2021’s biggest beauty trend – a ‘skinimalist’ routine for every skin type

There are two types of skincare fanatics; the ones who love layering their multiple serums, oils and creams, and the ones who prefer sticking to a simple, yet effective skincare routine. For the latter group, we have good news!

‘Skinimalism’ (aka skin minimalism), has fast become the biggest skincare trend of 2021. Over the past year, it is evident that our approach to skincare and beauty has changed drastically. During lockdown and isolation, we quickly swapped our heavy, ‘insta-glam’ makeup looks, for a more skincare focused approach. It’s no surprise then, that this year’s biggest beauty trend is all about embracing a minimalist skincare approach and embracing more of your natural skin texture and radiance.

(image via Pinterest)

So, what exactly is ‘skinimalism’?

It is all about ‘Marie Kondo-ing’ your skincare and makeup collections and culling anything that you do not need. Skinimalism focuses on using a few, effective products, that are suited to your skin type and help your natural radiance shine through. It also means ditching that high-coverage foundation and embracing a more natural, dewy look.

Not only will skin minimalism save you time and money, but it is also better for the planet, and may even be better for your skin! Sometimes less is more when it comes to beauty products. Cake-ing your face with a thick foundation and powders can lead to congested and angry skin. Unnecessary trial and error of skincare products that are just not right for your skin type could also leave your skin red and irritated.

Trendy skincare tools such a Gua Sha’s and Facial Rollers are a great way to enhance your skin, whilst sticking to minimal skincare products. Our Beauty Tool combines the two to help detoxify the skin and naturally brighten and enhance the skin's radiance without the need for extra products or makeup. 

The trick with skinimalism is finding a few key products that address your specific skin type and concerns, and of course using an SPF daily. We know how tricky this can be, so, we have done all the work for you! Below you will find a skinimalist skincare routine for every skin type.

Skinimalist skincare routines for every skin type

Dry skin

When it comes to dry skin, you want to look for products that are hydrating and nourishing!

Step 1 – Cleanse 

Your cleanser should be gentle and hydrating, and not strip the skin of its natural oils!

The No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk gently removes makeup and impurities and contains a nourishing oil blend to condition the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It also contains Apple Extracts, which are a natural source of AHA’s to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. Apple Extract also prevents trans-epidermal water loss making it an excellent extract for dry skin types.

Step 2 – Oil 

Dry skin needs deep nourishment, and what better way to nourish the skin than with an oil!

The & Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil contains a cocktail of active ingredients such as Snowflower Seed, Kakadu Plum and Jojoba Oil, which all work to visibly brighten dull skin, and provide intense nourishment 

Step 3 – Moisturise 

Moisturiser is important for all skin types as it helps to lock in the hydrating actives from your other skincare products.

People with dry skin should opt for a moisturise that is designed to replenish the skins moisture barrier and contain ingredients such as Vitamin E. The & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair – Night Crème contains Vitamin E and Pomegranate, which work to replenish the skins moisture barrier and prevent trans-epidermal moisture loss. Coco Bliss also contains Camellia Seed Oil and Cocoa Butter, which soak deep into the skin to hydrate without leaving the skin feeling greasy.

For days when your skin is feeling extra dry, I love using Coco Bliss as a face mask! Instead of applying the usual pea-sized amount and rubbing it in, apply a thicker layer of the crème and allow it to absorb into the skin for about 20-30 minutes.

Shop our Dry Skin Essentials set, containing our Cleansing Milk, Snowflower Oil, and Coco Bliss Intensive Repair Crème here.

Anti-ageing

For those of you looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the secret is finding potent blends of botanical ingredients that are designed to increase plumpness and elasticity.

Step 1 – Cleanse 

A good cleanser is important no matter your skin type! Formulas that contain sulphates, parabens or synthetic AHAs and BHAs can change the pH of your skin, leaving it prone to sensitivity, UV damage and premature ageing.

Our No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk sweeps away makeup and daily grime without leaving the skin feeling stripped and tight. It contains a nourishing blend of oils and natural AHAs to brighten and hydrate the skin. The cleanser also contains Wattleseed Extract, which is abundant in amino acids that assist in promoting healthy and supple skin. 

Step 2 – Serum 

Opt for a serum that is abundant in free-radical fighting antioxidants and skin-plumping Hyaluronic Acid.

Our No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid, a humectant that surges water deep into the skin to improve pliability and plumpness! It also contains Kakadu Plum, an antioxidant-rich Australian native fruit that contains the worlds highest natural content of Vitamin C! Kakadu Plum works to prevent oxidative damage, support collagen production, and aid in skin repair, making it a wonderful extract for youthful skin!

 Step 3 – Moisturise 

As we age a combination of sun damage, decreased cell renewal and changed to hormones, can lead to dry, rougher skin. If you are concerned about fine lines, look for moisturisers that are nourishing, and contain an abundance of Vitamins.

The & Coco Bliss Intensive Repair – Night Crème contains Shea and Cocoa Butter, which work to keep the skin feeling soft and nourished, while Vitamin E and Pomegranate extracts strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier to keep hydration intact. Coco Bliss also contains the Anti-ageing star ingredient Niacinamide. Niacinamide is a B vitamin with soothing activity that is useful for improving the appearance of aged, hyperpigmented and photodamaged skin and encouraging a more even skin tone.

