Decluttering Skincare: A Minimalist Approach to K-Beauty

Being a skincare addict has its pros. And cons. First, it makes you a hoarder. This automatically translates to a very cluttered dresser and a very light wallet. The pros may be some, but being a dry-skinned person, I come in the minority – most skincare products are focused on oily and combination skin, especially in India. 

Now, this was right around the time we were hit by the pandemic. For me, self-isolation also meant self-introspection. I wanted to cut down the clutter in my life. I wanted to remove things that no longer ‘sparked joy’ for me, as Marie Kondo says. 

This lifestyle change also extended to my beauty and skincare shelf. Hence began my ‘skincare diet’. I started paying attention to what I was buying, what went into making it, whether or not it was sustainable, and whether I would find a use for it once the novelty wore off. I started looking for products that would serve more than one purpose – like a 2-in-1 double cleanser or a serum that would double up as moisturiser – you get the point. This was my defining moment for simplified skincare. 

Here’s how I decluttered my skincare routine:

Step 1: Cleanse 

I know the benefits of the double cleanse, but I just do not have the budget or the time to buy and hoard multiple products. So, I found a cool new alternative - Mon Cherry Brightening Foam Cleanser which combines the 2 steps of the Korean cleansing routine. It is oil + water-based, which breaks down dirt and impurities effectively, leaving my skin squeaky clean. Easy-peasy! 

Step 2: Moisturize 

As someone with dry skin, a good moisturiser is a must for me. I usually look for a quick-absorbing lightweight moisturiser that doesn’t make my skin dull. I have been using the super light Bravocado Intense Brightening Serum which also doubles up as a treatment for my dark spots, and leaves my skin super soft! 

Step 3: SPF 

As a rule of thumb, I never step out without a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen. I have few prerequisites when it comes to buying sunscreen. It should not leave a white cast, it should be alcohol-free and absorb quickly without leaving a greasy film. Yes, a tall order, but this is how you declutter – by looking for more, in the less that you buy. 

Bonus step: Sheet mask 

On the days when my skin acts up or when my dry patches flare up, I soothe my skin using a hydrating sheet mask. Sheet masks are my go-to whenever I feel my skin needs a boost of moisture. My favourite mask is the Mon Cherry Sheet Mask For Bright And Clear Skin, which calms my skin down and leaves it feeling supple, smooth and hydrated. 

And that was my simplified K-Beauty skincare routine. Decluttering has definitely made my life a lot easier! Will you be adopting a minimalistic approach for your skincare routine (and life), too?