1 day ago
9
ARTICLE AD BOX
ESSENCE Senior Beauty & Style Editor Akili King believes ‘glow’ is more than skin deep. In The Ritual Report, she shares personal healing practices—from acupuncture for skin and grounding benefits to ‘dopamine dressing’—designed to inspire readers to find creative ways to soothe their nervous systems and reclaim their magic from the inside out.
Life feels so fast paced lately. From work—editing, writing, moderating panels, attending events, and more—to making time for friends, personal wellness, and everything in between, I sometimes feel like I’m on a hamster wheel.
But, then there are moments that really force me to slow down, be present, and stand in gratitude in the midst of it all.
One of those moments was (part two of) my mom’s birthday celebration. Earlier this Spring, my sister, my aunties, my mom’s friends, and, of course, my mother set out to Florida to celebrate her 60th birthday.
The weekend was filled with group workouts that my Auntie Sandy led, a morning yoga session on the beach led by me, an all-white brunch on Mother’s Day, exploring the city, playing games like Mahjong and poker (my Auntie Sandy also taught me), karaoke, a dance party in pajamas, beach pictures, and so much more.
I was also gladly in charge of the goody bag for the weekend trip. It was my pleasure to curate it and fill it with my favorite beauty products that I’d hoped would brighten their days. A little token of my gratitude and appreciation for the love, wisdom, and care they’ve given me throughout my life. To me, it didn’t feel like a lot in comparison, but seeing their smiles when receiving the gift bags made me feel like I was doing something right—even if small.
And in between all the festivities, we talked about relationships and work. We cried and discussed mutual losses that we’d shared as a community, and even ones that we didn’t share in common. All-in-all, I think we all stepped away feeling all the more healed and whole. I know I was reminded that this is truly what is most important—not the emails, or the endless deadlines.
It’s more so about these core memories, and giving to one another–be it our time, our listening ear, our wisdom, a thoughtful gift, or in whatever ways we can.
Generational Girls Trip Goody Bag Ideas
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40
Nothing’s worse than a white cast. Luckily, this sunscreen is sheer and invisible, yet has enough SPF coverage to protect your skin in even the hottest weather.
Josie Maran Travel Size Body Butter
Don’t leave your favorite moisturizer at home. This travel-sized air-whipped butter will give you an all-over glow on the go.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Hypochlorous Acid Spray
Hypochlorous acid is a trending ingredient popular for reducing redness, while keeping your skin clear—and this spray will feel like your daily rescue.
Shea Moisture Whole Body Deodorant Spray
Even if you’ve been out all day, you don’t have to smell like it. Just freshen up with this full-body deodorant spray for an out-of-shower feeling.
NYX Jelly Job Lip Gloss
This lip gloss will give your lips a natural tint while keeping your texture smooth and shiny all day long.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50
SPF is the most important skincare step for a reason. This SPF 50 is full of antioxidants and plant extracts with a water-light finish.
Sienna Naturals Mini Hydrating and Damage Repair Hair Ritual Set
Travel haircare never felt so repairing. This four-step travel kit doesn’t compromise hydration and damage repair while on the go.
Mielle Pomegranate and Honey Coil Sculpting Custard
This sculpting hair custard is perfect for shaping your coils while delivering hydrating and reducing frizz.
SEEN Healthy Hair Essentials Kit
Maintain your haircare routine on the go with this travel-size kit complete with shampoo, conditioner, and hair serum.
Fenty Skin Travel Size Start’r Set for Balanced Skin
Want healthy skin even while traveling? This travel skincare set is complete with a three-step routine for balanced skin.
SheaMoisture Calm & Clearing African Black Soap
This African Black soap is enriched with fair trade shea butter, oats, aloe, and vitamin E for calm, clear skin.
Sol de Janeiro Rosa Charmosa Dewy Body Cream
Enriched with rosewater and crystal peptides, this luminously hydrating body cream is a must-have for any dewy skin ritual.
Neutrogena Blush Stick
This blush stick has a creamy, natural finish for an effortlessly lightweight makeup look.
English (US) ·