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Sara Tendulkar’s Glow Secret Isn’t A 10-Step Routine, It’s Way Simpler | Beauty News

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 10:56 IST

Sara Tendulkar shares her minimalist skincare philosophy, managing PCOS and sensitive skin with hydration, sunscreen and science-backed basics.

Sara Tendulkar’s simple routine proves less truly is more in skincare.

In an era obsessed with elaborate routines and viral ‘glass skin’ hacks, restraint feels almost radical. While the beauty world stacks serums and acids in dizzying layers, Sara Tendulkar takes the opposite route. Her approach to skincare isn’t built on trends or overnight transformations, but it’s rooted in science, patience and doing the basics exceptionally well.

The result? A steady, believable glow that looks like health, not highlighter.

A biomedical scientist and nutritionist by training, Sara Tendulkar views skin through a clinical lens. For her, what shows up on the surface is deeply connected to what’s happening internally. And that mindset changed everything.

When Skin Health Became Personal

Her journey wasn’t without hurdles. Speaking candidly about her diagnosis with Hindustan Times Shop Now, she said, “PCOS brought its own set of challenges, especially oily skin and breakouts. It made me more aware of how closely internal health and skin health are linked.”

Talking about how she balanced her skincare with PCOS diagnosis, she continued, “I focused on consistency with eating clean, strength training, simplified and gentle skincare, and worked with dermatologists to understand what my skin actually needs rather than chasing quick fixes.”

Instead of reacting to every flare-up with a new product, she chose long-term discipline. It’s a slower path, but a sustainable one.

The Power Of Doing Less

For Sara, skincare isn’t complicated, but it’s controlled. She said, “My skin is sensitive and acne-prone, so I am very particular about what I use. I gravitate towards gentle cleansers, lightweight moisturisers, and ingredients that help maintain balance without stripping the skin.”

Her daily ritual revolves around three non-negotiables: cleansing, hydration and sun protection. She added, “My routine is quite simple and consistent. I focus on cleansing well, keeping my skin hydrated, and protecting it from the sun by using sunscreen. I prefer to not overwhelm my skin with too many products as I have learnt that doing the basics well works far better for me than constantly experimenting.”

In many ways, her philosophy mirrors a larger shift in beauty – away from maximalism and toward mindful care. Think dermatologist-backed ingredients over DIY hacks. Barrier repair over exfoliation overload. Consistency over chaos. Because sometimes, the most luxurious skincare routine isn’t the longest one. It’s the one you can actually stick to.

Location :

Delhi, India, India

First Published:

March 03, 2026, 10:56 IST

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Discover How You Can Build A Clean Skincare Routine

Discover How You Can Build A Clean Skincare Routine

Source: Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty

You wash your face religiously, yet your skin still looks dull, feels irritated, or breaks out without warning. The problem isn’t your dedication, but what you’re putting on your skin. A clean skincare routine swaps synthetic chemicals and questionable ingredients for natural, effective alternatives that actually work with your body.

Building a clean skincare routine means choosing products made from naturally derived ingredients, free of parabens and sulfates, and formulated without harsh chemicals that irritate sensitive skin. Your skin absorbs what you put on it, making ingredient quality just as important as the food you eat. The good news is it’s less complicated than most brands make it out to be.

What Does Clean Skincare Actually Mean?

Clean skincare focuses on products made with natural, sustainable ingredients that skip synthetic chemicals and questionable additives. Think plants and minerals instead of lab-created compounds with names you can’t pronounce. According to the FDA, some cosmetic ingredients can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

The difference between clean and conventional skincare comes down to what’s not in the bottle. Clean products skip the usual offenders like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances that leave sensitive skin angry and irritated. Instead, clean formulations rely on plant extracts, essential oils, and natural preservatives that protect product integrity without harming your skin.

Why Your Skin Craves Clean Ingredients

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and can absorb a significant percentage of what you apply topically. Natural ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and green tea contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that actually nourish your skin at a cellular level. When you use products loaded with synthetic chemicals, you’re essentially feeding your skin junk food.