Shop our Anti-Ageing Essentials set, containing our Cleansing Milk, No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum, and Coco Bliss Intensive Repair Crème here.

Combination, oily & acne-prone skin

A skinimalist approach to combination or acne-prone skin should involve skincare that is anti-microbial, oil-balancing and assists with skin repair.

Step 1 – Cleanse 

Cleansing is essential to tacking acne and oily skin! Look for a cleanser that will effectively remove makeup and daily grime, but not strip the skin. Many foaming cleansers strip the skin of its acid mantle, which is a protective barrier against microbes and toxins that can trigger breakouts.

The No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk contains a blend of nourishing oils, including antimicrobial coconut oil. It also contains salicylic acid, which balances sebum production and helps to unclog congested pores.

Step 2 – Serum 

Look for a serum designed to target congestion and reduce the clogging of pores.

Our Turmeric Beauty Latte contains Turmeric Extract, which is rich in Curcumin, an antioxidant that inhibits acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Curcumin has been shown to be 36 times stronger than azelaic acid, a chemical commonly used in acne treatments, that has been known to irritate.

Step 3 – Moisturise 

The key to moisturising combination, oily, and acne-prone skin, is finding a product that will hydrate without making the skin greasy. Many people with acne-prone or oily skin tend to skip moisturiser in fear that it will make their skin concerns worse, however, it has the opposite effect! Proper hydration ensures that the skin does not overcompensate for dryness by overproducing sebum! Look for moisturisers that are gel-based and contain calming and soothing ingredients.

Our & Soothing Nectar Hydrating Gel is a gel-based moisturiser that contains Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Chamomile and Calendula, which help to soothe and cool inflamed skin. It also contains Avocado Oil, which nourishes and hydrates the skin without contributing to greasiness.

Shop our Combination & Oily Skincare Set, which contains our Cleanser, Turmeric Beauty Latte, and Soothing Nectar, here.

Acne can often be associated with internal imbalances, so also consider a supplement that addresses the internal imbalances commonly associated with skin problems including hormone and liver health, such as our Beauty Detox Shot.

Shop our Acne-prone Skincare Set, which contains our Cleansing Milk, Turmeric Beauty Latte, Soothing Nectar and Detox Shot, here.

Sensitive skin

A minimalist skincare routine should focus on reducing irritation, soothing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier.

Step 1 – Cleanse 

Foaming cleansers can be extremely harsh on sensitive skin, and can leave it feeling red and irritated. Opt for a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that protects the skins protective barrier.

Our No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk is a gentle Coconut Oil-based emulsion containing soothing natural extracts such as Cucumber, Wattleseed and Zizyphus

Step 2 – Serum 

Look for a serum that is designed to calm the skin and strengthen its protective barrier. 

Our Probiotic Radiance Tonic contains Birch Leaf and a live probiotic strain which promote a strong skin barrier and encourage resistance to external skin aggressor for a calm and happy complexion!

Step 3 – Moisturise

If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to look for a moisturiser with cooling and calming properties. 

Our Soothing Nectar Hydrating Gel contains a synergy of skin-conditioning and calming botanicals, including Chamomile, Calendula, Cucumber and Aloe Vera, which provide an immediate cooling effect whilst simultaneously hydrating and locking in moisture.

Shop our Sensitive Skincare Essentials Set, containing our Cleanser, Probiotic Radiance Tonic and Soothing Nectar, here. 

Normal skin

If you have normal skin, skinimalism should come easily! Look for products that are designed to maintain the natural radiance and health of your skin with active botanicals.

Step 1 – Cleanse 

Our No.1 Belle Frais Cleansing Milk is perfect for all skin types. This gentle milk cleanser purifies the skin by gently removing oil, makeup and surface impurities. Coconut Oil, while Apple Extract and Strawberry Extracts naturally brighten and visibly enhance skin radiance.

Step 2 – Serum  

Maintain your youthful, radiance complexion with a serum that is designed to protect against free radical damage, and hydrate the skin. 

Our No.3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum the appearance of skin through a potent blend of antioxidant-rich botanicals such as Kakadu Plum, as well as ultra-hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid.

Step 3 – Moisturise 

Maintain your skins moisture levels with a lightweight moisturiser. 

Our No.4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion locks in existing moisture and visibly enhances skin firmness and plumpness using a powerful blend of hydrating ingredients including Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Camellia Seed Oil. 

Shop our Normal Skincare Essentials Set, containing our Cleansing Milk, No.3 Exotic Goddess Serum and No.4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion, here.  

One product, multiple benefits 

If you are wanting to minimise your skincare routine even further, look for products which multi-task!

Using a face oil for instance, can be a great way to bundle up a makeup remover, antioxidant support and hydration in one! Use our & Snowflower Illuminating Face Oil to remove make up, provide a boost of antioxidants to support collagen production, hydrate and provide a dewy glow all in one!

Our Desert Lime Flawless Micro-Exfoliant is a fantastic way to cleanse/purify, hydrate and brighten the skin all in one! Gentle enough to be used daily, it is great for all skin types and has the added bonus of an energising lime boost.