You have probably scrolled past dozens of dewy, almost wet-looking complexions on your feed lately and wondered how anyone’s skin could possibly look that luminous in real life. It seems effortless – like they just stepped out of a spa – yet something about the finish feels deliberate, almost editorial. The truth is, that coveted look has a name, a method, and a very specific layering logic that goes far beyond slapping on a highlighter. And once you understand the mechanics, it is surprisingly achievable for virtually any skin type.
Why the “donut” complexion became beauty’s biggest obsession
Hailey Bieber declared 2022 the year of glazed skin – a complexion that looks as though a thin, translucent icing has been melted over the face, leaving it ultra-hydrated and rosy. The aesthetic quickly became the beauty trend to adopt, especially heading into spring, promising a face that reads fresh, youthful, and healthy all at once.
But what does it actually take to pull it off? According to professional makeup artist Vincent Oquendo, one of the most critical steps has nothing to do with makeup at all. He insists that your skin needs to be both properly hydrated and exfoliated before you even think about adding glow. In other words, the foundation of the glazed look is literally your foundation – your bare, well-prepped skin.
Beyond favorable genetics, Hailey Bieber herself achieves the effect by meticulously layering skincare. She starts with exfoliation, follows with hydrating serums, applies masks to different zones of her face separately, and finishes with a moisturizer that strengthens the skin barrier. It is a ritual, not a shortcut.
The step-by-step method behind that lit-from-within glow
Everything begins with gentle exfoliation. Removing dead cells creates a smooth, even canvas where luminosity can truly shine through. Vincent Oquendo specifically recommends the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta exfoliating pads, which are compact enough to toss into a makeup bag, as well as the T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial mask by Drunk Elephant, a product he is personally a fan of.
Once the surface is prepped, deep hydration takes over. The key is to reach for essences or serums that penetrate below the surface, then lock everything in with an equally nourishing cream. Hailey Bieber has shared on Instagram that she always applies her serum onto damp skin so it absorbs more effectively – a small detail that makes a noticeable difference.
Several standout hydrating products have launched recently that deliver impressive glow while keeping skin in peak condition. The Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. triple serum is a versatile option that combines hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, ferulic acid, and niacinamide to brighten the complexion while offering lasting protection against environmental aggressors. For those with mature skin, the Targeted Skin Filler by Revive is a pricier choice, but it excels at plumping, softening, and filling fine lines to produce the satiny finish we all covet.
To amplify the dewy effect in the right places, melting a facial oil onto the high points of the cheekbones can deliver a healthy-looking radiance in seconds. Of course, depending on your skin type and tolerance for oils, you can opt for a makeup product that mimics the same result instead.
Choosing the right finish – and the products that actually work
Here is an important distinction: anything overtly shimmery or pearlescent is off-limits. The glazed look is about a wet, reflective sheen, not sparkle. Vincent Oquendo favors the Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow Face and Body Gloss, noting that it comes in several different shades and delivers an incredible glow on every skin tone. Two other products worth trying for that icing-like finish are the Baume Essentiel by Chanel and Future Dew by Glossier.
The entire effect hinges on the clarity and evenness of the skin underneath. If you deal with redness, blemishes, or pigmentation, the goal is to conceal them gently rather than pile on heavy coverage. Oquendo advocates for a full-coverage concealer applied only to the spots that need it. And if additional evening-out is necessary, he suggests layering on a tinted moisturizer that enhances luminosity rather than masking it.
Your new morning-mirror mindset
What you now know is that glazed skin is not genetic luck or expensive facials alone – it is a deliberate sequence of exfoliation, deep hydration on damp skin, strategic sealing with a barrier-boosting moisturizer, and a careful choice of glow products that reflect light without shimmer. Every step builds on the one before it.
The most empowering part? The method works across skin types and ages, as long as you respect the order and pick formulas suited to your complexion. Start tonight with a gentle exfoliation, layer your serum onto still-damp skin, and let the glazing begin.
