Remember glass skin? The K-Beauty trend that guaranteed luminous, dewy, and porcelain-like skin with next-level smoothness that even a glazed doughnut would dream to match? Fast forward to 2021, and this pivotal skincare trend has a new substitute. Skinimalism is the Internet’s newest skin frenzy that’s all about ditching your overly-complex routines and embracing a less is more approach. It’s been coined as ‘the new glow-up’ according to the annual Pinterest Predicts report, and it’s placing a positive focus on general skin health. Here’s everything you need to know about the trending term.
NOUN: Skinimalism (skin + minimalism) pronounced / skin - nee - ma - luh - zim
Pandemic life has brought about significant change in the way many of us approach beauty. With video calls now becoming an active part of our daily routines, consumers are now seeking quick solutions to create natural beauty looks with ease. Essentially, skinimalism focuses on streamlining and decluttering your beauty arsenals to only include the items that you need. This means, ‘the end of the caked-on makeup look’ and a focus on ‘letting [your] natural skin texture shine through,’ says Pinterest.
Glass skin focused on attaining a certain degree of ‘skin perfection.’ On the other hand, skinimalism recognizes that skin is unique and comes with distinct “flaws”. It encourages us to embrace our natural skin and prioritize only the basics — i.e products that enhance our skin’s texture and makeup that works to only conceal where necessary.
African skincare and beauty influencer Dudu Kgoebane (IG: @dudu_kgoebane) vouches for the “basic 4-step skincare routine, where you cleanse, treat, hydrate and protect.” She elaborates that your cleansing routine forms the groundwork of “how the rest of your skincare products will be received and absorbed by your skin which is why it’s important to cleanse thoroughly for 60 seconds at most to get the optimum benefits.” Treating, hydrating and protecting then act as the building blocks for skin success. Kgoebane tells me: “Incorporate a product with active ingredients to target specific skin concerns, follow with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to help replenish your skin’s barrier, end off with a broad spectrum to help prevent premature aging and pigmentation caused by UVA and UVB rays, ensuring you follow the two-finger rule when applying your SPF.”
Black beauty content creator Aphiwe Khambule (IG: @aphiwekhambs) shares similar sentiments to Kgoebane but expresses a more neutral stance when asked which regimen she favours, explaining, “it doesn't matter which approach you use; if neither one doesn’t include sunscreen and fails to cover the bases of cleansing, hydrating and protecting then it’s pretty much ineffective.”
Aphiwe’s star products:
For CLEANSING
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water
“It has an amazing and gentle formula that cleanses the face and removes makeup effortlessly without leaving the skin feeling tacky and dry afterward. I especially love using this cleanser in the mornings to gently cleanse my face whenever I’ve used a hydrating face mask the night before.”
For TREATING
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Serum
“This serum has a beautiful lightweight and creamy consistency. It’s also non-greasy and enriched with amazing ingredients like niacinamide and ferulic acid. Overall, it’s helped minimize my dark spots and leaves my skin hydrated with a luminous glow.”
For MOISTURISING
Daytime: LANEIGE Cream Skin
“This is one of my all-time favourite skincare products, ever. It’s a toner-moisturizer with a watery, milky consistency that looks and feels like a toner but provides the benefits I would get from a moisturizer which allows me to skip my face cream.”
Evening: MediHeal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Face Mask
“I love using sheet masks in the evenings so the potent ingredients can work overnight on my skin. There’s a reason this is the number-one selling sheet mask brand in South Korea. This mask provides amazing hydration and deeply moisturizes the skin while helping to control the overproduction of oil and minimizes any inflammation that I may have on the skin.”
For PROTECTING
Eucerin Face Oil Control Dry Touch SPF 50
“It’s a sunscreen that moisturizes the skin so beautifully. Whenever I don’t have time in the morning, I’ll skip my moisturizer and go straight onto my sunscreen. A formula that applies like a day cream and leaves skin well-hydrated and protected is always a winner for me, and Eucerin’s does exactly that.”
Dudu’s star products:
Image courtesy of Thapelo Kekana
For CLEANSING
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
"I love how gentle this cleanser is. It doesn't leave that ‘dried-out’ sensation after use and my skin always feels so smooth and supple after cleansing.”
For TREATING
Daytime: Skin Functional Dark Mark Management Serum or Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum
“Skin Functional’s serum has 2% Alpha Arbutin. It’s improved my uneven tone and leaves a healthy glow on the skin. Vichy’s hyaluronic-infused serum is the queen of hydration. It instantly hydrates and plumps up my skin and also soothes irritations.”
Evening: Sk.in Avenge HPR 3% (Granactive Retinol)
“Sk.in’s super-serum consists of a very high concentration of retinol, but it doesn't even feel like it. I always wake up to soft skin the day after I’ve used it and I've also noticed how well it works for any breakouts that I have. My breakouts clear away much quicker when I use this retinol serum in the evening.”
For MOISTURISING
iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion
“This is your future skin glow in a bottle. It’s hydrating and not too oily, giving your skin an instant pick-me-up and radiance. My skin also feels plump, smooth, and soft, and I love how it works well as both a day and night moisturizer.”
For PROTECTING
Black Girl Sunscreen Lotion for Face & Body SPF 30“I love this sunscreen because it was made for women of colour. It doesn't leave a white cast on your skin and it’s also so moisturizing. I can sometimes skip my moisturizer and just apply this sunscreen after my serums. The effortless glow it also provides is a great bonus.”