Beauty inspires, uplifts, and connects us on a profound level. In our hunt for radiant skin and luscious hair, we often find ourselves lured by the excess of beauty products at the Mall, online, or duty-free. But how many are too many? I want to know the secrets of crafting a healthy cult skincare routine that strikes the perfect balance. From exploring cult beauty independent brands to choosing the right ingredients, today, I find myself hunting in the unique landscape of the cult beauty routine in the Middle East and discovering its magic.
I’m working to define a new standard: Sentient Beauty. We go shopping in today’s vast beauty landscape, and in this landscape, the concept of Sentient Beauty stands out as a thoughtful approach. It’s about making deliberate choices, delegating us to take control of our beauty routine, and selecting products from brands that resonate with our values, needs, and care for the community, our climate, and our planet. Instead of following trends or external pressures, the concept of Sentient Beauty encourages us to choose what indeed resonates with us, creating a beauty routine that’s as mindful as it is effective.
With so many cult beauty brands competing for our attention, it’s easy to get caught up in the appeal of flashy packaging, creative names, and clever marketing. But a brand’s popularity only sometimes means it’s the right choice for you, for us. Priority: focus on your unique skin needs to find the products that genuinely work for you. Prioritize your skin concerns, read reviews, explore local brands and ingredients, and trust your instincts. It’s the way to uncover those products that meet your goals and align with your values and the sentient beauty concept.
To address the core issue: if a product has no impact on my skin after using it two or three times, if I don’t see any results after the second application, there is a big chance I will lose interest, stop using it, and keep it on the shelf, as a reminder it didn’t work as expected. Eventually, I will have a collection of expensive and less expensive products, just lining up on the bathroom shelf, collecting steam. I have an extensive list of indie, cult, independent beauty brands announcing amazing science and commitment behind their products and with excellent reviews; why should I waste my time on a product that does not impress me after the third application?! I give every brand a second chance. After all, I invest time and energy in finding it, and I will buy another product from the same brand if the first try doesn’t work out.
How many products should I include in my skincare routine? What’s the perfect blend? A healthy beauty routine involves using only a manageable number of products. You are curating a harmonious collection to cover the essential pillars of your skincare, hair care, and self-care.
Develop a foundation of quality skincare essentials. Start with a gentle cleanser, a nourishing moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Add targeted treatments like serums or masks to address specific concerns. Remember, it’s not about quantity but the efficacy and intention behind each product. For instance, a gentle cleanser could be Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser, a nourishing moisturizer could be Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen could be Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen.
Choose a shampoo and conditioner only for your hair type and concerns. Adding a leave-in treatment or hair oil for nourishment and shine is always a good idea. Simplicity in my haircare routine has led to stunning results. If you focus on a few essential products or ingredients that target your specific needs or concerns, you can achieve healthier, more manageable hair without overwhelming your routine.
I am hypnotized these days by the shampoo bars. No more plastic bottles coming from shampoos and conditioners. Besides Lush, I’ve discovered Kitsch, which manufactures impressive shampoo and conditioner bars targeting various hair types and concerns. I have started with Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth and their Rice Water Conditioner Bar for Hair Growth, and I am more than impressed by the results.
Meditate. Value yourself and your well-being. Focus on self-care rituals that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Meditation, reading and writing a poem or keeping a diary, facial massages, or aromatherapy are moments of tranquility just as vital as any product you apply to your skin, making you feel cared for and valued.
Sentient Beauty is a work-in-progress concept. I am working on defining and adapting it. It’s not about surrendering to trends or hoarding countless products. It’s about building a cult beauty routine that speaks to your innermost self.
Work on the balance between quality, intention, and self-care. The concept of Sentient Beauty should inspire and motivate you to create a mindful and effective beauty routine.
The Founder
If you are an expat in the Middle East facing skin concerns and want to share your story, send us a message at [email protected]
*Disclosure: I received no compensation for this review. This is solely based on my personal experience and assessment.
