7 beauty essentials I’m bringing into 2026

2025 was the year my skin thanked me.

I stopped using four-in-one body soap as a face wash and learned that a skincare routine is about more than stopping pimples -- it’s about feeling your best for the day ahead.

As I started taking better care of myself, I wanted to do better around the house, too. I wanted my life to feel a little more put together, because I realized how much nicer that felt.

Now, in December of 2025, I have a full skincare routine.

It’s not expensive, but it helps me function better as a human being. I feel off -- literally unready -- if I start my day without washing my face or brushing my hair. I’ve noticed a huge difference between staying in pajamas, throwing on a hat, and rushing into the day versus washing my face, brushing my teeth, and making sure I look and feel put together before choosing an outfit that actually makes me feel good.

A day is a reflection of its morning.
A good start = a productive, upbeat day.
A careless start = a messy one.

Ten minutes in the morning is all you need. Not a later alarm. Not expensive products. Just ten minutes for yourself.

Below is my morning and evening routine, with products listed at the bottom. Do whatever you'd like, and let me know if you try my suggestions!

Morning

If I’m working, I’ll set my alarm an hour before I need to leave the house. I sleep for the first 30 minutes, then either hop in the shower or wash my face and brush my teeth. After that, I brush my hair, put on my jewelry, and get going.

If I’m not working -- or I’m working from home -- I wake up when the sun tells me to, which these days is anywhere between 6 and 8 am. I make myself a matcha or iced chocolate and take the cat outside. He enjoys the crickets and grass while I sip, stretch, and catch up on emails or old friends. I take phone calls and make TikToks with the cat until about 10, then I officially start my day.

First, I either shower or wash my face. On a typical day, I use a face wash, a toner pad, and moisturizer. When my face feels extra ick, around three days or so, I’ll double cleanse -- starting with face wash, then a cleansing oil -- followed by a face mask. I’m really trying to focus on hydration lately, and I feel like the masks are kind of helping.

Lastly, I take time to massage in my moisturizer using my hands or a gua sha. Then -- kapish! -- jewelry and clothes on, and I’m ready to tackle the day.

Evening

The end of the day requires much less effort. I brush my teeth before washing my face, then wash my face, use a toner pad, and go to bed.

Products I'll be taking into 2026

Skin 1004 Centella Range

Fully hopping on the Korean skincare train, I tried a few different brands. My favorite is the Madagascar Centella range -- I use the light cleansing oil and ampoule foam. I've used their other products which are also great, but not what I need right now.

Buy online: Skin 1004 Website | Amazon
Where I buy: TK Maxx

Deewal Moringa and Rosemary Hair Oil

I was wandering my local Indian grocer when I found this hair oil. Why not give it a go, I wondered, and thank goodness I did. This moringa, rosemary, neem, and sesame oil blend is cold pressed and vegan, with no preservatives. I will warn: a little goes a long way, and it does have a bit of an herby smell -- nothing too strong, but it's there. 

Buy online: Deewal | Amazon
Where I buy: my local Indian grocer

Goody Smooth and Sleek Wood Styling Brush with Natural Boar Bristles

After seeing the Mason Pearson hairbrush floating around, but not wanting to spend literal hundreds on a hair brush, I needed an alternative. In Canada, this hair brush cost me around $9.99. In Australia, it's around $20. Having never used a boar hair brush, I can tell you that this one makes a huge difference from my normal. I also get compliments on my hair whenever I use it! Yes, it takes a lot longer to brush my hair with this than a normal. Yes, it's a little small. Yes, I will keep using it. 

Buy online: Amazon
Where I buy: London Drugs

MEDIHEAL Madecassoside Blemish Pad

Honestly, I like all of the Korean toner pads. My favorites so far include the blue Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad, which I've found for 50% off the RRP at TK Maxx. I also like the Skin 1004 Centella face pads, because they have little nooks for the eyes, and provide great hydration. Make sure to research which pads you get, I like to find ones that are the least abrasive.

Buy online: Amazon
Where I buy: TK Maxx

Sally Hansen Mint Me In St. Louis

I got this in a blind bag and at first wondered who'd wear this. One day, I put it on. Since that day, I've always worn it. The bottle has finally finished and I'm STRUGGLING to find a replacement. If you know of any similar colors, please let me know! 

Buy online: Amazon
Where I buy: Chemist Warehouse (color discontinued)

Piksters Eco Floss Picks

Why are FLOSS PICKS on this? Well, it's been really hard to find to find good floss picks in Australia. I'd nearly given up on my flossing after trying pretty much every brand in the aisle -- I thought my teeth were just too tight for this country. Turns out, I just needed the eco kind! In addition to being made out of certified biodegradable materials, these picks don't break and let you use just one a session! No more snapping lines. 

Buy online: Amazon
Where I buy: Cole's, Chemist Warehouse, TK Maxx

SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Face Mist Top Up Spray

Look, I'm not going to lie, while I don't know if spf sprays do much, this definitely feels great on the skin and makes me feel chic when reapplying. Sun care is honestly so important and this one smells great. I've had so many people ask what this is, and beg to try some. Sun safety is sexy -- what, you think you're stronger than the sun?

Buy online: Naked Sundays
Where I buy: online at Naked Sundays

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