Barbie's Flawless Glass Skin: How to Get the Iconic Doll's Radiant Look

September 12, 2023

By Peter Bialkowski

Beauty standards have evolved over time. Movements like the body positivity and the hashtag #nofilter campaign have continued to influence the beauty community. However, there is one beauty icon whose timeless look will continue to inspire millions around the globe - Barbie. Like in the groundbreaking 2023 film, "Stereotypical Barbie's" symmetrical face, long blonde hair, and glass skin captivates audiences every single day. The term "glass skin" has taken social media by storm in the last year or so, a beauty goal Barbie was born with. Dermstore.com classifies glass skin as "a term for exceptionally smooth, even-toned and lustrous skin that's so flawless it has the appearance of glass." Although hard to achieve, there are a few key elements to incorporate into your routine to have your own skin looking like Barbie's! Here are a few products I currently use to get glass skin.

1. Double Cleanse - E.L.F Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm ($11) & Laneige Water Bank Cleansing Foam ($25)

Double cleansing is a technique used to properly cleanse the face in two steps. The first step requires an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup, oil, and dirt from the skin. The second step uses a water-based cleanser to wash it all away. For my friends with oily skin, using a salicylic acid or another gentle exfoliating cleanser is great to dig deep into the pores and minimize oil buildup. I love the E.L.F Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm because it comes with a mini spatula to prevent contamination and lasts months on end (not to mention how much it costs). For the second cleanse, the Laneige Water Bank Cleansing Foam leaves my skin plump and hydrated, prepping it for the next step.

2. Gentle Exfoliant - The Inkey List PHA Toner ($13)

Exfoliation is one of the key steps in order to achieve glass skin. However, it can be easy to overdo it and get some pretty harsh reactions. That's why I love the PHA Toner from The Inkey List. It uses Polyhydroxy Acids (PHA) to gently exfoliate the skin, leaving an even and clean look. Although showing slower results, PHA's are perfect for those with sensitive skin who want Barbie's look. If you think your skin can handle it, try a salicylic or glycolic acid to exfoliate - The Inkey List has both! Please, for the love of Pete, DO NOT use an apricot scrub on the face.

3. Hydrating Essence - COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence ($25)

Essences have several benefits for the skin. They hydrate, improve texture, minimize fine lines, and give the skin a hydrating glow. A lightweight texture, essences should be applied after exfoliants, but before moisturizers. One game-changing product for me is the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. It truly plumps and hydrates my face, leaving my skin looking fresh in the morning. There are several essences in the market that I love - but this one is unique as it uses snail secretion to fade dark spots and intensely hydrate the face (don't worry - it's completely cruelty free).

4. Moisturizer - Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer With Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid ($9)

Moisturizers are a dime a dozen in the skincare market. It is easy to be mislead and use one that doesn't fit your skin's needs. That's why I LOVE Vanicream - a no BS approach to skincare brand that gives your skin exactly what it needs without all the fluff. Their Daily Facial Moisturizer With Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid is probably my favorite moisturizer of the year. It incorporates ceramides to improve the skin's barrier and hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture form the air. Many products hydrate your face for a few hours, but fade away by the morning time. However, this moisturizer leaves my face just as hydrated in the morning as it was when I went to bed!

5. Sunscreen - Good Molecules Mineral SPF 30 ($12)

If using multiple hydrating products is leading you to believe you'll look like a shiny mess, do not worry! Using a matte SPF can offset an oily look and give the skin an equal balance. I love Good Molecules Mineral SPF 30 because it makes my face look glowy, but not too glowy. Giving the skin an invisible white cast, this sunscreen is great for all skin types and shades at an affordable price. Good Molecules is another of my favorite brands, so I encourage you to check them out!