It isn’t just about a hefty price tag or minimalist aesthetic.
The beauty space has never been louder than it is today. We can thank the newish phenomenon of virality for that. Makeup and skincare products make their rounds on social media and then, boom, every influencer and their mother has them in their bags.
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting the latest “it” foundation, lipstick, or fragrance, there are those who would rather stick to their own tried-and-tested essentials or explore the quieter, more luxurious side of beauty. This can mean different things to different people.
Some seek luxury in textures, some experience it in scents, and others find it in the sense of wellbeing that a product brings them. Here are a few items that marry all three.
Angan Arctic Youth Face Oil
Do Icelandic products have a place on a tropical, 37-degree bathroom counter? Of course. Don’t deprive yourself of the wonders of botanical face oils just because it’s hot here. The key is to apply sparingly on damp skin and allow the skin to absorb it completely before your next step. This one has blue tansy, blackcurrant extract, bilberry seed extract, and Icelandic botanical complex to calm inflammation, encourage cell regeneration, and protect the skin.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30
Elemis deserves all the hype, yet it remains one of those if-you-know-you-know brands. This luxurious anti-aging cream is 21 years old and is a cult favorite among skincare enthusiasts. It’s a pleasure to apply—lightweight and silky—and is packed with ingredients that firm, smooth, and hydrate the skin. The bonus SPF 30 is a nice touch, but if you want to use it as a night cream, go with the original Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream.
Diptyque Fleur de Peau Hair Mist
Musk is not something that easily comes to mind when one thinks of luxury, yet it is the foundation of many “quiet luxury” fragrances. In this hair mist, musk smells powdery, soft, earthy, and sweet—like yourself but better. So chic. It has nourishing camellia oil, so you can spray it all over your hair without worrying about dryness.
Victoria Beckham by Agustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer in Golden
There’s nothing as quietly luxurious as the tortoise shell-esque of this golden primer. Here, AB’s patented TFC8 technology and AB’s posh touch come together in a lightweight primer infused with gold and amber pearl, for a bronzed effect that doesn’t hide the skin.
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm in Deep
You don’t have to be in a higher tax bracket to enjoy the stunning makeup products of Chanel. This one has the best creamy, non-sticky texture that’s hydrating on the lips, thanks to moringa butter and vitamin E. Besides, using Chanel lip balm when any other regular lip balm would do is a low-key flex.
Aesop Marrakech Intense Eau de Parfum
Tell me you’ve traveled without telling me you’ve traveled. Of all the Aesop perfumes, this one smells the most complex, with top notes of exotic travels, mid notes of cultural immersion, and a base of sandalwood, cedar, and clove (basically a spiritual awakening). Millennials may find it’s reminiscent of an old favorite that smells like an intoxicating classic rose (IYKYK).
Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
Going the extra mile with hair care will always be luxe. Once you’ve tried this UV-defense spray from Aveda, you’ll never leave the house without it. Aside from protecting the hair from sun exposure, damage, and dryness, it also makes it extra soft and silky. Mist onto damp hair and reapply as needed. Loro Piana hat optional.
Salt and Stone Santal & Vetiver Natural Deodorant
Underarm care is having a moment and this time, it’s not about whitening or perfect skin, but about addressing sensitivity and delivering nourishment. This extra-strength deodorant comes in a comforting balm formula that glides nicely on the skin and is made without aluminum, alcohol, parabens, and dyes. It also has probiotics, hyaluronic acid, spirulina, and plant oils so you really feel like you’re giving your underarms a treat.
Quiet luxury in beauty isn’t just about a hefty price tag or minimalist aesthetic; it’s all about using products that feel good and taking extra care of otherwise neglected areas. It’s a personal practice that starts and ends in the shower or in front of a vanity. If this is your brand of beauty, give the above items a whirl.
