Moisture Masterclass: From Dolphin To Glass And Cloud Skin, How Hydrated Skin Went Viral And How To Get It

Discover the full hydrating skin and body care range at Kiehl’sFrom dolphin, to glass and cloud skin, the biggest viral skincare trends of the moment have one thing in common: supreme hydration. But how do you deliver moisture in a way that enhances your skin’s appearance and health?Here we deep dive into these three looks and how you can create them with the Kiehl’s skincare range. A beautifully dewy complexion for 2025? It may be easier than you think.While each trend is subtly different, they all require maximum moisture. For Dolphin Skin, think super glossy makeup looks that start with a well-hydrated skincare base. The glow comes from the skin’s natural radiance enhanced with soft makeup such as liquid blush and an illuminator. Glass Skin is all about super dewy, hydrated skin that’s lit from within with radiance. It does take some dedication routine-wise, requiring cleansing, exfoliating, and deep hydration with a serum and moisturiser. The newest trend, Cloud Skin, is a softer take on the glass look. The same principles of well-maintained, ultra hydrated skin prevail, but the end result is slightly more matte and velvety. This can be achieved with a light moisturiser and soft makeup such as a mattifying BB cream or foundation. Dust shinier areas with translucent powder, while maintaining an element of dewiness. Creating a super-hydrated skincare routineSo how can you create these beautifully dewy looks in real life? To find out, we spoke to Gerwyn Slater-Powell, Education Manager at Kiehl’s, and Elena Brayda-Bruno, Brand Business Director at Kiehl’s. Step one: Cleanse away impurities“To create glass, dolphin or cloud skin you need a strong, layered, skincare routine,” says Elena. For a cleanser, opt for something gentle yet effective at removing impurities. “If you strip your skin too aggressively, products you use afterwards will not work as they should,” Elena explains. This can compromise the skin barrier, leaving it susceptible to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.Step two: Exfoliate gently “For glass skin you want supreme hydration, a healthy skin barrier and improved texture,” says Gerwyn. “Exfoliation is key. Depending on your skin type and condition, you could use a traditional scrub. My preference, however, is a gentle chemical peel like the Kiehl’s Milk Peel Toner.” This dual-action product contains Lipo Hydroxy Acid, almond milk, and 23 per cent emollients to lightly exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells and dissolve impurities. Vitally, it also replenishes moisture to keep the skin barrier strong. “Alternatively, you could use our Triple Acid Peel which is gentle enough to use daily.”Step 3: Apply a hydrating serumOnce the skin is prepped and primed, start supercharging hydration. “At Kiehl’s, our serums help give skin a plumper look and feel, improve the appearance of texture instantly and quench your skin’s thirst,” says Gerwyn.Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate is an efficacious hydrating serum that helps visibly plump skin to smooth the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin texture. “It’s filled with Epidermal Hydration Filler to give it a plump appearance,” says Gerwyn. “The formula visibly improves the appearance of dehydrated skin brought on by a decline in skin’s natural Hyaluronic Acid levels while helping improve elasticity. It acts like your natural hyaluronic acid within the epidermis – what we refer to as ‘plumping up the pillow’ – whilst hydrating, for a long-term, cumulative effect.”Kiehl’s Ultra Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum is suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. Formulated with a concentrated 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid and with just seven ingredients to help your skin bounce back with replenishing moisture and intensive hydration. “Applying this in concentrated amounts twice daily can help improve texture and give a plump look and feel while strengthening the skin barrier.”Step 4: Lock in hydration with a moisturiserWhile serums deliver hydrating, radiance-boosting ingredients to the epidermal layers of the skin, a cream adds moisture to the surface. The key is picking the right one for your skin type.“Dry skin needs a cream packed with nourishing ingredients,” Gerwyn says. “Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream strengthens the skin barrier and keeps it supremely hydrated, via a concentration of squalane, a humectant that nourishes and conditions the skin barrier.” Squalane is naturally present within our skin but when applied topically within our formula, it helps lock moisture in.”Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream strengthens the skin barrier and keeps it supremely hydrated“Then there is Glacial Glycoprotein, which we ferment in our labs. Found naturally on glaciers in Greenland, it can cope in frozen, arid and dry environments while locking in water, providing skin with a natural defence to seasonal weather shifts. Our formula, containing all these key ingredients, combines to give up to 72hr hydration.”For oilier skin types, moisturiser is still essential for keeping the skin barrier healthy, but the formula should be lightweight and oil-free, such as Kiehl’s Ultra-Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream. “If you struggle with blemishes, this is a great option,” Gerwyn says. As well as Glacial Glycoprotein, this contains Micronised Amino Acid. The formula reduces the appearance of sebum to help minimise pores.For men, Gerwyn recommends Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Moisturiser, which contains Vitamin C, caffeine and chestnut extract. “In general, men’s skin is thicker, oilier and perspires more,” he explains. “Facial Fuel has been carefully formulated to create a lightweight product that’s easily absorbed, won’t irritate after shaving, and leaves skin with a hydrated, energised feel.”Ultra-Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream contains Vitamin C, caffeine and chestnut extractStep five: Finish with eye cream and SPFIf the skin around your eyes is prone to dryness, it’s best to use a targeted treatment such as Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream. “This is like Ultra Facial Cream for your eyes,” says Gerwyn. “This formula with caffeine helps to minimise the appearance of dark circles and tiredness of eyes with a pop of energy,” he explains. “The key callout in our formula is the avocado oil that strengthens the skin barrier whilst hydrating this delicate area. It also works incredibly under-make-up”. Gerwyn advises taking a rice-grain sized amount, and emulsifying the formula between your fingertips to transform it to a lightweight water-like texture. Gently press around the orbital bone, avoiding the eyelid.It’s best to use a targeted treatment such as Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream if the skin around your eyes is prone to drynessThe final step in any morning skincare routine? A generous-sized amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen to the face, neck and decolletage to protect the skin against cumulative UV exposure. “My recommendation is SPF 50,” says Gerwyn.As with any new routine, don’t forget that the secret is in consistency and using products suited to your skin type. Dewy, radiant skin? It’s just a few steps away…Discover the full hydrating skin and body care range atKiehl’s

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