Which skincare tribe do you belong to? From the New Naturalists devoted to farm-to-face formulas and sustainable ingredients to the French Pharma-Fans whose true religion is Bioderma Sensibio H2O, the vast offering of products and brands available in the skincare world has generated a host of separate tribes, each devoted to a different sub-trend within skincare. Perhaps you straddle two groups, or maybe you’re a fully paid-up Skintellectual with a bathroom cabinet stocked solely with serums from The Ordinary. Either way, you’re sure to find familiarity in at least one of the below
The Shelfie Shoppers
Shelfie Shoppers know the importance of great packaging when it comes to their beauty products. Yes, the formulas themselves have to be good, but so do the way they look on their bathroom shelves and, in turn, on their Instagram feeds. Beautiful typography, sleek tubes, bottles and droppers and catchy product names all feature heavily.
Think Glossier, Kypris, Summer Fridays and Rodin.
The Derm Junkies
Any good Derm Junkie knows that if it’s what the doctor ordered, it’s what they want in their bathroom cabinet. They seek out tried-and-tested formulas from trained dermatologists, complete with clinical packaging and clear instructions to match. Consider it a skincare prescription, of sorts.
Think Dr Sebagh, Perricone MD, Dr. Dennis Gross and Dr Barbara Sturm.
The Euro-Luxe Set
Rich, luxurious creams and tinctures, ideally formulated in the likes of France or Switzerland and available in the most beautiful spas during ski season – these are the most coveted items among the Euro-Luxe Set, who treat their skincare regimes as an investment in their future beauty. Dressing tables are lined with cleansers infused with precious oils, decadent masks and creams with price tags going into the hundreds.
Think La Prairie, Valmont, Sisley and Chanel.
The Skintellectuals
Skintellectuals know their stuff when it comes to skincare. From complex application methods to high-tech ingredients and sciencey-sounding product names, Skintellectuals have an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the newest innovations on the market and talk about AHAs and BHA the way most people talk about their children.
Think Niod, The Ordinary, Skinceuticals and The Inkey List.
The New Naturalists
The Naturalists don’t just want their products to be plant-based and sustainable, they also demand high-tech formulas and lasting results. Their must-haves centre upon potent natural actives, farm-to-face ingredients and innovative techniques – and they are suckers for recycled green glass bottles and jars.
Think Disciple, Uma, De Mamiel and Tata Harper.
The French Pharma-Fans
High-performance formulas at lower price points are the bread and butter of the French Pharma-Fan, with dermatologist-approved crèmes, huiles and eaux thermales targeted at everything from acne to rosacea and psoriasis among their favourites. Spot them on the return Eurostar from Paris with bags bulging full of bulk-bought micellar waters.
Think Bioderma, Nuxe, Embryolisse and La Roche-Posay.
Originally published on British Vogue.
Editor
Vogue Hong Kong
