Julissa Prado, the passionate founder and CEO of Rizos Curls, has built an empire on celebrating natural hair texture, but her philosophy of self-care and authentic beauty extends far beyond the coil. For Prado, a routine is a holistic head-to-toe ritual focused on hydration, nourishment, and potent, yet gentle, ingredients that cater to sensitive skin. She artfully balances the demands of running a multi-million-dollar, Latina-owned business with a deeply personal, restorative beauty regimen. Her secret weapon for maintaining a radiant complexion while combating fatigue is a blend of hydrating serums and a love for makeup classics, proving that the foundation of true beauty is feeling confident in your own skin—and your curls.
The Cornerstone of the Curl Routine: Health and Hydration
Prado’s approach to hair is rooted in the belief that healthy curls are defined, voluminous curls. As the creator of Rizos Curls, her wash day routine centers around ensuring the three C’s of her brand—Curls, Community, and Culture—are met through high-quality, natural ingredients.
A crucial hair tip she champions is the strategic application of cleansing and conditioning products. Prado emphasizes focusing the shampoo, like the Rizos Curls Biotin Shampoo with batana oil, primarily on the scalp to soothe and encourage healthy growth. Conversely, the deep conditioner is concentrated on the lengths of the hair to maximize moisture and nutrients, and is often left on for a period of marinating. For styling, she uses a cocktail of the Multivitamin Leave-In, Curl Custard, and Strong-Hold Gel, recommending the “praying hands technique” to smooth product evenly before scrunching to activate the curl pattern. For a quick refresh between wash days, the Refresh & Detangle Spray is the go-to to revitalize curls and maintain definition.
Skin Resilience Through Gentle Potency
Despite a demanding schedule, Prado maintains a bright complexion by strategically incorporating powerful active ingredients in hydrating, gentle formulations. Recognizing her own skin sensitivity, she carefully selects products that deliver results without causing peeling or irritation.
A key player in her regimen is a hydrating retinol serum combined with niacinamide, which allows her to reap the anti-aging and brightening benefits of a retinoid while maintaining skin comfort. She notes that this combination has noticeably improved her complexion without the typical adverse reactions of stronger retinols. Vitamin C is another staple, chosen for its antioxidant power and instant brightening effect. Beyond serums, Prado loves incorporating masks during her shower routine while conditioning her hair. For exfoliation, a gentle chemical formula is favored, reflecting a preference for a polished look without compromising the skin barrier.
A Head-to-Toe Hydration Philosophy
Prado’s self-care extends beyond the face and hair to a comprehensive body care routine that fights dryness, which she naturally battles. She sees the entire body as deserving of the same quality ingredients and ritualistic care.
She is a firm believer in physical exfoliation for the body, using Korean scrubbing pads to slough off the top layer of dry skin, making the skin exceptionally soft and prepped for deep moisture. After cleansing with hydrating shower gels that boast pleasant scents without drying the skin, a rich body cream is applied. This head-to-toe focus on moisture is also visible in her most basic habit: applying 100% shea butter to her lips immediately upon waking up, ensuring they start the day hydrated and moisturized—a foundational step in her “hydrated and moisturized is the vibe” philosophy.
Makeup Staples for the Beauty Boss
While Prado’s focus is undeniably on skin and hair health, she maintains a consistent, classic makeup routine, often favoring a look that is polished and dependable. She believes in finding products that work and sticking with them, a principle she jokingly refers to as: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Her makeup bag features long-time favorites from reputable brands. She has a particular fondness for products she’s used since high school, noting that she still hasn’t found better alternatives for certain items. Specifically, a black liquid eyeliner is a must-have for defining her eyes, and she relies on certain blushes to add a healthy pop of color and lift to her complexion. This practical, no-fuss approach to makeup ensures she always looks put-together, even when battling the fatigue that comes with entrepreneurship, allowing her to put her best, most confident face forward.
