nerina

my skin is really reactive and on the dry side, so i've had to get picky about everything that goes on my face. this routine is built around that: low-irritation ingredients, fragrance-free formulas, and some korean skincare that honestly does it better than most western brands. there's a mix of affordable options and one splurge that's worth it. if you're dealing with hyperpigmentation, dryness, or a skin barrier that freaks out at everything, this is a good place to start.

if you've ever walked into someone's apartment and thought “why does this feel so different from mine,” it's the lighting. overhead lights are almost always the enemy. these are the lamps, bulbs, and accent lights i actually use to make my space feel warm, personal, and lived in. everything here works for renters, and most of it is on the more affordable side.

as a black girl who spent way too long feeling lost in the makeup aisle, not knowing what shades would actually show up on my skin or what was worth the money. this is the exact routine i wish someone had put together for me when i was starting out. everything here is beginner-friendly, flattering on deeper skin tones, and actually tested by me. no filler picks!

i have low porosity 4b hair (which took me a while to figure out!) and have spent years figuring out what will actually work well. it's very easy to assume that “moisturizing” products will work well for your hair, but what i've found is that the “hydrating” ones often work much better for me. this is my current hair routine, and i've found all these shower and styling products that keep my hair soft, defined, and lightweight. everything here layers well too. i'm always on the lookout for more to try, so feel free to recommend some as well!