Okay so.
I’ve been obsessed with Hailey Bieber’s skin forever. That glowy, dewy, glazed donut thing? It’s not just good lighting. I promise.
The glazed donut skin trend took over my FYP last year, and I went down a rabbit hole trying to figure out her secret. Spoiler: it’s way more achievable than you think.
Here’s the thing:
You don’t need a celebrity budget or a dermatologist on speed dial. I’ve cracked the code, and most of it comes down to technique and a few key products.
What Even Is Glazed Donut Skin?
Think fresh, hydrated, luminous skin that looks perpetually radiant from within. Not oily. Not glittery. Just that perfect dewy finish that catches light beautifully.
Hailey coined this term, and now we’re all trying to replicate it. The vibe? Healthy, moisturized, effortlessly radiant. It’s basically the opposite of matte makeup.
The Prep Work (Where the Magic Happens)
The glow starts before any makeup touches your face. Skincare does 80% of the work.
I learned this after months of trying to fake it with highlighter—didn’t work.
- Night: gentle retinol if your skin can handle it; smooths texture and boosts that lit-from-within look. Start slow to avoid irritation.
- Morning: hydration is key. Layer hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin, then a good moisturizer. Let each layer sink in before adding the next. Patience is crucial.
- Sunscreen: every day. The right SPF won’t pill under makeup and keeps your skin healthy. Hailey swears by it.
Check out this video!
This tutorial changed how I think about skin prep.
The Makeup Application (Technique > Products)
- Primer: choose a dewy one. Mix a drop of facial oil if you like. Hydrating, not mattifying.
- Foundation: less is more. Use a damp beauty sponge and bounce lightly. Your skin but better, not full coverage. Sometimes I skip foundation for tinted moisturizer or skin tint.
- Concealer: only where needed; seamless under-eye application is key.
Secret Weapon: Cream Products
Cream blush, highlighter, and bronzer melt into skin for a natural glow powder can’t replicate. Apply with fingers or damp sponge—brushes absorb too much product.
Check out this video!
The layering technique here is chef’s kiss. Perfect vibe.
The Glow Situation
Liquid highlighter is essential. Mix a drop into foundation or apply to high points: cheekbones, nose bridge, cupid’s bow, inner eyes.
- Build slowly; you can add more but can’t remove easily.
- Hydrating setting spray before and after makeup melts everything together.
- Pro tip: press setting spray into skin with clean hands for extra glow.
Drugstore vs High-End (You Don’t Need to Splurge)
Some of the best products for this look are at Target.
- e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter ($14)
- Catrice Dewy Setting Spray
- Hyaluronic acid serums under $20
Korean beauty brands at Target also nail the glass skin effect, similar to glazed donut skin.
Check out this video!
Excellent process breakdown.
Common Mistakes I Made
- Too much powder—enemy of glazed donut skin.
- Heavy highlighter—more isn’t better.
- Skipping skincare—glow can’t be faked on dehydrated skin.
- Wrong base products—avoid matte primers and foundations.
- Not letting layers set—give skincare a minute to absorb, let foundation settle.
Lifestyle Factors
- Water: keep hydrated all day for plump skin.
- Sleep: non-negotiable. 3am nights show up next day.
- Weekly treatments: sheet masks or gentle enzyme peels maintain smooth texture.
Making It Last
- Minimal powder on oily spots only (T-zone, under eyes).
- Blotting papers instead of powder.
- Touch up with small highlighter stick if glow fades.
Is It Worth the Hype?
Yes.
- Boosts confidence more than heavy coverage.
- Imperfections are less noticeable with radiant skin.
- Photographs beautifully.
Oily skin? Adjust technique with lighter cream layers or slightly more powder.
My Current Routine
- Morning: gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, moisturizer, SPF
- Makeup: dewy primer, light foundation/tinted moisturizer, cream blush, liquid highlighter, brow gel, mascara, hydrating setting spray
- Evening: double cleanse, treatment serum, night cream, optional face oil
- Weekly: gentle exfoliation, hydrating mask
Nothing complicated or expensive. Consistency and healthy skin underneath is key.
Final Thoughts
Hailey Bieber popularized a look that changed the way many of us approach makeup and skincare.
Glazed donut skin isn’t going away, and it’s made me:
- Focus more on skincare
- Use less heavy makeup
- Embrace natural skin texture
Start with skincare, use cream products, go light on powder, and build glow gradually.
That’s the formula.
Have you tried this look? What products are you using? This is basically my signature vibe now.