Back in the day, I used to get excited by the idea of getting up an hour earlier to do a full face of makeup.
Add that hour to my former 10-step skincare routine and nightly hair wash, and you’re looking at a full day dominated by what I thought were necessary steps in order to look and feel my best. However, as I’ve got older, life has only got busier, and I simply don’t have time to spend hours primping and preening.
Instead, I’ve worked hard to curate a small collection of makeup and skincare staples I know I can rely on to deliver quick and easy results. Not only that, but I’ve favoured a more low-maintenance haircare regime and swapped out complicated nail art for neutral manicures that last for weeks and don’t involve me sitting in a salon chair for hours on end. As it turns out, I’m not the only one craving a more laid-back beauty routine.
“Customers are looking for easy-to-use and efficacious products that allow them to embrace effortless, natural-looking beauty,” says Grace Vernon, head of global trends and cultural insight at Boots and No7 Beauty Company. “The laid-back beauty trend isn’t just ‘less is more’—it’s more with less.” According to Vernon, this more relaxed approach will continue in 2025, “driven by consumers’ desire to enhance their natural features and feel effortlessly put-together.
“In 2025, I think we will see more people leaning into the idea of being ‘high maintenance to be low maintenance’ too,” she explains. “[People] will invest more time and effort up front to reap the benefits of a simplified daily routine. Take the #morningshed trend, which has amassed over 133 million views on TikTok in the last two months.”
Vernon certainly isn’t wrong. Not only are trends like “morning shed” and low-maintenance beauty gaining traction on TikTok, but more brands are launching beauty products designed to make our lives a whole lot easier, from multi-use makeup sticks to skin tints infused with skincare ingredients, and so on. In fact, Sephora reported a 41% uplift in searches for skin tints over the past three months, proving that the consumer appetite for quick, easy products is higher than ever.
These days, I’m a self-confessed lazy girl who will do anything for an extra few minutes in bed, so I thought it was about time that I reached out to the experts to put together a comprehensive guide to the ultimate low-maintenance beauty routine for anyone else who simply can’t be bothered. If that sounds like you, I highly recommend you keep scrolling…
The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Beauty Routine for Spring
1. Stress-Free Skincare
First up, let’s talk skincare. As mentioned, I have recently downsized my skincare routine and try to keep things as simple as possible. Funnily enough, my skin has never looked better. “In 2025, it’s all about simplicity, consistency and efficacy,” says Vernon. “It’s about feeling good in your own skin and enjoying the process, rather than feeling pressured to follow complex regimes.”
In fact, 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? “I would say the basic building blocks of any routine are cleanser and moisturiser twice daily alongside daily sunscreen,” says Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist for CeraVe. “Typically, this involves three steps in the morning and two in the evening.”
Dr Granite recommends looking for a moisturiser that includes active ingredients that can help target specific skin concerns. These could include vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid or peptides. “A serum that is also very moisturising might [double up] as both a treatment and hydrator and cut down on steps,” she adds.
Since swapping my complicated routine for a simple skincare routine, I have noticed a huge difference in my skin, and I also feel a lot less overwhelmed by the skincare industry as a whole. “The less-is-more approach, together with mindful application techniques, can activate and regulate the skin’s process for long-term, sustainable health,” says Elizabeth King, holistic facialist and skincare expert at Weleda.
If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.
Shop Stress-Free Skincare:
CeraVe
Hydrating Cleanser
2. Multi-Use Makeup
Now, onto makeup. I am proud to say that I no longer spend more than 10 minutes on my makeup in the morning, and it’s all thanks to multi-use products. These are so easy to use that I could probably do my makeup on the tube. They definitely give more of a natural, radiant finish and are perfect for spring and summer. According to the experts, I’m not the only one loving these more pared-back products.
“Over the past year or so, I’m seeing an interest in products and techniques that promote ease and natural beauty, as opposed to the dramatic, overly complicated looks of the late ’10s,” says Melanie Baresse, global education director at By Terry. “I think people want to save time, money and space. When you have a handful of trusty products you love, it allows you to create a capsule makeup bag.”
So, what should be in this capsule makeup bag? Whilst searches for skin tints are on the rise, Baresse says you can also use concealer to create your perfect base. “On freshly primed skin, use concealer on the under-eyes and any blemishes, and blend lightly for a perfected but ‘real skin’ look.” Next, take a cream highlighter and apply it to the brow arches, cheekbones and inner corners of the eyes to give dimension and radiance.
“Choose one pop of colour, whether that be a lipstick, cream blush or cream eye shadow, and blend this across the cheeks and the creases of the eyes. For the lips, you can use a patting motion for a soft stain or apply a heavier layer for a stronger look.” Finally, apply a coat of mascara, and if you have an oilier complexion, finish things off with a dusting of powder.
“It’s all about paring your makeup routine back, so take one colour product and use it across the eyes, cheeks and lips to create a harmonious makeup look,” explains Baresse. Brands are creating more and more products that can be used on the eyes, cheeks and lips, so taking this approach to your makeup is simpler than ever.
Shop Multi-Use Makeup:
Merit
The Complexion Stick
By Terry
Brightening CC Blush
3. It’s All In the Cut
When it comes to hair, it can be a little tricker to know how to keep things as low-maintenance as possible. The thing is, we all have different hair types, wants and needs, so there isn’t really a one-size-fits-all approach. That being said, there are some things we can consider to help cut down on styling time. The main thing? A good haircut.
