EverydayNiayai’s Monthly Beauty Magic Ritual
As Thanksgiving wrapped up, I had realized that I was in desperate need for some self pampering. Old braids, chipped nails and stubbly legs meant I needed to take some time to get myself together and this weekend was a perfect opportunity to do so.
Once a month, I take a weekend to do all my beauty appointments and I spend an evening completing everything I shower. A trend that I found on TikTok that has streamlined the way I manage my appearance. I get my hair done, I get my eyebrows threaded, I get my underarm and bikini waxed, I sneak in a mani-pedi and I complete an everything shower routine with all the post-shower fixins’.
Affirmations and acrylic nails, face masks and frequencies, incense smoke and eye cream, if you like what you’ve read so far, keep reading to learn more about each step and how you can insert a little more beauty magic into your routine.
Intention Setting and Affirmations
The first step to a successful monthly beauty magic ritual is to set your intention. Beauty is power. Beauty is personal. Beauty is magical. One of my favorite intentions to set before a weekend like this is to “honor the woman I am, honor the woman I have been and honor the woman I am becoming”. Your intention should be personal to you and your inner desires. Whatever your heart tells you, go with it. If you begin to repeat the intention, it turns into an affirmation.
Hair
The thing that makes the biggest impact in how I look, my braids. One of my signatures, I love having my hair braided no matter what style. I’ve tried micros, senegalese twists, straight back cornrows, and passion twists. But knotless boho braids have been my favorite style this year. I had them this spring and they made me feel confident, beautiful, and sexy. I love getting braids because they are a low maintenance protective style that require little manipulation and always leave me feeling put together.
Once I schedule my appointment, it’s go time. To prep my hair I take down my old braids. I wash my natural hair with Shea Moistures Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner. I start by shampooing my hair 2-3 times to make sure that I wash out all the buildup on my roots and cleanse my scalp. I let the conditioner sit on my scalp for a few minutes and give some extra attention to my ends before rinsing my hair with cool water.
Once I step out of the shower, and while my hair is wet, I finger detangle. I find it easiest to put my hair into 8 sections with loose twists so the blow drying process is more efficient. One of my holy grail hair products is the ORS Olive Oil Thermalast 2-N-1 Heat Defense Mist. It cuts my blow drying time in half, leaves my hair feeling smooth and shiny, and helps prevent unintentional heat damage. I’ve tried other heat protectants and they usually leave my hair heavy, greasy and brittle. The heat protectant has never failed me, and for $8 you can’t beat it! To start, I unravel a section, spray 3-4 spritz of the heat protectant, comb through my hair with a rat tail comb and then begin blow drying my hair from the ends to my scalp. Once at my scalp, I add a heat blast to make sure my roots are dry and use the comb to do 2-3 passes.
Once my hair is blow dried, it’s off to the braiding salon. Before I head there, I stop by the beauty supply store to grab everything my braider needs. I typically use 2-3 packs of X-pressions Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair in the shade 4. Adding pieces of Janet Collection Human Hair Braids Wet n Wavy specifically adds body and dimension to my hair and gives me more options for my everyday hair styles. Pro tip – be sure to make sure the human hair bundles and synthetic hair matches. The color system can be a pinch off and if you are looking for a uniform look, you might need to get a different color human hair than synthetic.
All in all, it takes me around 6 hours to take down my old braids, 2 hours to wash and blow dry my hair, and anywhere between 8 to 10 hours to get my hair braided. I find the best way to fit this extensive process is to get all my hair products from the store on Thursday, begin taking my hair down and wash it on Friday night, and blow dry right before my early Saturday appointment.
Once my hair is done, I feel so much better, I feel so put together and I can’t wait to be seen. Braids just need a quick water and mousse refresh every few days. With boho knotless braids, you may need a little extra finger detangling every morning and shaking my braids out every now and then. Less time worrying about my hair means more time for the things that mean a lot to me. Engaging in my hobbies, deepening my creativity, showing up for myself and chasing my dreams. It may just seem like I am prepping my hair to get it braided like I always do, but the truth is, this bi-monthly ritual makes me feel like the most magnetic version of myself. It’s deeply personal to me and I couldn’t imagine my life without my braids.
Nails and Toes
I’ve tried so many nail shapes, shades and designs over the years. But I have my go-tos that I keep in my daily rotation. I am not someone who uses their nails as their main avenue of self expression. I tend to keep nails natural, clean and nude. My main priorities with my nails are making sure they match with every outfit, they’re manicured well and they’re not so long that they inhibit my ability to do day to day activities.
