What is “Skinimalism”? (HINT: Less is More!)

Last Updated: 07 June 2021

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

When you combine “skin” with “minimalism,” you get 2021’s biggest beauty trend –skinimalism. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that less is more. We’ve used significantly less makeup while staying at home, and focus has shifted towards skin care.

Are you a “skinimalist”? If you don’t like caking your face with makeup or following hefty multi-step skin care routines, then you’re highly likely to be one.Skinimalism focuses on using just the essentials to care for skin. Beauty routines become more streamlined thanks to multifunctional products. That means more time for breakfast, tea, sleep… you name it! Scroll through to find out if this beauty trend is for you!

Building on slow beauty’s focus on naturally derived, sustainably sourced ingredients, skinimalism promotes natural beauty by using the bare minimum to improve skin health. Instead of covering up and fixing flaws, the aim is to let natural skin shine through and breathe. Skinimalism goes back to the fundamentals of skin care by cutting back on steps and ingredients.

Before making the switch to skinimalism, there might be a plethora of questions you want to ask.

How many products should I use for it to be considered a skinimalist routine?
A simple skin care routine involves a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, SPF (only in the morning) and maybe an additional nighttime product, like a sheet mask, to lock in moisture. Just remember, we’re going back to basics with only the essentials.

Will skin still get enough nutrients?
Yes, even though you’re using less products, your skin will get what’s needed if the products are potent and you’re using them correctly.

What are the main benefits of skinimalism?
Skinimalism requires minimal maintenance. A simplified routine is more cost-effective and easier to follow. It’s also less likely to overload skin with ingredients that can be detrimental to skin when combined.

How do I build a skinimalist routine?
Start by assessing your skin type and then focusing on your skin concerns. Once you’ve figured that out, you can narrow down your choices of products.

Does following skinimalism mean skipping makeup?
No, it just means less makeup and using it to enhance your skin, not cover it. For example, you can use makeup that hydrates skin, such as tinted moisturizers to even complexion and cream blushes to give cheeks a natural flush. These are super quick and easy to apply.

When shopping for multifunctional products, read the product’s label to know its purpose and what skin type it’s best suited for. If you have absolutely no idea where to begin, see some recommendations below!

For skin care, start with a micellar cleanser like AROMATICA’s Aloe Hy-ffective Cleanser, which is infused with tiny oil droplets called micelles to remove makeup alongside dirt and impurities. Replace scrubs with AHA and BHA toners to gently exfoliate skin while balancing skin’s pH levels. SOME BY MI’s AHA, BHA, PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner exfoliates, soothes, tones and hydrates skin in one go. If you want a quick pick-me-up, SIORIS’s Time is Running Out Mist serves as a mist, toner and serum thanks to infused botanical oils. When moisturizing skin based on your skin type, all you need is a single cream, lotion or oil that gives you the proper dose of moisture. I’m from’s Rice Cream is a crowd-pleaser – it moisturizes skin while controlling sebum production and strengthening the skin barrier. Another option is ROVECTIN’s Skin Essentials Barrier Multi-Oil which moisturizes the face, body, hair, lips and nails while revitalizing skin and boosting elasticity.

For makeup, opt for tone-up creams like KLAVUU’s White Pearlsation Ideal Actress Backstage Cream, which serves as a primer and color corrector while also protecting skin against UV rays with SPF 30 PA++. Makeup that can be applied anywhere on the face fit skinimalism, like 3CE’s Take A Layer Multi Pot that moisturizes and adds a flush of color to the lips, cheeks and eyelids.