Jhené Aiko, the acclaimed R&B singer and songwriter, is known for her signature beauty look, which prominently features flawless skin and a sharp cat-eye. Her approach to skincare is holistic, emphasizing the importance of adequate sleep, a plant-based diet, and consistent use of specific skincare products. Aiko believes that feeling comfortable in one's own skin is paramount, and this philosophy extends to her makeup choices, where she prefers foundations that allow her skin to breathe.
Holistic Approach to Skincare
Aiko's skincare philosophy is deeply rooted in overall well-being. She highlights sleep as a crucial factor, noting that "it makes a huge difference in how my skin looks and my mood as well." Complementing this is a dedication to a plant-based diet, which she finds contributes significantly to her skin's health. She also incorporates specific skincare potions, some of which she formulates herself, into her regimen.
Her routine remains consistent whether she is at home or on tour. "I definitely pack on my serums, moisturizers, and toners," Aiko shared. She also utilizes specific ingredients known for their beneficial properties:
- Lavender: Used for its calming effects.
- Calendula: Incorporated for hydration.
- Ming oil: Applied to help quell irritation.
For particularly dry skin, she opts for oatmeal baths. Aiko acknowledges that her skincare needs can fluctuate, stating, "It depends what I'm going through."
Skincare Journey and Lessons Learned
Aiko admits that she only became serious about skincare about three years prior to the interview. Previously, her approach to blemishes involved picking at them and applying toothpaste, a method she now recognizes as counterproductive. This realization led her to understand that skincare is a process requiring discipline, including consistent washing of the face both morning and night, and a proper diet.
"Having to take pictures and stuff like that reminds you how important it is to be consistent," she explained. She also pointed out the ineffectiveness of expecting immediate results from occasional treatments after a period of neglecting her skin, such as sleeping with makeup on. "Like, no. So, my skin is combination, and it really always depends on what my diet is and if I’m travelling a lot or if I’m getting enough sleep."
Her approach to skincare is also influenced by her heritage. She recalled her grandmother, who was of Japanese descent, using rice water to maintain youthful-looking skin. While she hasn't tried this method herself, she appreciates the traditional wisdom. Her father, who has significant Native American ancestry, uses a lot of oils, resulting in consistently moisturized skin even in his 70s.
Daily Skincare Routine
Aiko's skincare routine is tailored to her combination skin and can vary based on diet, travel, and sleep patterns. She maintains two drawers filled with various products she alternates between.
Morning Routine
In the morning, Aiko uses Rodial Glamtox Cleansing Balm. Initially, she used this with a Clarisonic, but her aesthetician advised against over-stimulating the skin in the morning. Therefore, she now washes her face without it, tones, and then applies Eminence Organics Stone Crop Hydrating Gel, which helps keep her skin matte, especially in the sun.
Evening Routine
For her evening routine, Aiko is more intensive:
- She begins by washing her face, often with SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel and a Clarisonic.
- Toning is done with SkinCeuticals LHA Solution.
- She then applies Circ-Cell ABO Face Rejuvenation Serum, which was recommended by an esthetician and is noted for its high oxygen content.
- Sometimes, she layers on Rodial Pink Diamond Instant Lifting Serum for its lifting properties.
- She also utilizes a NuFace device for microcurrent treatments.
Weekly Treatments
Once a week, Aiko incorporates masks into her routine:
- Eminence Organics Eight Greens Phyto Masque
- Eminence Organics Stone Crop Masque
These masks are particularly beneficial for hormonal breakouts.
Makeup Routine and Product Preferences
While Aiko often favors a fresh-faced look, she enhances her appearance with makeup for performances. Her makeup application is meticulous, and she actively seeks knowledge from makeup artists regarding brushes and products. She studied makeup artistry from Kevyn Aucoin's book and learned the basics from a makeup artist at a young age.
Foundation and Base
For full makeup application, Aiko uses Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, describing its texture as lotion-like with excellent coverage. She applies it sparingly to allow her skin to breathe. She also praises the Kat Von D Beauty True Portrait Foundation for its lightweight feel and perfect shade match, noting, "I don't like to feel like I have on makeup... I like to feel like my skin is still able to breathe."