How Do You Start a Clean Skincare Routine?

Starting a clean skincare routine doesn’t mean tossing everything in your bathroom and spending hundreds on replacements overnight. Begin by switching out the products you use most frequently, such as your cleanser or moisturizer, since these sit on your skin longest. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends selecting gentle cleansers that don’t contain harsh ingredients.

Replace products as they run out rather than doing a complete overhaul immediately. Your skin needs time to adjust, so don’t rush it. Start with cleansing, then move to moisturizing, then add treatments once you’ve got your basics down solid.

Building Your Foundation Slowly

Read ingredient lists like you read food labels. Look for products with short ingredient lists that you recognize, like shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and botanical extracts. Companies that offer wholesale skin care products often specialize in clean formulations that prioritize ingredient transparency.

The Essential Steps for Daily Skin Cleansing

Your natural beauty regimen needs just three core steps that you’ll repeat twice daily: cleanse, treat, protect. Morning and evening routines differ slightly, but the fundamentals stay consistent for an effective, eco-friendly beauty routine. Keeping it simple helps you stay consistent, which matters more than using ten different products sporadically.

Morning cleansing with gentle skin products removes overnight oil production and preps skin for the day ahead. Use a non-foaming cleanser with ingredients like honey, oatmeal, or aloe vera. Massage in circles for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.

Evening Cleansing Goes Deeper

Your evening routine works harder since you’re removing makeup, sunscreen, pollution, and the day’s grime. Try double cleansing: begin with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, then use your regular gentle cleanser. This two-step process ensures you’re actually getting clean without stripping your skin’s natural barrier.

What Should Be Included in a Clean Skincare Routine?

Every solid routine includes four non-negotiables: cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF. These form the backbone of your daily skin cleansing regimen. Everything else, like serums, exfoliants, masks, or eye creams, works as optional add-ons that address specific concerns.

Toner balances your skin’s pH after cleansing and removes any residual dirt your cleanser missed. Skip anything with alcohol, which dries out skin. Instead, choose rose water, witch hazel, or cucumber extract. 

Moisturizer hydrates and protects your skin barrier, whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination. Look, even oily skin needs moisture, as skipping it backfires; your skin just cranks up oil production to make up for it. These organic skincare tips emphasize looking for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba oil in your gentle skin products.

Don’t Skip SPF Ever

Sunscreen is the single most important anti-aging product you’ll ever use, as UV damage causes premature wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. Choose a mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide rather than a chemical sunscreen. Apply SPF 30 minimum every single morning, even when it’s cloudy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to See Results From a Clean Skincare Routine?

You’ll notice improvements in skin within 4 weeks of switching to clean products. Deeper stuff like reduced breakouts or fading dark spots take 6 to 12 weeks, since that’s how long your skin needs to complete its natural renewal cycle. Stick with your routine consistently rather than switching products every few weeks.

Are Clean Skincare Products More Expensive?

Clean products can cost more than drugstore options, but often match or beat department store prices. You’re paying for quality ingredients and ethical sourcing rather than marketing budgets. Many clean brands offer concentrated formulas where you use less product per application, making them last longer despite higher upfront costs.

Can I Mix Clean and Conventional Skincare Products?

Absolutely! Your routine doesn’t need to be 100% clean overnight. Mixing clean and conventional products won’t harm your skin; it’s simply a transition strategy that works within your budget.

Your Path to Healthier, Happier Skin

Building a clean skincare routine doesn’t require expensive overhauls or complicated regimens with fifteen steps. You need consistency with quality products that respect your skin’s natural functions rather than fighting against them. Focus on the essentials, like gentle cleansing, balanced hydration, and daily protection, using ingredients you recognize and trust.

Your skin responds to what you feed it, whether through food or topical products. Choosing clean, naturally-derived ingredients gives your skin the nutrients it needs to repair, protect, and glow. Give it time; the payoff is real.

For more beauty insights and wellness recommendations, Hello Beautiful has the lifestyle content that celebrates your natural radiance.

