How Are You Feeling About Skincare + Beauty Routines?
Daily skincare tips are being thrown around pretty easily these days. What once used to be an instinctive process privately done in the bathroom, alongside daily doses of monotonous toothbrushing, is now being openly discussed (and we’re glad to hear it). But, does the newly founded extra time at home have to mean a more robust approach to skincare and less time dedicated to makeup? We chatted with our colleagues about where they stand with their routines nowadays – minimalist or maximalist? Grab a glass of red and scroll along. Joining the discussion is encouraged!
Asna S., Minimalist – “What’s The Point?”
“I have zero beauty routine right now. I haven’t touched my foundation, blush or lipstick since last March. Going completely bare faced. It’s kind of sad because I’m not even doing the minimal things like filling in my eyebrows. It’s a mixture of ‘what’s the point’ and ‘saving my skin’ for an occasion that will likely get postponed. With that extra time, I’ve been more consistent with my skincare routine in the morning and night. I use less than five products: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser in the morning, followed by the Biossance Omega Repair Cream and Biossance Vitamin C Rose Oil. At night, in the shower, I use the Biossance Tea Tree Cleansing Gel (love a mini steam facial), followed by the same moisturizer and oil. In the middle of the pandemic, my skin broke out a lot and left tiny scars. Unusual for me because I have normal skin. It wasn’t until I switched all of my skincare products to 1-2 ‘green’ (literally) brands that my skin has been back to normal – lesson learned!”
Samera A., Minimalist – “Makeup Does Expire”
“My skin care is super minimal. I don’t believe in hoarding makeup palettes and foundations because makeup does expire. I have the same skincare routine as usual – I use the Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser, the Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum, Elta MD UV Daily Tinted SPF and Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer. I don’t like foundation at all. I don’t even wear it at parties. When it comes to makeup, I only own one of every major cosmetic staple (quality > quantity): under-eye concealer, small eyeshadow palette, brow pencil, mascara, eyeliner, blush, highlighter, and 2-3 lipsticks on rotation. The golden rule is that everything must fit in my one makeup bag.”
Tina J., Minimalist – “Using Less Sunblock”
“Uh-oh... don’t laugh! I’ve never worn foundation—always been more of a ‘rely on a tan to make me glow’ kind of girl. My skincare routine is pretty much the same but I’m using less sunblock because I’ve been indoors so much! In the morning, I use: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, prescription retinoid, sunscreen and CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. At night, I use: the same cleanser and lotion, plus tretinoin cream. I do put on some eye makeup for Zoom calls with the likes of Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner Pencil and black eye shadow from a K-beauty brand called The Saem. Occasionally, I like to indulge my skin with Hanacure All-In-One Facial, snail face masks and snail under eye patches. Yes, I said snail...snail mucus to be exact. It’s actually refreshing!”
Nikita P., Minimalist – “Saving My Skin”
“I definitely don’t have a beauty routine right now and have also been ‘saving my skin’ for important occasions. In the mornings, I wash my face with Biossance Tea Tree Cleansing Gel and apply the following: Biossance Marine Algae Eye Cream (not the gel), The Ordinary Azelaic Acid or Vitamin C Suspension (I alternate every day), Biossance Omega Repair Cream, Biossance Sheer Mineral Sunscreen and finish with Himalaya’s lip balm. At night, I use the same cleanser, same eye cream and moisturizer and 0.025% retinol. For my makeup, I never do a ‘light beat’. If I’m putting it on it’s usually for a big event so I do a full routine with my Armani silk foundation, contour, and the works. More and more I appreciate the value of not putting on makeup every day and want to stick with that even as the world goes back to normal so I’m actually getting my eyebrows micro bladed!”
Dana F., Minimalist – “Only Using Curology”
“So I started Curology and honestly had the most amazing result with this customized approach that is made for my skin. In the mornings, I use their cleanser, followed by their moisturizer, Dermalogica Biolumin-C Eye Serum, and Elta MD UV Clear Sunscreen. Sometimes I use the Caffeine Solution from The Ordinary. At night, I use the same cleanser and moisturizer, Curology’s prescription cream with azelaic acid, clindamycin, zinc and Biossance Marine Algae Eye Cream. Curology provides the support I need to keep on a consistent regimen. With respect to my makeup, I only use mascara and concealer mainly to cover my tired under eyes (from those long night shifts) if I’m really going out to impress.”
Main Image by @leiasfez