What ingredients should you look for?
Want to go the extra mile? Cynthia Franco, a celebrity aesthetician based in Beverly Hills, says that moisture-retaining, rice-based skin care products can be used in mochi regimen to achieve the lucid texture and suppleness.
In addition to working with the mochi theme, rice is a great skin care ingredient because it has natural enzymes that strengthen and brighten skin. (We've always been fans of the SkinFood Rice Mask Wash Off, $10.)
How does it compare to other skin care trends?
There are a lot of trendy skin looks out there, so how is mochi skin different? He says that mochi skin demands healthy, well-prepped skin for best results.
In comparison, glass skin is easily achieved on all skin types with clear glossy products such as a juicy liquid highlighter or glowing serum.
Franco elaborates that glass skin has a translucent, shiny finish like, yes, glass and can be achieved with microdermabrasion and acid exfoliators.
"Mochi skin does not disrupt the acid mantle of the skin," explains Franco. "[It's about] gentle exfoliation with lots of humectant infusions."
Image via Imaxtree
How to Get Mochi Skin
The good news is, mochi skin is actually pretty simple to achieve. It's certainly a lot easier than making traditional mochi (the process of which includes an actual mallet and a whole lot of elbow grease).
In fact, your current skin care routine might already lend itself to a mochi skin finish. "Whenever I hear about new trends in skin care — especially ones named after foods — I roll my eyes and think 'WHAT NOW,'" says Aharon. "But, when I did my research on mochi skin, I was happy to find out that it's something that I've had in practice for years now."
Aharon says that mochi skin is a quick skin care regimen that starts with a double cleanse, followed by an essence and serum, which usually contain vitamin C, skin-plumping ceramides and other water-trapping ingredients (we like the DHC Super Collagen Supreme, $28). Franco suggests opting for gentle enzymatic exfoliation over acid exfoliation.
A lightweight moisturizer containing peptides and/or ceramides to keep skin plump and a quality sunscreen finish off a typical look. "Always finish with a SPF [because] sun damage can ruin your mochi skin goals," says Franco.
Mochi skin must-haves
Aharon suggests starting with a cleansing oil or balm, like the Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, $34, in tandem with the newly launched Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water, $14, and skin will be halfway to a mochi finish. For sunscreens, try the Coola Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $32, or Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $34.
To maintain a bouncy, blemish-free texture Aharon suggests using a hydrating mask, such as the Alder New York Smoothing Face Mask, $46, a couple times per week and remembering to exfoliate.
Considering treatments? Franco says that microneedling, microcurrent and oxygen facials will help expedite mochi skin results.
Achieving mochi skin with makeup
To really achieve the goal of blemish-free, "poreless" skin, He recommends a mattifying moisturizer, like the Ceramiracle Balance Warrior Probiotic Cream, $29, with the Ceramiracle O'Cali Nature Brighten Up Hyaluronic Bomb, $29, followed by carefully chosen makeup products, like a hydrating primer with liquid foundation. A glossy makeup spray can be the finishing touch.
Franco adds that a rice-based powder could be added, too. It will enhance the pillowy texture of skin and offer a bit more coverage.