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Cricket in L1

Makeup Mantras: Prajakta Koli gives a glimpse into her glam-meets-real makeup routine

Prajakta Koli, the Indian YouTuber turned actor and author known as MostlySane on social media, has built a fanbase with her relatable content. From comedy sketches on YouTube to GRWM (get ready with me) videos on Instagram, she invites audiences into her world with humour and style. In one of her latest GRWM on Instagram, the ‘Mismatched’ actor blends everyday life with her makeup tips. She starts with the basics: skincare prep that’s all about hydration and a smooth base. Prajakta emphasises moisturisation and SPF as non-negotiables, a foundation for makeup that feels skincare-forward rather than heavy.

Prajakta shares her makeup secret in her get ready with me video (Instagram)

For Makeup Mantra, by HT Shop Now, we looked into Prajakta Koli’s social media videos for her go-to makeup tricks and how to adapt them for everyday, confidence-boosting glam.

Clean and hydrated base (Prep First)

Prajakta begins with skincare, a crucial yet often overlooked step before makeup. She lightly moisturises and primes her skin, focusing on a smooth and hydrated base. She applies a lightweight sunscreen that smooths texture and protects skin from UV damage. It is advisable to never skip sunscreen. In fact, your sunscreen should be blendable and lightweight, offering maximum coverage.

Flawless foundation

Moving into complexion makeup, Prajakta opts for a foundation that’s medium coverage with a skin-like finish. Instead of full-on glam, she blends product with a dense brush, focusing on evenness without masking her natural skin texture. You can even use a damp sponge to apply foundation evenly onto your face.

Concealer and contouring

Prajakta beautifully addresses her under-eye areas while chit-chatting in the video. She follows up with a concealer under the eyes and on areas that need a bit more brightness, subtly lifting the face without looking cake-heavy. She then applies a soft contour with a warm brush around the cheekbones and jawline. Instead of making it too dramatic, she applies them enough to add dimension for the camera but not so intense it feels staged.

Lip lining, along with a nude lip shade

For lips, Prajakta lines her lips beautifully using a lip liner. She chooses a soft nude-pink liquid lipstick or tinted lip balm. This shade enhances her natural lips rather than making them the focal point, tying the whole makeup look together with a subtle, friendly vibe. A pro tip is that if you have dry lips, apply a lip balm first before any lipstick shade.

Eyelash curler for naturally curled lashes

Prajakta is known for her simple and subtle looks, and she keeps it minimal here as well. She chose an eyelash curler to lift her eyelashes and did not use any fake lashes to amp up her eyelashes. She keeps her eye makeup bare with no kajals, eyeliners, or mascara, a simple girl-next-door look.

Final glow — The setting spray moment

To seal the look, Prajakta sprinkles a setting spray or makeup fixer on her face. The result? A lit-from-within gleam that catches light beautifully in videos without turning glittery or distracting. The setting spray keeps your makeup intact in one place and prevents it from melting.

Why does this look work?

What makes Prajakta’s makeup routine so engaging isn’t just the products, it’s how she talks through each step, shares little preferences (like what she loves versus what didn’t work), and treats the entire process like a chat with friends. Her choices, from hydrated base to warm blush and natural lips, create a fresh, minimal makeup look that feels easy and subtle.

Check out her Instagram video:

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Why Avocado Deserves a Spot in Your Skincare Routine

Why Avocado Deserves a Spot in Your Skincare Routine

Avocado may be best known for upgrading toast and salads, but this creamy green fruit is increasingly earning recognition in the world of skincare. Beyond its culinary popularity, avocado is packed with skin-loving nutrients that make it a powerful natural beauty ingredient. From deep hydration to fighting early signs of aging, it offers a range of benefits that can transform dull, tired skin into a healthy, radiant complexion.

Deeply moisturises the skin: Rich in healthy fats, avocado penetrates the skin to provide intense hydration. It softens dry patches, restores suppleness, and helps maintain a smooth, glowing complexion naturally. Its natural oils are easily absorbed, making it particularly beneficial for people struggling with dryness or seasonal skin concerns. Unlike many synthetic moisturizers, avocado nourishes while locking in long-lasting moisture.

