Top Tips for a Low-Maintenance Beauty Routine

Modern life is hectic; it’s not always feasible to perfect your winged eyeliner or match your lipstick shade to your shoes. For some, beauty means applying little more than a touch of mascara; for others, it’s all about the full face (with contouring). But whatever your approach, mastering a low-maintenance beauty routine can really be […]

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Modern life is hectic; it’s not always feasible to perfect your winged eyeliner or match your lipstick shade to your shoes. For some, beauty means applying little more than a touch of mascara; for others, it’s all about the full face (with contouring). But whatever your approach, mastering a low-maintenance beauty routine can really be a life-saver whenever you’re short on time. Whether you want 15 minutes more in bed or just fancy going for a natural, fresh-faced look, these beauty hacks will take you from ‘I just woke up’ to ‘I just woke up like this’ in an instant.

Tips for Low Maintenance Beauty Routine

Look After Your Skin

Whether you adopt a low-maintenance beauty routine or not, it’s really important to take care of your skin. Build a skin care routine that’s suited to your skin type, and make sure you cleanse and moisturise twice daily. Toners are great for removing any residual impurities, so they’re especially useful if your skin is oilier or acne-prone. Because toners are formulated to remove sebum, oil and dirt from the pores, they’re a great way to tackle blackheads and blemishes too.

Invest in Treatments

Beauty treatments are generally seen as one-offs; we only tend to get them when we feel like being pampered, or if we’ve been gifted a beauty voucher (and it’s about to expire!). But facials are becoming an increasingly popular investment for anyone looking to reduce the time and energy they spend on their everyday beauty regimen.

Facials delay the signs of ageing, eliminate blackheads and blemishes, increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Because they improve the skin’s overall appearance, they lessen the need for heavy makeup. It’s recommended that you book a facial treatment every 4-6 weeks (depending on your skin type), since this is how long takes for the skin to complete one full skin cycle. Check out our guide to getting facials to get the most out of your treatment.

Invest in Multi-Tasking Products

It’s easy to get carried away where skin care is concerned, but experts agree that piling on so many lotions and potions isn’t what’s best for our skin. Layering on different products can clog pores, cause spots and lead to irritation. By streamlining your routine, you’ll save time and actually improve the condition of your skin too!

Scandi skin care – the latest trend to sweep the industry – takes an uncomplicated, minimalist approach to beauty. With a focus on multi-tasking products made from high-quality (often naturally-sourced) ingredients, Scandi skin care takes a ‘less is more’ approach that dermatologists love. Look out for products packed with antioxidants, retinol and SPF protection, and choose a cleanser that contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids). AHAs exfoliate and repair the skin whilst BHAs – which are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory – unclog the pores. Both reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; they also brighten dull complexions, hydrate and smooth the skin.

Lift Your Lashes

Whether you use a lash curler or book a lash-lifting treatment, it’s worth paying attention to your eyelashes. Lash curling is one of the most overlooked aspects of any beauty routine and, given that most lash curling tools look like mini torture devices, it’s not difficult to see why many skip this step. However, it’s the one thing that most makeup artists swear by; it’s the perfect way to prep your lashes for mascara. But even if you choose to go au naturel, it’ll make your eyes look bigger and your lashes appear longer.

Try a Tinted Moisturiser or BB Cream

Tinted moisturisers and BB creams are lightweight, pigmented lotions that offer coverage, hydration and (in most cases) SPF protection; some contain nourishing antioxidants like vitamin A, E and C too. Both are less heavy than foundation, so they offer natural-looking coverage without clogging pores or becoming ‘cakey.’ Use one of these in place of your foundation during the week or whenever you don’t need as much coverage. You can always switch back to using a foundation whenever you’re after a more matte finish, or if you need a heavier base.

Do Fresh-Faced with a Bold Lip

If you don’t want (or need) coverage, but still fancy putting on a bit of makeup, apply a dash of mascara and a bold shade of lipstick. With minimal effort (we’re talking 2-3 minutes), a bold lip – even with no other makeup – really packs a punch. It’s a great way to lift your look if you’re heading out after work, but don’t have the time to do a full face of makeup.

Whatever your beauty routine looks like, the most important thing to remember is that it needs to work for you. Tailor your daily regimen to suit your skin type, personality and lifestyle, and you’ll always reap the benefits.