The Spring Beauty Drill: The Perfect Routine for Those Who Prefer Simplicity

      In the past, I would get thrilled at the thought of waking up an hour earlier to apply a complete makeup look. When you combine that hour with my previous 10-step skincare process and nightly hair wash, it equated to a day filled with what I believed were essential routines to feel and look my best. However, as I've matured, life has grown increasingly hectic, leaving me with little time to dedicate to hours of grooming. Instead, I've focused on assembling a concise set of dependable makeup and skincare essentials that provide quick and efficient results. Additionally, I've opted for a simpler haircare routine and swapped intricate nail art for neutral manicures that last for weeks without requiring long salon sessions. It appears that I'm not alone in seeking a more relaxed beauty regimen. "Customers are searching for easy-to-use and effective products that enable them to embody effortless, natural beauty," states Grace Vernon, head of global trends and cultural insight at Boots and No7 Beauty Company. "The laid-back beauty trend isn't just about 'less is more'—it's about achieving more with less." Vernon predicts that this relaxed strategy will persist into 2025, "driven by consumers' aspirations to enhance their natural features and feel effortlessly put-together." She elaborates that in 2025, more individuals may embrace the concept of being 'high maintenance to achieve low maintenance.' "[People] will invest additional time and effort upfront to enjoy the rewards of a simplified daily routine. Consider the #morningshed trend, which has garnered over 133 million views on TikTok in the past two months." Vernon is certainly onto something. Not only are trends like "morning shed" and low-maintenance beauty thriving on TikTok, but more brands are introducing beauty products aimed at simplifying our routines, such as multi-use makeup sticks and skin tints incorporating skincare ingredients. In fact, Sephora reported a 41% increase in searches for skin tints over the last three months, confirming that the demand for quick, easy products is at an all-time high. Nowadays, I’m a self-identified lazy girl who would do anything for a few extra minutes in bed, which is why I decided it was time to consult the experts on creating a comprehensive guide to the ultimate low-maintenance beauty routine for anyone else feeling the same way. If that resonates with you, I highly suggest you keep reading…

      **The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Beauty Routine for Spring**

      1. **Stress-Free Skincare**

      To kick things off, let's discuss skincare. As noted, I have recently streamlined my skincare routine and strive to keep it as straightforward as possible. Interestingly, my skin has never appeared better. "In 2025, the focus will be on simplicity, consistency, and efficacy," states Vernon. "It’s about feeling good in your own skin and enjoying the process rather than feeling pressured to adhere to complicated regimes." According to a recent study by No7 Beauty Company, women’s top three facial skin ideals are 'healthy,' 'hydrated,' and 'natural.' So, how can we achieve this? "The foundational elements of any routine should be a cleanser and moisturiser used twice a day, accompanied by daily sunscreen," advises Dr. Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist for CeraVe. "Typically, this entails three steps in the morning and two at night." Dr. Granite recommends seeking a moisturiser with active ingredients to target specific skin issues, including vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or peptides. "A serum that is also quite hydrating could serve as both a treatment and moisturiser, reducing the number of steps," she adds. Since simplifying my routine, I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin and feel less overwhelmed by the skincare industry. "The less-is-more approach, combined with mindful application techniques, can stimulate and regulate the skin’s functions for sustainable health," says Elizabeth King, holistic facialist and skincare expert at Weleda. If that doesn't persuade you, I don't know what will.

      **Shop Stress-Free Skincare:**

      *CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser*

      2. **Multi-Use Makeup**

      Next up is makeup. I'm happy to say that I now spend no more than 10 minutes on my makeup in the morning, all thanks to multi-use products. They are so user-friendly that I could probably apply my makeup on the tube. They provide a natural, radiant finish and are ideal for spring and summer. According to experts, I'm not the sole admirer of these simpler products. "Over the past year, I’ve noticed a growing interest in products and techniques that foster ease and natural beauty, as opposed to the dramatic, overly intricate looks of the late '10s," says Melanie Baresse, global education director at By Terry. "People want to save time, money, and space. Having a handful of beloved products allows you to create a capsule makeup bag." So, what should be included in this capsule makeup kit? Although