Fights signs of aging: Loaded with antioxidants like vitamin E, avocado combats free radicals that cause wrinkles and fine lines, promoting youthful, firm, and healthy-looking skin. Environmental stressors such as pollution and UV exposure can accelerate aging, but the antioxidants present in avocado help defend the skin, keeping it resilient and refreshed.

Reduces inflammation: Avocado’s anti-inflammatory compounds soothe redness, irritation, and puffiness. It is ideal for sensitive skin and can calm conditions like eczema or sunburn. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for those who experience frequent flare-ups or irritation from harsh skincare products.

Brighten complexion: Vitamins C and E in avocado help even skin tone and reduce dullness. Regular use gives the skin a radiant, healthy glow from within. These vitamins support skin repair and clarity, helping to diminish the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation over time.

Heals and repairs skin: Avocado’s nutrients accelerate skin cell regeneration and support collagen production, aiding in the healing of minor cuts, scars, and blemishes. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin structure, and the fruit’s nutrient profile works to naturally strengthen and rebuild damaged areas.

Protect against sun damage: Antioxidants in avocado, especially carotenoids, help protect the skin from harmful UV rays and oxidative stress, reducing the risk of premature aging. While it does not replace sunscreen, incorporating avocado into your skincare routine can provide an added layer of defense against environmental damage.

Improves elasticity: Healthy fats and vitamin C in avocado support collagen and elastin production, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness, keeping your skin plump and youthful. Improved elasticity means skin looks smoother and feels more resilient over time.

Nourishes dry or cracked skin: Avocado’s hydrating oils penetrate deeply to soothe rough, dry, or flaky skin. It provides long-lasting moisture and helps restore a soft, smooth texture. Whether used in homemade face masks or infused in skincare products, avocado offers a simple, natural way to pamper your skin.

In a beauty industry flooded with complex formulations, avocado stands out as a wholesome, effective ingredient. Simple, accessible, and nutrient-dense, it proves that sometimes the best skincare solutions can come straight from nature.

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Skincare routine varies across OU campus – The Oakland Post

Skincare routine varies across OU campus – The Oakland Post

Across Oakland University’s campus, skincare looks different for every student. Some rely on multi-step routines with specific products, while others stick to simple habits or skip routines altogether. For many students, skincare functions as a form of self-care shaped by stress, schedules and campus life.

Savannah Villerot, a freshman majoring in criminal justice, said maintaining a skincare routine helps create consistency during busy days. Her go-to product is a Goodlight cleanser, a Korean skincare brand discovered at Ulta Beauty.

“It’s amazing. I love it,” Villerot said.

Villerot said her routine happens twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. While consistency is a goal, student life can interfere.

“Sometimes you’re going to forget, and that’s fine. As long as you try to keep it on a good schedule, I think you’ll be good,” Villerot said.

For Jae Young, a fourth-year communications major, skincare became a priority more recently. Young said she began paying closer attention to her skin over the past two semesters, especially during Michigan winters.

“One thing I could not go without is my Neutrogena moisturizer with SPF, especially in the winter because I have really bad seasonal allergies and my skin gets super irritated.”

Young said keeping a routine that is simple makes it easier to maintain. Her morning routine includes toner and moisturizer, while nighttime care focuses on acne control and reducing irritation.

“I try to keep it as simple as possible so it’s easy to maintain,” Young said. “Two to three steps, that’s it.”

Stress from campus life has noticeably affected her skin, particularly during midterms and finals. Young said late nights of studying often disrupt her routine and make it harder to restart healthy habits.

“The more stressed I am, the more I break out,” Young said. “Once the ball is rolling, I can usually maintain it, but getting back into it is hard.”

Not all students rely on product-based routines. Sadie Heman, a third-year environmental science major, said her skincare habits are simple but nonnegotiable.

“I can feel it when my face needs to be clean,” Heman said.

