How to achieve Korean-inspired glass skin in just five steps

With over 40 years experience in the beauty industry, April Brodie, is one of Australia's most respected integrated facialists with an impressive celebrity clientele to match. 

Brodie's treatment list is short. She's developed her lengthy signature Bee Venom and Buccal Massage Fusion facials to incorporate a range of holistic techniques that transform the complexion. There's no need to worry about her using technology you don't understand or the prick of a needle either — the expert's most-used tools are her hands, and a careful selection of skin care, and age-old tools like gua sha and body brushes.

But she's not afraid to learn new tricks in the pursuit of good skin.

Brodie decided years ago that she wanted to learn some new techniques that she could incorporate into her practice, but despite her extensive research, she found little inspiration. That's when she decided to travel to South Korea, the world's leading innovator in skin care.

"Studying Korean skincare techniques was an eye-opening experience," Brodie tells BEAUTYcrew. "What surprised me the most was the focus on gentle, yet thorough methods, particularly the emphasis on maintaining the skin’s barrier."

"Another intriguing discovery was the contrast between the gentle approach in clinical settings and some more intense massage techniques used in salons," she continues. "Professional treatments often differ from at-home routines due to the expertise and precision in applying premium ingredients and techniques that may not be easily replicated at home."

After months of study in Korea, Brodie decided to fuse what she'd learned with her knowledge of European facial methods to create a unique two-hour experience for her clients called the Golki Fusion Facial. 

What is the April Brodie Golki Fusion Facial?

Brodie has integrated Korean philosophies into the two hour facial like a meticulous Korean cleansing routine, which includes four to five deeply purifying and refreshing steps customised to your skin. Plus, some uniquely Korean facial massaging techniques, which traditionally can be quite intense and uncomfortable.

"In my treatment, I’ve blended these Korean techniques with gentler European methods to create a facial massage that is both relaxing and highly effective," she explains. "This fusion ensures clients receive the benefits of both worlds, resulting in a transformative and truly luxurious skincare experience that I’m truly proud to offer."

It's this ability to integrate specialised facial methods, and potent skin care like French facialist Sophie Carbonari's Korean-made S Serum ($480 from April Brodie), which ensures her clients leave with the signature Golki April Brodie glow.

The two-hour treatment is $700 and you'll have to join her Sydney, Melbourne or London waitlists respectively if you're not one of her regulars, but speaking from personal experience, it's without a doubt the best facial you'll ever experience. 

However, if you're wondering how to get glass skin without scheduling an appointment, Brodie is more than happy to lend her expertise. These are her tips for incorporating Korean skin care steps, ingredients and products into your routine for glass skin from home.

What are the five most important skin care steps for achieving glass skin?

"Koreans are meticulous — committed and consistent — when it comes to skincare," Brodie explains, and if you want to follow suit she recommends embracing layering in your own skin care routine.

"Essences, serums, and moisturisers work together to create that irresistible plumpness," she tells BEAUTYcrew. "These steps are central to my new Golki Fusion Facial, where I’ve added traditional Korean practices to enhance the treatment."

First things first, Brodie recommends double cleansing to purify the skin and maintain it's natural balance.

"I’ve introduced a multi-step cleansing process in the Golki Fusion Facial, starting with a hybrid medicinal herbal cleansing mask, which deeply purifies the skin while respecting its natural balance, ensuring it’s both cleansed and invigorated by the power of Korean herbs," she explains.

A hydrating toner is your skin’s trusty sidekick, says Brodie, as it balances, hydrates, and preps your skin for the rest of your routine, and helps the skin to absorb subsequent products more efficiently.

IYKYK: facial essences are a central part of any Korean skin care routine.

"Essences are crucial as they deliver concentrated hydration and nutrients, acting as a primer for more potent serums," explains Brodie. "In my treatment, I apply a luxurious Korean-made serum called The S Serum ($480 from April Brodie) that deeply penetrates the skin, enhancing its natural radiance and hydration. But essences are the heart of Korean skincare and key to achieving glass skin."

