Sacred Self-Care: The Power of Beauty Rituals Across Time
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There are many ways to define the word “ritual.” I particularly enjoy the Polish anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski’s suggestion: “We turn to rituals when facing situations where the outcome is important, uncertain, or beyond our control.” As our world and society grow increasingly busy, we need certain actions that ground us. The never-ending chaos of college and its infamous unpredictability make these grounding rituals feel even more essential. More often than not, I find that any routine, more specifically one in which you perform deliberate acts of self-care, is a small yet meaningful way we can maintain a semblance of control.
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When I am doing my skincare every night, I’m doing well. Even if I’m currently experiencing all four stages of grief all at once, if I’m doing my skincare every night, I’m doing well. I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, and OCD, and I get that it’s not that easy to establish a routine and stick to it. But, if you keep trying and get to the point where you are performing a habit every single day, you are partaking in a ritual. Rituals provide us with mindfulness and a sense of control because they create structured, intentional actions that engage the mind and the body, creating an inner connection. Although we may not realize it, when we engage in rituals, we are present and focused in our direction of thought. We are taking deliberate steps toward caring for ourselves, which is vital.
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Self-care and beauty rituals are not modern concepts either. These ideas have been around for thousands of years. Korean and Japanese geisha skincare are renowned for their emphasis on attaining youthful, radiant skin. Korean skincare is rooted in the cultural pursuit of “chok chok," a term that describes a dewy, hydrated glow. This approach emphasizes maintaining healthy and youthful skin to reflect overall wellness and balance. A meticulous multi-step routine, usually consisting of double cleansing and layering hydration products, is used to achieve this.
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Similarly, Japanese geisha skincare prioritizes achieving flawless, porcelain-like skin, often incorporating natural ingredients like green tea and rice water in their skincare routines. These practices go far beyond vanity, reflecting cultural values like discipline, precision, and respect for nature’s healing properties. These practices are also integral to professional presentation, as radiant skin is a foundation for geisha's iconic makeup and artistry. In Ancient Egypt, beauty held a significant value. Customs intertwined practicality with spirituality. For example, kohl was applied to eyes to shield them from the sun, ward off bacterial infections, and for aesthetics. Meanwhile, using malachite-produced green eyeshadow held symbolic meaning, as it evoked the protective power of The Eye of Horus, believed to protect the wearer from various evils.
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Our modern beauty traditions also serve dual purposes, both practical and protective, but also symbolic acts of self-care. Our beauty routines symbolize commitment to ourselves and the idea that our mental, emotional, and physical well-being are among our top priorities. It’s imperative to mention that not everyone has the time, energy, or resources for an elaborate 10-step routine, especially when we are expected to have separate ones for the beginning and end of the day. Even simple, intentional acts can be meaningful and ritualistic. Simplicity allows us to focus on what truly matters, offering clarity and grounding in a world often filled with unnecessary noise. Your routine should feel right for you; that’s the entire point. Whether it’s a marathon of serums, toners, and creams, or simply taking your makeup off before bed, these moments are more than habits—they’re reminders to be present and feel in control.
There’s a reason people think of self-care as therapy. Rituals remind us that even amid the chaos, we can carve out moments of peace and care for ourselves. These acts nurture our bodies and refresh our minds, helping us approach life with renewed clarity and calm. So tonight, when you pick up your moisturizer or hairbrush, remember you’re taking care of more than just your body.
Strike Out,
Writer: Victoria De Notaris
Editor: Emily Montarroyos
Tallahassee