It goes without saying that we're 100% beauty-obsessed here at Byrdie HQ. And thankfully we live in an ever-evolving, ever-inspiring world that never disappoints when it comes to eye-catching intrigue. We also know that beauty is complex, rich in culture, born and reborn, and perpetually changing.

As beauty editors, our high of choice is a perpetually piqued interest in the people we see both across from us at the office and across the globe. And one amazing benefit of the job is having the opportunity to get up close and personal with the brands and people who fuel the fire where industry-shifting beauty takes place. One such example: my meeting with the founders of Scandinavian-born and Scandinavian-inspired skincare line Eleni & Chris.

Yes, we've talked about Scandinavian beauty before (Swedish and Icelandic, to be exact), but just moments after meeting with the mother-daughter founding duo Inger Ellen and Christinah Nicolaisen, I was captivated. Not only does their line put native Scandinavian resources (like glacier water, cloudberries, and omega-rich oils) at the forefront of their ingredient lists, but they've also established a Scandinavian-inclusive skincare line that's not country-centric in nature. (Scandinavia includes Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and associated territories like the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland.)

The goal: comprehensive formulation inspired by the beauty pillars of Scandinavian people, geography, and tradition as a whole. So naturally, I needed to know more. Here are the seven Scandinavian beauty secrets and what makes the founders (and their signature Scandinavian glow) tick.

1. Hydration Is Paramount

Though Scandinavian summers (on average) are warm and balmy with highs in the 60s and 70s, the winters can be brutally cold (think 30 degrees and under). Therefore, maintaining the skin's hydration levels and moisture barrier is paramount for a perennial Scandinavian glow. The essentials: a strategic routine of cleansing oil, serums, face mists, and sheet masks.

"In the winter, when the weather gets cold in Scandinavia, I always switch to a cleansing oil, as it leaves the skin hydrated, super smooth, and can completely remove my mascara," Christinah shares. Then an effective serum is an absolute must for layering intense hydration—using both a serum and day cream rich in antioxidants is key—and fast-absorbing, light textures are preferred over heavy formulas.

Additionally, makeup-friendly face mists are winning out over basic toners across Scandinavia. "I am also completely addicted to face mists—I love ours with precious cloudberries—to stay balanced and moisturized throughout the day," says Christinah. "They deliver instant hydration and are easy to layer. I also recommend sheet masks and try to do one about twice a week. I keep them in the fridge so I can wake up in the morning to a cool and refreshing ritual that gives that instant glow to my skin."

So how does the Scandinavian's approach to skincare differ from other parts of the world? After all, staples like cleansing oils, serums, and sheet masks have been gaining global popularity, and if you took a peek at our cabinet at home, you'd find much of the same. However, according to Christinah, the main difference will likely be found in the quality and quantity of the product regimen. In other words, you won't likely find 10-step skincare routines lurking on their bathroom vanities. For Scandis, it's all about functionality and results.

2. They Never Forget Sunscreen

We'll admit when we think "Scandinavian weather," our minds automatically track to clouds, snow, and cold. But in reality, Scandinavian countries get plenty of sun, and (regardless of clouds or not) a regular sunscreen routine is crucial for a damage-free complexion. Suffice to say, we recommend following Swedish model Elsa Hosk's recommendation and slathering your favorite SPF-infused moisturizer all over your face and neck before spending time outdoors. (Whether you're surrounded by fjords or not.)