How to create a minimalist beauty routine that works for you

Minimalism is a lifestyle philosophy that focuses on living with less clutter, more intention and more joy. It can also be applied to your beauty routine, which can help you save time, money and space, as well as reduce your environmental impact and enhance your natural beauty.

A minimalist beauty routine is not about giving up on your appearance or using only one product for everything. It’s about finding the right balance between simplicity and effectiveness and choosing products that suit your skin type, preferences and goals.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create a minimalist beauty routine that works for you, from decluttering your existing products to selecting the essentials to maintain your new habits.

Step 1: Declutter your existing products

The first step to creating a minimalist beauty routine is to get rid of the products that you don’t need, use or love. This will help you clear some space in your bathroom or vanity, as well as make it easier to see what you actually have and what you are missing.

To declutter your existing products, you can follow these tips:

  • Gather all your beauty products in one place and sort them into categories, such as skincare, makeup, haircare, etc.
  • Check the expiration dates of each product and toss anything that is past its prime or smells bad. You can also use online tools like checkcosmetic.net to find out how long your products last after opening them.
  • Go through each category and ask yourself these questions: Do I use this product regularly? Does it work well for my skin type and needs? Do I enjoy using it? Does it align with my values and goals? If the answer is no to any of these questions, consider donating, recycling or discarding the product. You can also swap or sell products that are still in good condition but don’t suit you anymore.
  • Keep only the products that you love, use and need, and organize them in a way that makes sense to you. You can use containers, trays or baskets to store them neatly and visibly.

Step 2: Select the essentials

The next step to creating a minimalist beauty routine is to select the essential products that will form the core of your routine. These are the products that you use every day or most days, and that serve a specific purpose for your skin type and goals.

The number and type of essential products may vary depending on your personal preferences and needs, but here are some general guidelines to help you choose them:

  • For skincare, aim for a basic routine that consists of a cleanser, a moisturizer and a sunscreen. These are the three most important steps to keep your skin clean, hydrated and protected from sun damage. You can also add an exfoliator, a toner or a serum if you feel like they make a noticeable difference for your skin.
  • For makeup, focus on the features that you want to enhance or conceal, and choose products that match your skin tone and undertone. You don’t need to have a full face of makeup every day, unless you enjoy it. A minimalist makeup routine could include a foundation or a tinted moisturizer, a concealer, a blush or a bronzer, eyeliner or mascara, and a lip product.
  • For haircare, stick to the basics of shampooing, conditioning and styling your hair according to your hair type and desired look. You don’t need to use multiple products for each step, unless they serve a specific function for your hair. For example, if you have curly hair, you may want to use a leave-in conditioner or a curl cream to define your curls. If you have fine hair, you may want to use a volumizing spray or a dry shampoo to add some texture and lift.
  • For body care, opt for products that nourish and moisturize your skin without irritating it. You don’t need to use different products for different parts of your body, unless they have different needs. For example, if you have dry skin on your legs but oily skin on your back, you may want to use different moisturizers for them. A minimalist body care routine could include a body wash or a soap bar, a body lotion or body oil, and a deodorant.

Step 3: Maintain your new habits

The final step to creating a minimalist beauty routine is to maintain your new habits and enjoy the benefits of simplifying your routine. Here are some tips to help you stick to your minimalist beauty routine:

  • Set a regular schedule for your routine and follow it consistently. For example, you can do your skincare routine every morning and evening, your makeup routine every weekday or whenever you feel like it, and your haircare and body care routine every two or three days or as needed.
  • Review your products periodically and replace them when they run out or expire. You can also try new products if you want to, but make sure they fit into your minimalist criteria and don’t clutter your space or overwhelm your routine.
  • Appreciate the quality and performance of your products and how they make you feel. You don’t need to have a lot of products to look and feel good. You can achieve a beautiful and natural look with just a few products that work well for you.

Conclusion

Creating a minimalist beauty routine can help you save time, money and space, as well as reduce your environmental impact and enhance your natural beauty. To create a minimalist beauty routine that works for you, you need to declutter your existing products, select the essentials and maintain your new habits. By following these steps, you can enjoy the simplicity and effectiveness of a minimalist beauty routine.