What Skinimalism Really Means
If you spend any time on TikTok, you’ve likely seen influencers discussing skinimalism. The funny-sounding word is more than just an ear-catching trend — it’s a brilliant way to change your life for the better if you’re up for the challenge. Check out what skinimalism means to decide if it’s right for you.
What Is Skinimalism?
Skinimalism is a term that describes a makeup-free lifestyle. It’s all about embracing your natural beauty and releasing yourself from any negativity makeup might bring.
A recent survey found 78% of American women spend an hour daily on things like makeup, choosing their clothes and doing their hair. Cutting one part of your routine out could save you valuable time. You’ll get to slow down in the morning by reminding yourself you’re beautiful without pore-clogging foundation and mascara.
Ways to Embrace Skinimalism
Jumping into a new lifestyle may feel more challenging than you first thought. Ease into the world of skinimalism by trying these ideas.
1. Take care of your skin
Healthy skin has a natural glow. You’ll likely enjoy a skinimalist life more if you’re not dealing with dry patches, breakouts or oily sheens. Wearing sunscreen daily and hydrating yourself is essential. You can eat healthier foods to avoid the acne that comes with a reliance on junk food.
You might even find new hobbies to support your skin’s health. Making homemade soaps with all-natural ingredients would nurture your skin cells, much like creating a skincare routine that includes oatmeal baths. All you need to do is find the time. Whether you consider getting a new job, delegating at-home responsibilities or retiring to gain more time, your skin will thank you for the extra love.
Making your own soothing skincare tools is also helpful if you want to try skinimalism to save money. Instead of spending it on costly makeup products, you could purchase an aloe plant and use its leaves to enjoy long-term soothing gel. The plant also doubles as a beverage infuser due to aloe’s hydrating properties in water and other drinks.
Your friends and family may even want some too, which means you could make some extra cash while growing your self-confidence. Who couldn’t use a bit more spending money?
2. Wear less makeup, gradually
If you’ve been wearing makeup daily for years, stopping all at once might shock your system. Don’t do that if it makes you uncomfortable. Instead, try slowly removing some of your beauty steps in the morning.
You could wear your usual foundation, blush and mascara, but go lighter on your eyeliner this week. Next week, pick a softer shade of lipstick. The week after that could be the time to remove your eyeliner or only do your upper lids. Tiny steps make any adjustment easier.
If letting go of makeup feels more complicated than you thought, setting some ground rules could improve your emotional connection with yourself. Catch negative thoughts about your appearance and tell them they serve no purpose. Release them and say one thing you love about yourself instead. Rules about what thoughts are acceptable could help you shed negative self-esteem faster.
3. Avoid editing photos
People sometimes have insecurities about their appearance based on social media feedback. Getting mean comments or fewer likes on your posts may have made you rely more on makeup, hairstyling and clothing in the past.
It could be an excellent time to stop editing your photos before posting them. Researchers found a quarter of study participants edited 40% of their Instagram posts, so you’re not alone if you change pictures for the gram.
Resist the urge to hyperfocus on tiny insecurities with filters and apps that allow blemish editing. The act may seem small, but it’s a massive show of support for yourself your self-esteem will gradually appreciate.
Enjoy the world of skinimalism
Putting makeup on can be fun, but a skinimalist lifestyle could be best if you’re ready to take a break. Celebrate your body and your appearance without investing in new product trends. Everyone deserves more self-confidence — skinimalism can help you get there.
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Beth, the Managing Editor and content manager at Body+Mind, is well-respected in the mental health, nutrition and fitness spaces. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking and going for runs with her dog.
