Affordable Skincare Products: Glass Skin Step-by-Step Routine

Affordable Skincare Products: My Journey to Glass Skin

I always dreamed of clear, glowing skin—but all I saw in the mirror were breakouts, dry patches, and scars. I binge-watched every TikTok glass skin routine I could find. Some looked magical, some looked fake—but I was desperate. Affordable skincare products became my mission. I couldn’t afford luxury brands. I wanted simple, fragrance-free solutions that wouldn’t make my skin freak out—or break the bank.

I’m still on my journey, but I’ve already seen a huge difference. My skin feels calmer, smoother, and actually looks dewy in natural light. I even started getting compliments—something I never thought would happen. I’m not a dermatologist—just a girl sharing what’s working for me now, in case it helps someone else.

After months of testing Amazon finds and dermatologist tips, I built a 7-step routine that worked for my sensitive skin.

What Is Glass Skin for Sensitive Skin Types?

“What is glass skin for sensitive skin types?”

Glass skin is more than just glow—it means your skin is smooth, even-toned, deeply hydrated, and almost translucent. But achieving that when you have sensitive skin? It requires gentler formulas, barrier-supporting ingredients, and zero fragrance.

The Korean skincare philosophy behind glass skin focuses on nourishment, layering hydration, and preventing damage—rather than covering things up. Glow Recipe and Cosmetify both explain how important hydration and skin layering are to achieving this dreamy complexion.

How to Get Glass Skin With Fragrance-Free Products

If you have sensitive skin, fragrance might be the one thing that’s ruining your routine. Even if a product feels fine at first, fragrance can cause long-term irritation. It may lead to redness, itching, breakouts, or dryness—especially after repeated use.

Fragrance is often listed as “parfum” on ingredient lists, and it’s used to make products smell nice—but it does nothing for your skin’s health. In fact, artificial fragrance is one of the most common causes of allergic reactions in skincare.

If your skin constantly feels irritated, going fragrance-free might be the easiest fix.

Step-by-Step Budget Glass Skin Skincare Routine

This is your full routine for dewy glow on a budget. Many of these products are recommended by dermatologists and can be found on Amazon,

1. Double Cleanse (PM Only)

Double cleansing is the key to removing every trace of makeup, sunscreen, and oil without irritating your skin. I used to have blackheads all over my nose and chin—no matter how many pore strips I used. It wasn’t until I started double cleansing that things finally changed. My skin feels cleaner, smoother, and way less congested. Here’s the combo I use:

Step 1: Oil Cleanser – Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

• Gently removes makeup, blackheads, and excess sebum
• Soothes skin with Heartleaf extract, great for calming sensitive skin
• Non-irritating, even around the eyes (no stinging!)
• Hypoallergenic and tested for acne-prone skin

How to use it:

1. Apply to dry face and gently massage for 1–2 minutes.
2. Add a little water to emulsify it (it turns milky).
3. Rinse off.

Step 2: Foam Cleanser – ANUA Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser

• Infused with Heartleaf powder and 0.5% BHA to clear pores gently
• Removes dead skin cells without being harsh like scrubs
• Quercetinol calms irritation and redness
• Triple Hyaluronic Acid keeps your skin soft and hydrated, not tight or dry

Tip: Use this combo only at night. In the morning, you can stick with just the foam cleanser if your skin feels oily—or skip cleansing altogether if it feels dry and calm.

2. Gentle Exfoliation (1–2 Times/Week)

Toner pads are a game-changer for gentle exfoliation. I like using them once or twice a week to keep my pores clear without overdoing it.

Medicube Zero Pore Pads Mild 2.0

• Exfoliates with PHA to gently remove dead skin and unclog pores
• Helps minimize blackheads, whiteheads, and excess oil
• Infused with lavender to soothe while it exfoliates
• Reduces oil by 47% and pore waste by 87% (based on clinical results)

How to use toner pads:

1. After cleansing, swipe the textured side over your face to exfoliate.
2. Flip and swipe again with the smooth side to calm and prep your skin.
3. Gently pat for better absorption.

