As skin care devotees, we aspire to a daily multi-step skin care ritual. However, on busy days, we sometimes need a quick routine that covers the essentials and prioritizes time. Enter “skinimalism” (skin + minimalism) and the necessity of the occasional simple skin care routine. For those days when you’re on a time crunch, read on to find out how to strip your skin care down to the basics. And, as always, whenever you consider new skin care products, visit an Eminence Spa Partner for the best recommendations and advice.

What Is Skinimalism? | Curating Your Own Routine | Normal Skin | Combination Skin | Dry Skin | Sensitive Skin | Oily Skin

What Is Skinimalism? 

According to CNN, skinimalism is “all about simplifying the amount of skin care products on the face and building a regimen” that helps you achieve healthy, glowing skin. The concept focuses on using just a few multitasking products every day. “You can accomplish a lot by using a minimal amount of products to get maximum results,” agrees Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar, who says three or four well-chosen products cover the fundamentals. You can watch Natalie’s full video here. 

Curating Your Own Simple Skin Care Routine

To start your simple skin care routine, you’ll need to know your skin type. If you’re unsure about your skin type, take our easy quiz here. After determining your skin type, choose these non-negotiables that should be in every pared-down routine:

• A good multipurpose cleanser that ideally exfoliates and cleanses.
• An eye product that targets your main concerns, such as puffiness, darkness or fine lines. Pro tip: If your skin is on the dryer side, opt for an eye product with a thicker, emollient consistency. If your skin is on the oilier side, look for a gel-style lighter-weight consistency.
• A moisturizer to use during the day (ideally combined with an SPF over 30) and at night, a thicker moisturizer. Alternatively, you could use the same moisturizer for both, layering an SPF over the top throughout the day.
• An SPF or skin care product that protects the skin from sun damage (if not already combined with a moisturizer). Natalie loves the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40, which can be applied over top of your chosen daytime moisturizer. Pro tip: this SPF moisturizer works for all skin types, making it a perfect finishing step for any of the routines below!

A 5-Minute Simple Skin Care Routine For Normal Skin 

Is your skin neither dry nor oily? Are your pores regularly sized? Does your skin mostly behave without much sensitivity? You might fall under the normal skin category of skin types. 

Best Cleanser: Stone Crop Gel Wash 

The Stone Crop Gel Wash is of our most popular products for a good reason. This gel-based cleanser is lightweight and easy to use. Plus, it’s gentle enough for almost anyone to try.

Best Eye Product: Neroli Eye Serum 

Our Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum is easily absorbed, lightweight and comfortable enough to wear through the day or night.

Best Moisturizer: Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream 

One of our favorite moisturizers is the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. This luxurious cream works to soften fine lines while adding a boost of hydration to the skin.

5-Minute Simple Skin Care Routine For Combination Skin 

A clear sign of combination skin is oiliness through the T-zone area (across the forehead and down the nose and chin) while also seeing dryness through the cheeks. 

Best Cleanser: Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser or the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser 

The Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser smooths the surface of the skin while the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser is perfect for those looking to soften the appearance of aging.

Best Eye Product: Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream

Natalie’s favorite eye cream is dual purpose. The metal ball applicator feels cool and refreshing while the formulation works to minimize the appearance of fine lines. 

Best Moisturizer: Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer 

This lightweight moisturizer hydrates as the gel formula melts beautifully into the skin, leaving your complexion looking soft and hydrated.

5-Minute Simple Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin 

Does your face ever feel tight in the morning or after getting out of the shower? Does your skin sometimes appear dry, flaky or red? For dryer types, Natalie suggests opting for products with creamy textures that add longer-lasting hydration.

Best Cleanser: Coconut Milk Cleanser

Highly recommended by Natalie, this cream-based cleanser “will take you on vacation” with its natural tropical scent and leaves dry skin feeling moisturized and replenished.

Best Eye Product: Lavender Night Eye Cream 

The Lavender Night Eye Cream is a beautifully lavender-scented cream with a rich, creamy texture that works to soften dry skin around the eyes, day or night.  

Best Moisturizer: Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer

Lightly scented with dreamy coconut, this rich moisturizer promises to replenish skin through day and night, leaving you with a dewy finish.