Thinking about the intricate routines required of skincare vs. the freedom of expression in makeup, I came up with a hypothesis that I wanted to ask an expert about: could you compare skincare to baking, and makeup to cooking? For esthetician, Alicia Lartey, the comparison makes total sense.
“I would definitely compare skincare to baking or even making high grade sushi,” Alicia told us. “There has been a conversation online as a result of Charlotte Tilbury’s comments about dupes and it made me realise that most consumers do not know what goes into making the recipe for their favourite products, especially when it comes to skincare.”
“While [in makeup] there are some rules in terms of making products and using them, there is a lot more space to take creative liberties. When it comes to skincare it’s all about the performance.” Basically, makeup tends to be more open to experimentation, because it’s ultimately about appearances, but skincare needs to be functional. That’s why it’s more technical and the rules are stricter.
Alicia elaborated that, “[in skincare] there have to be rules such as wearing sunscreen or cleansing your face at specific parts of your routine or even all the rules that go into cosmetic chemistry."
Essentially, in skincare, rules and routines are regimented for a reason. You need the correct measurements of the right ingredients in the correct order, or you won’t receive the desired impact.
Skincare, like baking, is scientific. It relies on closely following instructions, specific measurements, and a strict routine. Makeup, like cooking, allows more freedom to experiment. As long as the core principles are followed, you can go off script.
But would you agree?
