In a fast-paced world it’s easy to get swept up in the new beauty trends that seem to arrive every week.
However in-amidst the buzzy hype for new products, there’s a calmer, gentler beauty approach that is resonating with many.
What is slow beauty?
Slow beauty is a movement that emphasises sustainability, mindfulness, and a holistic approach to beauty. It contrasts with that fast-paced, consumption-driven focus on newness, instead prioritishing long-term wellness, self-care, and natural beauty practices.
Slow beauty advocates for using fewer, higher-quality products, often made with natural, organic, or eco-friendly ingredients. It supports ethical sourcing, environmentally conscious packaging like refills, and non-negotiable cruelty-free testing.
Focusing on a consistent approach over time, rather than chopping and changing skincare with quick fixes, is part of the approach.
It also reminds us to use our beauty routines to foster mindful moments each day, creating slow and deliberate practices rather than rushed or as an afterthought.
Here are five easy ways to adopt a slow beauty practice:
Make time for massage
From ancient times, the concept of massage has been used as therapy for many different ailments in Ayurveda. Some people also practice facial yoga for similar benefits.
When applying skincare or a face oil like Natio’s Nourishing Miracle Face Oil, take the time to massage the product into the skin using firm upwards and outwards motions. Massage promotes lymphatic drainage, which is said to assist with overall skin health – improving oxygenation and blood flow for a lasting healthy glow to skin.
Boost your bath
Bath rituals are the new spa days. Rather than taking a perfunctory shower that’s often a necessity on busy days, if you have a tub, set aside the time to soak instead.
Some studies have shown immersion in hot water has some of the same benefits as aerobic exercise, and if you add extra sensorial steps you’ll be helping create an even more beneficial bath.
Alexander the Great was said to add saffron to his bath to help heal after battle and Cleopatra liked a vitamin-rich dip with flowers, milk, and honey but these days it’s easy to find pre-made bath boosters.
Try the Serotonin Soak from Higher Dose, swirled with magnesium, apple cider vinegar, French green clay, brown algae, turmeric, marjoram, and eucalyptus. Circa’s new bath soaks combine with Himalayan Salt, Rose Petals and uplifting notes of orange blossom and bergamot.
For a simple sensory boost simply add a handful of fresh petals to your bath.
Brushing up
Much has been made of the arrival of scalp scrubs (A’kin Deep Clean Scalp Scrub is a great new one) but the simple habit of taking time to thoroughly brush your hair each day with a proper hairbrush can provide similar benefits.
Working through your hair using a quality brush can stimulate circulation in the scalp and better distribute hair’s natural oils from root to tip.
Investing in one with a mix of boar and nylon tufts like those from iconic brush brand Mason Pearson and using it regularly will show in softer, shinier hair, with waves that maintain their shape. If you have very curly hair, work through with a wide-tooth comb instead.
Mindful mornings
Allow enough time to get ready and turn a skincare application into a mindful moment. To set the tone for your day ahead and to help enhance your mood, choose an intention or encouraging mantra and repeat it while applying your products.
Science has shown us that repeated actions can create new neural pathways in the brain, and connecting the physical motion of facial massage and movement with positive words can encourage our brains to believe them.
If you like to be guided in the process, skincare brand IAMMI has an app that talks you through a daily affirmation as well as sharing short, uplifting ‘life bites’, from people who are either experts in their fields or who have life lessons to share, to listen to while carrying out your beauty routine.
Don’t forget your hands
Give hands a treat by enjoying a mini hand ‘facial’.
After cleansing with a gentle soap, choose a gentle hand scrub like L’Occitane’s Shea Butter One-Minute Hand Scrub to polish away dead skin cells. Then apply a thick layer of hand balm or hand cream – like Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Moisturizing Hand Treatment – as you would a mask.
An effective hand cream contains moisturising agents to help skin hold on to hydration. Pop a pair of thin cotton gloves on for an hour or so to help with absorption.
