Stealth Skincare

Quiet luxury has held the world of fashion in thrall by advocating a more thoughtful approach towards investment basics—can it do the same for beauty? Hasina Jeelani investigates

- Hasina Jeelani

Between Succession’s vise-like grip on pop culture and Gwyneth Paltrow’s pared-back courtroom wardrobe, the chatter around quiet luxury has been anything but quiet. Countering the sensory overload of logomania and a hedonistic parade of monogrammed everything, the movement invites patrons to step away from the transience of trends and indulge in the timelessness of quality basics. In the realm of fashion, this translates into thoughtfully-chosen staples in muted colours, but can this mindset extend to the world of beauty where a miracle cure-all ingredient or gimmicky sheet mask is clamouring for attention around every corner?

For renowned dermatologist, Dr Kiran Sethi, the quiet luxury movement indicates a greater alignment with purposeful beauty. “The days of the 10-step routine are numbered—the key is to do skincare with intention. Rather than confusing your skin with a host of must-have actives, it advocates taking a clear look at the goal for your skin and investing in quality products accordingly,” she says.

Divorced from the showmanship of maximalism, quiet luxury seeks expression in beauty through the vehicle of investment staples that will benefit your skin in the long run. This less-is-more approach means that it is often lumped in with minimalism and normcore—and rather unfairly so. After all, quiet luxury is not merely tethered to price tags; it speaks of a mindset. Consistent facials for well-looked-after skin that doesn’t need to be smothered under layers of concealer. An indulgent cut-and-colour job that complements your face rather than coveting the latest celebrity-inspired hairstyle. A regular manicure appointment, because hand care is just as important as facial skincare.