My 56-Year-Old Mom Asked Me How to Get Glass Skin—I Sent Her These 12 Product Recs
Whenever my mom visits me in New York, she always checks a bag—even for a quick weekend trip. Why? Well, she may or may not be a chronic overpacker (must be genetic!), but she also leaves the city with a new bundle of beauty products from my ever-growing stash of samples. She usually comes in hot with a specific request—a new lengthening mascara or dry shampoo, perhaps—but recently, she allowed me to take creative liberty and fill her tote with “anything for glowing, glass skin.” Like the good beauty-editor daughter I am, I sent her home with a medley of MVPs—plus a bonus list of favorites I just couldn’t bear giving away.
Granted, some of the products in my own routine aren’t as applicable to her skin goals (for example, I still rely on BHAs to clear my pores of acne-causing bacteria, while she prefers to focus on tightening ingredients), but we do have quite a bit of crossover when it comes to a smooth, even-toned complexion. And make no mistake: “Glass skin” doesn’t mean you don’t have a pore or fine line in sight. It refers to skin cells so healthy and nourished that they naturally reflect light—and a healthy, nourished barrier knows no age. Below, find the products I instantly recommended for the task.
Neuraé
Harmonie The Sleeping Mask
Most overnight masks are way too sticky for my liking (the price you pay to wake up looking glazed and dewy!), but this new Neuraé confection feels like straight-up cashmere. It instantly fuses to the skin without making a mess of my pillow, and my complexion looks noticeably brighter, smoother, and generally well-rested in the a.m. As I told my mom, it’s basically REM sleep in a bottle.
Dr. Diamond’s Metacine
Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum
I’ve been using this skin-regenerating serum for three months now, and all I can say is wow. I recently implemented the brands Infusion and Emulsion too (and can already tell they’re winners), but if my mom is only going to buy one, I told her to snag the Plasma. It contains high-tech synthetics that mimic the growth factors found in youthful human skin, which lends to a taut, glassy effect over time.
Maelove Skincare
Peptide Squad Collagen Renewal Serum
Many peptide-infused serums can be quite spendy (including the above), so Maelove’s $48 concoction feels like an absolute steal. It contains four classes of peptides—copper tripeptide-1, Matrixyl 3000, argireline, and rice peptides—to target skin aging at every angle. Argireline is a particularly neat player for smoothing wrinkles; some even call it the topical version of Botox. Don’t shy away from the formula’s blue hue! That comes from the aforementioned copper peptides, and it’s a sign the active is of the purest, highest quality.
I know, I know. The Lyma Laser is one high-ticket skincare tool, and the Pro version is even pricier at $5995. I’m not one to toss around these recommendations lightly, so trust me when I say that this device is 1000% worth the investment. It has completely transformed my skin: My dark spots have completely faded, the texture feels supple and plump, and my tone is more even than it’s been in my entire life.
I don’t struggle with sagging and wrinkles just yet, but the tool is also lauded for restoring skin’s elasticity. Given how transformative it’s been for my own skin concerns (read: hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and dullness), I recommended it to my mom without a second thought. She recently received a Sofwave treatment (a spendy, noninvasive in-office procedure) for skin-tightening, so I suggested she use the Lyma to maintain those results for as long as possible.
ANFISA Skin
Ân-Dew 10% Azelaic Acid + PHA Serum
If you have sensitive, easily angered skin like I do, this gently exfoliating serum will be your BFF. It features gluconolactone, a type of PHA known for its ability to slough dead skin without wrecking the moisture barrier; in fact, it simultaneously hydrates and enhances tone, as it also functions as an antioxidant. Pair that with azelaic acid (which helps dial down inflammation and redness), and you’re left with a multitasking hero for delicate skin that could use a little help looking brighter.
ELEMIS
Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
Similar to PHAs, enzymes gently exfoliate the surface of the skin without aggravating the barrier. They’re abundant in this milky cleanser, which leaves my complexion feeling so smooth and supple to the touch (no tight, stripped feeling post-cleanse). Removing all traces of makeup and daily grime is imperative. (I remind my mom of this often!). Otherwise, your expensive serums and creams will do next to nothing—it’s akin to tossing them right out the window. All that to say, you should be as obsessed with your face wash as you are with the subsequent formulas in your routine, and this one ticks every box.
LADUORA
Lumeo SkinLift 4D Current Red Light Therapy Kit
Microcurrent is top notch for encouraging lift (it’s essentially like a workout for your facial muscles), but this high-tech tool kicks those benefits up a notch by offering electroporation—or short bursts of electrical pulses—as well for optimal product absorption. It also features red light, near-infrared light, and rhythmic vibrations to stimulate collagen and encourage lymphatic drainage. If microcurrent is a workout for your skin, then Lumeo is an entire wellness retreat. It’s tagged at $190, a relatively more affordable price point compared to other FDA-cleared tools, which can be upward of $400.
Augustinus Bader
The Elixir
Are Augustinus Bader products wildly expensive? Yes. But do they work? Absolutely. I’ll tell anyone I know (including Mom) that the formulas are well worth the investment, and this skin-smoothing elixir totally fits the bill. It’s the brand’s most concentrated product ever with advanced TFC8, phyto-peptides, and antioxidants, and it makes my skin look ultra dewy and bright.
Shani Darden Skin Care
Retinol Reform
Celebrity aesthetician Shani Darden could tell me to put baby food on my face and I would with zero hesitation, so when she launched a new retinol serum, suffice it to say I was game. The formula contains 1% encapsulated retinol, which is a gentle, slow-release concentration that smooths and tightens skin without wreaking havoc (read: flaking and redness), plus peptides and prickly pear extract for cell renewal and hydration. I’ve been using it for over a month and have been loving the firming, plumping effects. My mom doesn’t currently use a prescription retinoid, so this is a great OTC option to get her back on the bandwagon.
RéVive
Brightening Eye Cream
My dark circles are unfortunately genetic (thank you, Mom and Dad!), so I approach brightening eye creams with a healthy dose of skepticism. Nothing will make those shadows vanish completely, but this brightening eye cream is the closest it comes to a miracle formula. I use it every morning given its light-reflecting properties that provide an instant hit of brightness, and thanks to its hyaluronic filling spheres, I’ve also noticed the skin underneath my eyes appearing thicker and stronger, meaning fewer fine lines and redness.
Paula’s Choice
Pro-Collagen Peptide Firming Eye Serum
If my mom wants a relatively less pricey eye cream, I highly suggested this de-puffing gel serum. It has everything I value for bright, hydrated under-eyes: a clinically backed, peptide infused formula; a lightweight texture that layers seamlessly under makeup; and a cooling tip that instantly soothes swollen bags. I’m such a Paula’s Choice stan (the brand reveals hit after hit, IMO), so it’s no surprise I adore its latest addition to the Peptide Collection.
SunsolveMD
ZnO+ Mineral Care Firm + Replenish SPF 50
Let’s be clear: If you don’t protect your skin from harsh UV rays, all those skin-regenerative serums will be for naught. Sun exposure is responsible for 80% of visible signs of skin aging, which can really take away from a glass-like glow. Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use, but I do love formulas that play double duty, like this SPF 50 from SunsolveMD. In addition to zinc oxide, it contains multiple ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower extract to repair past skin damage and smooth the appearance of fine lines.
