How to tell the difference between glowing skin and greasy skin

Have you finally nailed that naturally dewy look — or is your face just oily? There’s a fine line between skin that looks like you’ve stepped off a wellness retreat and skin that looks straight-up greasy. Just because you’ve slathered on your favourite moisturiser doesn’t automatically mean your skin is glowing. So how do you tell the difference between radiance and oiliness? We break down what truly defines glowing skin versus greasy skin — and how to keep your complexion looking fresh, balanced and effortlessly dewy.

Glowing skin

We can all agree that glowing, dewy skin has become the ultimate skincare goal — but what does it actually mean? When your skin truly glows, it looks fresh, healthy and plump, radiating from within. In a perfect world, it would appear as though you drink two litres of water a day, get a full eight hours of sleep, eat a balanced diet and live a stress-free life. But glowing skin isn’t defined by lifestyle alone. It also comes down to how well you care for your skin — from choosing the right products and staying consistent with your routine to protecting your skin barrier and knowing when to give your skin a break.

beauty

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Greasy skin

While glowing skin is often associated with health and radiance, greasy skin tells a different story. Greasiness is the result of excess sebum production, which creates an overly shiny appearance — particularly in the T-zone (the forehead, nose and chin). It’s typically characterised by an oily texture, enlarged pores and a tendency towards breakouts. Unlike a natural glow, which appears soft and balanced, grease can look uneven and feel heavy on the skin. Greasy skin can be triggered by several factors, including genetics, hormonal fluctuations, climate, or the use of products that are too rich or comedogenic.

@skincupid Replying to @Frozan Let's get to the bottom of this, is it Glass skin or just greasy skin 🤔 Although both types may look similar at first glance, they are definitely not the same. Glass skin comes from within, created by a healthy, hydrated skin barrier, and gives a beautiful glow to the skin. Meanwhile, oily skin is a skin type that creates excess oils that sit on top of the skin. Fun fact: oily skin tends to overproduce oils from a lack of hydration! Stay tuned to for pt.3 where we help you take your skin from greasy to glassy 🤩 #glassskin #skincaretips #oilyskin #kbeauty #healthyskinbarrier #glowingskin ♬ Magnetic - ILLIT

A quick way to tell the difference

Glowing skin: Subtle, soft, and sticks around in the right places — like cheekbones, bridge of nose, and cupid’s bow. It looks intentional, fresh, and flattering.

Greasy skin: Shiny all over, feels a bit slippery, makeup doesn’t stay put, and overall skin feels heavy.

How to achieve glowing skin

Hydrate: Use a lightweight moisturiser or serum with hyaluronic acid instead of layering heavy creams.
Opt for glow-from-within makeup: Choose luminous foundations and cream blushes that bring radiance.
Blot wisely: Carry oil-blotting sheets or a translucent powder to keep shine at bay without getting rid of the glow.
Exfoliate regularly: A gentle exfoliator helps remove buildup so your skin looks smoother and even-toned.
Know your skin type: Those with oily skin want oil-free or mattifying bases, while those with dry can lean into richer textures.