Heman said soap and water are essential and that washing her face every night remains a priority regardless of schedule demands. Reusable cotton cloths are used, and the routine stays the same even on busy days.

“Just wash your face every day. It takes 10 seconds, just do it,” Heman said.

For Autumn Franz, a first-year education major, skincare is also minimal. When asked which product mattered most, Franz pointed to a basic necessity.

“Water,” Franz said.

Franz said rinsing her face daily is typical, with occasional moisturizer when skin feels dry. Past experimentation with products led to the conclusion that lifestyle habits play a larger role in skin health.

“I think I’ve realized it’s just my lifestyle,” Franz said. “Diet and stress really affect my skin.”

College life encouraged experimentation when breakouts appeared, but Franz said managing stress and eating healthier would likely have the greatest impact. Patience and observation were offered as advice for students starting skincare routines.

“Try a lot of different things and keep track of what each thing does for you,” Franz said. “You’ve got to figure out what works.”

Although routines vary, students across campus described skincare as more than appearance-focused. 

Whether through detailed regimens or simple habits, many said caring for skin helps provide stability amid the demands of college life.

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Why Your Skin Still Looks Dull Even With a Skincare Routine

Why Your Skin Still Looks Dull Even With a Skincare Routine

Some people follow every skincare step carefully, yet their reflection still looks tired and dull. The cleansers are gentle, the serums give glow, and the moisturizers are high quality, but the results do not match the radiant skin they hoped for. It can be frustrating when effort does not show on the surface.

Dull skin has many causes that go deeper than the surface. Sometimes the problem is underneath the skin. Even when products work well, they can only do so much if the body itself struggles to renew, hydrate, or repair from the inside.

By understanding what really affects skin brightness, people can focus on real improvements instead of always chasing the newest products. In many cases, healthy glowing skin begins from within, supported by good rest, careful daily skincare, and sometimes skin enhancing supplements that support overall skin health.

Dehydration Below the Surface

Even when the skin looks well cared for, a lack of internal hydration can make it look dull and tight. Many people confuse surface moisture from creams with the real hydration that skin cells need to stay plump and naturally reflective.

Not All Moisture Is Equal

A layer of cream can lock in water, but it cannot create it. When the skin is dry at its base, even the best moisturizers have trouble working well. Everyday habits like not drinking enough water, drinking a lot of coffee, or spending time in air conditioned spaces can quietly pull moisture from the skin. Over time, this dryness makes the skin rough and reduces its natural glow.

The Role of Internal Hydration

Real hydration starts from within. When the body does not get enough fluids, skin cells become less flexible and more likely to flake. Eating fruits with high water content and getting enough electrolytes helps the skin hold moisture better. People who are often outdoors or in dry areas usually notice better results when they combine skincare with proper hydration.

How Balanced Nutrition Helps

Hydration also depends on what you eat. Foods rich in healthy fats, like avocados, nuts, and fish, help the skin stay naturally glowing because they nourish its lipid layer. Without this internal support, even hydrating serums cannot keep the skin smooth for long. When the skin gets the right nutrients from food, it reflects light better and feels softer for longer.

Poor Cellular Renewal and Fatigue

Another reason skin can look dull is that dead skin cells build up faster than the body can remove them. Even a gentle exfoliant may not be enough if the skin’s natural turnover slows down. This often happens when the body is stressed, missing nutrients, or not getting enough rest.

The Slowdown of Skin Renewal

Skin normally renews itself about every month, but when sleep is irregular or stress hormones remain high, this process takes longer. Old cells stay longer on the surface, scattering light and making the complexion look dull. This change can be so gradual that it goes unnoticed until the skin starts to feel rough and lose elasticity. Better rest habits and relaxation often help the skin renew naturally.

When Nutrition Plays a Silent Role

Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy skin turnover. A lack of vitamin C, E, or zinc may make the skin heal slowly and look uneven. Eating a balanced diet with colorful fruits and vegetables, proteins, and whole grains supports the body’s ability to renew efficiently. For those who cannot always eat this way, supplements with these nutrients can help fill the gaps. Small changes in daily nutrition can quickly improve skin tone and make the complexion look lively.

