Published on August 28, 2024, 3:18 pm
For the longest time, I found myself submerged in a sea of countless lotions, serums, face oils, and primers; more than I ever knew existed. My once matte complexion took on an oil slick sheen that had my husband cautiously leaning away from my affections lest he bear the brunt of my newfound radiance. This was not some sort of bad joke or mishap. Rather it was part of my journey to comprehend the relentless obsession with dewy skin that has held Generation Z in its thrall for the past few years.
From ‘glazed doughnut skin’ advocated by Hailey Bieber to ‘dolphin skin’ characterized by mermaid-like blue glitter–we have encountered an abundance of unique names reflecting different shades and nuances in this skincare trend. However, whether you’re subscribing to K-beauty’s revolutionary ‘glass skin’ approach or striving for status skin perfection, one thing is clear: The idea of dusty matte complexions is well and truly passé.
As we age and mature, we often find ourselves chained to high school beauty norms regardless of transformations we undergo as adults. These beauty standards haunt us like phantoms unwilling to fade away no matter how hard we try. As a millennial who suffered teenage years plagued by acne and faced harrowing prescriptions laid down by society dominated by Sephora-think (many thanks to 2002’s obsession with flawless powder-coated faces), I fell into Proactiv’s arms hoping that scientifically stripping my skin dry would incite a CoverGirl-induced transformation worthy of applause.
Years later, Gen Z has shattered these antiquated notions freeing themselves from the historical tyranny propagated by old norms in beauty culture. Teens these days deftly use their makeup prowess not to obscure or hide their natural features but rather enhance them applying vibrant pigments amidst freckles and perceived flaws which adds an aura of authenticity and individuality.
Spearheading this transformative trend is legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath who made waves across the world with her stunning display of extreme glass skin on the Maison Margiela Artisanal runway in early 2024. This represented a marked departure from the previous decade’s manic obsession with hyper-contouring, substituting it for ethereal yet firm coverage.
Contrary to popular belief, this radiant glass skin look is not the sole preserve of models and superstars. It’s all about mastering simple skincare steps, brought to light by Dr. David Kim of Idriss Dermatology. His prescription includes regular serums and moisturizers and emphasizes strongly on SPF usage.
Fascinated by these new tidings, I embarked on my own exploration into sizable boxes filled to the brim with revolutionary glow-eliciting products attempting to recreate this divine dewy look. From recklessly dabbling with Victoria Beckham highlighters to elegantly riding Chanel blush palettes’ waves and surprisingly succumbing to La Mer magic–I indulgently dove into this beauty revolution.
Finally, after floating through an ocean of premium produce, my skin seemed to strike a harmonious chord with L’Oreal’s Lumi Glotion (shade 901). Augmented subtly by Dior Forever Glow Maximizer splashes across my cheeks and eyelids coupled with delicate dustings of Guerlain’s Météorites atop my lip groove and underneath my now engrossed eyebrows; I slipped into a radiant diva avatar reminiscent of Sabrina Carpenter at Coachella.
Welcome everyone! My name is Lena Dunham, your guide through the universe as an alien dolphin vampire cloud today. Should there be a tiny zit dotting my cheek? Bring it on! For what is one mere pimple compared to an elaborate symphony played across faultless facial features echoing enchantingly in a sea sparkling brighter than any star could ever shine.