· LUCY LOVES ME · Beauty
Slugging vs Glass Skin: The Best Winter Skincare Trend for Dry, Cold Weather
Winter is on its way, and if your skin hasn’t started protesting yet, give it a week or two.
Dryness, tightness, and that familiar “my moisturiser isn’t cutting it” feeling are all part of the seasonal package.
Enter two viral Korean beauty trends: the dreamy glow of glass skin and the far less glamorous-sounding slugging method.
But when the temperatures drop, which one actually delivers?
Both promise the holy grail of dewy, plump skin, but their approaches couldn’t be more different.
One involves a multi-step layering ritual worthy of a K-drama heroine, while the other has you slathering petroleum jelly on your face before bed.
Is it chic? Maybe not. Effective? Let’s find out, shall we?
What Is Glass Skin?
Glass skin is a K-beauty classic that lives up to its name: skin so clear, luminous, and smooth it reflects light like glass.
It’s less about makeup tricks and more about deeply hydrated, healthy skin.
The routine is famously elaborate. Think double cleansing (oil then water-based), gentle exfoliation, hydrating toners, essences, serums (with glow-giving favourites like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide), moisturiser, and of course, SPF.
Each layer builds on the last, like carefully laying the foundation, bricks, and paint for a perfectly finished house.
The result is radiance that looks natural, not painted on.
Slugging: The Slimy but Effective Contender
Slugging doesn’t sound pretty, does it? The name derives from the glossy, slimy film it leaves on your face. But don’t let that put you off.
This K-beauty trend is all about locking moisture in. The method is simple: as the final step in your night routine, apply an occlusive layer (usually plain old petroleum jelly) to seal everything in.
Think of it as shrink-wrapping your skin overnight. It traps hydration, strengthens your barrier, and gives all those serums underneath a better chance to work their magic.
Why Winter Skin Needs Extra Help
Cold weather is brutal on skin. Between whipping winds, freezing air, and moisture-zapping central heating, your skin’s barrier takes a beating.
Oil production slows down, hydration escapes more easily, and suddenly, your normal routine feels like it’s doing absolutely nothing.
This is where trends like glass skin and slugging gain real traction. They both tackle dehydration head-on, but in different ways.
Glass Skin in Winter: The Ups and Downs
The perks:
- Multiple layers of hydration keep skin plump and radiant.
- Barrier-repair ingredients such as ceramides and humectants (hello hyaluronic acid) are a winter win.
- Gentle exfoliation helps prevent dullness when cell turnover slows down.
The drawbacks:
- It’s a time commitment. A 10-step routine doesn’t exactly scream “cosy winter mornings.”
- Too many actives can overwhelm already stressed, sensitive skin.
- Lightweight layers may not feel protective enough against harsh, dry air.
In short: you can achieve gorgeous results if you stick with it, but it’s high-maintenance.
Glass Skin Product Recommendations
Double Cleansing:
- Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil (£19)
- Simple Micellar Cleansing Water (£4.95)
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (£23.50)
Exfoliation:
Toners & Essences:
- Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid Moisturising Toner (£35)
- Versed Baby Cheeks All-In-One Hydrating Milk (£36.95)
- Hourglass Equilibrium Restoring Essence (£64)
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (£24.99)
Serums:
Moisturisers:
- Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream (£36)
- Fresh Rose & Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Moisturiser (£42)
- Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser (£44)
SPF:
Slugging: Winter’s Secret Weapon?
The perks:
- Creates a strong moisture barrier, stopping transepidermal water loss in its tracks.
- Works with products you already own — just add one final layer.
- Surprisingly gentle and non-comedogenic, so it’s safe for most skin types.
The drawbacks:
- It’s messy. Expect pillowcases and hairlines to get in on the action.
- Sleeping in Vaseline isn’t everyone’s idea of comfort.
- Timing matters — slather too close to bedtime and half of it ends up on your bedding.
Still, slugging offers maximum hydration with minimum effort. Which, let’s be honest, is exactly what most of us want in winter.
Slugging Product Recommendations
Pure Occlusives:
- Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly Original (£2.50)
- Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment (£8.55)
- CeraVe Healing Ointment (£11.50)
Elevated Slug Balms:
- Future Wise Slug Balm Moisture-locking Occlusive (£21)
- REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm (£46)
- Glossier After Baume Moisture Barrier Recovery Cream (£32)
Supporting Moisturisers (to use before slugging):
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser (£13.99)
- The INKEY List Omega Water Cream (£11)
- Tatcha Indigo Overnight Repair (£86)
- Augustinus Bader The Light Cream (£150)
Who Should Avoid What?
- Glass skin: Best for normal to dry types, but those with sensitive or reactive skin should proceed carefully (all those steps can overwhelm a compromised barrier).
- Slugging: A saviour for dry or dehydrated skin, but not ideal if you’re battling active breakouts or excess oil. Occlusion can sometimes make things worse in those cases.
The Best of Both Worlds
You don’t have to pick a side. In fact, combining them might be the smartest approach.
Why don’t you try using glass skin principles: gentle cleansing, hydrating layers, barrier-loving serums and then finish with slugging on the nights your skin feels extra tight or flaky.
Think of it as a skincare menu. Some days you’ll want the full glass-skin feast, other days a quick slugging session is all you need.
Product Picks That Work
- For glass skin: Hydrating toners with ceramides, lightweight serums with niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, and gentle oil cleansers. Skip harsh scrubs — your winter barrier will thank you.
- For slugging: Plain petroleum jelly is the gold standard, but newer balms and ointments with added ceramides or panthenol give a more luxe feel without losing the occlusive benefits.
Choosing Your Winter Skincare Sidekick
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Your winter hero depends on your skin type, your patience level, and how much effort you’re willing to put in before bed.
If you’re battling cracked, flaky skin and want quick relief, slugging is like hitting the hydration fast-forward button.
If you love a ritual and live for that glassy glow, glass skin is worth the extra steps.
Or, why don’t you mix the two: a pared-back glass skin routine for daily hydration, with a slugging session on especially frosty nights.
Think of it as building your skincare wardrobe. Some days call for cashmere, other days a thick puffer coat.
