As a Beauty Editor with a six-step skincare routine morning and night, the “if you could take one beauty product to a desert island, what would it be?” query seriously stumps me. I’m not exactly sure what the carry-on liquid regulations are for aforementioned island trip but I’m going to guess the rules wouldn’t allow for multiple cleansers and three different face oils. And whilst it’s nice to take the time to indulge in a lengthy at-home skincare regime, great skin generally comes down to the ingredients within your products rather than the number of products you’re using. It’s all about customising your routine for your skin type – and if you find the right round-up of effective options you can keep your complexion in prime condition without cluttering your cabinets. Minimalist lifestyles are all about living with less, and making the things that you invest in work harder for you –it works with furniture and it works with fashion, so why not incorporate the idea into your skincare too? A good routine revolves around refreshing, treating and protecting your skin – yep, if you edit down you can still hit the three essential steps with three potent products. Whether you’re keen to reclaim time in your day, or like me, just want to simplify in the name of not being cast on the next season of Hoarders, these multitasking maestros are a minimalist’s must-haves. They’re bound to take you from product packhorse to streamlined skin-imalist in a flash.
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Here’s the general formula to stick to:
Refresh
Start (and end) your day right by cleansing your canvas. You can streamline the cleanse and exfoliate steps of your skincare routine into one by reaching for a cleanser containing AHAs or BHAS. They’ll rid your complexion of impurities and makeup whilst also sloughing off any dead skin that’s limiting your luminosity. If you’re a sensitive skin type, look for formulas with lactic acid, a gentler exfoliating option that won’t trigger inflammation.
Bh loves: Ultraderm Skin Renew Cleanser, Skin Physics Dragon’s Blood 3-In-1 Advanced Treatment Cleanser, Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
Target
Simple doesn’t have to mean ineffective – this step is your opportunity to treat the skin issue that’s causing your complexion grief. Opt for a serum heavy in whatever active ingredient your complexion requires – whether it’s Vitamin C for a brightness boost, Glycolic Acid for an oil de-slick or Hyaluronic Acid for healing hydration, this step is effective and essential.
bh loves: La Mav® Daily Vitamin-C Brightening Serum, Alpha-H Liquid Laser Concentrate, Ella Baché Hydra Hyaluronic Cellular Serum, Murad Blemish Control OutSmart Blemish Clarifying Treatment
Protect
Hydration and sun protection are both non-negotiables and eliminating either from your routine would be an unforgiveable skin sin, but they can definitely come from one product if you choose wisely. Opt for an ultra-nourishing moisturiser that contains at least SPF30 for a decent dose of both. Finish your routine off with this step and you’re good to go.
bh loves: Ultraderm Daily Protector Moisturiser 30+ SPF, Paula’s Choice CALM Redness Relief SPF30 Mineral Moisturiser, Azclear Action Day Moisturiser SPF30, Natio Ageless Daily Moisturiser UV Protection SPF 30+
Main image credit: Getty Images
Do you think you could survive as a skin-imalist? How many products do you currently use in your skincare routine?
I can be a minimalist with makeup but not skincare!
I probably could….. but I love skincare too much!
If I had to choose just one product it would be soap, no sunscreen, no soap, no suncreen, no ……. help!
I use quite a few products in my current routine. Not sure if I could be a minimalist in this area.
I am very minimal, especially in the morning, with COVID and working from home, I don’t cleanse in the morning and just put on a face mist and then moisturise.