A combo of “skin” and “minimalism,” skinamalism is an easy, simplified approach to your skincare and beauty routine. This pared-down ethos lives on the opposite end of the spectrum from a demanding 12-step skincare regimen, and is a far cry from heavy-handed “glam” makeup that isn't exactly ideal for everyday wear. Some even describe skinamalism as a more extreme no makeup-makeup.
Basically, the idea is to streamline your beauty process so there are fewer products, and to focus the products you do keep in your arsenal on emphasizing your natural beauty. Think barely-there foundations that even out your complexion while still letting your real skin texture shine through, brows that are more natural-looking versus painstakingly manicured, and multitasking skincare products that save time.
One thing skinamalism is not is basic. It’s not “basic” makeup or basic skincare, per se, but rather a more intentional regimen that maximizes your time and wholly embraces a natural makeup look.
Our Best Skinamalist Products
Ready to hop aboard the skinamalist beauty trend train? By its very nature, it’s an easy train to catch! To help you get a headstart, we’ve rounded up our favorite minimalist skincare and makeup products that lend themselves to simpler routines.
Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer
When we say that this super moisturizer does it all, we mean it. Confidence in a Cream Hydrating Moisturizer packs 7 benefits into one jar, including 24 hours of hydration and a strengthened skin barrier.* It also helps reduce the look of fine lines, visibly evens skin tone improves the appearance of pores, and makes skin appear more plump and bright.
Even better, it doubles as a makeup primer for your foundation (should you wish to use one) and you can even use it as your nighttime moisturizer. Basically, it’s the perfect skin product for streamlining your beauty process from beginning to end.
Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare
If you do want to wear a foundation, our top skinamalist choice is Your Skin But Better Foundation + Skincare. This light-as-air base creates sheer, but buildable coverage that lets your natural skin shine through as much as you prefer. It's also infused with skin-loving ingredients—such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract—that create smoother, more even-looking bare skin in as little as two weeks.**
If you do want something with a bit more coverage, we recommend swapping in CC+ Cream with SPF 50+. This color-correcting, full-coverage foundation is formulated with a hydrating anti-age serum plus SPF 50+ physical sunscreen.
Brow Power Filler Eyebrow Gel
Full, fluffy, natural-looking brows are really having a moment right now thanks to the broader skinamalist movement. For that au naturel look, try swiping on Brow Power Filler Eyebrow Gel. Instead of creating a chiseled, "drawn on" look, this innovative tinted brow gel creates a fuller-looking, more groomed brow via hair-like fibers that are applied with a micro-flocked tip. Even better, it delivers up to 16 hours of wear.
Superhero No-Tug Longwear Eyeshadow Sticks
How does one swipe of eyeshadow followed by 15 seconds of blending with your fingers sound to you? Available in 12 beautiful, blendable shades, IT Cosmetics' new Superhero No-Tug Longwear Eyeshadow Sticks are a minimalist's dream come true. The formula glides onto your lids with zero tugging and won't crease on you all day long.
Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Lip Balm Treatment
Achieve both a hydrated lip and a pretty flush of natural color via Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Lip Balm Treatment. Not only is it infused with nourishing butters and oils, it also features our proprietary Vitality Lip Flush Technology™ that reacts with the warmth of your lips to create a truly bespoke pop of color.
Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara
A little touch of mascara can go a long way—especially when you're creating an otherwise all-natural makeup look. As its name implies, Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara multitasks for you by making your lashes look both longer and fuller in just one coat. It's also formulated with eyelash-lifting polymers for an extra boost, and contains nourishing ingredients such as biotin, proteins, and peptides.
Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream
For a multitasking nighttime cream, look no further than Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream. Developed with the IT Cosmetics Advisory Board of plastic surgeons and dermatologists, this formula combines the powerful anti-aging benefits of retinol with ingredients that help soothe and hydrate your skin. It even contains niacinamide, an ingredient to help reduce environmental damage while minimizing the look of dark spots and discoloration.
The beauty of the skinamalism trend is that there are no rigid rules you must conform to. At the end of the day, you get to define what your skincare and makeup process looks like. Don’t sweat it too much, and have fun with these hero beauty products we’ve highlighted above.
For more makeup tips, read through this tutorial on how to brighten and enhance your eyes in four easy steps.
*Results based on an instrumental study.
**Results based on a 2-week consumer study.
