Cosmopolitan Edits: Copenhagen Skincare Mornings

It’s 8:00 AM in Copenhagen. The bike-lined streets glisten under a soft grey sky, the air crisp with the scent of freshly baked kanelsnurrer and roasted coffee beans drifting from corner cafés. Whether you’re cycling to a lecture, commuting to the office, or easing into a slow, hygge-inspired morning at home, one ritual remains non-negotiable in the Nordic girl routine: skincare.

Because let’s be honest—life is messy, hair gets frizzy, and no amount of Danish pastries will hide the fact that your skin needs a little love. Welcome to the Scandi Glow, where radiance seems effortless (but it took a lot of effort) with minimal fuss. Here's a tailored Copenhagen skincare routine just for you. And yes, you can sip your latte while looking like a Nordic goddess.

The Copenhagen Morning Routine : Step by Step Scandinavian Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin

STEP 1 — NORDIC OIL RITUAL

Kickstart your day with a light oil cleanse to melt away last night’s sins or... slow night. Start with a light oil cleanse to dissolve overnight buildup and stimulate circulation.

Key Ingredients: Sunflower Esters, Camellia Oil, Phyto Squalane

Pro Tip: Warm the oil between your hands and massage upward for 60 seconds.

STEP 2 — THE SCANDI CLEANSE

Think of this as telling your skin: ‘I got you, even before coffee.’ Because let’s be honest, some mornings, this is the only love you’ll get before 10 AM. 

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, Benzoic Acid

Pro Tip: Always use lukewarm water—never hot—to protect your skin barrier.

STEP 3 — THE ESSENCE OF CALM

Prep your skin with hydration and balance which is essential for the Scandinavian climate. Hydrate, balance, and inhale deeply and pretend you’re meditating. While your brain might already drafting your to-do list best to let your palms do all the work.

Key Ingredients: Grape extract,  Orange Blossom Water, Rose extract, Lemon balm essential oil

Pro Tip: Press the essence gently into your skin rather than rubbing to prevent irritation.

STEP 4 — SOOTHE YOUR SKIN

Massage it in like it owes you money. Trust me, your skin can tell when you’re half-hearted about your glow. If life’s been messy, your face shouldn’t know it. No one would know your skin just survived a week of deadlines, meetings, and questionable lattes. Seriously, this is the part where you actually soothe it and take your face on  like a tiny relaxing vacay. 

Key Ingredients:Rice Bran Water, Ginseng Root Water, Niacinamide, Squalene

Pro Tip: Warm the cream between your fingertips before applying to boost absorption.

STEP 5 — SHINE, SHINE, SHINE

Apply this and act surprised when people comment on your glow. Don’t tell them it’s 15 minutes of self-love and a bit of Scandinavian magic. Smile mysteriously, sip your coffee and say I have been drinking my water and minding my business. Give nothing away... well at first. Bonus points if you catch yourself sneaking a second glance in every reflective surface today at your gorgeous self.

Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, Fruit extracts, Vitamin C, Kakadu Plum 

Pro Tip: Use a light reflecting serum first and mix in your powder highlighter. Apply to cheek bones for an inner glow.

The Wrap Up

Scandi skin is a lifestyle, not a one-off miracle. Minimalism is key. Overconsumption is for other people. Consistency, gentle products, and a little self-love will keep your skin and your sanity intact. Cold weather? Fine. Busy schedule? Fine. Your skin doesn’t care so you have to treat it well anyway.  Basic, gentle products free from harsh chemicals and toxins are your best allies. Stick to your ritual, especially in the cooler months, and hygge your way to happiness or a Hermes Haul (it's ok if they never make it past the cart to check out). You deserve it all.

Related Reading: Cosmopolitan Edits: Tokyo— discover skincare mornings in Tokyo 

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Edited by Jennifer Youngmann | Contributed by Tallula Fuchs

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