Concealer and Contour
Kevyn Aucoin's concealer is a favorite for its creamy texture. For contouring, she uses the Laura Mercier Contour Kit, appreciating its light consistency and how well it matches her skin tone.
Eyebrows
Aiko's eyebrows have always been a prominent feature. In her youth, she experimented with trends like pencil-thin brows and even shaved her unibrow. Now, she uses Anastasia Brow Wiz to fill in areas where her brows don't grow as densely due to past over-plucking.
Eyes and Lips
For eye makeup, she applies mascara primarily to the outer corners of her eyes to create a winged effect, avoiding excessive application on her bottom lashes to prevent a "spider" look. Her lip preference leans towards simple balms, such as Burt’s Bees Hibiscus Tinted Lip Balm, for a subtle hint of color.
Sun Protection and Body Care
Protecting her skin from the sun is a priority for Aiko, influenced by her mother's experiences with sunspots. Despite enjoying a tanned glow, she is mindful of the point of burning and premature aging.
Her daily sun protection includes Eminence Organics Sun Defense Minerals in Calendula Spice, sometimes mixed with Peaches and Cream depending on the season. This product evens out her skin tone and provides sun protection.
For body care, Aiko enjoys baths, especially when traveling, to relax after long days of work. She uses Dr. Bronner’s soaps, with lavender being her favorite, and sometimes washes her face with it in the shower. She also applies Nutiva Coconut Oil all over her body, cautioning against immediate dressing to avoid streaks.
Haircare and Supplements
Aiko embraces her naturally curly hair, often styling it in various ways without heat, including slicked back looks, French braids, and buns. She uses the DevaCurl line, specifically the sulfate-free No-Poo cleanser, to maintain her natural oils and curls.
She also prioritizes her immune system with Nature's Answer Sambucus Black Elderberry Extract Spray, a daily supplement beneficial for singers. For oral hygiene, she trusts Tom's deodorant and toothpaste, preferring fluoride-free and aluminum-free options.
Aiko takes supplements such as collagen and chlorophyll. She also drinks Kangen water and consumes apple cider vinegar. She previously explored a vegan diet for six months, finding it energizing but demanding in terms of preparation and sourcing.
Fragrance Preferences
For fragrance, Aiko favors Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, enjoying how the scent evolves over time. She also cherishes a subtle scent called Essential Faith, which she finds mixes well with her natural scent to create a unique and pleasant aroma.
Self-Care and Well-being
Aiko emphasizes the importance of self-care, even amidst a busy schedule. She practices mindful breathing and consciously disconnects from her phone by using "Do Not Disturb" mode. She believes that taking moments to simply be present, rather than constantly engaging with technology, allows for valuable personal time.
She finds that naps are incredibly restorative for her skin, making it feel supple and luminous. Her winding-down routine often involves spending time with her daughter, watching television, and playing with their pets. Before bed, she washes her face, brushes her teeth, and focuses on positive thoughts.
The Role of Motherhood in Self-Perception
Becoming a mother has profoundly impacted Aiko's self-perception and understanding of beauty. Seeing the inherent beauty in her daughter made her realize her own beauty and the importance of self-care as a role model. She teaches her daughter to embrace her natural features, like her thick, curly hair, and emphasizes that true beauty lies in the whole person, not just appearance.
Advice for Skincare and Self-Investment
Aiko advocates for a persistent approach to finding the right skincare routine, acknowledging that it is often a process of trial and error. She advises starting with mild, natural products, conducting thorough research, and consulting a dermatologist. She views investing in skincare and treatments as an investment in oneself, stressing that quality ingredients are more important than price.
She highlights that skin is the body's largest organ and is thus worth nurturing. Aiko also shares her past struggles with severe breakouts and insecurity, which stemmed from poor self-care habits, including a poor diet and lack of exercise. Her transformation began internally, with a shift towards self-care practices, which reflected positively on her skin.