good base starts with hydration, and it’s an even more essential step when creating a glass-skin effect. Our expert prefers to double up with a moisturiser and serum.

Step 2: Make Time for Lymphatic Drainage
Whilst your skin still has some slip from the moisturiser and serum, use a smooth-edged gua sha, or simply your hands, to de-puff, define and encourage lymphatic drainage. Plus, it’s relaxing, making it an easy addition to your routine.

The method is simple: sweep upwards from the collarbone to the jaw, then glide from the chin towards the ears. Move across the cheeks towards the temples, lightly trace beneath the eyes, then sweep across the forehead before finishing with downward strokes towards the collarbone.

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Step 3: Protect Your Skin
Apply your SPF liberally, a good rule of thumb is two finger-widths’ worth. Gently massage it into your skin and leave it to sit for ten minutes, giving it time to absorb before moving on to makeup.

Step 4: Keep Coverage Light
With your skincare in place, it’s time to introduce a lightweight, skin-enhancing layer. This will help to even out your complexion and enhance luminosity. Our expert prefers a skin tint or BB cream for this.

Apply a couple of drops directly onto the face, blending with your fingertips until evenly distributed. For an even more seamless finish, use a damp beauty blender to buff everything together.

Step 5: Conceal Where Needed

Using a concealer that closely matches your skin tone, gently buff a small amount onto any areas of discolouration or blemishes that you’d like to conceal. Keep the coverage light to maintain a fresh, skin-like finish.

Step 6: Brighten Up the Under-Eyes

Take a concealer a couple of shades lighter than your natural skin tone to brighten the under-eyes. Start with a small amount, picking it up from the back of your hand with your fingertip or a beauty blender before gently blending beneath the eyes.

If your under-eyes are prone to creasing, finish with a light dusting of loose powder.

Step 7: Add a Touch of Bronze

A little warmth goes a long way. Take a small amount of liquid or cream bronzer and lightly work it across the forehead, cheekbones and bridge of the nose with an angled brush. Build gradually, blending out the edges until you’re left with a soft, sheer glow.

Step 8: Curl & Brush

Keep things natural with a subtle curl and brushed-up brows. Curl your lashes at the root, middle and tips for maximum lift. For the brows, brush gel through in the direction of growth, lightly feathering the hairs upwards if you prefer a fuller finish.

Step 9: Set with a Light Veil

With your eyes closed, liberally mist a hydrating setting spray all over your face. The lightweight veil will help to hydrate and plump the skin while enhancing your natural glow.

Step 10: Finish with a Glossy Lip

Complete your glass-skin look with an equally glassy lip. Choose a light shade and glide it over your lips, following their natural contours for a high-shine finish.