‘A good skincare routine is worth more than a thousand layers of makeup.’ said Yukiko-san, senior makeup artist as she primes my face with a layer of cream, ‘If you have to choose between makeup and skincare, always go for skincare.’ Almost proving her words, Yukiko-san insists on giving every model a facial before and after a photo shoot. Although it has been years since I last worked with her, these words have stuck with me, becoming the pillar of my beauty routine.
Have you ever found that it’s so much easier to apply makeup when your skin is good? That you can just slap anything on and it will look amazing? I’ve noticed this recently because I’ve got some tiny spots on my cheeks from wearing my mask. The harsh wind, city air and late bedtime don’t help either. I know this calls for a spa day, but like many of us, I dash through the busy modern days with hardly any time left — not enough to gracefully splash product onto my face like the girl in the advert, anyway. I’d rather sleep for an extra hour than wake up early to beat my face. My wallet is also quite underweight to take on a frequent facial visit by the professionals.
So is there something easy to follow, that will fit into our busy schedule while being kind to the bank? Yes, of course, there is! Let me introduce you to ‘Lazy Skincare’.
The term ‘Lazy Skincare’ has taken over the Asian beauty industry in the past year. Tailored to busy modern living, the idea is you only need to spend a couple of minutes a day using minimal products to regain your glow. The core of the theory is to use natural products. Not only are they gentle to the skin, but also cost less since they don’t require a train of ingredients to make. I have dry, sensitive skin myself and the ‘Lazy Skincare’ routine has been working wonders for me.
For this issue, I want to introduce 5 of my all-time favourites that work for me and my budget, while supporting small sustainable brands. All product works wonders on their own, although of course, they make a great team together!
01. Clean
Upcircle Beauty – Coffee Face Scrub £14.99
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Made in the UK
What Is It?
Arabica Coffee Grounds blended with Raw Shea Butter and Coconut Oil. This delicious sounding face scrub targets dead skin cells and dryness, leaving the skin hydrated, soft and smooth.
How Does It Work?
Simply replace your usual face wash with this as your new morning cuppa. Scrub your face gently, leave for a minute then rinse off.
Is It for Me?
The brand offers three different coffee scrubs: for sensitive skin, dry skin and acne.
02. Tone
Nathalie Bond – Bloom Face Mist £10.00
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Made in the UK
What Is It?
Damask Rose Water, that’s it. A Drink for your skin, an easy home spa in one second. Calms and hydrates, especially good for the coming summer days.
How Does It Work?
Close your eyes and spray away. Recommend using after cleansing and before moisturising.
Is It for Me?
For all skin types. I keep this in my fridge for after gym and/or a hot shower.
03. Moisturise
Face Theory – Amil-C Whip M5 SPF 30 £18.99
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Made in the UK
What Is It?
A mousse-like face cream aiming to refine and protect skin from UV damage. Packed full of nutrition. Comes with a choice between grapefruit or no scent.
How Does It Work?
This product contains a high concentration of actives, so apply only a small amount after toner. This is a great sunblock replacement for going out. A lot lighter on the face, works just as well.
Is It for Me?
For all skin types. If under the age of 18 or pregnant, consult your doctor before use.
04. Brighten
BeBareFaced – Vitamin C and E Face Oil £14.99
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Made in the UK
What Is It?
This bear brings a powerful combination of all the good antioxidants to fight UV damage and helps to revitalise and brighten skin to reveal a more youthful complexion.
How Does It Work?
Rub a thin layer onto the face and neck before bed. Let the vitamins do their magic as you cosy up in bed.
Is It for Me?
My skin is a desert and this is fantastic! Best for dry and sensitive skin.
05. Heal
AZTEC SECRET – Indian Healing Clay £16.99
Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Made in the UK
What Is It?
My favourite product EVER. This famous secret contains 100% Natural Volcano Calcium Bentonite Clay. Mix with apple cider vinegar, you’ve got an all-rounder mask for facial, hair and body. £16.99 goes a really, really long way. I’ve been using mine for 6 months now and it’s just not going down.
How Does It Work?
Remember my mask spots? This is my weapon against it. Mix a teaspoon of clay to a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (water for sensitive skin), mix well together and apply. Wait for 5-10 minutes, rinse off with warm water. Some redness is normal and should disappear after 30 minutes. Use once a week only.
Is It for Me?
If you want an emergency rescue facial, this is it. Since this mask requires natural acid to mix, do a small patch test before usage.
BONUS ITEM!
Mango – Timed Water Bottle 900ml £11.99
Not skincare, but the shortest path to glowing skin is to drink plenty of water. It’s a cliche but it’s true.
I often forget to drink while I’m at my desk. Even if I don’t, I sincerely doubt that I’m meeting any recommended amount. I bought myself this bottle as my New Year’s Resolution and it’s working! Mostly because I get competitive to beat the time guide.
Simple, easy to clean and light to carry, a great addition to any skincare routine. Available in assorted colours.
I’ve always thought of skincare as food for my skin. Something that feeds it from within. My skincare routine has also become my self-care time after a long day. It makes me happy because I’m taking care of myself, not to mention I’m also supporting local brands and sustainable products!
The best thing about this lazy routine is how seamlessly it blends into my current schedule. Leaving me plenty of time and money for other important things in life.