(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
A couple of months ago, I was lucky enough to travel to Seoul, South Korea. It was a wonderful, whirlwind trip. My only regret is that I couldn’t stay as long as I would have liked. I ended up leaving before I could book a Korean facial, which was something I’d been dreaming about ever since TikTok started flooding my FYP with “glass skin” treatment videos. At this point, I’ve watched hundreds of them, yet I’m still entranced by how aestheticians use their expert touch to transform their clients’ skin, creating plump, glowing, bouncy complexions.
Flying home without getting the glass-skin facial I so desperately desired was a bummer, but it wasn’t the end of the world. That’s because a new product came across my desk shortly after my return—a product designed to mimic the results of a glass-skin facial. (I know, it was kismet!) I immediately put the “Korean facial in a bottle” to the test. Now, I have the smooth, reflective skin that I once sought.
Laneige
Water Bank Aqua Facial Serum
Laneige’s Water Bank Aqua Facial Serum is inspired by the same Korean facials that flood my FYP. The do-it-all serum exfoliates, hydrates, and boosts the skin’s glow.
Let me lay it out for you: The 7.7% Acid Complex (AHA, BHA, and PHA) gently exfoliates the skin and smooths texture. Meanwhile, a patented ingredient called the Hydro Infusion Shot combines ingredients like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, PDRN, and ceramides to plump the skin with deep moisture. It’s designed to give the skin a post-facial glow—no international flight necessary.
My Results
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
When I first started using this serum, I had just returned from an international flight, and my skin was in a sorry state. I’m talking about rough texture, visible hyperpigmentation, and a rosacea flare-up… So, no, it wasn’t looking its best. But after using the lightweight, water-like serum literally once(!), my skin felt slightly smoother, plumper, and tighter—I’m guessing from the immediate effect of the exfoliating acids.
Over the course of the following week, though, the effects became visible. I noticed my skin texture was much smoother than it was before, and most of all, my skin looked glassy and glowy. It didn’t do much for the redness, but I didn’t expect it to. Rosacea is a tricky skin condition, and it flares up from things like excessive temperatures. (It’s currently 15ºF where I’m based in the Midwest, so it’ll take more than one serum to soothe it.) Still, this serum did exactly what it promised to do as far as texture and glow.
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Here’s a closer look at the state of my skin after using the serum for one week. For context, I use it in the morning before applying moisturizer, SPF, and makeup. At night, I alternate it with my trusty retinol serum. (I use retinol four nights, and this serum on the other three.) The brand recommends using it two to three times a week and then increasing to daily if desired. This will prevent irritation. Personally, though, I found the formula to be quite gentle on the skin, so I increased the usage almost immediately. I recommend following the instructions, though, especially if you have sensitive skin.
I love using it in the morning because it makes my makeup look SO GOOD. The exfoliating acids keep my skin smooth and enhance its natural glow, so my foundation looks basically flawless. It’s the perfect makeup prep step.
Suffice to say, I’m impressed with the effects so far, and I can’t wait to see the magic it works after a month. While it might not give me the full Korean facial experience, it’s certainly a good stand-in until I can make a return trip to Seoul.
Shop 5 More “Glass-Skin” Products
COSRX
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Snail mucin is a great “glass skin” ingredient. Start with this iconic product.
Biodance
Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask
This TikTok-viral overnight mask makes my skin look so glassy by morning.
Beauty of Joseon
Glow Deep Serum
This serum uses alpha arbutin and rice bran water to target dark spots and dullness.
medicube
Collagen Jelly Cream
Meghan Markle once recommended Medicube’s Collagen Jelly Cream. Enough said.
Laneige
Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer
Don’t sleep on the rest of Laneige’s Water Bank skincare line.
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