The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Luminous Skin

Yes, we know, the beauty world has become so demanding. It seems like every day there is a new launch of a new product, whether a beauty or skincare ones. It’s hard to keep track of the news, let alone purchase all these products and actually play with them. It would quite literally take up your entire day. There are products out there that we don’t even know what they do – like the mysterious SK-II. Yes, ladies, the skincare industry has certainly upped the ante. However, that definitely doesn’t mean that we should go and follow every skincare fad out there.

Indeed, it’s great that the formulas are more effective and provide better results, but you definitely don’t need everything that appears on the skincare counters. Believe it or not, there is a way for you to have an absolutely healthy and radiant skin using minimum effort. This approach to skincare is popularly referred to as ‘minimalistic skincare’, so if anyone asks, you’re not a lazy gal - you’re a skincare minimalist! So, let’s do this, easy and low-key style.

Diet matters

Sorry to break it to you, but you are what you eat, which is why a great number of nutritionists and dermatologists have gathered to establish exactly what those foods that will do wonders for your skin – and your gut are, and they’ve come up with antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral-packed foods, which are now walking proudly as a family known the superfoods.

Aside from being super-beneficial, their main selling point is that they’re delicious and you can create quick and easy meals using them, so even if you’re not dexterous in the kitchen, you can swing several go-to recipes that will work wonders for your skin (and your figure) in the long run.

In the night

OK, you’ve just come home from work or a party and you’re feeling totally wiped out – we get it, we’ve all been there. However, falling asleep with your makeup on is a big no-no. The makeup can and will pull an all-nighter to clog your pores and eye makeup will contribute to the appearance of the first signs of ageing, and don’t be surprised if you wake up with a huge breakout.

Yes, you’re tired, but you’re four short steps away from the pillow and great looking skin in the morning. Use makeup wipes – they’re the quickest way to remove makeup. Then, proceed with the wash – make sure you’re using a powerful but gentle, and most importantly – a wash suitable for your skin type.

Now, one of the things all of us lazy gals should be grateful for is the appearance of the powerful tool called serum. This baby works overnight to deliver active ingredients and reboot your skin while you sleep, and one of the best ones is the exfoliating serum from Aspect Dr Skincare. Why? Because this little beauty does your exfoliating work for you aside from bringing you all the serum goodness, so it’s like killing two birds with one stone, and we’re definitely here for it. Finally, seal the deal with a great moisturizer to lock in all the serum goodness, make sure your pillowcase is fresh and clean, and you are free to hit the snooze. It’s not so hard, is it?

Morning’s here, the morning’s here!

Joey’s across the window neighbour would sing this song every morning, and dear lazy gal, you have tons of reasons to get up and be joyful, one of them being the fact that you have minimal skincare work to do today.

First, just have a glass of hot water with lemon and pop a 500-milligram vitamin C – it will work great for collagen production and you never have to know what retinol and the numerous products containing it are.

Then, because your skin was pampered in the evening, you just need to follow the minimalistic route and splash some water on your face – it’s not a trick, we promise. Then, you want to both moisturize and protect, so again, in the name of lazy luminosity – apply a moisturizer that already contains high SPF and you’re good to go.

That’s it – two easy steps. Oh, and if you want that instant glow – facial oil. If you have dry skin, apply it before, and if you have oily – after the moisturizer. Just two drops will give you that lit from within glow, and even if you’re not a master of the makeup department, just dab a drop of facial oil on the tops of your cheekbones, and you are done.

The eye area

We’re not concerned with crow’s feet until we notice them, and as a lazy gal, you probably don’t even own an eye cream. Well, one way to battle wrinkles is to get a good night’s sleep as physicians claim it to be ‘the closest thing to the fountain of youth’. If you’re just a smidge less lazy than that, hold a cold damp washcloth over your eyes for just a minute or two and then simply proceed by applying your moisturizer using gentle dabbing motions. Your skin will thank you.

Also, make sure you drink plenty of water – dehydration reflects on the skin, make no mistake. Eight glasses are the general rule of thumb, and even more, if you’re physically active, and yes, at least once a week apply a cleansing mask. Once a week even the laziest of us can swing, so do your skin that little favour every once in a while. And there you have it - some layering skills, the right products and diet, and you will achieve that perfect glow that will have people thinking you commit to a Korean 12-step skincare regimen every day. 

Guest writer Amy Mia Goldsmith