Minimalist Skincare for People Who Don’t “Do” Skincare

Modern life doesn’t always leave room for elaborate beauty routines—and that’s completely fine. In fact, simpler is often better. Dermatologists agree: keeping your skincare routine pared down to the essentials increases consistency, reduces irritation, and delivers the best results. Think of it as a “less is more” philosophy that prioritizes efficacy over quantity.

Why Simple Works:

• Consistency over complexity: You’re more likely to stick with a 3-step routine than a 10-step one. 
• Gentle, effective ingredients: Too many products can irritate the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema and rosacea.  
• Right order matters: Cleanse, then layer from lightest to heaviest (e.g. serum first, then moisturizer, then oil) for optimal absorption. 
• Don’t skip SPF: Always include sunscreen in your morning routine—it’s essential, simple, and non-negotiable. 

The Effortless 3-Step Routine

Morning:

1. Cleanser (or water) – very gentle, just enough to refresh. 
2. Moisturizer – something hydrating yet lightweight. 
3. SPF – only one time daily, in the morning. 

Evening:

1. Cleanser – remove the day; double cleanse if wearing makeup. 
2. Treatment or serum (optional) – only if it’s something your skin truly needs. 
3. Moisturizer or oil – seal in hydration. 

Think of it as your “lazy girl skincare blueprint” — effortlessly effective.

3 Clean & Minimalist Brands on the GLW Shop

Mimétique

• French dermocosmetic brand emphasizing biomimicry, with over 96% natural ingredients and minimalist packaging.  
• Science-backed (SMR-C5 complex), vegan, fragrance-free, and gentle—perfect for sensitive or reactive skin. 
• A recent review praised its concise four-product lineup: the Skin Cloud cleansing balm, Skin Revive serum, Skin Restore cream, and Skin Booster oil—all praised for performance and minimalism.
  
  

Le Prunier

• A luxe yet simple brand rooted in sustainability: founded by three sisters on a California plum farm, they convert plum byproducts into antioxidant-rich skincare. 
• Hero products include the Plum Beauty Oil, rich in omegas, vitamins A & E, and polyphenols; it hydrates, brightens, and calms the skin barrier.
  
• Their Plumscreen SPF 31 pairs sun protection with their signature plum complex, offering antioxidant defense in one step. 

Doré

• Made in France, clinically gentle yet highly effective for hydration and barrier repair. 
• Designed for minimal steps and maximum outdoors time—“the white T-shirt of skincare.” Their products are EWG VERIFIED™ for clean formulation. 
• Standouts include Le Baume, a multi-purpose balm with just seven ingredients to repair distressed skin; La Micellaire, a hydrating micellar water that doubles as a no-rinse cleanser; and Le Glaçon, a facial ice roller to soothe puffiness and boost circulation—perfect for mornings that need a little refresh.
  
  

You don’t need a crowded shelf or a 20-minute routine to have healthy, glowing skin. Choose one clean brand (or mix minimalist favourites), follow the basics—cleanse, hydrate, protect—and stick with it. Whether it’s Mimétique’s science-first formulas, Le Prunier’s plum-infused simplicity, or Doré’s French minimalism, there’s a simple, effective path to great skin for every lifestyle.