Zaynab Issa

Beauty really does come from within, and maintaining the exterior is an effort to reinforce the interior.

For removing makeup I love the Suhlawahsoo Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover, it’s so gentle and effective. Right now I’m using the Shani Darden Cleansing Serum to wash my face, but cleanser is the one product I shift and switch out the most often–my all time favorites are the Herbivore Botanicals Superfood Cleanser and the Drunk Elephant Cleanser, both are soft on the skin and never feel drying afterward. For serums, in the daytime I use the Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Serum daily, I can really see a difference in my skin texture and tone when I stay consistent with it. In the evenings I’ll rotate between a chemical exfoliant, a retinol, or a hydrating serum–right now I’ve got the Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant in the mix and I’ll use the Shani Darden or Drunk Elephant Retinols, and for hydration I’ve been loving Rhode Cosmetics. I’ll follow with moisturizer both morning and evening–another product that’s constantly changing in my routine. I love Glow Recipes moisturizer, Drunk Elephant’s LaLa Whipped Moisturizer, but I’ve been using the First Aid Beauty Moisturizer the most consistently over the years. My all time favorite sunscreen is the Elta MD sunscreen and I’ll finish off my skincare in the morning with that. In the evenings I seal the skincare in with an oil, usually Bio Oil, or one of Drunk Elephant’s Facial Oils. I’ll finish with a swipe of castor oil on my lashes and Aquaphor or Vaseline on my lips.

I love a good body oil and moisturizer: my current favorites are the Necessaire Scentless Moisturizer and the Osea Malibu Body Oil. For really intense moisturizing the Brazilian bum bum cream is great in the deep winter.

Occasionally I’ll use a Guasha to massage my face alongside a hydrating serum or facial oil. I’ve had so many of the crystal / stone ones break during travel that I now use a stainless steel one, and it’s held up well.

I’ve worn the headscarf for over 10 years now, and my haircare is extremely low maintenance since my hair stays healthy from low heat damage and minimal exposure to the elements. I use a clarifying shampoo to help keep my hair clean as long as possible. I have very thick long hair that I like to wash every few days. I’ve been rotating between the Briogeo Clarifying Shampoo and the Necessaire Shampoo. I use the Necessaire Conditioner on the ends of my hair. Using a shower comb is particularly helpful for detangling my long hair.

As soon as I come out of the shower I put my hair into a towel wrap to keep it from dripping all over the place. I was given this one and I can’t live without it now.

When I do use heat on my hair, it’s usually a quick 10 minutes with a Dyson Blow Dryer.

For everyday makeup:

Concealer: Kosas Hydrating Concealer or Rare Beauty Positive Light Corrector
Powder: Huda Beauty Banana Powder or Givenchy Prisme Libre
Blush: Merit Flush Balm in Cheeky and/or Dior Backstage Blush in Pink
Mascara: Saie Beauty Mascara and/or Ilia Mascara
Eyebrows: Merit Tinted Brow Gel or Benefit Clear Brow Gel
Lips: Merit Tinted Lip Oil or Dior Plumping Gloss

For evening looks:

When I want a more glam look, I’ll use the above and work in more layering. I’ll definitely use a primer, likely the Milk Makeup Mattifying Primer in combination with a pore-minimizing blurring primer like the NYX Photo Finish.  I love the Ilia Serum Skin Tint, and I’ll use that as a base, followed by Mac Studio Fix concealer for a more full coverage concealer.  I’ll use the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer to brighten up the under eye.  For contouring I love using the YSL Touche  Éclat Concealer in a darker shade, I find the pen applicator to be super easy to use.  For eyes  I’ll opt for a dark brown or black shadow as eyeliner or use the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner for a dramatic wing.  I’m very minimal when it comes to eyeshadow, I rotate between Space Cowboy by Urban Decay for a glittery shimmer all over the lids, Merit Solo Shadow in Brun Smoked Out by the Lashline, or I’ll use the burgundy shades in the Dior Backstage Palette in my crease.

Working in food, my diet tends to take a toll on my skin. I’ve found taking a pre/probiotic can be super helpful during times when I’m eating more than usual.  I take Seed, and really love it.

Staying consistent with any routine, be it my morning routine or my skincare routine is so important to my overall wellness.

I found my perfect fragrance last fall on a trip in Copenhagen. I was initially drawn to the bottle because of its packaging, so I sprayed it on my arm and left the store.  Hours later I found myself entranced by the scent and amazed by its lasting power.  I returned to the store to buy a bottle and have never received so many compliments on a fragrance before.  I’ve since bought Stora Skuggan Mistpouffer multiple times on Ssense. Another more recent addition is Le Labo’s Lavande 31, it’s similarly musky and floral and lasts.

I like to layer my perfumes with fragrance oils I purchase in the Middle East, usually some combination of oud + citrus or florals is my go-to. For special occasions, I love combining a fragrance oil with the classic Baccarat Rouge 540 or Penhalogens Yasmine Fragrance.

1. NYX Lip Liner in Ever or Nutmeg
2. Saie Beauty Lipstick in Modern
3. Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss in 18 Intense Spice

Moroccan or Turkish Hammams. Whenever I find myself in the Middle East or North Africa, I immediately seek out the nearest hammam, a bath house with rituals featuring a full body exfoliating and a bubble blanket (yes, bubble blanket).  It’s the ideal rejuvenating body treatment that leaves you feeling beyond fresh.  Otherwise, I love a hot stone massage for overall relaxation or a Thai stretching massage to release muscle tension.