Let’s get the obvious question out of the way: where did all the Into The Gloss content go? Don’t panic—it’s back, and I’ll be your guide for the next few months.

I’m Tahirah Hairston, stepping in as guest editor while Ashley takes some well-deserved time away on maternity leave. (By the way, her legendary post on moisturizing? Life-changing. I will never look at lotion the same way again.)

Like many of you, I’ve been a loyal ITG reader for years. This has always been the beauty site I turn to for trustworthy product recommendations, smart conversations, and a dose of education without the fluff. So to be able to add my voice here feels both thrilling and a little intimidating.

But before we dive into skincare routines and ingredient deep-dives, let me tell you a little bit about myself.

Meet Tahirah

I’m a storyteller at heart. Over the years, I’ve written and edited for places like Teen Vogue, Lenny Letter, Elle, New York Magazine, and SSENSE. My favorite thing to do—whether in beauty, style, or culture—is spark conversations that feel real, thoughtful, and a little bit fun. Sometimes that means writing love letters to my clothing, sometimes it means asking the awkward questions everyone is secretly thinking but won’t say out loud.

Outside of work, my life is full of small joys that often turn into beauty moments. For instance, I’m the proud dog mom of a black-and-white Cavapoo named Yohji. He occasionally gets pampered with Olaplex shampoo (yes, the same one you use) and a spritz of Frederic Malle’s Carnal Flower hair mist. The result? A dog who could walk into a fragrance campaign at any moment.

I’m also a shameless TV obsessive. If a show has a strong beauty moment, I’m taking notes. Succession gave us Kendall Roy quietly flexing with Augustinus Bader cream. South Side devoted an entire episode to wigs. Claws delivered nails and makeup worthy of a gallery exhibition. Even The Sopranos had its moments, long before Euphoria turned glitter eyeliner into a cultural phenomenon.

My Beauty POV

Here’s what you need to know: I have extremely dry skin. Like, desert-level dry. Which means I’ve tested countless oils, creams, and fancy body butters, only to find that many still leave me embarrassingly ashy by lunchtime. This has made me particular—okay, picky—about moisturizers. When I find one that works, I hold on for dear life.

I’m a skincare and fragrance devotee through and through, but lately I’ve found myself becoming makeup curious. Maybe it’s the endless inspiration online, maybe it’s just time to play a little more. Either way, I’ve started experimenting.

A few products I’m loving right now:

• Dieux Deliverance Serum – gentle but effective.
• Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide Cream – my nightstand MVP.
• Augustinus Bader Body Oil – luxurious and, more importantly, not drying.
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen – lightweight and foolproof.
• Maison d’Etto Durban Jane – my current fragrance obsession.
• Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment – exfoliation plus hydration.
• Refy Brow Sculpt – because brows deserve as much attention as skin.

Also on my nightstand: the Sex and the City book. I’m revisiting Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha in their original form, and I promise to report back on any delightful beauty tidbits worth sharing. (Should we start a beauty book club? I’m only half-joking.)

What Comes Next

Taking over for Ashley feels a little like moving into a friend’s impeccably decorated apartment: the foundation is amazing, but you want to add your own touches without messing up the vibe. ITG has always been about community, and I want to make sure that continues while I’m here.

So instead of guessing, I’m asking you directly:

• What skincare trends are you curious about but haven’t had the time (or energy) to decode?
• Are there new routines or cult products you’d like me to road test?
• Who’s your dream Top Shelf guest?
• Which ingredients make you raise an eyebrow because they sound promising but also confusing?

Think of this as an open invitation to shape what you’ll see here. I’ll be reading the comments and taking notes—consider this a collaborative syllabus for the next few months.

Why I’m Excited

I believe beauty writing works best when it feels like a conversation between friends. Sometimes that’s trading moisturizer tips, sometimes it’s debating whether expensive body oil is actually worth it (jury’s still out, by the way).

My goal while I’m here is simple: to bring you content you’ll enjoy, learn from, and share with your group chat. Whether you’re a longtime ITG devotee or someone who just stumbled here while googling “best sunscreen that doesn’t sting,” I want you to feel welcome.

So grab your favorite serum, spritz your signature scent, and settle in. We have a lot to talk about.