The Beauty Rituals That Defined My January (And Why I’m More Magnetic Than Ever)

 January wasn’t about perfection for me.

It was about intention.

Taking care of myself.

Listening to my body.

Choosing things that make me feel confident, calm, and grounded.

Here are five (okay… a few more 😉) beauty-focused things I did for myself in January, and honestly, I’ve never felt more me.

1. I Finally Started Taking My Vitamins

Gummies

Let’s start with the shocker.

I am not a vitamins girl. I don’t like medication. I avoid it in every form if I can. But last year, something changed.

I stumbled on vitamin gummies. Yes, gummies.

I used to think they wouldn’t taste nice (not that I’d ever tried them). Then I took my mum to Holland & Barrett before she travelled to Nigeria, she bought some gummies, I tried one… and that was it.

Game. Changed.

Now I take vitamins regularly for my hair, skin, nails… everything. And I won’t lie, there’s a confidence that comes with knowing you’re taking care of your skin from the inside out.

I don’t know if it’s the vitamins.

I don’t know if it’s my mindset.

But there is something magnetic about me this season, and I’m embracing it fully.

2. My Nails (Consistency Is the Real Glow-Up)

My nails are non-negotiable.

I get them done once or twice a month, depending on timing, and I love that little ritual. It’s my time. My pause. My reset.

Last year, I fell in love with red nails.

This year? We’re still here. Third month in a row. Red stays winning.

Sometimes I go bold, sometimes muted, but either way, having my nails done instantly makes me feel put together.

3. A Daily Skincare Routine (And My Skin Is Thanking Me)

Last year, stress and lack of sleep had my skin breaking out badly.

This year, I decided to be intentional.

I stick to my facial routine every single day. No skipping. No shortcuts. I even made a little to-do list so I stay consistent.

And guess what?

No breakouts.

At all.

My skin is clearing, and the discipline alone feels like self-love. It’s been such a beautiful journey doing the basics properly.

4. My Brows (Low Pain, High Impact)

People always ask me why I don’t just do ombré brows.

Simple answer?

I cannot stand unnecessary pain.

Threading, however? I’m learning to tolerate it. It hurts (sometimes a lot), but the results are worth it.

And the biggest win?

My makeup time has gone from one hour → thirty minutes → fifteen minutes.

That alone is a beauty upgrade.

5. I Stopped Drinking Coke (Day 31 Update!)

This one deserves applause.

I officially stopped drinking Coke, and honestly, it hasn’t been easy. Especially because events are my biggest trigger.

But here’s what I drink now:

One coffee a day (sometimes none)

Teas (my absolute favourite right now)

Pineapple juice (if you know, you know 😉)

Lots of water

There’s an M&S fruit infusion tea I swear by, I mix mango, lime, and Strawberry. I’m not a doctor, but I’ve noticed real changes in my cycle and overall balance since drinking it regularly.

And yes, my sleep is better without Coke.

The sugar and caffeine were doing too much.

6. Monthly Facials (Letting Someone Else Take Care of Me)

I promised myself this year that I’d stop doing everything myself.

So I found a lovely facial place in town, and I go once a month. No agenda, just whatever my skin needs.

Lying down.

Being still.

Letting someone else do the work.

That alone feels luxurious.

7. Swimming Lessons (Because I Actually Want to Live 😭)

This one is survival.

I go for swimming lessons weekly.

I don’t know how to swim yet, but I’m learning. Slowly. Seriously.

It’s exercise, discipline, and growth all in one. And yes, my main motivation is straightforward:

I do not want to drown.

Period.

Final Thoughts

January wasn’t about doing everything.

It was about doing the right things for me.

These little choices—vitamins, routines, rest, and boundaries are keeping me sane, confident, and grounded.

And honestly?

I’m walking into the rest of the year feeling softer… and stronger.

With Love,

Ayo