2021 was quite the year. There was an infamous TikTok pasta, a 10 Minute Version of All Too Well, that GQ interview with Megan Fox and MGK, and in the beauty world? We had skinimalism! A trend that saw many of us ditching lengthy beauty routines and sticking to a tight edit of skin essentials.

But now that we’re well and truly in the new year, we’re looking towards what’s up next. According to the trend forecasting wizards over at WGSN, we can expect to see a whole lot of ‘beauty snacking’ in 2022. Wondering how you can add a beauty snack into your daily routine (or just, what it is)? You can find everything you need to know - and one thing you don’t - below.

What Is A Beauty Snack, Anyway?

First of all, we should point out that a ‘beauty snack’ is (sadly) not referring to food. What it is referring to is the rise of micro beauty treatments off the back of lockdowns.

The idea is to take a moment (or five) for yourself throughout your day to relax and enjoy. They’re quick, fun, and squeeze seamlessly into your day without you having to change your usual tasks. So, while a beauty snack is admittedly far less delicious than a KitKat, it can be just as delightful and mood lift-y.

What Will Beauty Snacking Look Like For You

The name of the beauty snacking game is to seamlessly incorporate bite-sized bits of your routine throughout your day. So, that means a luxurious multi-masking at-home spa moment isn’t going to work here. Save that, and your other favourite in-depth rituals, for the weekend or a night when you have plenty of time. (Ahem, and when you do, here’s a very helpful guide to nailing your at-home facial from Go-To founder and self care enthusiast, Zoe Foster Blake.) Instead! Here are a few quick-fire beauty snacks you can try this year.

Misting

The fastest of beauty snacks! A spritz of a face mist is relaxing, can help refresh your makeup, give you a quick boost of hydration, and will only take you a few seconds.

There’s many a good mist out there so if you’re in the market, have a think about your skin and your needs. Are you dry and prone to tight, uncomfortable skin throughout the day? Josh Rosebrook’s Hydrating Accelerator or Dr. Jart’s Ceramidin Mist are exceptional picks to replenish skin. Perhaps you’re sensitive and looking for something to soothe your easily-irritated skin? French skin care favourites La Roche Posay and Avene can help to keep you calm. Maybe you like to spend a lot of time outdoors? An SPF mist (like this guy from Naked Sundays) might be what you’re after.

Facial Tools

If you’ve got a bit of extra time to spare, try squeezing 10-20 minutes of relaxation in with the help of some clever facial tools. Be it a gua sha, a jade roller (paired with a nourishing facial oil), or a microcurrent device (such as Ziip or NuFace), giving yourself to a mini face massage is a great option if you often find yourself tense and stressed. Or if you just want to break up a day at home and stop yourself from doom-scrolling during your WFH breaks.

Lip Masks

If you’re low on time but still want to find a way to treat yourself, try putting on a lip mask while you go about your daily errands. If you’re hanging around the house, KNC Beauty have individual masks that will plump and hydrate your lips. Or if you’re on the hunt for something low-key, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is ultra moisturising and looks just like a regular lip balm. Want to take it to the next level? Give your lips a quick scrub with a lip exfoliant before masking.