The best highlighting balms for glass skin
Glass skin has long been one of beauty’s most aspirational finishes. The K-beauty term describes skin that looks almost translucent—plumped, hydrated, and reflective in the most natural way, as if lit by an inner glow.
While skincare certainly plays a part, makeup has evolved to meet this ideal through a particular category of highlighter: the highlighting balm. Unlike traditional powder or liquid highlighters that lean on shimmer or metallic pigments, highlighting balms work through translucence. They add light without particles, dewiness without grease, and glow without glitter. What you get is a healthy sheen that looks almost undetectable as makeup, just skin at its best.
This is why makeup artists love them. And it is why backstage at runway shows, in editorial shoots, and on the faces of K-pop idols, you will often spot these clear or near-clear sticks being applied in strategic swipes.
But not all balms are created equal. Some lean more melty and sheer, while others are formulated to withstand humidity and daily wear.
Luxury: Chanel Baume Essentiel multi-use glow stick in transparent
Few products capture light as seamlessly as Chanel’s Baume Essentiel in transparent. This luxurious stick delivers a dewy, healthy luminosity that never feels greasy, thanks to its perfectly emollient texture that melts into skin.
And because it is completely clear, the effect is skin-enhancing rather than makeup-like. It looks particularly stunning on bare skin, adding dimension and a polished dewiness—even on no-makeup days. Swipe it across the tops of cheekbones, temples, or eyelids, and it instantly brings the complexion to life.
Another advantage is how versatile it is over base makeup. If foundation starts to look flat, Baume Essentiel revives it with pinpoint dewiness, for example on the cheeks, while allowing the rest of the face such as your T-zone to stay balanced and matte. It is this ability to sculpt with light that makes it a modern classic in any makeup kit. Applied strategically, it gives dimension and freshness without altering the underlying texture of your makeup.
This stick is an investment, but for those who value the most natural, skin-like finish, it remains one of the most refined glow products available today.
Mid-range: Hince True Dimension glow balm in clear
Hince has emerged as the insider favorite for achieving that coveted K-pop idol radiance. Beloved among beauty editors and makeup artists, Hince’s transparent glow balm delivers an almost identical effect to its luxury counterparts, offering a clear finish that melts seamlessly into the skin.
What makes it stand out is how natural it looks in real life. Unlike powder highlighters that sit on the surface, this balm melds with the complexion, creating radiance that feels more like hydration than makeup. It is the kind of glow that garners compliments like “your skin looks amazing” rather than “I love your highlighter.”
Personally, this is the product that has earned me compliments on my skin like no other makeup has. It gives the illusion that you have been drinking liters of water daily, leaving you looking plumped, refreshed, and luminous. It is understated yet transformative, delivering that healthy, moisturized sheen we associate with glass skin.
For those who love the look of K-beauty idols but want a friendlier price point than luxury, Hince is the clear choice. It is the trick to achieving that fresh, radiant glow without splurging.
Local favorite: Issy Crème Glass Stick in clear
Issy has carved out a niche market by reimagining global beauty trends for everyday life in the tropics, and the Crème Glass Stick is no exception. Where Chanel and Hince lean toward melty, Issy’s version feels slightly more solid in texture—an intentional choice that makes it perfect for humid climates where a balm that is too creamy might slide.
The finish is still fresh and luminous but with a soft-focus quality that is incredibly wearable day-to-day. This effect comes from micro-fine pearls embedded in the formula, which gives a smooth radiance that blurs imperfections rather than spotlighting them.
Beyond glow, the stick also works as skincare in disguise. Skin-conditioning emollients ensure a silky glide while vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, helps protect against environmental stressors like pollution. The result is not just cosmetic luminosity but a formula that cares for your skin while it enhances it.
It is also worth noting how compact it is. Toss it in your bag, touch up throughout the day, and you will maintain that fresh-faced dew even through long commutes and sticky weather. For an everyday, climate-proof glow, Issy’s stick is the one to reach for.
