Since the introduction of K-Beauty (Korean skincare) to the United States, we’ve been obsessed with multi-step skincare routines. I love skincare, and have been invested in a multi-step routine since 6th grade when I purchased my first Mary Kay with my own money. Last year (15+ years into my love of multi-step routines), I grew frustrated. I’m spending all this money and time on skincare, yet seeing the same results. I have good skin, and only have to deal with minor hormonal and stress-induced blemishes. My obsession with minimalism in other areas of my life led me to a concept that is quickly gaining traction: minimalist skincare routines. After doing an analysis of how much my multi-step routine was costing me, I realized that I was spending $900 a year on skincare and 15 hours a month implementing my routine. Absolute insanity.
In case you missed it: Why You Should Adopt a Minimalist Skincare Routine.
Check out my old routine below.
Old Multi-Step Routine
Morning:
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Juice Beauty GREEN APPLE® Brightening Gel Cleanser ($28)
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Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR LIFTING NECK CREAM ($60)
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STEM CELLULAR ANTI-WRINKLE MOISTURIZER ($70)
Evening:
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Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR ANTI-WRINKLE EYE TREATMENT ($50)
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Juice Beauty STEM CELLULAR™ Cleansing Oil ($34)
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Juice Beauty GREEN APPLE® Peel Full Strength (1x/Week) ($48)
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STEM CELLULAR ANTI-WRINKLE BOOSTER SERUM ($80)
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STEM CELLULAR ANTI-WRINKLE OVERNIGHT CREAM ($75)
Total Price for 6 Month Regimen: $445
In my move to minimalist skincare, I reduced the cost of my routine by 60% and the time spent on my routine by 80%. I opened up an additional 12.5 hours in my month I can devote to projects I love (like writing this post), and added a couple hundred bucks back into my budget.
Here’s My New Routine:
Morning:
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Splash water on face, try not to get the counter wet, fail. Lightly pat face with bath towel. Remove renegade dog hairs from face.
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Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Spf 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen ($13)
Evening:
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EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer ($30)
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Curology ($20/month)
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Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin ($8)
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Aztec Secret – Indian Healing Clay (1x/week) ($11)
Total Price for 6 Month Regimen WITH BETTER RESULTS: $182 (Reduced cost by 60%)
The biggest game-changer for me was signing up for Curology, a custom skincare company. After consulting with a practitioner (either a certified dermatologist, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner), they formulate a custom “superbottle” tailored to your specific skincare needs. You can read more about Curology here (or sign up for a free trial). While Curology is the most expensive step in my routine, it is by far the most valuable (and still more affordable than my old robust routine).
In case you missed it: Curology Will Save Your Skin (& Your Budget!)
While skincare seems to be everyone’s favorite self-care ritual, it can create stress. Every hour you spend on your routine (and shopping for your routine) is valuable time you could be putting toward your goals! Imagine what you could do with 15 extra hours back.
Have you considered making the jump to minimalist skincare? Let me know in the comments!
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