Scandinavian Beauty

What keeps Scandinavian women looking effortlessly beautiful and age-defyingly graceful? A simple skincare routine.Scandinavian people are well-known for the way they prioritise contentment and wellness. In fact, they even have a word for it “hygge”. The hygge mindset has received a lot of attention over the last few years, particularly in home and lifestyle magazines, as we all look for ways to make our lives cosier and more comfortable. But hygge extends far beyond home decor, it’s a way of life for Scandinavians, even down to their pared-back beauty routines.The norm when it comes to beauty revolves around functionality and results. Beauty regimes value quality over quantity and less is most certainly more. If you’ve ever wondered how those women from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland get their hair and skin looking quite so effortlessly flawless, read on for the inside secrets.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

With average winter temperatures often dropping below freezing, keeping skin hydrated plays a key role in Scandi-Beauty routines. Moisture can quickly be lost in harsh winds and freezing temperatures, so to prevent dehydrated and chapped skin, Scandinavian women have adopted an effective yet simple skincare routine.A targetted serum is applied daily to hydrate the skin at a cellular level. Next, a rich, nourishing day cream is used to lock in moisture and protect against the elements. Throughout the day, many women will also top up their skin with a hydrating mist to prevent any additional dryness. And during winter, sheet masks become a twice-weekly investment in that dewy, youthful skin we all so admire.

Quality Ingredients

Most of us would love a skincare routine that includes as few steps as possible, but the Scandinavians have it down to an art. Prioritising quality ingredients, they achieve the best results from the least possible products. Scandinavian skin and hair products will often include glacier water, cloudberries or omega oils. These three ingredients are highly valued for their beneficial properties.Glacier water is believed to be the cleanest water in the world. Along with it being one of the main sources of drinking water, many skincare products also use it in their formulation. Omega oils are a popular addition to skincare, but are also an integral part of the typical diet which is naturally high in fish. Cloudberries are a rare berry found predominantly in Scandinavia. Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, one cloudberry contains around 4x more vitamin C than an orange. The Finnish brand Lumene utilises many of these ingredients, why not try them for yourself?

Keeping it Cool

One Scandi-Beauty tip that you can easily integrate into your own routine is the power of cold water. While heat is great for opening your pores - that’s where the sauna comes into its own - it’s important to close them again. Coldwater restricts your pores and blood vessels, making it the perfect final step when cleansing. After finishing giving skin a thorough cleanse with a Swedish Foreo cleansing brush, many Scandinavians will regularly finish their shower or face cleanse with a burst of cold water.

Healthy Hair

While cold water in the shower may not be everyone’s idea of fun, there is an alternative when it comes to achieving shiny, healthy hair. Sachajuan is a Swedish haircare company loved by Scandinavians thanks to their range of highly effective hair products. With each product tailored specifically for the complex needs of different hair types, you’re sure to find something you love. 

Beauty That Radiates

Many women from Nordic countries explain that the secret to their complexion is a love of the great outdoors. Those who live in Scandinavian countries traditionally spend a lot more time outside than their British counterparts and its believed that the fresh air and exercise plays a part in their healthy appearance. In summer, the daylight hours are long, so a good SPF facial cream of at least 50 is vital in skincare.

Minimalist Makeup

The passion for quality over quantity comes back into play when we look at typical Scandinavian makeup. For daily wear, most women opt for a simple lined eye and a pop of lip colour. Foundation is often dismissed as instead, there is a preference for a more natural look. Whether you’re ready to take a leaf from the Scandi-Beauty book and ditch the foundation, or are ready to brave the cold water at the end of your shower, there’s something we can all learn from our nordic neighbours. Why not browse our full range of Scandinavian products and see what works for you?