BEAUTY SNACKING: THE TREND THAT SATISFIES YOUR SELF CARE CRAVINGS
Who says snacking must be all about cookies, crisps and carrots? This year, the beauty space brings a whole new meaning to tasty refreshments.
Cue: Beauty Snacking.
Curing all our self care cravings, Beauty Snacking is the food-free ritual that turns our well-earned breaks into wellbeing moments. From a spritz of your favourite fragrance to taking time to apply your lip balm or face mask – it’s the little things that make a big difference.
Helping us to foster a need for ‘me time’ without overwhelming our routines, here at Cult Beauty we spoke with two industry experts to understand what Beauty Snacking is, its benefits and how we can seamlessly incorporate it into our daily routines.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What is Beauty Snacking
- Why is Beauty Snacking on the rise
- Benefits of Beauty Snacking
- How to incorporate Beauty Snacking into your routine
- The best ways to beauty snack
MEET THE EXPERTS
- Dennis Relojo-Howell, Managing Director of Psychreg
- Huda Okuonghae, Celebrity MUA
WHAT IS BEAUTY SNACKING
Similar to how we enjoy treats in between meals, Beauty Snacking talks about “small, bite-sized moments taken during the day to care for yourself. It’s those quick, easy beauty rituals that refresh your mood and appearance, without taking too much time. Whether it’s applying a dab of hand cream or a spritz of facial mist, it’s all about finding little ways to boost your wellbeing” explains Huda.
Aligning with many self care resolutions, it encourages individuals to carve out small but meaningful moments for themselves throughout the day. “These micro-moments involve simple, quick practices that are easy to incorporate into even the busiest routines, making self-care both accessible and sustainable” adds Dennis.
WHY IS BEAUTY SNACKING ON THE RISE
In short, Beauty Snacking is popular because it’s practical, uplifting and easy to achieve. While the concept of Beauty Snacking arose during the COVID-19 pandemic – where many of us were working from home, making the boundaries between work and home life blurred – today it’s evolved to represent little acts of self care that allow you to pause and reconnect with yourself during a busy day. “As a working mum who often travels abroad, I need quick rituals that fit into my schedule. These moments help me feel refreshed, whether I’m preparing for a meeting, campaign shoot or long-haul flight. Innovations like no-mess applicators and sustainable packaging have made it easier than ever to incorporate Beauty Snacking, even in the middle of a busy workday or while rushing through an airport” says Huda.
BENEFITS OF BEAUTY SNACKING
Providing an opportunity to pause and rest, Beauty Snacking puts your happiness first. “The tactile and sensory nature of beauty routines, such as the soothing texture of skin care products or calming scents, can evoke feelings of relaxation, comfort while a promoting positive mind. These consistent acts can have a cumulative effect on wellness by helping individuals feel more grounded and present. These moments allow people to reconnect with themselves, breaking the monotony of daily stressors.” Dennis tells us.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Beauty Snacking also boosts many other benefits to ensure you take an effective approach to self care. Here are just some of the trend’s key advantages:
Enhances skin health: Short, regular beauty treatments help to maintain your skin’s hydration, radiance and overall vitality. Small skin care habits, like moisturising throughout the day or refreshing your complexion, can improve skin texture and prevent dryness or dullness.
Improves your mood: Offering time to disconnect and unwind helps to reduce the risk of stress and increases feelings of relaxation. Engaging in these brief rituals grants you a sense of accomplishment and self-kindness, reinforcing a positive mindset at any time of the day.
Boosts confidence: A mindful practice that shifts focus to the present moment, over time these positive associations with self care can raise a healthier relationship with one's self-image, as you learn to appreciate and nurture your bodies rather than criticise them. What’s more, knowing you're investing in yourself, even during busy moments, can lead to a sense of accomplishment and confidence too.
Time-efficient: Beauty Snacking allows you to incorporate small, quick treatments into your daily routine without taking up too much time. Whether it’s applying an eye mask or using your gua sha tool, these memorable moments slot in between work, the gym and other activities.
Encourages consistency: Super sustainable – no matter which beauty snack you choose – short, manageable routines are more likely to be maintained than long, complicated ones, leading to better long-term skin care results that is easy to upkeep.
Accessible and affordable: since the concept focuses on short treatments, it doesn’t require purchasing elaborate or expensive products. You can use smaller portions of your existing beauty items or try single-use products, making it more budget-friendly.
HOW TO INCORPORATE BEAUTY SNACKING INTO YOUR ROUTINE
So, know we know the what and whys, it’s time to discover how to incorporate Beauty Snacking into your day-to-day.
But, before we get into the different ways you can incorporate these self care snippets into your diary, it’s important to understand that what may work for one may not work for another. There are no rules when it comes to Beauty Snacking, you can do it whenever, wherever and how many times you desire. “In my opinion the best times are during natural breaks in your day. For me, Beauty Snacking happens 2-3 times a day. In the morning, I might refresh with a mist after the school run. Midday, I’ll apply some lip balm before a client session. And late afternoon, I love a little hand cream or roll-on scent to help me reset before dinner with my family or evening work commitments. It’s all about finding those moments where you can recharge.” Huda shares. And remember, “it’s not just about skin care or make up — it’s a mindfulness practice that helps you stay grounded in the midst of a busy schedule” she adds.
With that in mind Huda shares her top tips and tricks for Beauty Snacking.
Dos:
- Keep it simple, choose products that are easy to apply and mess-free.
- Stay consistent, make Beauty Snacking part of your daily routine.
- Prioritise multi-taskers, look for products that offer more than one benefit, like hydration and a hint of colour.
Don’ts:
- Avoid overloading your skin with too many products, it’s about quick refreshes, not a full routine.
- Don’t rely solely on Beauty Snacking, continue to prioritise your regular skin care and self care rituals too.
- Skip products that might not suit your skin type, especially if you’re reapplying throughout the day.
THE BEST WAYS TO BEAUTY SNACK
HYDRATE WITH A FACE MIST
Your perfect mid-day pick-me-up, a single spritz of your refreshing facial mist can instantly hydrate and invigorate your complexion, leaving it feeling recharged and dewy after your midday slump.
LOVE YOUR LIPS
Treat your pout to some much-needed hydration with a swipe of a nourishing lip mask or balm. This can be done while you’re at your desk, traveling, sitting on the sofa – or when doing everything in between.
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR EYES
Revive tired eyes with a pair of cooling under-eye patches or your go-to cream. Whether it’s to reduce puffiness or brighten dullness, these little patches are a sure-fire way to refresh your look.
MAKE MOMENTS FOR MASKS
Pop on a sheet, clay or LED mask for 10-15 minutes while you work, relax or even watch the latest Netflix series. We suggest opting for a treatment with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C for an instant glow.
STAY SOOTHED WITH SPRAYS
Spritz an aromatherapy spray on your face or body for a quick mood boost. Scents like lavender or eucalyptus not only reive your skin but can help you feel more relaxed too.
SCENT YOUR SPACE
Fill your room with a famed fragrance and turn your office, living room or kitchen into a sanctuary. Focus on fresh and floral notes for a more uplifting setting you can escape in.
HERO YOUR HANDS
Pamper the most hard-working part of your body (yes, we’re talking about your hands) with a rich, soothing hand cream. These formulas are ideal for those moments when you need a quick self-care boost and some extra hydration when on the go.
Now you know everything about Beauty Snacking, the next time you're feeling peckish, why not snack with benefits and give your beauty regime the love it deserves? Your taste buds (and skin) will thank you for it!
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.