Your Favourite Book Character’s Favourite Beauty Routine
By Harriet Nixon
From fantasy queens to literature icons, here’s the Readin’ Magazine’s favourite book characters’ routine they’d swear by.
Have you ever wondered what your favourite book character’s favourite beauty routine would be? Whether they just slap on some chapstick and call it a day, or they go all out and get every treatment done under the sun? Well, I do all the time! As a beauty aficionado, I often think, “I wonder what their morning skincare routine looks like?” or “If they were in the modern world, what would their go-to beauty treatment be?” or “Do you think they have even time to do their skincare or are they more a SPF and go type of person?”
I asked the team at Readin’ Magazine who their favourite fiction character is, from fantasy queens to literature icons, and then I did some digging to imagine the beauty routines they’d swear by.
Lucie, First-Time Caller
How to nail the “I’m trying to be better” everyday essential.
As a busy mum and mechanic, Lucie is just as likely to jump out of bed and not think too much about an intense morning skincare routine. She probably thinks, “Well, I am going to be covered in oil and grease by the end of the day, so I would much rather sleep in some more than spend time applying oils and creams.” She would be the type of person to wake up, get herself and her daughter ready for the day, apply only SPF50 (always, always 50), and then head out the door. Some days she forgets, but she is trying to be better.
Soledad, This Could Be Us
Self-care and healing.
Soledad has had her life turned upside down. Once she was an organised, put-together, and strong woman who planned every aspect of her life. She then finds herself starting a self-partnering journey to heal after her husband betrays her. We just know that Soledad would be getting HydraFacials to keep her skin flawless, and, while keeping a roof over her daughter’s heads, she would go out every few weeks or so to ensure her skin is glowing to continue down the path of healing. A hydrafacial won’t solve everything in her life, and self-care can’t always be found at the bottom of a product or in the spritz of a perfume, but sometimes indulging in skincare and treatments is just one step to feeling good and taking care of yourself.
Magnolia Parks, Magnolia Parks
The full-on luxurious and meticulous routine of a woman who always looks perfect.
Magnolia’s beauty routine would consist of weekly blowouts, custom facials, a 10-step skincare routine, and more. She doesn’t cut corners or do anything halfway and has the beauty routines to prove it. As a London socialite, IT girl, and glamorous young woman, she exudes nothing less than perfection and her approach to her image and self-care is as meticulous as her style. Every treatment, product, and scent would be carefully curated to enhance her flawless complexion and maintain her signature look and style. Not afraid to invest in herself and her beauty treatments, Magnolia ensures her outer glow reflects her inner self.
Elizabeth Bennet, Pride & Prejudice
Understated elegance through an effortless routine.
In a modern world, I just know Miss Bennet would have a standing bimonthly appointment at her local brow salon to get her eyebrows threaded and laminated to frame her beautiful, expressive eyes perfectly. Even though Lizzy does value substance and truth over vanity, this would be one of her indulgences to continue carrying her understated elegance.
Bree, Legendborn
A morning ritual for a woman who goes through it.
Let’s face it, Bree Matthews goes through a lot during Legendborn. After being accepted to an "Early College" program at UNC Chapel Hill, she then tragically loses her mother the very next day. As she navigates the early days at UNC, she’s grappling with grief and uncovering the secret society of demon hunters known as the Legendborn. Bree has too much on her plate to think about a lengthy beauty routine and is more of a get-up-and-go minimalist. Most mornings, she is just as likely to wake up and do a quick ice facial and use it to cool down, wake herself up, and reclaim her power. In doing so, this morning routine keeps her focused, alert, and always ready to dish out brutal honesty to everyone on campus.
From effortless application to full-on luxury, these beauty routines are as distinct as their characters’ personalities and priorities, with a hint of magic. Fictional or not, self-care and beauty looks different for everyone and these routines remind us, dear reader, that whether you apply a simple step of skincare to feel put together or indulge in all types of beauty rituals, it is a reminder that it is not about looking good, it is about feeling good within yourself as well. Which beauty routine would you steal for yourself?
