When we think about beauty routines, we are often presented with two contrasting images. On the one hand, there is the essential men’s routine: a few products, quick steps and perhaps a single accessory used for several purposes. On the other, there is a more elaborate women’s routine, with different steps dedicated to the face, body and hair.
But does this distinction truly reflect the skin’s needs? Not really.
So-called “male minimalism” and greater “female modularity” mainly depend on personal habits, how much time we choose to dedicate to self-care and the inclusion of steps such as shaving, makeup removal or hairstyling. The truth is quite different: a good beauty routine depends on the goals we want to achieve.
What are your goals?
The differences we observe are primarily the result of personal and cultural habits, alongside certain practices that can have a practical impact on the routine.
Frequent shaving, for example, can leave facial skin more sensitive and increase the need for gentle cleansing. Makeup and sunscreen, on the other hand, need to be removed thoroughly before cleansing the face. Hair length, styling habits and the frequency of treatments can also introduce additional steps and accessories.
It may be much more useful to start with one question: what does my beauty routine need to do?
Your goals might include:
- cleansing the skin;
- removing makeup, sunscreen and other residue;
- exfoliating with the right intensity;
- massaging the body;
- caring for more delicate areas;
- looking after your hair.
What changes, therefore, is the way these goals are combined.
1. Cleansing: the step every routine has in common
Cleansing is the starting point for both minimalist and more elaborate routines. The choice of accessory should depend above all on the area being cleansed and the skin’s sensitivity.
For the face, you can use the Bambù make up removal pads. Their soft, porous texture provides gentle exfoliation while cleansing, helping to delicately remove impurities and moisturise the skin.
For the body, a soft sponge helps distribute cleanser and massage the skin without being too abrasive. The MartiniSPA Extra Virgin Sponge is particularly suitable for sensitive, dry or freshly shaved skin. In the Eco Massage collection, for example, the cellulose sponge is designed for gentle cleansing.
2. Removing makeup and residue: an extra step when needed
If you wear makeup or long-lasting products during the day, removing them becomes a separate step from regular cleansing. The MartiniSPA Make Up line includes several reusable solutions, such as cellulose makeup remover pads and a microfibre makeup remover glove.
3. Exfoliating: not every day and not always in the same way
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and brighter. However, it does not necessarily need to be performed every day or with the same intensity across the entire body.
The frequency and type of accessory depend on the skin’s sensitivity and the area being treated. A dual-action product such as the Sisal Massage glove is particularly useful because it allows you to adjust the intensity without using several different accessories.
For the back, you can choose an exfoliating strap designed to reach an area that is often difficult to treat comfortably.
There is only one rule: listen to your skin. Redness, irritation or discomfort may indicate that the action is too vigorous or too frequent.
4. Massaging: from a practical need to a wellness ritual
A routine can be quick and functional, but it can also become a moment dedicated to yourself. Massaging the body in the shower helps distribute cleanser, reach different areas and turn an everyday gesture into an enjoyable break.
5. Hair is part of the routine too
Hair is one of the reasons why some routines become more elaborate. Its length, washing frequency and styling habits may require different kinds of care.
The Scalp Massager from the To.Go collection helps relax the scalp and makes it easier to apply conditioners or hair masks, helping them work more effectively.
Is an essential routine better than a more complete one?
An essential routine might include gentle facial cleansing, a body sponge and occasional exfoliation. It is quick, simple and may perfectly meet the needs of many people.
A modular routine adds targeted steps, such as removing makeup or other residue, specific cleansing, different levels of exfoliation, massage and hair care. It is not necessarily better: it simply addresses a greater number of goals.
The ideal beauty routine, therefore, has no gender and is not measured by the number of steps it includes. It is shaped by the characteristics of our skin, our daily habits, the time available and the pleasure of taking care of ourselves.