“The shift towards effortless beauty is bigger than ever,” says Samantha Cusick, hair expert and founder of Samantha Cusick London and Sta Studios. “Clients want cuts and colours that enhance their natural hair with minimal upkeep—think soft, blended tones that grow out seamlessly and shapes that work with, not against, [the] natural texture.
“A great stylist will tailor the cut to your lifestyle so that your version of low-maintenance still feels stylish and polished,” explains Cusick. It’s important to communicate with your hairdresser and let them know what this means for you. That being said, if you’re a little stuck on where to start, Cusick has some great suggestions. For example, if you have fine hair, you might benefit from a blunt bob, as this will give the illusion of thicker hair and will look polished both air-dried or blow-dried. However, thicker hair types will benefit from a soft, layered haircut, as this removes bulkiness without the need for constant trims.
If you have wavy hair, Cusick suggests trying a mid-length bob with long layers, which will allow waves to form naturally with minimal effort. Curly hair types may prefer internal layering that keeps volume balanced. “This shape enhances natural curls and grows out beautifully without constant reshaping,” says Cusick. Finally, coily hair types might like a tapered cut. “A tapered or sculpted shape allows coils to sit naturally with minimal styling,” explains Cusick. “It enhances curl definition whilst keeping things fresh as it grows out.”
Of course, products will also play a big part in making your finished hairstyle as quick and easy as possible to re-create. “The key to a low-maintenance hair routine is using multi-tasking, high-performance products that work with your natural hair rather than against it,” Cusick explains. If you want to air-dry, go for a leave-in conditioner or curl cream, depending on your hair type. Hard-working texture sprays can help to add that effortlessly lived-in look, whilst a salt spray will help to enhance waves.
Shop High-Performance Hair Products:
Living Proof
Style Lab Air-Dry Styler
Hershesons
Everything Cream
4. Polished to Perfection
Nails are tricky for me because although I want to be as low-maintenance as possible, I still like my manicure to look polished and put-together. I used to get gel manicures but found myself having to visit the salon every two weeks, which was not very economically sustainable. Not only did it cost a fortune, but my nails ended up being so damaged as a result. Last year, I decided to give them a break and invested in some regular nail polishes instead, but I found that painting my nails at home involved even more upkeep. So, you can imagine my delight when I discovered Bio Sculpture.
“With Bio Sculpture, your manicurist is doing all the work in one sitting, not only giving you a flawless result but also feeding your nails with goodness to make them healthier by the time you reach your next appointment,” explains top Bio Sculpture nail tech Julia Diogo. “Since the gel doesn’t chip, you can easily space out your appointments without sacrificing nail health.”
Yes, believe it or not, this clever gel actually keeps your nail health in mind. “What really sets Bio Sculpture apart are [the] tailored base coats, designed to nourish each nail type for maximum longevity,” explains Diogo. “My clients easily enjoy at least three weeks’ wear without chipping or lifting.”
If you want your nails to last even longer, Diogo recommends opting for a natural-looking, milky nail shade. “When it comes to low-maintenance manicures, simplicity is key,” she says. “I recommend opting for minimal, sheer and glossy shades—think nudes and pinks. These hues are less prone to showing chips, lifting or nail growth since they mimic the natural colour of your nails.”
Shop Long-Lasting Polishes:
Bio Sculpture
Classic Jacquard Polish
5. Smart Scents
Last but by no means least, we have to talk fragrances. You might be wondering how a fragrance can be low-maintenance. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty bored of having to top up my perfume throughout the day, and I want a long-lasting scent that lingers on the skin from morning till night.
As it turns out. I’m not alone. “Consumers today are looking for bolder, more distinctive scents that stand out from classic compositions to showcase their unique personality. They seek intensity, longevity and a more powerful sillage, favouring fragrances that leave a lasting impression and evolve beautifully throughout the day,” says Thibaud Crivelli, founder and creative director of Maison Crivelli fragrances.
Luckily for us, brands are catching on to this desire for hard-working scents. Let me introduce you to extrait perfumes. “An extrait de parfum is a more concentrated form of a fragrance, meaning it contains a higher percentage of perfume oils than an eau de parfum or eau de toilette,” explains Crivelli. Interestingly, extraits represent 75% of Maison Crivelli’s total sales, and more brands are reimagining their most popular fragrances with highly-concentrated iterations.
As you can imagine, these extrait scents last much longer than normal fragrances, thanks to the high concentration of perfume oil. “Our extraits are not only more powerful, but they are also significantly [longer]-lasting, offering an exceptional, unexpected sillage that remains on the skin for hours,” says Crivelli. “Their high concentration ensures a slower, more complex evolution, allowing wearers to fully experience the layers and nuances of the fragrance throughout the day.”
Not only will these scents linger on the skin, but the fragrances themselves will last you the long run, as you don’t need to use as much to make an impact. “A small amount is enough to provide an enveloping presence that unfolds gradually,” explains Crivelli. “These perfumes are meant to be lived in, evolving throughout the day without the need for frequent reapplication. Their long-lasting nature aligns perfectly with our vision of olfactory immersion, where scent becomes a continuous and transformative journey.”
So, make sure to shop smart this spring and go for a scent that you know will truly last.
Shop Smart Scents:
Parfums de Marly
Valaya Exclusif Parfum
MAISON CRIVELLI
Hibiscus Mahajad
Giorgio Armani
Sì Intense
(Image credit: Future)