Sleep and Stress Connection

Sleep does more than rest the body. It repairs it. During deep sleep, the skin boosts collagen and removes damaged cells. Missing this stage leaves the skin tired no matter what products are used. Similarly, chronic stress releases hormones that interfere with skin repair, reducing its natural glow. Establishing steady routines of rest, relaxation, and mindful breathing can make a visible difference over time.

Environmental Exposure and Lifestyle Habits

Even the best skincare routine can be affected by daily habits and the environment. Pollution, UV rays, and screen time all affect how the skin looks and feels. People often underestimate how much their surroundings influence the skin’s ability to stay radiant.

The Invisible Impact of Pollution

Pollution particles slowly settle on the skin and cause irritation. When this layer mixes with natural oil and sweat, it can block pores and lead to rough or uneven skin texture. Daily cleansing is helpful, but care from inside the body is just as important. Antioxidants from food or supplements help protect skin cells from pollution, supporting a clearer and fresher appearance over time.

Everyday Habits That Steal Radiance

Late nights, too much caffeine, and skipping meals may seem harmless, but they slowly reduce blood flow and nutrients reaching the skin. Without enough oxygen and nourishment, the skin can look dull and tired. Small lifestyle changes, such as eating more whole foods, doing light exercise, and spending short periods outdoors, can help restore skin health from within without needing drastic changes.

Sunlight and Digital Exposure

Sunlight helps the body make vitamin D, but too much sun without protection can damage collagen and make skin look dull. Light from phones and computers can also affect skin firmness and tone when exposure is long and frequent. Using sunscreen daily and taking short breaks from screens gives the skin time to recover and helps natural brightness return.

Understanding the Whole Picture

Dull skin is not only about skincare products. It is often linked to daily habits. The skin reflects what we eat, how well we sleep, how we handle stress, and how consistent our care is. When skincare does not seem to work, the cause is often found in lifestyle and nutrition.

Sometimes, the solution is not another product, but better care from within. With enough water, balanced meals, and proper rest, the skin can slowly look healthier and brighter. Nutritious food and supplements, when needed, help build a strong base for natural glow that creams alone cannot provide.

Healthy skin takes time. It grows through balance, good habits, and care that supports the body inside and out.

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How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works

How to Build a Skincare Routine That Actually Works

LA Times Studios may earn commission from purchases made through our links.

There’s a version of our skincare routine that lives inside our heads. It’s consistent. Strategic. Full of products that are supposedly doing something. And then there’s the truth. Half-used serums. A rotation of trending ingredients (or what’s on sale) and we’re left with a quiet suspicion that despite all of our efforts, our skin isn’t actually improving.

On this week’s episode of the ‘Live & Well’ podcast, host Melissa Magsaysay sits down with Colette Laxton, co-founder of The Inkey List, a science-backed skincare brand best known for making ingredient-focused products simple and easy to understand. What unfolds is less about what to buy and more about why so many routines don’t work.

Why skincare routines fail in the first place

For many of us, skincare doesn’t start with clarity but more with confusion. Laxton explains that most consumers fall into what she describes as the “confused” category. They are either new to skincare or trying to solve a specific issue like acne or sensitivity, and end up going through products without a proper plan.

RELATED: 30 K-Beauty Skincare Deals with Ingredients Actually Worth Buying

Laxton sees this confusion play out in how we build our routines. Instead of simplifying, we tend to add more. More products. More steps. More actives layered without fully understanding how they interact or what they actually do. The result, she suggests, isn’t necessarily better skin, but more inconsistency and irritation.

Magsaysay points to the behavioral loop many of us do recognize. When something feels off, we add again. Another serum. Another exfoliant. Another trend. While it creates the illusion of control, Laxton argues it’s working against our skin.

What skincare routines are getting wrong right now

One of the biggest issues, according to Laxton, is the overuse of exfoliating acids.

