Aldi's 52p household item that gives ‘glass skin’

THIS POPULAR BEAUTY TREND IS SAID TO DATE BACK OVER 2000 YEARS 17:38, 03 Jun 2025 2025 has already seen a host of skin care trends. One of these that has received particular popularity

online is ‘glass skin’. Albeit an unrealistic goal, there are hundreds if not thousands of products online that are claimed to help users achieve its characteristic reflective glow. While

ranging in price, some can cost upwards of hundreds of pounds. But while popular in the vocabulary of many big beauty brands and influencers, the term actually derives from Korean beauty (or

K-beauty), which has become popular in the UK and US in recent years. While Korean beauty trends are often noted for their multiple-step routines, one ‘glass skin’ alternative has been

praised in beauty circles that requires just one. The beauty ingredient that you have probably tossed down the sink countless times without thinking is rice water. You might be doing a

double take, but yes, this does just mean the white, starchy water that comes as a by-product of cooking or washing rice. Article continues below Despite a recent surge in popularity,

according to Vogue, rice water for skin isn’t new. The fashion magazine writes that “women in China, Korea, and Japan relied on rice water concoctions to create porcelain skin and luscious

hair as far back as 2,000 years ago.” As brands such as Tatcha sell their Rice Wash product for £41, a homemade rice toner can be made for the cost of a bag of rice (52p in Aldi). To make

rice water toner, soak uncooked rice in cold water and then strain to separate the milky water. Influencers say this can be used directly on the skin as a toner or frozen to depuff skin.

Article continues below The rice water should be stored in the fridge and used within a few days. Healthline says: “Rice water can be applied directly to skin or hair. You should first

dilute it with plain water if you boiled or fermented it.” Another skincare hack that is said to banish facial puffiness involves tying elastic bands around your ears.