Sometimes I like to pamper myself with an elaborate skincare routine. One where I spend thirty minutes in front of the mirror, massaging, patting and sweeping a medicine cabinet’s worth of products into every pore on my face.
But to be honest, I don’t always have the time, or desire, for such indulgences. For the days when my heart isn’t into the whole skincare shebang, I put together a 3-step minimalist routine that still makes me feel good.
Step 1: Fun with Foam
Cleansing is an essential part of every skincare routine. It’s so important to remove all the bacteria, pollutants, dead skin cells and just…general grime from your face. Skipping this step can lead to clogged pores, breakouts and a dull complexion. No one wants that!
If I’m not doing an elaborate double cleanse, I like to use Face Foam as my sole cleanser.
Why?
For starters, it’s fragrance-free and perfect for my combination skin. Face Foam contains apple cider vinegar, which helps to balance the skin’s pH level. And a balanced complexion means no to tight, dry skin! I also love that it’s formulated with white willow bark, which contains salicin. This natural anti-inflammatory helps to gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores!
On top of all the wonderful ingredients, the foamy texture is just plain fun!
Step 2: Something Special
A minimalist routine doesn’t mean you can’t include a little luxury, right?
Enter Fullmoon Serum!
Not only do the name, colour (from semi-precious malachite) and packaging scream “special,” this water-based serum is loaded with incredible ingredients! My favourites are moth bean extract, which is a plant-based retinol alternative. It’s gentler than traditional retinol, but just as effective at encouraging collagen production and boosting cell renewal! Vitamin C from moringa helps to brighten the complexion and vegan hyaluronic acid from senna helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Oh, it also has a lovely faint aroma (from fruit extracts) that makes this serum even more special!
Step 3: Wave Goodbye to Water Loss
Moisturizer is a must! It helps to prevent the water in your skin from evaporating throughout the day. A good moisturizer replenishes water loss and seals in moisture so your skin stays hydrated and looks dewy, not drab.
My go-to?
It’s formulated with maple sap water (Oh, Canada!) to provide water-based hydration plus a vegan ceramide to help the skin retain that moisture by boosting skin barrier function. It also contains rosehip extract to brighten the complexion and promote collagen production. In addition to the wonderful ingredients, Skin Stuff is ultralight, spreads easily and absorbs quickly. No greasy feeling here!
Did I mention that it doubles as an eye cream too? Talk about making the most of a minimalist routine!
And there you have it… healthy, glowing skin in three steps! Hint: You can combine Fullmoon Serum and Skin Stuff in the palm of your hand before applying and just like that... three steps are now two!
Skincare doesn’t always need to be an elaborate process… A little something is better than nothing! I hope that by sharing my minimalist routine, I’ve inspired you to create your own.
* This article was written by Kat Nguyen, a skincare researcher and beauty + ingredient expert.