For all of 2025 I bounced between getting a full set of almond acrylic nails and gel polish on my natural nails. My nails aren’t as strong as I would like them to be, and I love adding the extra length when I know I have upcoming events and in person meetings. And it’s just a happy bonus that they make my hands look good and my jewelry look even better. As we approach the holiday season, I am opting to get a full set of almond nails after taking a break for a few weeks.
In terms of pedicure, I usually match whatever color I use on my fingers on my toes. My goal for manicures is to make sure my feet look sandal ready and are nice and trimmed. I spent a few extra dollars and sprung for the aloe pedicure at my nail salon. They added a cooling aloe lotion on my legs, a sugar scrub and finished with hot towels on my legs and toes. During the winter months, I incorporate a little more TLC on my heels and pads of my feet. I use O’Keefee’s Healthy Feet Lotion to add some additional moisture and hydration on the parts of my feet that tend to get dry.
Nails are really personal. I am so thankful that I spent time during my early 20s experimenting with what I like. It’s incredibly empowering going to the nail salon and being able to advocate for what I want, how I want it and requesting finishing touches so I know I am absolutely satisfied with my service. If you ever get nervous at the salon, remind yourself that you’re doing these services to make yourself feel good. You owe it to yourself to get exactly what you want, so make sure you get exactly what you want. I sure do!
Eyebrows
I got my eyebrows done for the first time in 8th grade. I got them threaded with my mom in a booth at the mall in Chapel Hill. I remember the sensation of the hairs being plucked out one by one causing me to twinge and squirm in the leather chair. The few moments of discomfort were worth it, because once I glanced at myself in the hand held mirror, I was hooked.
I love the look of thin arched brows on myself. They make me feel feminine and open up my eyes and slim my face. I think a thin eyebrow is chic and looks so good when my makeup is done. I always tell my brown lady that I want a thinner brow and a high arch. And they always deliver!
I get my eyebrows threaded at least once a month. I aim for every 3 weeks to keep everything tidy. Because I do my makeup multiple times a week, I can tell when my eyebrows are beginning to grow out and need to be done. How do you ask? I unintentionally start shaping them bigger. Between eyebrow appointments I lightly tweeze my eyebrows with my hot pink tweezerman kit. Eyebrows are a small detail with a big impact!
Wax
The newest addition to my beauty routine is waxing. I get my underarms and bikini waxed. I’ve done it 2 times this year and love the results each time I have done it. I am prone to ingrown hairs and found that shaving these areas that are prone to friction makes them more susceptible to them. Waxing has reduced the amount of inflammation. But I have to be more consistent and go more frequently! Unfortunately for me, I hate pain and waxing is still incredibly uncomfortable for me. But my goal is to wax once a month next year.
I have HS and have always wanted smooth underarms but have never been able to achieve them. I often end up with large boils and sores from erupted bumps from shaving over the years. I have scarring and tenderness in the areas and it's one of my insecurities. But one thing I am learning to embody these days is confidence in who I am. Everyone has insecurities, everyone has health issues, everyone has aesthetic desires.I want to have bikini ready skin and know that this goal will take a little more investment. I am in the market for an ingrown hair serum to soften stubborn hairs, a lightening soap bar to bring those parts of my body to a more uniform shade and an exfoliant to make those areas smooth. . Next year will take a lot more trial and error so I can find a routine that makes me feel womanly and clean.
Atmosphere
To get ready for my at home beauty magic rituals, I like to create a vibe. I light an incense, set out my favorite crystals and turn on my salt lamps. I lay out all of my post shower bodycare and skincare products in order on my vanity so when I step out of the shower, I can begin. I also set out my pajamas for the night and pick which robe I am gonna wear for the evening.
During my beauty magic rituals, I love playing music. When I am in the shower I love listening to R&B. The smooth sounds and sultry lyrics are perfect for a night of unwinding. While I apply my skincare I repeat affirmations to myself as I admire my beauty in the mirror. It feels awkward the first few times you do it, but it becomes easier over time. Trust me on this, pick up your mirror and give yourself compliments. I know I look too good not to say something about it. The gentle reminders while I apply my products help me feel more in my body. I fall asleep to high frequencies – the best kept secret to beauty rest.
Everything Shower
Once all of my appointments are done, it’s time to feel a deep refresh at home. It’s time to stretch and prepare for a half hour long shower. And I wish I was kidding, but I am really not.
