By Alexus Mosley

Human beings are creatures of habit. We thrive on rituals. Just think about your must-have morning latte, something steady, sacred, and a little indulgent. Something to take the edge off the tedious tasks that come with day-to-day life. And while generations before us turned to pews and pulpits for solace, today’s congregations seem to gather at vanities, Sephoras, and spa lounges. The sermon? A 10-step skincare routine. The gospel? SPF.

Undeniably, there’s been a rise in beauty as a ritual. There are more than three million posts under the hashtag #SelfCareSunday on Instagram alone, and admittedly, there’s something undeniably holy about a freshly organized top shelf. Cleansers lined up like prayer candles, serums that feel like potions, moisturizers promising eternal youth. In today’s intense cultural and political climate, every swipe, pat, and spritz becomes less about vanity and more about devotion — a sacred moment with yourself before facing the world.

As for the High Priestesses, our modern guides wear glossy lips and glass skin in place of robes and repent at the thought of a missed keratin treatment. Estheticians, makeup artists, and nail technicians have become somewhat of a place of refuge where we confess our worries. They teach us the rites of exfoliation, the liturgy of lash care, and the sacred scrolls of Sephora’s New Arrivals page.

There’s a psychology behind it all. Let’s be honest… beauty brands know exactly what they’re doing. They give us “miracle” creams, “ritual” collections, and bottles that look like chalices. We don’t just shop for products, we collect relics. Missing your routine feels like skipping Sunday service. Guilt creeps in when you don’t mask, moisturize, or manicure. The glow is the grace you receive for being faithful and devoted to your self-care.

So, Is Beauty the New Religion? Maybe not in the biblical sense. But beauty rituals are our modern devotion. They ground us, uplift us, and remind us that sometimes the holiest thing you can do is light a candle, mist your favorite spray, and believe in your own glow. After all, the bathroom mirror is just another altar, and we are all faithful in our pursuit of beauty.

Are Beauty Routines the New Religion? A Look at Modern Rituals