Simple Minimalist Clean Beauty Skincare Routine for Radiant Skin
In the quest for dewy, bouncy, radiant skin, it's easy to believe that you need an extensive arsenal of products cluttering your bathroom counters. However, I've learned that beautiful skin doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag or a complicated routine.
Beautiful skin doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag or a complicated routine.
A minimalist skincare routine, featuring just a few high-quality clean beauty products, can lead to the gorgeous, glowing skin we all desire.
And, this approach not only simplifies our daily beauty regimen, it can also support skin recovery, and save money.
In this post I’m breaking down how to start a minimalist skincare routine, compete with product recommendations tested first hand by me.
Table of Contents
So, whether you're a beginner in the world of clean beauty, you’re looking to trim down your skincare collection, or, your skin needs a little recovery time, this guide is here to help you achieve that coveted healthy glow with simplicity and ease.
Let’s get started!
What is “Clean Beauty” and why should I care?
Clean beauty revolves around the use of skincare products that are crafted with natural, non-toxic, and sustainable ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and more.
This is important because many of the harmful chemicals used in conventional beauty products are endocrine-disrupting xenoestrogens that disrupt the delicate hormonal balance in women. By steering clear of these toxic substances and embracing clean beauty alternatives, you safeguard your hormonal health.
And––a big bonus––clean beauty brands aim to enhance your skin's health while minimizing the impact on the environment. Opting for clean beauty supports eco-friendly practices, ensuring that your skincare choices align with a more sustainable future.
The Core Essentials of a Minimalist Skincare Routine
Now that we’re clear on why to choose “clean,” let’s get into your core skincare essentials.
The Core Four
Cleanser
Toner
Moisturizer
Sunscreen
This is truly all you need to kickstart your journey toward radiant, healthy skin. Let’s move on to the products that keep this routine simple, yet effective.
The Steps + Tested and Recommended Products
1 —
Cleansing: The Double Cleanse Method
The double cleanse starts with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and any daily grime, followed by a water-based gel or foam cleanser to remove any residual impurities. This method ensures a thorough cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
A note on Oil Cleansers: You want an Oil Cleanser that emulsifies into a milk with water, not one that needs to be wiped off. All of these recommendations emulsify.
Oil Cleansers:
Karuna Oil Cleanser ($17-$18): An easy-to-work lightweight oil at a great price point.
Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil ($30): A favorite for its effective, easy-to-rinse formula. And it’s from my current favorite Korean Beauty brand.
Mad Hippie Jelly Cleanser ($17): A thicker, jelly-like texture that transforms with a bit of water.
note: This one was a bit thick for me, but I prefer lighter weight oils to balms. If you like thicker balms, this is great!
Water-based Gel/ Foam Cleansers:
Three Ships Purify Aloe & Amino Acids Cleanser ($21): Don’t let the tiny package fool you! This mighty cleanser requires only a tiny amount.
Whamisa Organic Flowers Foaming Gel ($23): Combines efficiency with the trusted quality of Whamisa, making it a reliable choice.
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash ($28): Great if you’re also looking for a gentle exfoliation.
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2 —
Toners: Hydration Heroes
Toners prepare your skin for moisturizers and serums while providing extra cleansing and balancing benefits. They can be transformative in a skincare routine, especially when they deliver deep hydration. One of my favorite skincare products ever is a toner (of course, listed below).
Toners:
Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Tonic ($32) : This toner is great! It cleanses, exfoliates, soothes, and hydrates, making it a versatile addition to your simple skincare routine.
Whamisa Deep Rich Toner ($40-$45): *My favorite skincare product ever* An unparalleled hydrating experience, it’s a rich, dense formulation that you smooth on with your fingers. This toner is a game-changer for keeping the skin dewy and bouncy. It’s the #1 skincare product I recommend.
3 —
Moisturizers: Sealing in The Goodness
A good moisturizer is non-negotiable for soft, hydrated skin. It is the key to locking in hydration and keeping the skin's barrier healthy.
Moisturizer:
Three Ships Radiance Moisturizer ($38): Thicker in consistency for a lush, nourishing experience. You have to really work this one in. Once you do, it’s great for achieving that glowy look.
OSEA Atmosphere Protection® Cream ($54): Lightweight seaweed-powered fast absorbing moisturizer. I love the seaweed powered OSEA brand. This may have been reformulated since I used it. Ingredients still look awesome.
Tammy Fender Intensive Repair Balm ($130-$150): Yes, this one is pricey. But, to me, worth every cent. This is an unparalleled choice for healing and rejuvenation. More than a moisturizer, this balm truly repairs and soothes the skin. I know first hand. I have used this to repair my skin after burns and more. So, yes, an investment, but, to me, it pays dividends.
4 —
Mineral Based Sunscreen: The Final Touch
Mineral sunscreens reflect sun rays instead of absorbing them, like chemical sunscreens do. The problem with chemical sunscreens is that they may have ingredients that mimic hormones or cause skin allergies. And one common ingredient, oxybenzone, is toxic to coral reefs and marine life.
But you want mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano mineral active ingredients. Nano, or nanoparticles, are tiny particles that are one-twentieth the width of a human hair that can be absorbed into the skin and enter the bloodstream. We don’t want nano that.
One thing––mineral sunscreens are notorious for causing a white or grey cast on the skin. I’ve used each of the following non-nano mineral sunscreens and find them to have the least amount of cast.
Mineral Sunscreens:
Kinship Self Reflect Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 32 $28
Bestselling priming and moisturizing sunscreen. Gives a nice finishing glow. And, this sunscreen has won a lot of awards.Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30 Tinted $60
Plant-nutrient packed dual moisturizer and sunscreen. One of my favorites.
Building Upon a Solid Foundation
Starting with these core products allows you to establish a simple skincare routine that covers all the essentials. From there, you can gradually introduce new products, such as serums or oils, tailoring the routine to your skin's specific needs.
Just remember, the goal is to nurture your skin with quality, clean beauty products, rather than overwhelming it with an excess of steps and ingredients.
Conclusion: Embracing Clean Beauty Simplicity
A minimalist skincare routine grounded in clean beauty is not just a trend; it's a sustainable approach to skincare that prioritizes health, simplicity, and efficacy.
By focusing on a few high-quality products, we can achieve beautiful, dewy skin without the clutter and complexity of extensive beauty regimens. As we embrace this philosophy, we also support our skin's natural vitality and resilience, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
Remember, beautiful skin doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag or a complicated routine. Start with these basics, and feel free to explore and expand your regimen as your skin demands.
Whether you're a clean beauty aficionado or someone looking to simplify your skincare routine, I hope this guide inspires you to embrace the beauty of minimalism.
Happy glowing!
And if you want more help in getting that dewy, gorgeous glow, check out my resource library where I house everything I use to shine brilliant and bright.
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