Welcome to Worldly Beauty, a quarterly franchise in which we highlight beauty products, ingredients, and traditions rooted in culture. To offer an in-depth look, we're sharing perspectives and recommendations from local experts and tastemakers. A celebration of diversity, we're going beyond what we know to shed light on the beauty practices and philosophies that make the world go round.
The term "cool girl" is thrown around a lot in the fashion and beauty industry. There's no single definition or point of origin for "cool"—we think the term can (and should!) apply to anyone, anywhere, who owns their individuality and exudes quiet confidence while doing it. That said, there are geographical hotspots that seem to both produce and attract an inherently cool crowd. Oslo, Norway, is one of them. It's a vibrant cultural hub rich in art, cuisine, style, and yes, beauty.
We did a little virtual digging, and it's clear that the internet tends to stereotype Oslo and other Nordic cities as inherently minimalist. (You know—simplistic skincare routines, understated makeup aesthetics, and a wellness-based approach to beauty. You get the idea.) But is that accurate? What do locals think?
We reached out to an Oslo-based, certified cool girl, Maren Schia, to find out. Ahead, she offers an in-depth look at her beauty routine, shares her take on the Norwegian beauty philosophy, and even clues us in on the best local beauty shopping spots. Be prepared for some inspo ahead.
Location: Oslo, Norway
Instagram: @marenschia
Would you describe yourself as a minimalist or maximalist?
I would consider myself a maximalist. Whenever I travel, I always bring at least three different toiletry bags.
What Norwegian beauty brands or products do you love?
I love Elixir Cosmeceuticals. Their Niactil 4% is a favorite of many! One thing I always do is sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction on my hair. My favorite is from the Norwegian [brand] Miao.
Are there any salons, spas, or other beauty hotspots you recommend visiting in Oslo?
A day at The Well always makes me feel good and relaxed. It's a huge spa facility just outside of Oslo. I love to go swimming and to the sauna, so next time, I want to try the facilities at [the luxury hotel] Sommerro! For beauty product shopping, I would recommend Gimle Parfymeri and Heaven Scent!
Let's talk winter beauty. Do you have tips and tricks for feeling your best on cold, snowy, and dark days?
A pampering day always makes me feel better when the days are cold and dark. To feel extra refreshed, I use a dry brush to get rid of dead skin and moisturize with Sol De Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream ($48). This moisturizer is my holy grail! It keeps my skin soft all day and [it's] amazing smelling. I also use self-tanner when I feel a bit pale and dull. My current favorite is the Bondi Sands 1-Hour Express ($30)!
How would you describe the Norwegian beauty aesthetic/philosophy?
I would say it's very minimalistic with a focus on natural aspects, simplicity, and balance! People love being active outside and connecting with nature, but at the same time, they enjoy time inside in their own space and focus on mental well-being.
What other products, habits, or techniques are common in Norway?
1. wear SPF all year around—the sun can be strong in the wintertime as well.
2. Ice baths are a huge thing here, but I have yet to try one other than cold plunges at the spa…
3. Daily vitamins, and especially omega-3. [This] is a wellness habit that is very typically Norwegian. A lot of tourists buy omega-3s when visiting Norway.
Shop Maren's Beauty Edit
"One thing I always do is sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction on my hair."
"I also use self-tanner when I feel a bit pale and dull. My current favorite is the Bondi Sands 1-Hour Express."
"This moisturizer is my holy grail! It keeps my skin soft all day."
"It has faded a lot of dark spots from previous pimples."
"For serum, I use the Exuviance Morning Glow Pads."
"I recently hopped on the trend and tried the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask on my flight home from Japan. It did indeed live up to its expectations!"
"For sunscreen, my holy grail is the Beauty of Joseon one! It's affordable and feels like a regular moisturizer."
"For bronzing drops, I use the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops."
"I love doing my makeup, and I am always on the hunt for great products. Currently, my favorite foundation is the Too Faced Born This Way Soft Matte foundation, as I have combination skin. This foundation stays all day!"
"I have been loving the Nyx Bare With Me Concealer Serum."
"For contour and bronzer (and I love bronzer), I use the Makeup by Mario Softsculpt Shaping stick…"
"…and the By Terry tea to tan sun powder."
"For blush, I currently use the Chanel blush in Foschia Rosa, as my friend used it in her wedding and it looked amazing!"
"I'm also a huge fan of the Dior backstage Blush in 001 Pink."
"I would also like to mention the Charlotte Tilbury Setting Spray … Can never go back!"
"A must for me is a leave-in conditioner with heat protectant in damp hair. I'm currently using the Aveda Nutriplenish leave-in before I blow dry my hair with a blow-dry brush"
"I'm saving up for the Dyson Airwrap!"
"I like to use the Shu Uemura Ultimate Reset Overnight Serum. It makes my hair soft and smells so good!"
Explore More Norwegian Beauty Selects
The best way to shop for Norwegian beauty products is to hop on a plane, and, well, go there, but that's not always realistic. While there aren't too many Norwegian products available Stateside, there are a few you can explore thanks to worldwide shipping. Below, find a selection of Norwegian products that ship to the U.S.
Dr. Greve is an affordable Norwegian skincare brand. It's well-known for its gentle and affordable products that are highly suitable for sensitive skin, like this rich body lotion.
Cliniderm is a trusted Norwegian skincare brand that sells effective, no-fuss products, like this daily face moisturizer.
A recognizable Norwegian product is this hand lotion, which protects against dryness, flakiness, and irritation—you know, all the dreaded winter skin symptoms.
This is the #1 Norwegian lip balm.
This organic skin balm is made from beeswax and wild-harvested Norwegian plants. The brand says it's clinically proven to improve skin concerns like dryness, dullness, redness, dark circles, and more, thanks to 380 bioactive compounds.
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