Why it’s important: Toner pads help resurface your skin without harsh scrubs. They’re especially good for sensitive skin because PHA is a mild exfoliant that won’t trigger redness or peeling. This step keeps your skin smooth, soft, and ready to absorb the next layers. Use in PM only, 1–2 times a week.

3. Hydrating Toner for Sensitive Skin

Toner is often skipped, but it’s one of the most underrated steps for achieving hydrated, healthy-looking skin. Especially for sensitive skin, a gentle, milky toner can calm redness, strengthen your skin barrier, and boost glow from within.

TIRTIR Milk Skin Rice Toner

• Deeply hydrates with rice bran and chamomile extract
• Supports your skin barrier with panthenol and ceramide
• Brightens dark spots and evens out skin tone with niacinamide
• Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, vegan, and suitable for daily use

Why it’s important: Toner is your first real layer of hydration after cleansing. It preps your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more efficiently while calming any irritation from cleansing or exfoliation.

How to use it:

1. After cleansing (and exfoliating if it’s exfoliation day), pour a few drops into clean hands or a cotton pad.
2. Gently pat into your skin—don’t rub.
3. Wait 30–60 seconds before your next step.

This toner gives your skin that soft, bouncy, “milk skin” look that’s essential for a glassy glow.

4. Eye Serum (AM & PM)

The skin around your eyes is thinner, drier, and more delicate—so it needs its own targeted care.

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum with Retinal + Niacinamide

• Helps reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines
• Contains retinal (a gentler retinoid) and niacinamide to smooth and brighten
• Lightweight and hydrating—layers well under makeup
• Safe for sensitive eyes

How to use it:

1. Dab a tiny amount under the eyes using your ring finger.
2. Gently tap (don’t rub!) until absorbed.
3. Use morning and night before applying facial serums.

This extra step keeps my eye area smooth, bright, and hydrated—without irritation.

5. Essence

Mixsoon Galactomyces

• Hydrates and nourishes dull or textured skin
• Improves skin smoothness and helps balance skin barrier
• Lightweight formula with natural ferments for glow

How to use it:

1. After toner (and eye serum), apply a few drops to your face.
2. Gently pat until fully absorbed.

This optional step adds a natural glow and supports your skin’s barrier—great for days when your skin feels dry, tired, or dull.

6. Serums: Brightening + Calming + Smoothing (Layered)

I use multiple serums here—one to brighten and target dark spots, one to calm and hydrate, one to resurface skin texture, and one to improve tone and pores.

Step 1: Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum

• Evens out skin tone with 640,000 ppm of Hippophae Rhamnoides Water (rich in Vitamin C)
• Brightens dark spots and supports skin repair
• Soothes inflammation with Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
• Controls oil and minimizes pores with Niacinamide
• Lightweight, non-sticky, and free from fragrance or artificial colors

Step 2: ANUA Niacinamide 10 + TXA 4 Serum

• Targets dull skin, enlarged pores, and uneven tone
• Brightens and clarifies with 10% Niacinamide, 4% Tranexamic Acid, and 2% Arbutin
• Hydrates with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid
• Lightweight and fragrance-free for daily use

Step 3: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

• Contains 100% Centella Asiatica extract
• Calms sensitive or inflamed skin
• Helps reinforce the skin barrier and maintain moisture
• Great for layering after Vitamin C serum, especially if your skin needs extra soothing

Step 4: The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane

• Smooths fine lines and improves skin texture
• Uses squalane to hydrate and buffer potential irritation
• Gentle enough for beginners and sensitive skin
• Use only at night, 2–3 times a week (skip Vitamin C on these nights)

How to use:

1. After toner, apply the Vitamin C serum and let it absorb.
2. Follow with the Centella Ampoule—just a few drops.
3. At night, use The Ordinary Retinol on alternate days (not with Vitamin C).
4. Pat gently until absorbed, then move to moisturizer.

This combo keeps my skin bright, calm, and smooth—without irritation.

