Skin drenching is the ultimate glow-up your routine’s been waiting for—a next-level, radiance-boosting trend taking over Instagram and beyond. If glass skin had you obsessed, then prepare to be even more mesmerised by this hyper-hydrated, lit-from-within look. Picture your complexion looking juicy, ultra-dewy, and so luminous it practically reflects light. Skin drenching is about saturating your skin with moisture-rich layers, turning your face into a bouncy, plumped-up canvas with that coveted “just had a facial” sheen. Here’s what you need to know…

So, who’s it for?

Literally anyone who’s been chasing that glow (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?). Dry, flaky skin? Skin drenching will flood it with moisture, bringing your complexion back to life. Oily skin? Don’t worry—this trend is all about creating a dewy radiance without tipping over into greasy territory. The layering technique works for every skin type, and according to makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes, “The secret is in the layers. You want to build hydration step-by-step to really lock in that dewiness without overloading your skin.” It’s the balance of moisture that keeps things fresh and glowing, not shiny.

Even oily skin needs hydration, but I would caution layering too many products on oily skin as it may feel like too much

according to Art Pellegrino
of R&D at RoC

@kylieskin

boss bae @kyliejenner’s travel routine using foaming face wash, hyaluronic acid serum and clarifying facial oil 🤍✈️ kylieskin.com ✨

♬ original sound – Kylie Skin

How to get your glow on?

Start with a hydration powerhouse. As Art Pellegrino of R&D at RoC explains, “skin drenching is a supercharged hydration routine”. Next, layer on a luxuriously rich gel-based moisturiser. This step adds a silky finish and packs in the hydration without feeling heavy. Then comes the pièce de résistance: a facial oil to lock it all in and give you that reflective, glossy glow.

Makeup to complement

But the glow doesn’t stop there—your makeup can get in on the action too. Celebrity MUA Violette Serrat swears by mixing a drop of facial oil into the foundation for a radiant, skin-like finish. Her pro tip? “Keep the base light and fresh, and always reach for cream-based highlighters. It’s all about enhancing, not masking.” Opt for light coverage foundations that let your skin breathe and shimmer through, then finish with cream-based highlighters to complement your natural glow.

Skin drenching is a supercharged hydration routine

Art Pellegrino

A budget-friendly superstar, this serum is packed with hyaluronic acid, drawing moisture into the skin for a plumping effect. B5 adds an extra layer of soothing hydration, making it the perfect base for your skin drenching routine.
Known for its luxurious, silk-like texture, this K-beauty moisturiser delivers intense hydration without feeling heavy. Japanese purple rice and botanical extracts make it a cult favourite for anyone craving that soft, luminous finish.
Gives skin a serious hydration boost, balancing moisture levels and bringing out your natural glow. Its lightweight formula keeps your complexion plump, dewy, and refreshed.
Is a calming, skin-nourishing blend that melts stress away while leaving your skin soft and glowing. Infused with soothing botanicals, it brings balance to both your skin and mind, creating the ultimate moment of serenity in your beauty routine. Use it as the last step to lock in all your layers of hydration.
Powered by blue hyaluronic acid, this serum deeply hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier. It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and perfect for layering without feeling greasy.
Inspired by the ever-popular cryotherapy techniques, this delivers a burst of cool hydration, perfect for an instant skin pick-me-up.
Delivers a powerful dose of hydration in every capsule, leaving your skin instantly plumper and more radiant. Packed with anti-aging ingredients, these little pods give you a fresh, dewy glow while targeting fine lines and boosting moisture levels.
Its triple-action formula works to lock in moisture, leaving you with a dewy, fresh-faced glow all day long.
If you’re less into thick moisturising creams, this gel formula might be just the ticket, offering hydration for a bright and dewy complexion.
This lightweight hydrator melts into the skin, leaving a fresh, dewy finish. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients to keep your complexion plump and radiant all day long.
Handmade with GAIA’s bespoke elixir, this natural exfoliator uses sugars, calendula oil, and fine grains to gently buff and smooth your skin. An essential skincare step for getting fresh, glowy skin.
Your secret weapon for that skin-drenched dewy look we all crave. Packed with multi-glycans, it boosts your skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels, delivering intense hydration and visibly smoother, fuller skin.
With its velvety, melt-into-skin texture, this super-luxe powerhouse serum works to repair, revitalise, and leave your complexion feeling soft, plump, and completely refreshed.
The ultimate skin thirst-quencher, delivering a surge of lightweight hydration that leaves your face feeling fresh and dewy. Its water-based formula absorbs fast, giving you that glowy, plumped-up look all day long.

The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.


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