After you've applied your essence or serum, the expert recommends sealing it all in with a hydrating and moisturising product.

"A lightweight moisturiser locks in hydration, ensuring that the skin remains plump and dewy," she explains. "I finish my treatment with a one-of-a-kind professional-grade Korean sheet mask infused with premium herbs, leaving the skin glowing and revitalised."

The fifth and final step in Brodie's K-Beauty inspired skin care routine is of course SPF.

"Koreans never, ever step into the sun without a good sunscreen — and neither should you," Brodie says. "It is an essential step in any skincare routine, preserving skin clarity, preventing damage and maintaining youthful, clear skin."

What are the key ingredients in Korean skin care that contribute to glass skin?

"In the pursuit of glass skin, or a smooth, flawless, and radiant complexion, several Korean skincare ingredients come to the forefront, each offering unique benefits," Brodie shares with BEAUTYcrew. "Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in my Golki Fusion Facial, collectively contributing to the ultimate goal of achieving glass skin."

The five hero skin care ingredients of the Golki facial target hydration, nourishment, and a calmed, flawless complexion. First up, there's Green Tea Leaf Water (otherwise known as Camellia Sinensis).

"This powerful antioxidant reduces inflammation and protects the skin from environmental damage, promoting an even complexion," explains Brodie.

"Mugwort or Artemisia Capillaris Powder is known for its calming properties," she shares. "It soothes sensitive skin and reduces redness, ensuring a serene and smooth complexion."

Chamomile Flower Water (AKA Chamomilla Recutita) is also soothing and refreshing, says Brodie, as it helps to calm irritation and maintains a clear, balanced surface.

"Grape Extract (Vitis Vinifera Callus Culture) hydrates and enhances skin clarity, leaving the skin luminous and youthful," she explains. "Whilst Korean Angelica Root (Angelica Gigas Root Extract) nourishes and revitalises the skin, adding depth and boosting its natural glow."

The final ingredient Brodie says to keep an eye out for when you're looking at a product's ingredients list is Heart Leaf or Houttuynia Cordata Extract, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

"It helps purify the skin and maintain moisture, reducing blemishes and promoting a radiant complexion," she explains. "Including heart leaf in your facial regimen is an excellent choice to promote overall skin health and achieve that covetable glass skin appearance." 

Are there any specific skin care products we should be using to achieve glass skin?

While Golki is an expert-level therapy best left to the professionals, you can certainly indulge in a bit of Korean-inspired skincare at home, says Brodie.

"I recommend spending a few extra minutes massaging your cleanser into your skin, using gentle upward circular motions. This simple addition to your routine not only enhances cleansing, but also boosts blood circulation, giving your skin a natural, radiant glow," she tells BEAUTYcrew. "It’s a simple, soothing ritual that reflects the meticulous care of Korean beauty traditions, and with consistency, you’ll see improvements in clarity and radiance."

According to the expert, the most important part of a Korean skin care routine is consistency when your end goal is glass skin, and the right products make all the difference. 

Brodie likes to layer the mixsoon Bean Toner Pad ($33.40 from YesStyle) and the mixsoon Bifida Toner Pad ($29.99 from StyleVana) for a glowing, radiant complexion. While she rates the mixsoon Bean Essence ($32.65 from Amazon Australia) for hydrating and nourishing the skin deeply.

Brodie counts the AMORE PACIFIC Vintage Single Extract Essence ($123 from MECCA) as a luxurious and hydrating skin care essential.

She also gravitates to Sulwhasoo's sheet masks, which she says are perfect for boosting hydration and radiance — there's the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Mask ($10.21 from YesStyle), as well as the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Creamy Mask EX ($10.25 from Beauty Amora) to try.

"These products are ideal for layering and creating that coveted glass skin look" Brodie tells BEAUTYcrew. "It’s all about embracing a holistic and consistent routine.

"Think of it like nurturing a garden — each step carefully layered to create a lush, healthy glow," she went on to say. "The Koreans have truly mastered this art and after a little consistency and dedication — your skin will most certainly thank you."

Main image credit: @jennierubyjane

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