Words by Astreid Vive
Skincare is all the rage these days. Even more so when we discovered we are not leaving our homes anytime soon (Covid, am I right?). However, with the overabundance of products out there, the Korean-inspired 10-step routines and lists of unpronounceable ingredients that we should all be trying, it’s difficult to navigate through the true fundamentals of skincare. So when overcomplication is the order of the day, we are going back to basics to make things approachable. To help you make sense of it all, dear reader, I have compiled a handy A-Z guide on how to choose and which products to use.
1. How it looks:
My background in Branding and Marketing made me realize how paramount the importance of packaging is. As a customer, the packaging needs to speak to me. It should know how to provide a beautiful unboxing experience. It should embody an aura of intrigue that makes the product something greater. Most importantly, it needs to look good in my bathroom.
2. How it feels:
Sensory appeal is almost equally as important as performance attributes. Perhaps, these are the characteristics that will help you differentiate between a well-formulated luxury brand and the affordable ones. A standout product will activate all your senses through its decadent, warm-hugging texture and its ability to inspire an olfactory memory whilst hosting therapeutic benefits.
3. The actual results:
Although the aforementioned attributes are quite essential, ultimately the real sign of a quality product is its ability to perform the results you are seeking for, and sometimes you have to play a long game to achieve this. The process of getting to know what suits your skin best involves a fair bit of trial and error, patience and consistency. Ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acids should smoothen the skin pretty much instantly, while actives such as Retinoids should help your skin on a cellular level which will take months before you can reap the benefits.
As with most things in life, a good skincare routine is not worth much unless you have the basics right. Without the correct foundations, you will not be getting the most out of these more advanced products. So, first thing is first, you need to cleanse, treat and protect.
Here are the products you need to look after your skin, available at the Glow Getters site:
Cleanse with Nuori Vital Foaming Cleanser
This cleanser is a great fix for all skin types. An incredibly light foam, dispensed by a satisfyingly large pump that turns into a beautiful cream once you lather it onto dry skin. Made with all natural ingredients, it leaves the sensitive skin feeling fresh and smooth (and crucially, not too dry), and because of its foaming dispense mechanism, one bottle will last for months. Did I mention that it smells heavenly, too?
Treat with the U Beauty Resurfacing Compound
This serum prides itself as a one-stop-shop formula, combining antioxidants, retinol, glycolic and lactic acid. This paves the way to a more minimalistic approach to skincare. After three months of using this as the only active in my routine, I can confidently say it can transform even the shoddiest of complexion.
Protect with Codex Bia Skin Superfood
This moisturizer protects the barrier on top of your cleansed skin, to stop it getting clogged and irritated by all the horrible particles you tend to waft through in the course of a day. Made with their unique BiaComplex™ herbal formula, it will beautifully moisturize your skin, while meaningfully reducing any kind of skin irritation.
Protect with Nuori Mineral Sunscreen
Of all the things that can leave their marks on our skin, the sun is the most troublesome. This SPF 30 Mineral Defense Sunscreen has an all-natural formula that will protect your skin from the harsh effects of UVA and UVB. Its non-nano zinc oxide ensures high protection with a thick (yet, soft) sensory feel, and non-sticky finish, making this sunscreen ideal for everyday use.