Elianah Sukoenig

My beauty philosophy is about feeling good. For me that means taking a holistic approach–caring for my inner and outer world.

I feel best when I take good care of myself–tuning in to self compassion, moving my body, going into nature, practicing gratitude, getting enough sleep, enjoying fulfilling relationships, fostering a creative practice.

I think being human is beautiful, flaws definitely included. Our messiness is both revealing of our individuality and unifying, a portrait of the human condition. Glimpses of vulnerability and raw humanness are captivating. As cliche as it may sound, isn’t the act of caring one of the most beautiful things? I adore witnessing or experiencing caring for other people, oneself, living things, the planet, or individual passions.

More on the nose, I’ve been embracing low maintenance beauty for a few years. I used to feel I needed to present a certain version of myself on the outside but have found it liberating to let myself be without all that self imposed pressure. I’m embracing being a little disheveled and unlearning perfectionism. I find the most beauty in care and connection.

My routine at its most basic is a thick moisturizer (either La Roche Posay Lipkair Triple Repair Moisterizing Cream or Cicaplast Balm) and sunscreen (La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Correct 70) but I do go through phases of adding in more products.

Lately I’ve been using Biossance Squalene + Vitamin C Rose Oil after I’ve moisturized. Sometimes I’ll dip my toes (well, my face) in the retinol & tretinoin territory. Or maybe I’ll use Biologique Recherché Lotion p50. Sometimes I feel like all these skincare products are excessive – I think about botox and having a really smooth forehead but I am a hypochondriac afraid of injecting anything into my face who just endorsed embracing your flaws and I am only 27.

When it gets dry in the winter I’ll add a layer of Cerave Healing Ointment over my moisturiser before bed. I prefer to fall asleep with a lot of chapstick on, too (I use Burt’s Bee’s ultra conditioning Lip Balm or Booda Butter).  I wash my face at night with La Roche Posey Lipkair Wash AP.

I use Acure Ultra Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner and not much else. I like to sleep with my hair in a twisted bun to give it some movement without using heat. I love when my hair is salty from the ocean.

If I have to swear by any makeup products it would be Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment and NYX Lipliner in Nude Beige. The sad news is that NYX has reformulated the lip liner and now it is a different shade and texture. I am hoping they change it back to the original.

My everyday make-up routine consists of those two products plus some chapstick and under eye concealer, I use Mac Studio Fix Conceal and Correct Palette. Sometimes I’ll add on Chanel Soleil Tan Bronzing Cream.

If I’m feeling fancy, say in the evening, I’ll add on black or brown Glossier Lash slick Mascara. I also love Chanel Le Volume Mascara, it is more dramatic than lash slick. If I’m having any breakouts or wanting more skin correction, I’ll use Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Teint Parfait in 10 Beige. I just bought Merit’s Signature Lip in Slip and have been using that, too. It gives a good pout.

I’ve found Wimhof breathing exercises an incredibly helpful tool for self regulation. He has guided breathing videos on YouTube.

That along with meditation, morning affirmations, and/or gratitude practices are how I like to tend to my wellbeing at the start of the day.

I like to go to pilates, I’ve been doing it for almost 10 years now, but it remains a treat when I can go.

Finding connection via friends, community and nature is also part of the wellness picture for me.

I have long been on the hunt for a fragrance I love. I’m looking for something earthy that doesn’t smell synthetic. I used to wear an Amber oil sold at Whole Foods that smelled divine.

Taking a daily bath is good for the soul.

NYX Lip Liner in nude beige, any lip balm.

Acupuncture with Rebecca Ruiz (@deep.moon.acupuncture).

Swimming in the ocean for your skin, hair and soul!