A recent study conducted by a big beauty brand reported that 82% of women are wearing less make-up since lockdown began. But while the cosmetics industry has seen a huge dip in sales since March last year, conversely, the skincare market is very much on the up.
Instead of indulging in glossy lipsticks and high-tech concealers, women are spending their money on the best skincare solutions they can afford. Melissa McGinnis, Head of Beauty at Selfridges told Harpers Bazaar magazine, “We’ve seen a pattern of uplift for key skincare categories, with customers looking for the best moisturisers, masks and serums”.
In fact, the migration from cheaper, mass market products designed for the skin means that premium brands, with a higher price tag, are more in demand than ever.
Shopping industry magazine, The Retail Gazette noted a 200% increase in sales of skincare products over the past 12 months; a figure that can be directly attributed to the shift in purchasing behaviours of women.
The stats make for an interesting read.
Seemingly overnight, we have become a nation of skincare obsessives. You can’t swing a cat around social media or the Sunday papers without whacking at least one feature relating to retinol, vitamin A or hyaluronic acid.
But why?
It’s all about self-care, right?
Setting aside 15 minutes at the beginning and end of your day brings the focus during those precious moments back to you. At a time when our lives are largely determined by a man named Boris, and the little pleasures we once enjoyed may now be somewhat lacking, the mere act of applying serums, lotions and masks is less a chore and more a ritual in taking care of yourself. It’s a twice daily practice in wellbeing.
So, where to start?
With an AM and PM routine, it seems!
Skincare queen, Caroline Hirons explains*, “I think the pandemic has made people sit up and take care of their skin more…people should feel like the healthiest version of themselves…skin-care is self-care…a routine helps…”
Check out this Cheat Sheet from Caroline Hirons’ website, which provides a step-by-step guide to doing the best by your epidermis.
In brief, your morning skincare routine should look like this:
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate (using an acid toner)
- Spray hydrate
- Eye cream
- Serum / oil
- Moisturiser
- SPF
And your evening skincare routine:
- Cleanse
- Exfoliate (using an acid toner)
- Spray hydrate
- Eye cream
- Serum / oil
- Night cream / moisturiser
And then there’s the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine which is taking the world by storm. But that’s for another day!
So, where to begin? And what to use?
Websites like Look Fantastic and Cult Beauty are a great place to start. Their curated selection of skincare essentials make choosing the right products and brands for your skin, a breeze. You’ll find helpful FAQs, expert opinions, detailed descriptions, and advice on how to get the most out of your skincare, as well as suggested routines and range reviews.
But when it comes to Caroline Hirons’ favourite step in both her morning and evening skincare routine, we’ve got you covered. Step three…
In Caroline’s own words** “Use a spritz alone, after cleansing, under serums, under moisturiser, over moisturiser, under make-up, over make-up, on an aeroplane, in your car, at your desk, when it’s hot, when it’s cold…whenever and wherever. If in doubt spritz!”
You could try the ClearO2 Oxygen Mist Revitalising Facial Spray. It’s made with aloe vera and lemon oil, combined with pure oxygen. It’s also a budget friendly £7.99 and the perfect size for keeping in your bag.
Needless to say, aside from a regime packed with product, it’s also essential to get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, cut down on sugar and avoid alcohol, if you’re looking for skin that glows from within.
Take care.
*Taken from an interview in The Cut, 26th June 2020
**Taken from Caroline Hirons, Skin Care
