Dana Boulos

To me, beauty is about embracing what makes you unique and celebrating your insecurities. It’s raw, natural, and effortless—a punk approach that’s all about confidence in your true self.

My morning skincare routine starts with washing my face using only cold water and Dieux Baptism Gel Cleanser in the non-fragranced version. I used to use Trader Joe’s face wash, but when Dieux released this cleanser, I had to try it—and I was instantly hooked. It’s so clean and simple, which I love. After cleansing, I pat my face dry with disposable facial tissues. I find them much better than towels, which can harbor bacteria, especially if you’re sensitive like me. I dampen my face, then apply Dieux’s Instant Angel cream. This cream has been my lifesaver; I’ve been using it for three years, and my skin has transformed. I used to use a pricey, viral French brand, but after a friend recommended Dieux, I tossed the old one—this brand truly understands skin.

After moisturizing, I use my NuFace Mini. I recently got one to combat puffiness when I travel for work, especially across time zones, and it’s been a huge game-changer. I was skeptical, but it genuinely works! Once done with the NuFace, I brush my teeth, tongue scrape, and floss. Then, I finish with Beauty of Joseon sunscreen which melts into my skin without any white cast.

When I get home, my evening skincare routine is all about removing every trace of makeup to prep for a restful night. I start with Bioderma makeup wipes to cleanse, then use Beauty of Joseon’s cleansing balm to catch any lingering makeup. I wash my face with cold water, apply Dieux’s Instant Angel cream, brush my teeth, floss, and head straight to bed.

Growing up, I never took haircare seriously; I thought it was overrated and rarely brushed my hair, rocking a permanent bedhead look. But as I’ve entered my 30s, haircare has become a key part of my routine. I recently invested in a Mason Pearson brush, a staple my mom and grandma always used—I just didn’t realize its value until now. Brushing has become essential, and I make a point to do it twice a day: once in the morning and again before bed.

For products, I’m obsessed with Roz, my favorite haircare brand. I even shared some with my mom, who’s now a fan too. I love their Foundation Shampoo, and instead of conditioner, I prefer their Foundation Mask. It smells amazing and leaves my hair feeling full when I let it air dry. For detangling, I rely on the Hercules Sägemann seamless detangling brush and R+Co’s Candy Striper Protect and Prep Detangling Spray to smooth out any knots.

While I usually keep things natural, I’ll blow-dry for events or shoots, though I still prefer a slightly tousled, bedhead style. When my hair is longer, it tangles easily, so I braid it before bed after brushing, then rebrush in the morning for a mermaid-wave effect I absolutely love.

One of my absolute makeup essential is the Fara Homidi lip liner. The shades complement my skin tone perfectly, and the unique pool blue packaging makes it easy to spot in my makeup bag.

For daytime makeup, I go for a natural, barely-there look, aiming to look like I just woke up fresh-faced. I start with Chanel’s VITALUMIÈRE

Next, I use Boyish Beauty’s Locked Eyebrow Gel in brown to shape my brows—I love a bushy brow, and this gel is the best for achieving that look. Finally, I finish with Rhode’s Classic Peptide Lip Treatment in the unscented version, which has completely replaced my usual lip balm.

For my PM look, it varies depending on if I’m attending an event, but my go-to style is a classic blend of 1920s elegance and 1970s disco glamour, inspired by one of my favorite makeup artists, Sandy Linter. I start with YSL’s All Hours Foundation, which is incredibly lightweight yet provides full coverage. Then, I add Chanel’s brown eyeliner and sweep Chanel’s bright pink blush across my cheeks and eyelids for a vibrant, for a cohesive pop of colour. A bold red glossy lipstick completes the look.

Our sense of smell is incredibly powerful—it can instantly transport us to a specific place, moment, or even bring a loved one back to life in our memories. For me, scent is a form of time travel. My grandmother in Lebanon always carried the fragrance of orange blossom on her skin, and her kitchen was filled with the scent of rose water. These aromas hold such nostalgia for me. Santa Maria Novella is the only brand that captures these memories perfectly. Their Acqua Soave fragrance smells exactly like my grandmother’s bathroom, and even the packaging—with its baby blue and white floral design—resembles her home decor. My own go-to perfume is Melograno by Santa Maria Novella; it’s a blend of my grandmother’s and mother’s scents, grounding me in those memories every day.

If you live in Los Angeles, a water filter for your face and shower is a must-have. I use the Baby Filter for my sink and Jolie for water filter for my shower. The water here is harsh, full of minerals that can be rough on skin and hair. Before using these filters, I noticed breakouts and dry hair after showering, but adding filters made a huge difference. They help to smooth and soften everything, promoting healthier skin and hair.

When it comes to beauty treatments these are the following places I recommend to friends:

LA: 

THE WELL STUDIO — If you’re looking for a top-notch lymphatic massage studio on the east side, I highly recommend The Well Studio in Pasadena. Their signature body lymphatic massages are exceptional, and I believe everyone should experience them at least once—you’ll likely become a regular. Be sure to ask for Colette; she’s the owner and incredibly knowledgeable. Her helpfulness and expertise make each visit truly special, plus we always end up talking about our favorite show Sex and the City.

Hair Atelier LA—For my hair, I trust David Pierre completely. He’s seen it all with me and understands every reference I throw his way. He just gets the look I’m after whenever I go in for a haircut. David owns Hair Atelier, now located at the Peninsula Hotel in LA, which makes every visit feel extra special.

INSPIRED BEAUTY— I’ve been working with Tina Jayes from Inspired Beauty—she’s the best facials in L.A. and really understands my skin. She’s helped me switch to unscented products and introduced me to new options suited for my skin type. Tina takes on only a few clients each year for completely private sessions, which I love because it shows how much she genuinely cares about her clients. Plus, her spa bed is incredibly comfortable—I always end up falling asleep during the session!

NYC:

FACEGYM — When I’m in NYC for work, my face often looks puffy with how quickly I need to adjust to the time difference. FACEGYM is a lifesaver—it’s the best for sculpting and refreshing my skin, helping me look and feel more energized. Their treatments leave me feeling like I just had a full workout for my face, and the results are always noticeable.

Zitomer—it’s right across from the Carlyle Hotel and seriously the ultimate beauty surplus store. They have everything you could imagine and more.

PARIS:

Massato Paris — Massato is my favorite hair studio in Paris. The team is incredibly kind and talented—they always nail the look I’m after. Plus, I love the hidden Japanese garden in their outdoor space, and they serve the most amazing Japanese green tea at the start of each session.

Officine Universelle Buly Officine —  Universelle Buly in Paris is my go-to for beauty gifts for family and friends. The store itself feels like stepping back in time, with its beautiful vintage-inspired packaging and unique fragrances. They have everything from luxurious creams to artisanal candles, and every item feels so special and thoughtfully made—it’s the perfect place for finding something memorable and timeless.