"It’s All About Radiance, Not Regulations": DJ Honey Dijon Discusses Pre-Set Rituals, the Vibe of Ibiza, and All-Night Events…

      Welcome to Beauty's Night Out, a series focused on essential beauty discussions that are taking over the nighttime scene. Get ready for an exclusive look at the newest trends, behind-the-scenes tutorials, and plenty of going-out inspiration while you prepare yourself—just grab your favorite playlist. If you’re curious about achieving lasting makeup and humidity-resistant hairstyles, a DJ is your best source. These artists excel at creating party looks that endure through sweat, smoke, and stage lights, while perfectly embodying the vibe of their performances. Plus, they consistently appear refreshed and energized after multiple sunrise events, dancing until dawn. This blend of aesthetics and utility is best understood by Honey Dijon, a renowned, Grammy-winning artist known as "fashion's favorite DJ."

      "My hair, my makeup, my skin—they all represent energy. It’s a visual vibration," she shares with Who What Wear. She crafts this visual story based on the specific performance, whether she's headlining Pedro Pascal's 50th birthday bash in London, producing an exclusive track for Sol de Janeiro's latest Badalada campaign, or currently performing a residency at Chinois Ibiza. Each look needs to be vibrant and smudge-proof (unless, of course, the aesthetic is intentionally grungy). In her words, it should be "glowing but bulletproof." If that’s not a nightlife beauty aspiration, we don’t know what is—so we asked her to divulge all the details.

      Below, Honey elaborates on the beauty routine she adheres to before her Honey F#cking Dijon show, as well as her favorite pre-show rituals and product suggestions approved for stage presence.

      To begin, how significant is beauty in your role as a DJ? How does makeup, hair, and skincare influence your performance and overall vibe? To me, beauty is another form of language. When I’m DJing, I narrate a story through sound, and my appearance is also part of that story. My hair, makeup, and skin represent energy—it's a visual vibration.

      Do your performances ever affect your makeup and hair choices, and vice versa? Definitely. Everything is interconnected. If I’m playing a darker, more underground set, I might choose a bold, graphic eye look or sculptural, wet hair to match that vibe. Conversely, if it’s a more soulful or euphoric set—like during sunrise or while closing a set in Ibiza—I may choose a softer approach with bronzed skin, gloss, and a touch of shimmer. Yet, sometimes I switch things around.

      Do you stick to specific looks for certain sets, or do you prefer variety? I thrive on transformation. I never want to be confined to one look. That’s the beauty of nightlife and performing—it’s fluid and rebellious. I do prefer to keep things chic and minimal; that's my constant.

      What has been your favorite look? That’s a tough question! Recently, the look for the Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada campaign felt very authentic to me—radiant, glowing skin with a deep bronze and a warm, sun-kissed quality that embodies “Brazilian after-hours meets high fashion.” It was both decadent and playful. That balance is essential.

      Overall, how would you describe your beauty philosophy? What’s your general approach to beauty? Beauty is political, personal, and cultural. As a Black, trans artist, my beauty is a statement. I see beauty as a ritual, armor, and celebration. I don’t pursue perfection; I pursue presence. When I’m in tune with myself and nurture myself with love and creativity, that’s when I feel beautiful.

      What beauty or self-care rituals do you cherish before a set? I always set aside a moment for myself. I do a hydrating face mask, listen to Sade or Grace Jones—someone iconic—and center myself. I enjoy a nice facial massage with oils to awaken my skin and increase blood flow. For my hair, I’ll slick it back for drama or let it flow if I want some movement.

      You're currently enjoying a residency in Ibiza, which seems incredible! What’s your step-by-step beauty routine for those performances? Ibiza is pure magic, and this summer has been a blast at Chinois. For those sets, I favor a glowing but bulletproof look.

      I start with a double cleanse; sweat and SPF are real issues there. Then, I apply a cooling mist and vitamin C serum, followed by a lightweight moisturizer and a bit of face oil for dewiness.

      For makeup, I use a skin-like foundation, sculpt my cheekbones, and opt for something bold—a red lip or metallic eyeshadow. My hair is usually sleek and controlled due to humidity. I finish off with a fragrance—I want to leave a memorable scent.

      Have you adjusted your routine while in Ibiza? Has Spain influenced your beauty regimen? Spain—and Ibiza in particular—has taught me to slow down. The sun, sea, and relaxed pace have