An Esthetician’s Honest Product Reviews + My Nervous System Reset

As an esthetician and the founder of Lucid Wellness, I spend most of my days helping clients improve their skin and reconnect with self-care.

But this year I realized something important:

I needed to prioritize my own wellness too.

So for 2026 I started a new monthly ritual called The Wellness Edit — where I intentionally test beauty, skincare, and wellness products while also focusing on resetting my nervous system and creating more balance in my daily routines.

Each month I’ll share:

• Products I loved
• Products I might repurchase
• Products I would skip

If you’re someone who loves skincare, body care, fragrance, and wellness routines, this series is for you.

Let’s start with January’s favorites.

Products I Loved This Month (Esthetician Approved)

These are the products that truly elevated my routines this month.

Nairobi Detoxifying Shampoo

If your hair ever feels heavy from product buildup, oils, or styling products, a detoxifying shampoo is essential.

The Nairobi Detoxifying Shampoo deeply cleanses the scalp without leaving hair dry or stripped — which is something many clarifying shampoos get wrong.

After using it, my hair felt:

✔ lighter
✔ cleaner
✔ noticeably shinier

It’s especially great if you regularly use oils or styling products.

👉 Shop it here: Nairobi Detoxifying Shampoo

Nairobi Humecta-Sil Moisture Replenishing Conditioner

After detoxifying the scalp, hydration is key.

The Nairobi Humecta-Sil Conditioner restores moisture without weighing hair down. My hair felt softer, easier to detangle, and much healthier overall.

If your hair needs hydration but still needs movement and volume, this is a great option.

👉 Shop it here: Nairobi Humecta-Sil Conditioner

Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine Foaming Lotion

This styling product has been a staple for many people for years — and now I understand why.

It gives:

• shine
• hold
• softness

without making the hair stiff or crunchy.

If you enjoy wrap styles, sets, or defined curls, this product works beautifully.

👉 Shop it here:  Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine Foaming Lotion

Lush Sticky Dates Body Lotion

This lotion might be one of the coziest scents I’ve tried all winter.

It smells warm, slightly sweet, and comforting — almost like a dessert but still wearable.

Beyond the scent, the hydration level is amazing. My skin stayed soft and moisturized all day.

👉 Shop it here: Lush Sticky Dates Lotion

Byoma Body Serum

As an esthetician, I love when skincare science expands into body care.

The Byoma Body Serum is lightweight, hydrating, and supports the skin barrier — something I think more body products should focus on.

It layers perfectly under lotions and oils if your skin tends to get dry.

👉 Shop it here: Byoma Body Serum

Vegetable Glycerine (NOW Foods)

This might be the most underrated skincare ingredient.

Vegetable glycerin is a powerful humectant, which means it pulls moisture into the skin and helps maintain hydration.

I like adding a few drops into:

• body lotion
• DIY hydration treatments
• body serums

If your skin struggles with dehydration, this ingredient can make a big difference.

👉 Shop it here: NOW Foods Vegetable Glycerine

House of Balance Slow Body Oil Serum

This product felt less like a beauty product and more like a self-care ritual.

The texture is silky, nourishing, and leaves the skin with a beautiful glow.

It’s perfect for turning your evening body routine into a moment to slow down and relax your nervous system.

👉 Shop it here:  House of Balance Body Oil Serum

Lattafa Yara Moi Perfume

This fragrance quickly became one of my favorites this month.

It’s warm, feminine, and slightly sweet without being overpowering. The scent feels comforting and elegant at the same time.

I found myself reaching for it almost every day.

👉 Shop it here: Lattafa Yara Moi Perfume

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant

Some products become cult favorites for a reason.

The Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant is gentle, effective, and has the classic clean scent of the Cashmere Mist fragrance.

It feels like a small luxury in a daily routine.

👉 Shop it here: Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant

Products I’m Still Deciding On

These products were good, but I’m still testing them before deciding if they’re long-term staples.

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare steps, and I was excited to try this one.

The texture is lightweight and it gives a subtle tint that helps even the skin tone. However, I’m still testing how it layers with other skincare and makeup.

For now, it’s a maybe repurchase.

👉 Try it here:  Beauty of Joseon Tinted Sunscreen

Byoma Body Polish

This exfoliating body polish is gentle and effective.

However, I’m still exploring other exfoliating products before deciding if this will stay in my permanent rotation.

👉 Try it here: Byoma Body Polish

Products I Wouldn’t Repurchase

Not every product becomes a favorite, and that’s okay.

French Balance and Harmony Body Lotion

The hydration level just wasn’t strong enough for my skin — especially during winter months.

I personally prefer body lotions that provide deeper moisture and longer-lasting softness. This is great for the scent.

Her Way Perfume

Fragrance is extremely personal, but this scent didn’t resonate with me. The longevity wasn’t great on my skin either.

Coco Musk Perfume

This scent leaned a little too sweet and synthetic for my preference. I tend to prefer fragrances with more depth and warmth.

My January Wellness Takeaway

This month reminded me that wellness isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention.

Sometimes it’s the simple things that help us reset:

• moisturizing your skin slowly
• lighting a candle while doing your routine
• wearing a scent that makes you feel good

Those small rituals add up and create space for your nervous system to relax.

And that’s something I’m prioritizing much more this year.

Want Personalized Skincare Guidance?

If you're local to Greensboro, you can visit Lucid Wellness for customized facials and skincare guidance designed to support both healthy skin and overall well-being.

✨ Stay tuned for February’s Wellness Edit, where I’ll be sharing new skincare discoveries, wellness rituals, and product reviews.

Affiliate Disclaimer

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them.

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February Wellness Edit