If you are looking to get started with skincare but dread the mere thought of having to work your way through tons of products, the recent skinimalism trend is for you! While it is not new, this trend has been getting a lot of attention on social media again this year, and understandably so. For the uninitiated, skinimalism comes from skin + minimalism and refers to using the least number of products for achieving the most benefits.
This is in direct contrast with trends like 12-step night time routines or the 7-step Korean glass skin routine. And while there is no one routine better than the others, skinimalism does have its own set of benefits. A skinimalism routine has low to no chances of your skin reacting badly to a plethora of products, is inherently more economical, and is a great way to escape the capitalistic trap of buying every new product that comes out.
If skinimalism skincare appeals to you, here are the products you need
1. Non soapy facewash

While other routines like double cleansing need two products atleast, like a cleansing oil or balm, and then a facewash, in skinimalism skincare routine, you can replace these with a simple non-soapy facewash. These kinds of facewashes are gentle on the face, while still clearing any dirt, grime, or impurities on the face, making them perfect for this skincare practice.
Products to try: Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facewash Mild Face Wash for Sensitive Skin (Budget), Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser with Saffron & Neem (High-end)
2. A potent serum

The second step of your skinimalism routine should be a potent serum. Depending on whatever your skincare concern is, you can choose from a wide variety of serums. A hyaluronic acid for hydration, retinol for anti-ageing, niacinamide for blemishes, or vitamin C for brightening; potent serums make skincare easy, as well as pretty effective.
Products to try: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Budget), Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum With Tripeptide-32 (High-end)
3. Hydrating moisturiser

Once you’re done with adding a relevant serum to your skinimalism routine, the next step is a hydrating moisturiser. The moisturiser locks the serum in and gives your skin that boost and glow in the longer run. Use this as the final step in your skinimalism skincare to keep it simple and fresh.
Products to try: Dot & Key Hyaluronic + Ceramide Barrier Repair Hydrating Face Moisturizer Ph 5.5 Cream (Budget), Clinique Moisture Surge 100h Auto-replenishing Hydrator (High-end)
Key tip: Make sure you don’t skip on sunscreen. Anytime you’re in the sun, applying sunscreen is a must, and always reapply after 2-3 hours.
All about skinimalism makeup
While the skinimalism trend started with skincare, it doesn’t have to stay limited to that. Infact, with a little planning you can incorporate skinimalism products in your makeup routine as well. Whether it is no mascara makeup looks you are after, or the Korean lip trend has taken over your feed, skinimalism makeup is a very easy way to go. There are many products used in these makeup looks which can work well for multiple steps and give stunning results.
1. Lip and cheek tints

If you have seen any Korean lip trend, you’d know just how fantastic these tints are. With buildable coverage, these lip and cheek tints can be used to add a flush of colour to your face while on the go. You can use these pigments on lips, cheek, and even blend a little to create soft eyeshadow looks. These come in a variety of colours and formulations, but we suggest going for watery tints in shades that complement your undertone, for a seamless skinimalism makeup look.
Products to try: Etude House Dear Darling Water Gel Lip and Cheek Tint (Budget), Nudestix Nudies Matte Lux All Over Face Blush Color (High-end)
2. Clear mascara

This is perfect for no mascara makeup looks. If you are somebody who doesn’t like the spidey look that comes with black mascaras, opt for a clear mascara that defines your lashes beautifully but at the same time, keeps it natural. You can also multitask with these skinimalism products. Apply the same clear mascara on your brows for a defined and combed-through look.
Products to try: e.l.f. Cosmetics Clear Brow & Lash Mascara (Budget), Forest Essentials Nayantara Clear Lash, Brow Growth Serum - Ayurvedic Hair Growth Serum (High-end)
3. Skin tint

For a seamless skinimalism makeup look, opt for a skin tint instead of the regular foundations and concealers. If you want to hide the blemishes, and use base products like foundation, chances are, it’ll be pretty visible. And that is just not a great look. Skin tints instead offer a sheer wash of colour, making sure the blemishes are hidden but skin texture is not more pronounced.
Products to try: Swiss Beauty Select Super Radiant Skin Tint (Budget), Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint SPF 15 (High-end)