Three essential beauty microtrends for 2021

‘This past year, more than ever, investing time in our skin and our hair has proven to reap rewards that go beyond the physical,’ says psychotherapist and makeup artist Lee Pycroft. 

‘It’s interesting that many beauty trends are focusing on a connection between the mind and skin,’ Lee continues. ‘It’s part of a movement away from beauty being seen as something we do to “cover up”or “disguise” our apparent flaws and rather as part of a celebration of our individuality and sense of self.’

To help you find that connection between the mental and the physical this year, we’ve rounded up three microtrends to try in 2021.

Tired of a lengthy and laborious beauty routine? You’re not the only one. Intuitive beauty is a freestyle approach to skincare that consists of cherry-picking products for your morning and evening routines based on how your complexion looks and feels in that moment. 

‘Our skin can change from one day to the next, so we should listen to it, follow the cues it gives us and feed it the skincare products it needs,’ explains Laura Rudoe, founder of Evolve Organic Beauty. Try pairing back your routine with the Evolve Organic Beauty Superfood 360 Natural Serum followed by the Daily Renew Facial Cream, which won’t leave your skin feeling clogged.   

‘Skincare should work in synergy with your skin,’ agrees Tiina Isohanni, Vice President of Research, Development and Sustainability at Lumene. ‘If you suffer a feeling of tightness, go for moisturising products. If your skin looks dull, choose radiance-boosting products. When days are warm and sunny, you might manage with fewer products.’ 

Now that most of us have our central heating on, try Lumene Nordic Hydra Hydration Recharge Overnight Cream for a hydrating boost. Lumene Nordic-C Glow Lumenessence Brightening Beauty Lotion is also ideal for adding radiance at this time of year.

Target your skincare concerns with specialist products that you can easily switch in and out of your routine. Nothing is better for skin prone to rosacea or redness than the ultra soothing Darphin Intral Redness Relief Recovery Cream. Meanwhile, if your skin is craving a plumping, smoothing and generally ‘youth-boosting’ pick-me-up then Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask is the Beauty Editor’s go-to. Playing skincare pick’n’mix has never been so productive.

Psychological factors, such as stress, often have an effect on skin issues like acne or eczema. It’s often a vicious circle, as skin problems can then affect self-esteem, confidence and, in turn, cause more stress and anxiety. 

Psychodermatology attempts to combat this, with skincare brands trying to harness the power of scent and aromatherapy. ‘Scent is very interesting in the visually-driven society we live in,’ says perfumer Barnabé Fillion, who recently collaborated with Aesop to create the brand’s first floral scent. ‘Scent represents our instinctual side, it relates to our animus but also connects us to something much more elaborate and hidden within.’ 

Aromatherapy is something which many brands have channeled, from Neom’s range of scented candles and their delightful Scent to Make You Happy Essential Oil Blend, to Grown Alchemist’s incredible body cream. For an easy introduction, try Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 scented hair mist; a classic floral scent that makes you feel instantly polished and pulled together. Ideal for adding some self-care to your daily beauty routine. 

‘The quest for healthy, full, shiny hair begins with a healthy scalp,’ says Elena Lavagni, owner and founder of Neville Hair & Beauty. ‘In the same way that using the right skincare can help our skin to look healthier and younger, using regular scalp masks to exfoliate and stimulate can help promote a healthy scalp and hair.’ 

So it’s time to start treating your scalp as you would your face. Firstly ensure it is clean and hydrated. ‘You need to give your hair a healthy base from which to grow – think of your hair as a plant, and your scalp as the soil supporting it,’ explains Anabel Kingsley, trichologist at Philip Kingsley. ‘If your scalp is not in good condition the chances of you experiencing problems with hair growth increase significantly. A flaky scalp can cause increased hair loss. Scratching your scalp can also abrade the skin and cause infections, while an overly oily scalp can weigh your roots down and make styling difficult.'

For an at-home ‘scalp facial’ start with a scalp scrub, such as OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub. If your scalp is dry, Living Proof's Restore Dry Scalp promises long-term relief. Then apply Sunday Riley Clean Rinse Clarifying Scalp Serum to remove any left-over product buildup before cleansing hair with Aveda's Scalp Benefits Shampoo. Finish with the ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud to nourish and soothe. If you’re suffering from an itchy scalp follow Philip Kingsley’s shampoo, toner and mask regime as often as you need. 

Main image: Getty Images