“I’ve got a bit of an issue with the overuse of exfoliating acids,” she says, referencing the widespread use of AHAs and BHAs. “I don’t think everybody should be using it all the time.”
Part of the appeal is immediate payoff, Laxton explains.

Skin can look smoother or more radiant quickly, which reinforces the habit. But Laxton cautions that the sensation we associate with effectiveness can be misleading.

“That tingling is not something you should be doing more than once a week, if that,” she says. At the same time, she sees a broader pattern tied to how we consume skincare today. Trends move fast. Ingredients go viral. And we seem to be adopting them without asking whether they’re actually right for us.

RELATED: The Rise of Gemstone Skincare: How KNESKO Is Turning Beauty Into Ritual

“The problem I’ve got with a lot of trending products,” Laxton says, “…is that people buy them because it’s trending without understanding, is that one for me, or is that not for me?” This pattern often shows up as compromised skin. “A lot of issues right now are coming from the skin barrier,” she explains. “So many people are saying, ‘I’m sensitive.’”

What actually works in a skincare routine

If there’s a through line in Laxton’s approach, it’s simplicity. Her framework deliberately strips things back to essentials. Cleanse. Hydrate. Protect. “If you’re going to break it down and build a routine, literally start at cleansing your skin,” she says. “Find the right cleanser for you.”

It might sound obvious, but she notes that many of us skip foundational steps while investing in more advanced treatments. From there, hydration becomes the anchor.

RELATED: How Growth Factors Are Transforming Anti-Aging Skincare

“I’m very interested in products and actives that really support hydration,” says Laxton. “A lot of problems that people are getting is dehydration.” That includes concerns we often label as something else. Signs of aging. Acne flare-ups. Sensitivity. All can be exacerbated when the skin lacks hydration or barrier support.

The final step is protection. “There is no point doing all these incredible things in your skincare routine and then not using an SPF,” she says. Laxton’s approach, she admits, isn’t designed to be exciting. It’s designed to be consistent.

How to build a simple skincare routine, according to Colette Laxton

If the goal is to simplify rather than add, the routine Laxton describes is intentionally minimal. It’s built around a few foundational steps.

At its core, the structure looks like this:

  • Cleanse: A gentle cleanser is the starting point. Laxton points to formulas like The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm, which removes makeup and SPF without stripping the skin.
  • Hydrate: Hydration is where she places the most emphasis. Ingredients like those found in The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which she says supports both moisture levels and the skin barrier.

    Starter Retinol Serum

    (The INKEY List)

  • Treat (if needed): Targeted treatments like The INKEY List Retinol Serum or The INKEY List Niacinamide Serum could be introduced gradually based on how skin responds.
  • Eye (optional): Products like The INKEY List Caffeine Eye Cream can often serve as an entry point, especially for concerns like puffiness or early signs of fatigue.
  • Protect: Daily SPF like THE INKEY List Dewy Sunscreen SPF remains non-negotiable for Laxton, who says there’s little point in investing in a routine if skin isn’t being protected.

The structure is intentionally simple, but that’s the point.

The skincare reset

While there, of course, is still room for advanced ingredients and new formulations… Laxton herself points to emerging ingredients like ectoin and polyglutamic acid as areas of interest. But those additions are meant to build on a stable foundation, not replace it.

In practice, our takeaway is that we need to step back before stepping forward. Look at what’s already in our routine and ask whether our products serve a purpose. Because for most of us, the issue isn’t that our skincare routine is missing something. It’s that it’s doing too much.

Click here to listen to the full podcast episode.

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Scarlett Johansson's 'no-makeup makeup’ routine is just three products

Scarlett Johansson’s ‘no-makeup makeup’ routine is just three products

Page Six may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

Want to get ready like ScarJo on the go?

Scarlett Johansson recently shared her surprisingly streamlined “no-makeup makeup” routine on Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, saying she’s “all about things that enhance skin rather than cover it.”

“A little concealer, cream blush and something hydrating on the lips … usually does it,” she explained.

As for her exact favorites? The star name-dropped Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer — the brainchild of celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman — and Goop Beauty’s Colorblur Glow Balm.

