Beauty

The cover star of our January Wellness issue – beauty mogul behind REFY Jess Hunt – shares what her beauty and wellness non-negotiables are for 2026.

Hunt reveals her morning routine, her nighttime rituals and what beauty product is always in her bag. Here, she also tells Emirates Woman where she stands on the cold plunge trend.

What’s the one non-negotiable step in your morning wellness routine?

The one non-negotiable in my morning wellness routine would have to be my morning journal. I feel like this sets me up for the day and puts me in the best mindset, ready to take on whatever my day holds for me.

Beyond aesthetics, what is the core feeling you want REFY to give to its users?

When I built REFY, my mission was to encourage people to feel like their most confident selves. So confidence for sure.

What’s the one beauty product that’s always in your bag?

The one beauty product always in my bag, probably my REFY Lip Gloss.

How do you mentally switch off from founder-mode in the evenings?

To switch off from founder-mode in the evenings – this is something I’m trying to get better at – but my new thing is putting on some relaxing music, maybe changing the lights, putting on some candles, and just really trying to create that wellness, calm vibe.

What does wellness mean to you as a beauty expert?

Wellness means everything to me. I think this has been something I focused on so much the past couple years. I feel like without feeling good on the inside, I don’t look as good on the outside, and I also can’t perform to my best. So taking care of myself is number one.

The key to making a “5-minute makeup” routine look polished?

The key to making a five-minute makeup routine looking polished would have to be just products that do all of the hard work for you. That was the whole reason why I created REFY in the first place is to completely simplify my routine. And one product in particular is the Duo Brush. I use that for absolutely everything. And yeah, it just creates the most flawless finish every time.

We’re thrilled REFY is launching in Dubai. What about the Dubai beauty scene inspired this move?

I’ve wanted to bring REFY to Dubai for the longest time. We have the most incredible community here, and the timing had to be perfect. And of course, now is the right time, and above everything, I feel like the UAE in general are just so knowledgeable when it comes to beauty, so the fact that REFY has been received so well means so so much, because I feel like you guys are truly the experts.

A wellness trend you’re loving?

A wellness trend that I’m loving right now, and it seems obvious, is enough sleep. I want to be getting anywhere from eight hours a night, because I always feel my best when I have a great sleep, and then one that I’d like to leave behind, probably the whole ice bath situation. I think if it works for you, then great. But for me, I just do not enjoy that.

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

I would say a big thing for me every single year is just trying to be 1% better, so setting some goals and just proving to yourself that you can do something that might be hard or might be a little bit outside of your comfort zone, and it can start so small, whether it is just having a better morning routine, or whether it is making more time for yourself, then make that a priority, because it truly has an impact on everything in your life.

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Images: Supplied