Shop My Routine: Celebrity Stylist Irinel De Leon’s Top Curly Hair Tips

This Ouai product is a staple in de Leon’s kit. Thanks to ingredients like beetroot extract and plant-based polymer, the hydrating product smooths and defines hair of all textures. “It’s a heat protectant and also prevents any kind of frizz for long-lasting styles,” she says.

Typically, corded hair tools are known to have the most power, but Dyson’s Corrale straightener doesn’t skimp on performance. “This hot tool is a game-changer because it’s cordless,” says de Leon, who always has this flat iron in her bag. “You can get 30 minutes of cord-free battery life with each charge, so it’s perfect for being on set for touch-ups.”

A good hairbrush is important for brushing out potential knots without causing breakage, and de Leon is a fan of this one from Mane that caters to both straight and curly hair. “It’s perfect for detangling any hair type quickly and efficiently because of its metal bristles,” she says.

Another essential in de Leon’s pro kit, this spray gives long-lasting volume, especially when paired with a styling tool. “This product is incredible for anyone wanting body and lift from the root,” she says. “It works super well, so I don’t have to use too much of it.”

De Leon is constantly traveling abroad for work, so she knows her way around foreign beauty shops. “I love stocking up on local brands from each particular country,” she says. “In France, I like to purchase Caudalie products; they’re cheaper than in the States and they will sometimes have products that we don’t have here.” This fast-absorbing overnight treatment is infused with an effective blend of skin-nourishing oils. “As a last step in my skincare routine, I like to layer on this oil to seal it all in—it really does wonders for my skin,” says de Leon.

One product de Leon stocks up on by the suitcase-full when in Paris is hairspray from luxury brand Balmani Hair. “Their formulation is a bit different there (read: even better), so I like to pick up the Balmain Session Strong Hairspray and the Texturizing Hairspray as well,” she says.

To fake a good night’s rest even after a long day on set, de Leon relies on this brightening concealer. “I cannot live without my Kosas Revealer Concealer. It stays on all day and leaves my under-eye area super moisturized because of the hyaluronic acid,” she says. It’s also a top pick in Forbes Vetted’s roundup of the best concealers for its skincare-like qualities.

The fastest way to whip eyebrows into shape is with a good brow gel, and this one from Milk Makeup has aloe and cucumber to soften hairs.“I love to brush my brows upwards for a nice fluffy look,” says de Leon. “The Kush brow gel gets every single hair, and helps make my eyes look more awake.”

“I like keeping my makeup and skincare routine very minimal but effective,” says de Leon, who confesses to regularly doing her five-minute makeup routine in her (parked) car. “This Merit blush is perfect for a monochromatic finish. I dab a bit of it on my cheeks, lips and even eyelids.”

Besides providing exfoliation, the very ritual of dry brushing can be a soothing way to wind down at the end of a day. “Dry brushing is something I love to incorporate into my wellness routine before showering—brushing everything upwards,” says de Leon. “It’s a way to connect with body and has so many great benefits, like stimulating the lymphatic system and helping my skin really glow.”