Nordstrom

Goop

The latter swipe-and-go formula comes in five hues ranging from coral to deep mauve — though Paltrow and Johansson are both partial to the soft berry shade Afterglow.

When it comes time to put the finishing touches on her minimalist look, the “Jurassic Park” actress also reaches for a bestseller from her own brand: The Outset Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment.

The Outset

She specifically shouted out the clear version for a more natural look, though it also comes in three sheer tints — all of which have over 100 glowing reviews on Amazon, with shoppers calling them “genuinely nourishing” and “not sticky.”

While not all celebrity beauty brands stand up to the hype, Melissa Minton, Page Six Style’s Senior Editor, swears the “two-for-one product” is truly worth it.

“When I’m wearing the Lip Oasis, I feel like I have ScarJo’s enviable big pout!” she says. “It definitely gives an enhanced look.”

Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping

This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Associate Editor for Page Six. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts celebrities’ brands to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.

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The Ultimate 5-Minute ‘No-Makeup’ Makeup Routine You’ll Love | Beauty News

The Ultimate 5-Minute ‘No-Makeup’ Makeup Routine You’ll Love | Beauty News

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 13:45 IST

Want radiant skin without heavy foundation? Try this easy no-makeup makeup routine with light coverage, blush hacks and glow tips for an effortless everyday look.

This makeup hack will make you look glowy, fresh, and pretty!

Do you ever find yourself scrolling through the Internet and spotting videos of actresses looking effortlessly flawless, seemingly with barely any makeup on? Same here. The ‘no-makeup makeup’ look has been trending for a while, but let’s be real, it’s not as easy to pull off as it sounds, even though, technically, it’s supposed to be a ‘no-makeup’ look.

So, if you are wondering how to achieve that effortless, fresh-faced glow in just a few minutes, you are in the right place. Before we get into the simple steps to nail it, let’s first understand what the no-makeup makeup look actually is.

What Is A ‘No Makeup’ Makeup Look And Why Is It Trending?

The no-makeup look is all about enhancing your natural features using minimal products. It focuses on lightweight, breathable formulas that let your skin shine through while still making you look fresh and put together.

What makes this look so appealing, and why it’s been trending, is its connection to the skincare-first mindset that emerged during COVID. People started prioritising healthy, well-cared-for skin, which naturally led to a preference for sheer foundations, dewy highlighters, and barely-there lip and cheek tints. These subtle products allow the skin, already perfected by a consistent skincare routine, to take centre stage.

How To Nail The ‘No Makeup’ Makeup Look In Just 5 Minutes

1. Skin Prep, Always

When your skin is well prepped, you automatically need less coverage. It is not always necessary to follow a long, multi-step skincare routine. A good SPF moisturiser or even a strobe cream can work wonders on its own. These products create a smooth, hydrated base, allowing your makeup to glide on effortlessly while still keeping the skin looking fresh and breathable.

2. Full Face Foundation? No Need

You can skip the full-coverage foundation and go for spot concealing or a lightweight skin tint instead, and apply it with your fingers for a more natural finish. Use concealer only where needed, like the inner corners of your eyes, around the nose, or on any blemishes.

3. Blush Being The Gamechanger

To add a natural flush, use a cream blush in a soft pink that suits your skin tone. Dab it onto the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards. You can also try the trending boyfriend blush by placing it slightly lower on the cheeks. At last, whatever blush is left on your fingers, lightly tap it onto your eyelids for a natural finish.

4. Don’t Forget Brows And Lashes

Do not forget your brows and lashes, but keep them soft and natural, not overly perfect. A tinted brow gel works great to add shape and fullness, and a light coat of brown mascara on the lashes is enough to open up your eyes without looking heavy.

5. Bringing It All Together

Finish off your look with a lip balm or a nourishing lip oil for a healthy shine. You can also lightly dust some bronzer in a soft ‘W’ shape across your cheeks and nose to add a natural, sun-kissed glow.

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Location :

Delhi, India, India

First Published:

February 17, 2026, 13:45 IST

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