We Aim To Slay

Happy February! Going into a new month, I’ve been feeling invigorated and full of creative potential! One of my 2026 resolutions was to challenge myself to get out of my makeup comfort zones, and while I’ve been sticking with my goal, I think it’s also important to remember the importance of skincare – as they say, “What happens at the root determines the fruit.”

Skin

The difference between my morning and night routines comes down to the purpose. In the morning, I’m preparing my skin to be exposed to makeup, sunlight, and untold contaminants in the air. My goal is to put a barrier between my skin and the environment by using products like sunscreen – my favorite is the Innisfree Daily UV Defense, but recently I’ve been using the Super Goop Unscreen Sunscreen. In the evenings, I’m washing off the day with a focus on deep cleansing, before going in with treatments and additional hydration.

Cleanser

Before I even wash my face at the end of the day I’m using a makeup cleansing balm to break down stubborn makeup products such as waterproof mascara or eyelash glue. In the past I’ve shared my thoughts on cleansing balms such as the Tonymoly Peach Punch Sherbert Cleansing Balm, Clinique Take Off The Day, and the Belief Aqua Bomb Cleansing Balm, which quickly became my favorite. But months ago my mom introduced me to the e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Cleansing Balm (a near perfect dupe for the Belief!) and I’ve been supremely impressed! Not only is it effective, but it’s gentle on the skin and doesn’t irritate my eyes.

Recently I was gifted the House of Lashes Remover as part of the new Daily Collection, and I like to use that when removing particularly stubborn makeup such as waterproof mascara and eyelash glue!

As I’ve shared previously, I’ve been a long time lover of the Tatcha Rice Wash cleanser and it’s the cleanser I buy most frequently. Since my allergic reaction back in September, I’d been hesitant to test any new products until recently. I’ve just finished two new cleansers – Belief Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser, and La Roche Posay Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser – and while I didn’t have any complaints about either cleanser, I’ve just opened a new bottle of the Tatcha Rice Wash! 

This cleanser was formulated with ingredients such as “hyaluronic acid and red algae to plump and hydrate, Japanese Rice Powder to purify and soften the skin, and pH-Neutral amino acid base to remove buildup without stripping” the skin, according to their website. 

Serum

After cleansing, I begin my process to nourish and rehydrate my skin. There are two main ingredients that I’m looking for in my serums: aloe vera and avocado oil. Aloe vera has long been recognized as one of the best treatments for sunburn due to its soothing and hydrating properties. It’s also great for acne and dry skin due to the active components such as vitamins A, C, and E, which reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen. Avocado oil is packed with nutrients such as oleic acid, vitamin E, and antioxidants, making it ideal for dry, sensitive or aging skin. Similar to the aloe, avocado oil can help boost collagen production and soothe inflammation. 

To date, I’ve only found one product that combines both of these powerhouses – the Fourth Ray Beauty by ColourPop Avocado + Aloe Double Shot serum. I’ve recently been using The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2%, and I do like this product, but I feel like I run through each bottle faster than I can replace them.

Regardless of which version I’m using I apply my serums all over my face, working the excess product down my neck and into my chest and hands, both morning and night.

Eye Cream

After the eye cream debacle in September I tried to go back to my staple product – the Belief Aqua Bomb moisturizer. Yes, I know it’s not specifically an eye cream, but it is one of the most hydrating products I’ve ever used! But as my skin was healing I found that Aqua Bomb wasn’t gentle enough. 

And truly, I struggled to find a product that didn’t irritate the sensitive skin surrounding my eyes until I tried the Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. As the name may imply, avocado oil is one of the key ingredients, but this treatment also includes caffeine which is known for its stimulating properties that can help reduce the appearance of under eye puffiness. If you have sensitive skin, I highly recommend checking out this product!

Moisturizer

For years I have sworn by the Ponds Dry Skin Cream, both as a moisturizer and a body lotion. During the long winter months I like to finish with the Ponds, opting to layer at least one other moisturizer underneath. 

