Jamie Schneider is the former Senior Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.A. in Organizational Studies and English from the University of Michigan, and her work has appeared in Coveteur, The Chill Times, and Wyld Skincare.
Image by svetikd / iStock
July 07, 2025
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Glass-like skin has been en vogue for a while now, but the hype has officially reached fever pitch. Case in point: the gleaming, doll-like complexions at Maison Margiela’s spring haute couture show, courtesy of makeup legend Pat McGrath. Matte color cosmetics may be on the rise, but McGrath’s viral look tells me one thing for sure—reflective, hyper-shiny skin isn’t going anywhere.
To achieve a glazed look, some strategic taps of highlighter go a very long way; although, you can fashion glowing, doll skin without a stitch of makeup, if you choose. Ahead, find three underrated tips to secure the dew:
1.
Stimulate collagen production
Collagen is essential for keeping your skin firm and bouncy. Ever noticed someone”s complexion looking so plump and hydrated that it resembles Jello? Yeah, they probably have a stellar collagen-stimulating routine.
Your collagen naturally declines once you hit your mid-20s and at a steady rate of 1% per year1 after that. There’s plenty you can do to restore your levels, but one of the best is by taking collagen supplements. See, research shows they are able to enhance your body’s own collagen production1 by stimulating fibroblasts, those same cells that make collagen and elastin to begin with.
As a result, targeted supplementation can support skin elasticity2 and potentially make fine lines appear smaller. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial also found that participants’ moisture levels in the skin were seven times higher3 than those who did not take collagen supplements.
Toners are by no means a necessary part of a solid skin care routine. But if you’re after dewy, doll-like skin, a milk essence can give your skin an extra glow. Some of these even literally impart a sheer glaze on your complexion, like ILIA’s Base Face Milk. It’s more than just a watery liquid; the lipid- and antioxidant-rich ingredients keep skin hydrated for the long haul.
Hannah Frye, mbg’s assistant beauty editor, also counts herself a fan: “My skin is deeply hydrated—not just momentarily shiny from fresh moisturizer. Whether I wear makeup or not, you can tell my skin is as dewy as ever; it practically looks identical to my skin in humid tropical environments. The plot twist: It’s January in New York City—aka, peak dry skin season,” she previously wrote in a review.
3.
Find a glow-enhancing SPF
Sun protection is imperative for maintaining a dewy glow long term, but some sunscreen formulas also include sustainably sourced mica, botanical oils, or tints to provide an immediate glow. UV protection that also doubles as highlighter? Sign me up!
The takeaway
Gleaming, hyper-glazed, doll-like skin may sound like a tall order, but rest assured the dew is doable—even without any makeup. With this blend of internal and topical approaches, you’ll master the skin trend in no time. And luckily, it’s a trend that’s here to stay.
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