Composite of India Espy-Jones
Since 1995, Essence Competition has been an annual vacation spot for our editors to check out their summer time magnificence routines in New Orleans. Whereas some merchandise soften within the Southern warmth, others show to be the holy grail we’ll carry for years to come back.
This yr, for senior magnificence editor Akili King, it is all about make-up appropriate for eczema-prone pores and skin, like pores and skin tints and blush. As for Shelby Stewart, head of content material operations, she does not go with out a fuzzy balm. In the meantime, a hair oil is a should for Locs, the sister of Senior Editorial Director, Victoria Uwumarogie. Individually, mascara and sunscreen are the sweetness merchandise that I’ll use essentially the most in the course of the Essence Competition weekend.
Forward, our editors open their magnificence baggage for a sneak peek on the merchandise they’re providing at Essence Competition 2026.
Akili King, Senior Magnificence Editor
Shea Radiance Whipped Physique Butter
A wealthy, soothing balm enriched with colloidal oatmeal, this physique butter melts right into a creamy summer time balm that is the of completion to King’s EFOC physique care routine.
Accessible on amazon.com
Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted SPF 30
Their make-up is light-weight and in addition designed for eczema-prone pores and skin,” King says of Tower28’s complexion merchandise, together with its favourite broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen.
Accessible on sephora.com
EADEM Le Chouchou Softening Lip Balm
For basic hydration, King makes use of one of the vital well-liked black-based lip balms available on the market: EADEM Le Chou Chou Exfoliating and Softening Balm.
Accessible on sephora.com
Checking the sample magnificence edges
Discovering good edge management that can final all day, forestall breakage, and will not chip or whiten is a should within the peak of summer time. For King, that is it.
Accessible on sephora.com
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46
“SPF can also be important,” says King. Which means utilizing a melt-free sunscreen she will be able to depend on underneath her make-up.
Accessible on dermstore.com
Cocokind Resurrection Polypeptide Cream
To maintain King’s eczema-prone pores and skin hydrated, this wealthy cream is his go-to resolution for plump, soothed pores and skin. That, and a bit aloe.
Accessible on ulta.com
Sienna Naturals Dream Curl Mousse
Since braids are King’s annual EFOC coiffure, preserving a mousse in her lineup helps her type last more (even when uncovered to fixed humidity.)
Accessible on weloveus.store
Vie Magnificence 30COOLDOWN Rose Water Mist Fan
“To remain cool, I am going to have my Vie Magnificence fan readily available,” says King, who disperses a refreshing rosewater mist for New Orleans’ hottest weekend.
Accessible on weloveus.store
Shelby Stewart, Content material Operations Supervisor
Danessa Myricks Yummy Pores and skin Blurring Powder Balm
“It is a lot lighter than basis (good for warmth and humidity) and may be constructed up after I want extra protection,” says Stewart of selecting shade 6.
Accessible on sephora.com
LANEIGE Hydro UV Protection Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+
As Shelby Stewart’s tried-and-true each day sunscreen, “it’ll undoubtedly ship.”
Accessible on sephora.com
Victoria Uwumarogie, Senior Editorial Director
Biosilk Silk Unique Remedy
“This therapy helps frivolously moisturize my sisterlocs, which will probably be curly,” says Victoria Uwumarogie of her favourite EFOC hair product.
Accessible on ulta.com
R&R Solar Serum Undefined Broad Spectrum SPF 50
As Uwumarogie’s go-to summer time serum, “it is not too thick and provides my pores and skin a glow.”
Accessible on amazon.com
Vaseline Coco Glowing Physique Oil
“This physique oil helps me glow with out being greasy,” says Uwumarogie. “There’s a distinction!” As a professional tip, she provides Aquaphor and massages her ft to stop chapping after an extended day of strolling.
Accessible on cvs.com
Neutrogena make-up remover cleaning wipes
A must have from Uwumarogie, the make-up remover wipes are step one to scrub the pores and skin after an extended day and night time on the pageant.
Accessible on amazon.com
Earthly Derm Turmeric Glow Cleaning soap
“Make-up for stage moments and sweat from the warmth will take a toll on my pores and skin,” says Uwumarogie. So, she’s going to use this turmeric bar “to cleanse correctly but in addition proceed to cut back my hyperpigmentation attributable to years of acne-prone pores and skin, slowly however certainly.”
Accessible at earthlyderm.com
India Espy-Jones, contributing magnificence editor
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