I’ve recently started using the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Line & Texture Smoothing Day Cream, and I’ve found it to be divine! It’s lightweight but deeply hydrating, and leaves my skin feeling smooth and plump! When the weather is especially harsh (as it has been recently) I’ll also add The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, which contains hyaluronic acid to help attract and retain water.

A recent addition to my night routine is to add an additional layer on top of my moisturizers; I’ve been opting for The Ordinary 100% Cold-Pressed Virgin Marula Oil, “a rich antioxidant oil to promote skin radiance,” according to their website. Using an oil can help to seal in your hydrating products, providing a protective barrier for your skin.

Treatments & Tools

When I notice my skin appearing dull or my cores looking clogged, there are a few products and methods I like to employ!

I’ve shared before the benefits of using steam on your face, and it’s still a practice that I like to do at least once a month. After steaming and using a pore extraction tool, I’ll apply one of my favorite masks, the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. The key ingredients include “volcanic clusters, made of volcanic ash that helps absorb excess sebum” and “AHA (lactic acid)” which helps “exfoliate dead skin cells and minimize the appearance of pores,” according to the Innisfree website.

I recently finished my first bottle of the Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot (white rice) and I have to say, it was truly one of the best treatment products I’ve ever tried! I ended up using it on my entire body, and will be placing an order for another one soon! I might even get the black rice formula also, as I’ve heard that’s great for tough areas such as your feet!

Hair

Whether I’m wearing my hair curly or straight, I protect my hair while I’m sleeping by using satin pillow cases, as well as a satin scarf inside my satin bonnet – I’m not messing around!

I recently shared my new found love – the Love Ur Curls Deep Condition & Repair, which has been helping me retain moisture throughout the harsh and dry New England winter. And while I’m wearing my hair straight, I’ve been adding two drops of the Love Ur Curls Elixir Oil to the ends of my strands prior to wrapping. I’ve tried all but one product in the Love Ur Curls Black Label Collection, and honestly, I can’t decide which product I like best!

I’ve also started taking Nutrafol and have almost finished my second month. For those who may not know, Nutrafol is a supplement designed to promote hair growth. Containing ingredients such as Biotin and Vitamins A, C, D, and E, their website explains the supplement targets the “key root causes of thinning, such as stress, lifestyle and nutrition” to support “faster-growing, visibly thicker, fuller, stronger hair.”

It’s really made a difference in my hair, especially around my temples and hair line where I tend to sustain the most breakage. I am in no way a medical professional, but I highly recommend speaking with your doctor about incorporating a vitamin such as Biotin into your routine!

Nails

I’ve been using gel polishes on my nails since 2023 and after nearly destroying my nails due to improper preparation and removal (which happened frequently) I’ve been able to grow long, healthy, and sturdy nails!

One of the first products I came across was builder gel. The main difference between builder and regular gel, according to Olive + June, is that builder gel is stronger and thicker than regular gel. Builder gel is a great way to create a protective barrier between your nails and the world, and as I recently learned, to build nail extensions if you do end up breaking a nail!

I created and have been wearing a set of builder gel extensions for about a month now – created with the Olive + June Builder Gel in shade Sugar Glow – and I’ve been extending my nails by using their Peel Off Base Gel beneath my nail art. As the name implies, a peel off base allows you to literally peel off the manicure you create on top. If you’re like me and prefer to switch up your manicure frequently, I highly recommend investing in a peel off base!

I’ve been a fan of the Sally Hansen Vitamin E cuticle oil forever, but I’ve only recently started incorporating it into my daily skincare, applying it nightly. For the day-to-day, I keep the Olive + June cactus oil cuticle serum pen in my purse. Because this product is a serum rather than an oil, there’s no messy application and it absorbs quickly, making it perfect for on-the-go use!

What Do You Think?

Does your night time skincare routine differ from your morning routine? What are some of your favorite products? Let’s start a dialogue – share your skincare staples below!

I’ll be back next week to discuss a topic that has piqued my interest for the past year or so – the intoxicating world of fragrance and perfume!

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!