Move over, matte — 2025 is all about skin that looks like it just stepped out of a hydrating facial. The UK’s new summer beauty vibe? Glazed, glossy, glowing. Inspired by TikTok creators, skincare girlies, and celeb facialists, this trend is redefining “natural” skin with a lit-from-within finish. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is “Glazed Skin”?
Think of that ultra-dewy, almost glassy look — your skin looks hydrated, juicy, and naturally radiant. It’s not oily. It’s not sweaty. It’s intentional.
- Key Traits: minimal makeup, high hydration, luminous layers
- Inspiration: Hailey Bieber’s Rhode skin, glow serum queens on TikTok, and no-makeup makeup

How UK Gen Z Is Nailing the Look
From Shoreditch to Soho, Gen Z is layering skincare-first routines with glossy finishes and embracing the fresh-face aesthetic. It’s showing up in street style, gym selfies, and glam nights out.
1. Skin Over Foundation
BB creams, tinted serums, and sheer coverage are replacing heavy foundations. Glazed skin starts with real skin showing through.
2. Glossy Highlights (But Not Glittery)
Forget powder highlighters — liquid and balm-based formulas are where it’s at. Apply to cheekbones, nose bridge, and lids.
3. Dewy Lips + Clear Gloss
High-shine, non-sticky glosses are trending hard. Think: juicy cherry lips and clear balms with a shimmerless finish.

4. Skincare-Focused Base
Glow starts with a hydrated canvas. Popular UK faves include:
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Dew Drops
- Byoma Hydrating Serum (budget-friendly + Gen Z approved)
- Rhode Glazing Fluid (if you can get it!)
How to Get the Look (Your 3-Step Routine)
- Hydrate: Use a humectant serum + water-based moisturizer
- Seal: Apply a light oil or dew balm for that glazed top layer
- Shine: Gloss up lips + cheekbones with non-powder products
Trend Watch: Glossy Skin in the Wild
Whether it’s influencers in Covent Garden, festival-goers at Wireless, or a TikTok get-ready-with-me in Liverpool, the glow is everywhere. The best part? It’s inclusive, adaptable, and skin-first — not makeup-first.
Want to glow up this summer? Start with skincare, skip the filters, and layer that gloss. Then tag your glow using #UKGlazedSkin
.