What is Hygge and Why is Everyone Talking About It?

The hygge movement is making waves and it’s no wonder why. In today’s busy world we could all use a moment to slow down and enjoy a few quiet moments. Interested in trying our the hygge movement with your skin care routine? Keep reading.

We all lead busy lives. Between work commitments and familial obligations, our lifestyles often lead more towards “go-go-go” than “rest-rest-rest.” And while juggling multiple tasks at once is a motivator for some, there’s something to be said about quieting all the background noise and basking in some me-time. In fact, this act of quieting down and embracing all things cozy is an actual movement, called hygge.

If you keep up with all things wellness, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) before. But even if you don’t, hygge has likely popped up in your social feeds over the past couple of months, either through pictures or inspiring quotes. The Danish lifestyle trend has infiltrated nearly every aspect of life—beverages, beauty products, and clothing, just to name a select few—encouraging people everywhere to get cozy and find their comfort.  

WHAT DOES HYGGE MEAN?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, hygge is defined as “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” And while the overarching theme of coziness and personalized care is evident with hygge, the term will ultimately translate differently for each individual. For instance, hygge for one person could mean dimming the lights and gathering next to a burning fire with some scented candles. For someone else, hygge could mean playing nostalgic tunes or curling up with a good book while wearing a favorite hand-knit sweater. The beauty of hygge is that it can be interpreted in different ways with the same goal of calming your mind, body, and spirit.

HOW TO EMBRACE HYGGE IN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

As much as we’d like to say our daily skin care rituals follow hygge, for many of us it’s likely not the case. Penciling in some time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to care for our skin is important, but often times we find ourselves rushing through the steps just to reach the finish line. If that sounds like you, why not take this opportunity to embrace the hygge mentality in your beauty routine? To do so, you’ll need the right products (more on that later) of course but you’ll also need a new way of thinking about your routine. Instead of viewing your skin care routine as a bothersome task, think of it as an opportunity to nurture your body in an environment that’s equally warm. Once you’ve done that, the rest is easy. Ahead, we’re sharing five beauty products—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—that are sure to make you feel good inside and out.

Kiehl’s Lavender Foaming-Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe

What better way to kick up your feet and embrace hygge than with a warm, lavender-scented bath? This formula boasts not just lavender but dead sea salts as well, both of which are recognized for their soothing and relaxing properties. Add two or three capsful to your running bath and you’re in for an exceptional bathing experience.

Kiehl’s Lavender Foaming-Relaxing Bath with Sea Salts and Aloe, $30 MSRP

Clarisonic Smart Profile Uplift

Spend a little extra time focusing on cleansing and reach for a Clarisonic. Not only does the buzzy device clean your skin up to six times better than hands alone, it also offers a relaxing massage while it cleanses your skin. Get even more out of the Smart Profile Uplift which can offer head-to-toe exfoliation and massage.

Clarisonic Smart Profile Uplift, $349 MSRP

Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Body Butter

If you haven’t already noticed, scents play a big role in embracing hygge, especially those that are warming. Well, what’s more warming than the sweet scent of cookies? This rich, skin-nurturing body butter features notes of sweet marzipan, yonka bean, and warm vanilla. Ideal for extra dry to very dry skin, the formula is chock full of moisturizing agents—think: cocoa butter, shea butter, and beeswax—and can help deliver silky soft skin that smells as good as it feels.

Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Body Butter, $18 MSRP

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

With the words “intensive calming botanical masque” plastered on the packaging, there’s little reason to doubt that this formula has the hygge philosophy written all over it. As an added bonus, you can use this face mask one of three ways: as a leave-on, rinse-off, or overnight treatment. 

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque, $55 MSRP

L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Facial Oil

Hygge and spa practically go hand in which is why adding a facial oil to your nighttime skin care routine is an ideal way to embrace the hygge movement in your beauty routine. Facial oils force you to slow down and take in deep breaths and utilize massage-like movements during the application process. This one from L’Oreal Paris blends eight essential and precious oils to refresh and renew the skin’s surface.

 L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Facial Oil, $24.99 MSRP