"It's All About Radiance, Not Rules": DJ Honey Dijon on Pre-Set Rituals, Ibiza Energy, and All-Night Beauty Recs

Welcome to Beauty's Night Out, a series dedicated to the need-to-know beauty conversations dominating the nightlife scene. Expect a first look at the latest trends, behind-the-scenes tutorials, and loads of going-out inspiration as you get all dolled up—all you need is your favorite playlist.

If you want to know the secret to long-lasting makeup and humidity-proof hairstyles, ask a DJ. After all, these performers excel at crafting party looks that outlast all the elements—sweat, smoke, and stage lights—while expertly capturing the spirit of each set. Not to mention they somehow manage to look fresh and full of energy after multiple sunrise gigs, during which the dancing doesn't stop until dawn. It's a balance of form and function, one no one understands better than Honey Dijon, an internationally acclaimed, Grammy-winning musician widely known as "fashion's favorite DJ."

"My hair, my makeup, my skin—it’s all energy. It’s a visual vibration," she tells Who What Wear. She'll always guide that visual narrative based on the specific set, whether she's headlining Pedro Pascal's 50th birthday party in London; creating an exclusive track for Sol de Janeiro's latest Badalada campaign; or, as she is currently, playing a residency at Chinois Ibiza. Still, each look must remain vibrant and resist smudging (unless, of course, the mood board happens to be intentionally grungy). To quote the iconic performer, it must be "glowing but bulletproof." If that's not a nightlife beauty goal, then we don't know what is—so we asked her to share every detail.

Ahead, Honey discusses the step-by-step beauty routine she swears by before her Honey F#cking Dijon show, her favorite getting-ready rituals, and all her stage presence–approved product recommendations.

To start, what role does beauty play in being a DJ? How do makeup, hair, and skincare impact your stage presence, performance, and overall vibe?

Beauty, to me, is another form of language. When I’m DJing, I’m telling a story sonically, but how I look is also part of that narrative. My hair, my makeup, my skin—it’s all energy. It’s a visual vibration.

Do your sets ever influence your makeup and hair looks, and vice versa?

Absolutely. Everything is interconnected. If I’m playing a darker, more underground set, I might go for a bold, graphic eye or wet, sculptural hair to match that energy. If it’s more soulful or euphoric—think sunrise or closing a set in Ibiza—I’ll soften things. Maybe bronzed skin, gloss, a little shimmer. But then, sometimes I do the reverse.

Do you opt for specific looks for certain sets, or do you like to switch it up?

I live for transformation. I never want to be boxed into one aesthetic. That’s the magic of nightlife and performance—it’s fluid, it’s rebellious. I like to keep shit chic and minimal, though. That is my constant.

What has been your favorite look, if you had to choose?

Damn, that’s a tough one. But the look recently for the Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada campaign felt so true to me—glowy, radiant skin, deep bronze, with this sensual, sun-kissed warmth that screamed “Brazilian after-hours meets high fashion.” It was decadent but playful. That balance is everything.

Zooming out, what would you say is your overall beauty philosophy? What is your general approach to beauty?

Beauty is political, it’s personal, it’s cultural. I’m Black, I’m trans, I’m an artist—and my beauty is a declaration. I see beauty as ritual, armor, celebration. I don’t chase perfection. I chase presence. When I feel connected to myself, when I care for myself with love and creativity, that’s when I feel beautiful.

Are there any beauty or self-care rituals you love to do before a set?

Always a moment of solitude. I’ll do a hydrating face mask, put on some Sade or Grace Jones—someone iconic—and just center. I love a good facial massage with oils to activate the skin and get the blood flowing. Hair-wise, I’ll slick it back if I want drama or let it breathe if I want movement.

You're playing a residency in Ibiza right now, which looks incredible! What is your step-by-step beauty routine for those sets?

Ibiza is pure magic, and Chinois has been a lot of fun already this summer. For those sets, I keep it glowing but bulletproof.

I start with a double cleanse—sweat and SPF are real out there. Then a cooling mist and vitamin C serum. Then a lightweight moisturizer and a bit of face oil for dew.

For makeup: a skin-like foundation, sculpted cheekbones, and something bold—a red lip or a metallic lid. Hair is usually sleek and controlled; it gets humid. I finish with fragrance—I want to leave a trail.

Is there anything you've changed or added to your routine while you're in Ibiza? Has Spain influenced your beauty routine in any way?

Spain—and Ibiza specifically—has made me slow down. The sun, the sea, the pace of life… It’s made me lean into skin. I’m using fewer products but with more intention. I’ve added more oils and hydration because the climate demands it. Also, I’ve let go of perfection. In Ibiza, it’s all about radiance, not rules.

What are your favorite product staples right now?

I’m obsessed with products that nourish. A good vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid, and anything with peptides. Sol de Janeiro’s Body Badalada Lotion is cool—I use it all over. It’s luxurious, and it smells like vacation.

[For] makeup, a skin tint that lets my freckles peek through, a sculpting bronzer [editors note: She prefers the Fenty Pro Filt’r concealer in a deeper shade to contour], brow gel, and something high-shine for the lips. [For] hair, edge control, a silk scarf, and a strong-hold gel for when I want it snatched. But I also love to let my natural texture breathe when I can—it’s freeing.

I’m a fragrance girl. Right now I’m loving Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa ’62—warm, addictive, and a little naughty. [I'm] also partial to old-school classics—something with patchouli, sandalwood, or musk.

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