For my daily shower routine I wash my face, double cleanse with a bar soap and scented body wash and I scrub my skin with an exfoliating towel. Give some extra love to the rougher parts of your skin like your elbows, back of legs, and your sweaty bits. For everything , I include 5 things that I don’t include during my daily shower routine. I use a clay face mask, I shave my legs, I exfoliate my entire body, I pumice my feet and I use body oil. My daily morning and evening showers take about 10 minutes each, with the additional steps of an everything shower, it gets closer to 30 minutes.
I love steaming hot showers, and I keep the water warm until the very end when I do a quick cold water finish. Use your favorite cotton towels and head to your vanity to finish this beauty ritual with an indepth bodycare and skincare routine.
Everything Skincare
My name is Niayai Lavien. I am a 28 year old black woman with oily skin prone to dark marks and texture. These days? I am focused on creating glass skin and addressing any fine lines. I have a beginner's level of knowledge when it comes to skincare. For the most part, I have been blessed with having clear skin that tends to only have a few active breakouts at a time. I’m not prone to acne, but I do get pretty oily on the daily with or without makeup.
My current routine is a Byoma and I’m excited to give their affordable skincare system a try. I have tried COSRX, Korres, the Ordinary and Good Molecules for full skincare systems. I am looking forward to giving Byoma a try and giving ya’ll a much more indepth review. Be sure to bring your skincare products down to your neck and chest.
My new 5 step skincare routine is the face wash, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream. After I wash my face in the shower, I apply the toner on my damp skin. I love the feeling of pouring a few drops of the toner into my hand and patting it across my face gently. I added my serum on top of the toner paying special focus to my dark spots. I seal in the toner and serum with my moisturizer. I love gel cream formulas because they are light, nourishing and sit well under makeup. I have begun incorporating an eye cream. As I continue the privilege of aging, I have begun to notice fine lines around my forehead and under eyes. I am beginning to incorporate an eye cream to provide that part of my face a little more TLC.
Skincare is so personal. I glow from within and my skin radiates because I treat it with care. Whether it’s a 3-step program, 5 step program or 10 step program, investing in your skincare is a necessary step for adulthood. Good skincare will impact how your makeup looks, it will impact how your skin handles your cycles and it’s a great addition to your daily routine. I love doing my morning and evening skincare routine to begin and end my day.
Everything Bodycare
The 3 words I think of my body routine are: smoothing, glowing and hydrated. Especially during the winter months, I want to have moisturizing and healthy skin. This time of year it's important to pay special attention to your bodycare after the shower. I like to apply these 3 products to lock in the moisture I created with my shower.
I use the Vaseline Lotion. The scent is comforting and familiar. I pick this up at any grocery store in the body care aisle. I’ve been using up my Pacifica Body Butter after the lotion. The lotion gives you a baseline amount of moisture. I feel like adding body butter provides that level of radiance and softness that you can’t get with just a lotion. It also does a really good job sealing in additional moisture and that's the name of the game when it comes to having really soft and supple skin. My last step is to add a TBH Anything Glows body oil – shimmery or not, scented or not,. I love body oils. I opt for body oils that have a very liquidy texture and drier finish. They tend to dry flat and help retain a dynamic shine once the products dry down.
Finishing Touches
I’ve tried sooooooo many lip masks but Vaseline never does me wrong ya’ll. I use a thick layer all over my lips and a little bit around my lips too. I fully believe that the secret to having a great lip combo starts the night before. I always add a little extra right before I go to sleep.
I got this nail oil on Amazon a few years ago and I’m still working my way through it. I focus on my cuticles and add a little dot of the oil on top of each of my nails. I rub it in and wipe the pads of my fingers so I don’t get oil everywhere. Nails can be fragile and keeping them healthy requires adding a little extra moisture to the base of their nails.
Final Beauty Magic Thoughts
I feel my best when I look my best. Getting all my beauty treatments and appointments done in one weekend is a restorative practice. I consider my monthly beauty magic ritual an ode to myself. You can develop a deep intimacy with yourself through the process.
If you made it to the end of this post, thank you for reading my blog post. I am so grateful for the ability to be creative, the ability to write and the time to invest in my passion projects, like this blog. Keep being beautiful and I hope some part of my monthly beauty ritual impacts you positively.
With Love, Abundance and Gratitude,
Everyday Niayai
