"It's All About Radiance, Not Rules": DJ Honey Dijon Discusses Pre-Set Rituals, the Vibe of Ibiza, and Non-Stop Parties...

      Welcome to Beauty's Night Out, a series focused on essential beauty discussions that are trending in the nightlife realm. Anticipate an exclusive look at the freshest trends, behind-the-scenes tutorials, and plenty of going-out inspiration while you get ready—all you need is your favorite playlist. If you're curious about the secrets to enduring makeup and humidity-resistant hairstyles, just consult a DJ. These artists are proficient in creating party looks that withstand sweat, smoke, and stage lights, while also encapsulating the essence of each performance. They manage to maintain a fresh and energetic appearance even after numerous sunrise gigs, where the dancing continues until dawn. There's a perfect balance of form and function, something only Honey Dijon, an internationally recognized, Grammy-winning musician who’s often called "fashion's favorite DJ," fully comprehends. "My hair, my makeup, my skin—it’s all energy. It’s a visual vibration," she shares with Who What Wear. She tailors that visual story based on the specifics of her sets, whether she’s headlining Pedro Pascal's 50th birthday in London, crafting an exclusive track for Sol de Janeiro's recent Badalada campaign, or currently playing a residency at Chinois Ibiza. Each look needs to remain lively and smudge-resistant (unless, of course, the mood board aims for a deliberately grungy vibe). To quote this iconic performer, the look must be "glowing but bulletproof." If that's not a beauty goal for nightlife, we don't know what is—so we invited her to share every detail.

      Next, Honey discusses her step-by-step beauty routine that she trusts before her Honey F#cking Dijon show, her favorite rituals for getting ready, and product recommendations that enhance her stage presence.

      To start, what part does beauty play in your role as a DJ? How do hair, makeup, and skincare affect your stage presence, performance, and overall vibe? For me, beauty is another form of language. When I'm DJing, I'm narrating a story sonically, but my appearance is also part of that story. My hair, my makeup, my skin—it’s all energy. It’s a visual vibration. Do your sets ever influence your makeup and hair, or does it go the other way around? Absolutely. Everything is interconnected. If I’m delivering a darker, more underground set, I might choose a bold, graphic eye or wet, sculptural hair to align with that energy. For a more soulful or euphoric vibe—imagine a sunrise or closing a set in Ibiza—I’ll soften my look. Perhaps bronzed skin, gloss, and a touch of shimmer. Sometimes, though, I switch it up completely. Do you prefer specific styles for certain sets, or do you enjoy mixing it up? I thrive on transformation. I never want to be confined to a single aesthetic. That's the allure of nightlife and performance—it’s fluid and rebellious. However, I like to keep things chic and minimal; that’s my constant.

      What has been your favorite look to date? Oh, that's tough. But the recent look for the Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada campaign felt incredibly authentic to me—glowy, radiant skin, deep bronze, radiating a sensual, sun-kissed warmth that screamed “Brazilian after-hours meets high fashion.” It was luxurious yet playful. That balance is everything. Broadening the scope, how would you describe your overall beauty philosophy? What’s your approach to beauty? Beauty is political, personal, and cultural. I’m Black, I’m trans, I’m an artist—and my beauty is a statement. I see beauty as ritual, armor, and celebration. I don’t pursue perfection; I seek presence. When I feel connected to myself and nurture myself with love and creativity, that's when I feel beautiful. Are there particular beauty or self-care rituals you cherish before a performance? I always take a moment for solitude. I’ll apply a hydrating face mask, listen to someone iconic like Sade or Grace Jones, and just center myself. I enjoy a facial massage with oils to activate my skin and stimulate blood flow. For my hair, I’ll either slick it back for drama or let it flow freely for movement.

      You're currently doing a residency in Ibiza, which looks amazing! What’s your step-by-step beauty routine for those shows? Ibiza is pure magic, and my time at Chinois has been fantastic this summer. For those performances, I keep it glowing yet bulletproof. I start with a double cleanse—sweat and sunscreen are real challenges there. Following that, I use a cooling mist and vitamin C serum, followed by a lightweight moisturizer and a dash of face oil for dewiness. For makeup: a foundation that mimics skin, sculpted cheekbones, and something striking—a red lip or a metallic eye. Hair is usually sleek and controlled due to humidity. I finish with fragrance—I want to make an impression. Have you modified or added anything