7. Moisturize (AM & PM)

Dr.Althea 345 Relief Cream

• Combines 3 blemish-targeting ingredients including Niacinamide for a brighter, more even skin tone
• Hydrates deeply with Ceramide NP and Hyaluronic Acid to lock in moisture and support skin barrier
• Calms redness and inflammation with Beta-glucan and Panthenol—ideal for sensitive skin
• Silky finish that absorbs well without feeling greasy
• Vegan, fragrance-free, paraben-free

Why moisturizer matters: It seals in all the hydration and active ingredients you’ve applied. Without this step, your skin can lose moisture quickly and become dry or irritated—even if you’ve used the best products before it.

How to use:

1. Scoop a small amount and warm it between your fingers.
2. Gently press into skin instead of rubbing.
3. Don’t forget your neck!

8. Sunscreen (AM Only)

Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40

• Broad-spectrum SPF 40 shields your skin from UVA/UVB rays
• Lightweight, moisturizing texture leaves no white cast
• Doesn’t sting eyes or clog pores—perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin
• Hydrates and protects, making it a perfect final step every morning

Why sunscreen is non-negotiable: Sun damage is the #1 reason your skin gets dull, pigmented, and uneven. If you want to keep your skin glowing and protect all the work you’ve done in your skincare routine, this step is essential.

How to use:

1. Apply a generous amount as the last step in your morning routine.
2. Reapply every 2–3 hours if you’re outside.

Even indoors, sunscreen helps protect against blue light and slows signs of aging. Never skip it!

Totally optional—but a fun bonus if you want to boost results

Lovsheme Red Light Therapy Mask

• 320 LED lights (red, blue, NIR) for collagen and acne
• Reduces wrinkles, calms inflammation
• Adjustable, safe for all skin types

Parrox 14-in-1 Collagen Capsules

• Collagen, biotin, hyaluronic acid, zinc, vitamins A–E
• Supports glowing skin, strong nails, and shiny hair
• No fillers or artificial preservatives

Glass Skin Routine

AM Routine:

1. Gentle Cleanser (or rinse with water)
2. Hydrating Toner
3. Eye Serum
4. Face Serums: Vitamin C Serum, Niacinamide + TXA Serum + Centella Ampoule
5. Moisturizer
6. Sunscreen

PM Routine:

1. Double Cleanse (Oil + Foam)
2. Hydrating Toner (or Exfoliating Toner Pad – 1–2x/week)
3. Eye Serum
4. Retinol (2–3x/week only, Don’t Use With Exfoliating Toner! )
5. Serum: Centella Ampoule
6. Moisturizer
7. Optional: LED Mask 3x/week

Weekly Add-Ons:

• Red Light Therapy Mask (3x/week PM)
• Collagen + Vitamin Supplements (Daily AM)

Q&A: Affordable Glass Skin Tips for Sensitive Skin

Can I get glass skin with sensitive skin?

Yes! Stick to fragrance-free products, avoid over-exfoliating, and layer hydration slowly. Skinkraft offers more dermatologist-backed tips.

How long does it take to achieve glass skin?

If your skin is already balanced, results may show in 2–3 weeks. With dryness or acne, expect 6–8 weeks of consistent routine.

What foods help with glowing skin?

Berries, avocado, nuts, fatty fish, leafy greens, and lots of water support radiant skin.

Can I skip essence or serum?

You can, but they help target specific concerns and boost hydration. Even just one hydrating serum can make a difference.

Final Thoughts: Your Glow-Up Starts Here

If you’re feeling overwhelmed—trust me, I was too. Buying everything at once isn’t realistic for most of us, and that’s okay. Start where you are. If I had to recommend just few things to begin with, it would be double cleansers, a hydrating moisturizer, and SPF. Those are the non-negotiables that made the biggest difference for me.

Remember, skincare is a journey. I’m still on mine, and I’ll definitely update this when I hit that dreamy, dewy glass skin goal. But even now, my skin feels healthier than it ever has.

This routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about care, love, and progress. You’re already glowing more than you know. Don’t stress, and let it be a fun, loving ritual you do for you. If you’d like to get my free Everything Shower Routine PDF, just subscribe to my email list and I’ll send it over.

Sign Up to Get FREE Everything Shower Routine PDF 💖