There’s something about Scandinavian concepts of living. Clean lines with a minimalist approach. We’ve been buying into their beautifully simplistic interiors for decades, and with good reason why.

While Hygge, the Danish idea of cozy living, has been huge in the last year, now “lagom” has quietly elbowed its way into the spotlight as an ideology for life. Never heard of lagom? Well we’re here to enlighten you…

A Swedish word that means “just the right amount” or “not too much, not too little,” lagom is the latest lifestyle trend people have fallen in love with. And we have too! With its emphasis on moderation, it can be thought of as a more mindful way of living, for everything to be a balance and “just right.” It emphasizes frugality and sustainability, inviting people to live their lives with more consciousness of the world around them.

Lagom is a moment for pause, to look at all the items we use and why, asking us to really consider the importance, or lack thereof. By becoming more centred around what we genuinely value in life, this can bring about a sense of greater purpose and even help to de-stress. It can be massively beneficial to let a little bit more lagom seep into our busy, often overwhelming lives, and here are a few ways you can start living a life of lagom through your beauty routine:

If you stop to think about it, you really don’t need five different types of moisturizers and three different types of eye cream. Sometimes we find ourselves purchasing more and more without once stopping to ask why. We’re so used to consumption that it becomes second nature, and we find ourselves in a race to constantly buy new things. Retail therapy, after all, didn’t become a phrase without reason, but it’s an instant gratification that seldom lasts and has an insatiable appetite.

Get into a lagom state of mind by getting rid of beauty items that have long expired. Mascara older than three months can go, as can skincare products you’ve had for a year or more and never use. Starting with expired items is a good way to begin the de-cluttering process without feeling like you’re throwing your hard-earned money away – those moisturizers and serums didn’t come cheap, we know. But once these are gone, you may want to consider what you use on a daily basis, and what is simply taking up space on your shelves. Only you know what really works and what products deliver the best results. Stick to those and thoughtfully curate your beauty ritual to be the best it can be.

Lagom preaches the belief of “just right,” which means goodbye to excess. This can relate to the ingredients in beauty products, putting emphasis on those that are simple yet powerful. The current trend of plant-based face oils fits right in with lagom, as does the rise in popularity of natural and organic beauty. Clean, nature-based ingredients like argan oil and shea butter provide effective results without any of the harshness of added preservatives and synthetic ingredients.

The rule tends to go, the fewer number of ingredients in a product, the better. But that doesn’t mean these ingredients are any less potent. It’s all about finding the right combination and balance, ensuring each ingredient actually serves a beneficial purpose. Careful consideration of each ingredient and what it brings to the table is a core principle of lagom.

Our resources cannot last forever. This is one of the reasons why lagom emphasizes eco-friendliness. Practice lagom by using products with recyclable packaging as well as re-using the many jars and bottles that house your favourite beauty products. By scaling down your beauty regimen, you can also make sure you’re doing your part by using a product until the very last drop. This way you’ll ensure that you’re not being wasteful—and it’s easier to do if the product you’re using is wholly effective and one that you love. In the end, it all comes full circle.

Sustainability can refer to ingredients as well. Ingredients that are sourced through wild harvesting or organic means ensure there is harmony between a finished product and its origins. Cultivating ingredients through fair-trade practices also respects the farmers who look after the land and who should stand to gain from their hard work just as you stand to gain from using a beautifully crafted product. It can be a win-win for all. Hurrah!

Beauty that is rooted in sustainability also ensures that the planet will not be unduly harmed by harsh methods of cultivation that are ultimately unsustainable and cause pollution. By supporting eco-conscious brands that respect the planet and prize business methods that leave a small footprint, you can adopt many of the core ideals lagom.

You don’t have to dive headfirst into lagom. Like any lifestyle change, it requires patience and understanding on your part. It will also take some time. It can be difficult to let go of old and comfortable habits, like hoarding every old beauty product and voraciously purchasing new ones, especially if you’re a self-professed beauty obsessive and love new things. Don’t we all? But if you’re serious about curbing old habits and embarking on a change that will ultimately benefit you and the planet, lagom can come easily to you. Start out small, taking tentative baby steps, and before you know it, you’ll be leading a lagom life.

 

Naturally yours,

The LUXE Botanics Team