We're 21 Days Into 2026—24 Beauty Gems That Already Have a Hold on Me
On the days (that felt like years) between December 26 and New Year's Day, I spent hours planning my 2026 rebrand. No, I didn't think that I would wake up on January 1 a brand-new woman, but I liked the idea of pretending that I could. I was journaling and crafting mood boards collaged with my dream destinations, career moves, and luxury purchases. I filled garbage bags with unworn and forgotten clothing and did a huge beauty overhaul that made my medicine cabinet look like a minimalist dreamland.
I can confirm that I did, in fact, wake up as the same person—just with more goals for how to "lock in" in 2026 and declutter my studio apartment. (A win is a win.) We're 21 days into the new year, and I'm already attached to these core beauty brands. Some products survived my end-of-year purge, and new products are waiting for me at my doorstep. I've curated quite the lineup for my beauty routines this year, and I can't keep them to myself. I'm only allowing myself to keep and purchase the best of the best beauty items. If you share that sentiment, keep scrolling for the four brands catering to my hair, skin, and makeup needs.
I hate to be that person, but I've been a fan of Eadem since before the brand officially launched back in 2021, when the beloved Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum was its only product. And according to my Sephora history, I purchased that serum more than six times in 2025. If you needed any more proof of how deep my love runs for these products, just do a quick scan of my studio apartment, and you'll find multiple shades of the Le Chouchou lip balm scattered around the place. It's safe to say I've never tried an Eadem product that I didn't like, and the new Dark Spot Concentrate is no different. I rest my case.
I have 4B hair, and I tend to cycle through hairstyles depending on the season: braids for the summer, slicked-back buns in the spring, and silk presses for the fall and winter. If there's one brand I can turn to every season, it's Paul Mitchell. I'm currently giving my curls a short break for this cold and dry season, and I'm opting for the new 3-In-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron and Hot Comb. Transparently, the last time I used a hot comb, I was eight years old, sitting on my grandma's lap while she tried to get my kinky roots as straight as possible. But this product's reviews have me excited to take matters into my own hands and play around with the three settings—all without damaging my hair, of course. (The heat protectant and serum are must-haves.)
Do you ever blindly order a product from a specific brand without even reading the reviews because you trust that brand enough to follow through on its promises? Well, that's exactly how I feel about Danessa Myricks Beauty. The Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder had a serious hold on me in 2023, giving my base the Paris filter IRL. And I've been hooked ever since. My latest fixation is the Liquid Blurring Balm Mattifying Setting Spray. I swear it's magic in a bottle. After a few spritzes, my makeup survives tears, extreme weather (hot and cold), and a wild night out. And don't get me started on how pigmented every eye shadow and blush is. If you want to be more exploratory with your makeup looks in 2026, I'd start here.
Skincare is a top priority for me this year. No, seriously, I mean it this time! And I don't just mean double-cleansing and adding retinol to my 10-step routine. I'm talking routine facials, reapplying sunscreen during the day, and plenty of face masks. Dr. Jart+ has held a special spot on my vanity for years, but I'm making even more space for its newly relaunched Cyro Rubber masks, which we know and love, and the Hydro Firming Korean Face Mask that just hit the market. This is your sign to upgrade your self-care days with a guaranteed glow and long-term skin benefits.
