Between Instagram and TikTok, it’s no surprise that beauty buzzwords are coming in thick and fast. You may recall niacinamide or hyaluronic acid — arguably the two biggest buzzwords of the last three years? Well, ‘skinimalism’ could be about to take their crowns.

Coming off the back of almost two years spent at home (honestly, WTF?), a communal addiction to Marie Kondo’s organisation series and a slightly more fragile disposable income than years previous, skinimalism is a welcome change to our once 15-step routines. And while, yes, we’re well aware that we’re preaching this to fellow beauty junkies (it’s normal to have a Mecca-esque beauty cupboard in one’s home, right?) we know all too well that simple equals success.

But don’t just take our word for it. Here, we enlist the help of Beauté Pacifique’s Sales Coordinator and Trainer, Mie Groth Hansen and Blanc Skin’s, Dr Clara Hurst to help us unpack skinimalism once and for all.

“Skinimalism is a trend that sees the beauty industry move away from heavy makeup and skincare and towards a routine that is effortless, simple and sustainable,” says Hansen. “It’s all about pared-back routines and letting your natural complexion shine through.” 

Whether this is the result of COVID-19 lockdowns and more time spent at home or a change in rhetoric to repairing and caring for the skin (as opposed to exfoliating it all off), we’re not 100 percent sure. What we do know, however, is that your top shelf is about to get a whole lot lighter.

Ahh, yes, the tricky part — you must now part with those products that no longer serve you. We know, we know, ‘But what if I need this one day?’ The short answer is you won’t. The long answer is that by the time you get around to using it, it’s probably time to chuck it out anyway.

“All you need to do is invest in a simple, straightforward skincare routine that you know will deliver the results you want,” says Dr Hurst. “Clinically proven ingredients like vitamin A, niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are the key pillars to optimal skin health.”

As for the products you’re getting rid of? Hansen recommends using up what you’re already halfway through and giving any opened but not-quite-right-for-you products to friends or family. “For any unopened beauty products, donating them to a charity like Dress for Success is a great option — spreading the beauty love.”

The number one benefit of taking proper care of your skin? Less makeup! With a well rounded, cleanse, serum, moisturise, SPF (in the morning) routine, your skin will come back to life quicker than you can say full coverage.

“People have definitely become less inclined to wear makeup as a result of lockdown and working from home but I also think it’s come about as people have been putting more time into their skin,” says Hansen. “The beauty community has come together to embrace each other and accept that skin isn’t perfect and it doesn’t have to be. It’s a really great thing to see.”

Dr Hurst’s recommendations for a skinimalist makeup look? “My top three makeup products would be a great tinted moisturiser or lightweight foundation, a little bit of bronzer (to help you fake that Maldives glow) and your favourite mascara to add some glamour and dimension to the face.”

Simple. As. That.