If you’ve been on BeautyTok (the beauty side of TikTok) within the last few months, chances are you’ve seen at least one video referencing the “high-maintenance procedures for low-maintenance” trend, which originated from TikTok user Rahma Sheikh. The trend has gotten thousands of people talking about all of the high-maintenance beauty procedures and treatments they do in order to make their day-to-day routines easier. Although the maintenance is often expensive and time-consuming, the end result is being able to hop out of bed and say, “I woke up like this.”
Although I never realised it until the trend was brought to my attention, I’m someone who revels in a high-maintenance-to-stay-low-maintenance routine. I’m not a huge fan of wearing a lot of makeup on a daily basis, and I like to be able to wash and go with my face and my hair. When I sat down to take stock of all of the things I did on a monthly — or even weekly — basis to keep myself “low maintenance,” I realised there are quite a few items on the list.
Hard Gel Russian Manicures
I started getting hard gel manicures last year when I realised my nails were brittle and damaged from improper gel removal. The hard gel has actually helped my hyponychium (the skin underneath my nails) recede, which has been a complete game-changer and made getting manicures in general much more comfortable.
Botox
I got “preventative” Botox for the first time last year, and even though I don’t feel like I really need it (I don’t have any deep-set wrinkles when my face is relaxed), I still love getting it. It makes my forehead super smooth, which, in turn, makes applying makeup a breeze.
Eyebrow Tinting and Tweezing
I’ve been growing my eyebrows out for years, and I’m still deep in the journey, but nothing makes me feel better than a fresh tint and tweeze.
Self Tanning
I don’t self-tan my body very often anymore, but when I do, I always use the Lux Unfiltered No. 32 Gradual Tanning Lotion ($38).
Microneedling
I tried microneedling for the first time last year, and it’s the first minimally invasive procedure that my skin has actually enjoyed. So far, I’ve done two different SkinPen treatments that have drastically improved my skin’s texture, dark spots, and fine lines.
LED Light Therapy
I keep the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Face Mask ($455) next to my desk, and I pop it on every morning while I’m working. I run through all three of the available settings — red, blue, and purple — and I swear with consistent use, I see fewer breakouts, and my skin looks brighter on a daily basis.
Nutrafol Supplements
I recently started taking Nutrafol Supplements, and although it’s a b*tch to remember to take them every day, I’m trying my best.
Brazilian Waxes
For me, Brazilian waxes don’t hurt my body as much as they do my wallet. They’re pricey AF, and although I learned to do them myself back when we were in lockdown in 2020, it’s so much easier (and faster) to have a professional handle it.
Oral Acne Medication
I started taking an oral acne medication called Spironolactone a few years ago, and it’s been one of the biggest game-changers for my skin.
Hair Colour and Cut
I’m not great about getting frequent haircuts, but I’ve realised that the more I do them, the better — and fuller — my hair looks. I try to get trims every couple of months if I can, and I try not to go longer than six months without a haircut.
Skin Care
In addition to using high-quality skin-care products, I also oil-plane my face once a month, do weekly face masks, and get monthly professional facials whenever possible.