There’s dewy skin… and then there’s glazed donut skin—the ultimate glow goal that took over TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and every bathroom mirror on the internet. Coined and popularized by model and skincare icon Hailey Bieber, this beauty trend is all about achieving skin so dewy, smooth, and reflective that it resembles a shiny glazed donut fresh from the bakery.
But this trend isn’t just about looking good—it’s about nourishing your skin barrier, embracing minimalist beauty, and glowing from within, no matter your skin type or budget.
In this post, we’ll break down what glazed donut skin really means, why it's gone viral, the science behind it, and exactly how you can achieve it (with or without expensive products). No gimmicks, no filters—just real skincare, real glow.
🌟 Why Glazed Donut Skin Is More Than a Trend
Let’s face it—beauty trends come and go faster than you can say “serum.” But glazed donut skin is here to stay because:
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It’s rooted in healthy skincare habits and barrier care.
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It’s attainable—you don’t need celebrity-level products to achieve it.
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It celebrates natural, minimal makeup beauty and authentic skin.
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It prioritizes hydration, barrier repair, and protection—the essentials of good skin.
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It’s inclusive and works for all ages, genders, and skin types.
In short, it’s a trend with substance—a skincare philosophy that encourages self-care, simplicity, and glowing confidence.
💧 How to Get Glazed Donut Skin: Step-by-Step Routine
Here’s your ultimate nighttime and daytime skincare routine to achieve that enviable, buttery glow. These steps are perfect for dry, combo, or sensitive skin—but they can be adjusted for oily or acne-prone skin as well.
1️⃣ Double Cleanse (Especially at Night)
Start with a gentle oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup, sunscreen, and sebum. Follow up with a water-based or gel cleanser to remove any residue and clean deeper into pores.
✅ Product Tip: Try Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm followed by CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
Double cleansing helps maintain a clean, clear canvas without stripping your skin’s natural oils.
2️⃣ Hydrating Toner or Essence
Apply a hydrating, alcohol-free toner or K-beauty essence with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, snail mucin, panthenol, or glycerin.
💡 Pro Tip: Pat into your skin with hands and layer up to 3–7 times using the 7-skin method for maximum hydration.
This step boosts your skin’s water levels and preps it to absorb your next layers.
3️⃣ Serum: Pick Your Skin Goal
Choose a serum that matches your skin’s top concern:
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Niacinamide (5–10%) – for enlarged pores, dullness, and oil regulation.
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Hyaluronic Acid – for plumping, hydration, and elasticity.
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Vitamin C – for antioxidant protection and brightening.
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Peptides or Ceramides – for barrier repair and anti-aging support.
🧬 Tip: Wait 60 seconds between serum and moisturizer to let actives fully absorb.
4️⃣ Moisturizer: Lock in the Glow
Use a thick, nourishing moisturizer that leaves a dewy finish. Look for rich emollients and occlusives like:
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Squalane oil
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Ceramides
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Fatty acids (like shea butter)
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Glycerin + Panthenol
🧴 Try: Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, or Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
5️⃣ Occlusive Layer (Slugging Optional)
For true donut vibes, finish your routine with a thin layer of an occlusive like:
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Vaseline
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Aquaphor
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Slug Balm or Sealed Moisture Balm
This step locks in hydration overnight. Wake up to baby-soft, plumped skin.
⚠️ Note: If you're acne-prone, use sparingly or skip this step. Try lighter occlusives like squalane oil or lanolin instead.
6️⃣ SPF in the Morning
Never forget sun protection. A dewy SPF formula not only protects your skin but adds to that glazed finish.
Try: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+, Supergoop! Glowscreen, or Innisfree Dewy Glow Sunscreen.
🍯 The Role of Diet, Sleep, and Lifestyle in Glowing Skin
Glazed skin starts in the kitchen and the bedroom. Here’s how to support your skin from the inside:
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Hydrate like crazy (2–3 liters/day)
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Eat foods high in healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, salmon)
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Include antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, green tea)
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Avoid refined sugar and greasy fast food
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Get 7–8 hours of sleep every night
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Cut down stress—try journaling, meditation, or daily walks
Your skin is a mirror of your inner health. What you feed it, shows.
👩🔬 Best Skincare Products for Glazed Donut Skin (Editor Picks 2025)
| Step | Product Name | Price Range | Key Ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleanser | CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser | $ | Ceramides + HA |
| Toner | Laneige Cream Skin | $$ | White Tea + Glycerin |
| Serum | Glow Recipe Dew Drops | $$ | Niacinamide |
| Moisturizer | Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream | $$$ | Japanese purple rice + algae |
| SPF | Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF40 | $$ | Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide |
| Occlusive | Aquaphor Healing Ointment | $ | Petrolatum |
All recommended products are dermatologist-approved, cruelty-free, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
✨ Glazed Donut Skin + Makeup Tips
Want that glow to shine through your makeup? Here’s how:
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Use glow primers (e.g. e.l.f. Halo Glow Filter)
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Choose light coverage (like skin tints or serum foundations)
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Avoid mattifying powders—opt for radiant setting sprays
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Cream blushes and highlighters melt into skin for a natural glow
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Apply makeup on top of your dewy skincare base for that lit-from-within finish
🚫 Common Mistakes That Sabotage the Glow
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Over-exfoliating | Damages barrier | Limit to 1–2x/week |
| Skipping SPF | Accelerates aging | Daily SPF = must |
| Using alcohol-heavy products | Strips skin | Go for gentle formulas |
| Sleeping in makeup | Clogs pores | Double cleanse nightly |
| Layering too fast | Causes pilling | Wait 30–60 sec between steps |
💬 Real People, Real Reviews
“After two weeks of this routine, my skin looks juicy and radiant—even my boyfriend noticed!” — Sasha, 27
“This trend taught me how to hydrate properly. My skin has never looked this healthy.” — Aria, 31
“Glazed donut skin made me fall in love with skincare again. It’s a vibe.” — Mira, 23
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🧠 The Science Behind the Glow
Hydration is the cornerstone of skin health. A well-hydrated stratum corneum (your skin’s outermost layer) appears smoother, bouncier, and more radiant. According to dermatological research:
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Hyaluronic acid holds up to 1000x its weight in water
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Occlusives prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
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Niacinamide reduces inflammation and improves elasticity
Barrier-focused routines restore the skin’s microbiome and improve resilience—leading to fewer breakouts, better tone, and that signature glazed finish.
🌙 Final Thoughts: Embrace the Glow
The glazed donut skin trend is more than just an internet buzzword. It’s a celebration of healthy, hydrated, and nourished skin. Whether you’re building your first routine or revamping your skincare shelf, remember:
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Glow doesn’t mean greasy—it means hydrated.
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Don’t chase perfection—chase nourishment.
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Your skin deserves TLC, not stress.
So grab that moisturizer, layer it with love, and step into the glowiest version of yourself. 🍩💖
Ready to shine?
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