Welcome to Take the Edge Off, a series that breaks down the beauty and self-care routines of influencers, CEOs, experts, and celebrities. Find out how they unwind and decompress, while taking a closer look at the holy-grail essentials they’re currently raving about.
The words clean beauty can mean a lot of things, but for Kosas founder Sheena Zadeh-Daly, they translate to science-baked products with streamlined formulas made without over 2,700 harmful ingredients. "I was looking at this word, koshas, which is a Sanskrit word, and all the philosophies within the Vedas that are part of my existence," she tells Bazaar. "The philosophy says that the way you look is just a manifestation of your thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and what's really in your heart. That's what you see on the outside, and you can't affect the outside any other way, which was totally in line with the story I wanted to tell."
While the brand's skin, body care, and makeup best-sellers are grounded with clinically-proven results, thanks in part to Zadeh-Daly's background in chemistry, Kosas is much more than a company that's Leaping Bunny-certified. "I don't believe that you need to tell anybody that there's anything wrong with them in order for them to buy makeup," she explains. "I think that when we feel great, we want to represent that, and show it on the outside, too."
As the new mother of a now nine year-old daughter, Zadeh-Daly says she sometimes struggled to find her footing in prioritizing her own needs. "Doing my makeup is a humongous part of my self-care routine," the founder says. "As a mom with a really young baby, I kept wanting to only spend five minutes on myself, because it was almost as if I didn't believe I deserved more than five minutes. And I've seen that as she's grown up, that time with myself is really important—it was even part of my New Year's resolutions." Nowadays, Zadeh-Daly says she's grown to relish self-care, using makeup application in particular as a moment of creativity and expression. "I'm giving myself permission," she adds.
For more on how she decompresses as a beauty boss, we ask Zadeh-Daly to share some of her go-to methods and product essentials, like lighting Ceremonia's signature scented candle, along with ongoing yoga practice for peace of mind. In addition to Kosas beauty staples, we catch up with the expert for her top rotation favorites.
What are you reading these days?
I usually listen to podcasts and books on Audible while I commute to work, which is something that I really love. It's part of my 'me time'—no one else can get me during that time. Right now, I'm listening to 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go by Jay Shetty. I listen to his podcast, too. He's also constantly showing up in my TikTok algorithm, which is how I know I'm actually obsessed with him: TikTok reveals the truth in your heart.
Jay Shetty 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go
Jay Shetty 8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go
What are some of your go-to bath and shower products?
[Kosas] has one, and I religiously use it: the Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash. It's so good, and really gentle. It's done wonders for my skin, because I used to have a ton of body acne, and that's why I created it. I also use Osea's Undaria Cleansing Body Polish, and The Outset's Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser in the shower.
What beauty or self-care products do you use on a regular basis to help combat Zoom fatigue?
Oh! What a good question. I wear makeup almost every day, but the glow I get from DreamBeam, Revealer Concealer, a nice brow, and a good lip? That combination always makes me look my best. And, I've invested in elevated loungewear that I feel good about wearing—a lot of Alo and Aviator Nation—it makes me feel like I'm ready for the day without having to put on hard pants. I also do a lot of dry brushing and sauna time, either in the morning or at the end of the day.
Do you have a favorite hand sanitizer, soap, or cream right now?
My favorite hand soap is Aesop's Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash, which has the exfoliating beads in it. Every time I come home, the first thing I do is wash my hands, and it feels so good.
Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash
Do you ever light a candle or stick of incense to decompress? If so, what are some of your favorites?
I have recently started lighting candles, and it's been very life-changing for me. I have this one from the hair care brand Ceremonia, and it smells so good. Their fragrance is called Perfume de la Tierra, and there's also a candle version, which is delish.
What’s the last beauty product you put on today?
The Kosas sunscreen, DreamBeam, because I went for a walk.
Are you into bold makeup, no makeup, or no-makeup makeup right now, and why?
If I had to lean into one of those choices, I would rather choose bold makeup, but it's something in between no makeup-makeup and bold makeup. Like, I'm not afraid to show that I'm wearing makeup, but it definitely looks like me, I don't look like a different person. I just look like the best version of myself—I've been calling it comfy glam.
What’s the last fitness class you streamed or attended in person?
I did a Hatha yoga class over Zoom—it comes from this family of yoga called Anusara. Yoga is amazing—it just has everything in it.
What’s one piece of self-care advice you’d give to our readers?
Don't skip walks. I believe in doing things that are easy and enjoyable when it comes to self-care, wellness, and exercise. You feel successful, and I think it's really important to feel what it's like to have succeeded at something and then be done with the task instead of dreading it. That happens so often with really hard workouts where it's like, God, I'm dreading the idea of going to that versus, Oh, this is going to be easy and I know I'm going do great at it.
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
