Okay so last weekend I was scrolling through social media, right? Kept seeing these Nani Pelekai edits pop up everywhere – that girl’s vibe is just magnetic. Everyone’s asking how she gets that effortlessly cool, sunshiney look. Felt like cracking the code, so I turned my bathroom into a lab for a day. Spoiler alert: it got messy.
The Starting Point (aka My Hot Mess)
First thing, I dragged all my junk onto the counter. We’re talking half-used eyeliners, foundations the wrong shade, and glitter from like 2019. Dug through it all hunting for that Nani energy. Her look? It screams chill island girl but with serious glow. Needed dewy skin, eyes that sparkle, and lips that look juicy enough to bite.
Skin Stuff First – Dewy or Sweaty?
Slapped on my usual moisturizer – felt heavy. Rinsed it off. Tried mixing foundation with a tiny bit of face oil next. Wiped that off too ’cause it slid around like butter. Finally grabbed a stupidly expensive skin tint sample I’d been saving. Dabbed it on with my fingers instead of a brush. Pressed it in real good. Looked in the mirror… hey, kinda glowy! Didn’t cake up. Used a creamy concealer only under my eyes and on one stubborn zit. Set it with barely any powder, just a tiny tap on the shiny spots. Goal was looking fresh, not powdered donut.
Eyes: Sparkle Disaster Zone
This part nearly broke me. Nani’s eyes always look bright and awake. Swiped a creamy beige shadow stick all over my lids. Easy. Tried drawing a thin eyeliner… nope, shaky hands made it wobbly. Grabbed a dark brown eyeshadow and a skinny brush instead, pushed it right into my lash roots. Way easier, looked softer. Now the glitter. Opened this cheapo pinkish-gold glitter pot… puffed while opening it. Glitter explosion! Face, sink, floor – everything sparkled. Cursed loudly. Carefully tapped whatever was left in the pot onto the center of my eyelids with my finger. Added three coats of mascara, wiggling the wand like mad. Lashes looked pretty good, actually.
Cheeks & Lips: The Rosy Part
Blush is key for that Nani flush. Dabbed a cream blush stick (peachy color) right on my cheekbones and blended it up towards my temples with my fingers. Looked natural, like I’d been running. Lips needed shine. Found this coral lip tint, smeared it on lightly, then layered a super glossy clear balm on top. Juicy? Yep. Sticky? Also yep. Hair got stuck twice.
The Final Product (& Real Talk)
Took a deep breath, looked in the mirror. Skin had that healthy sheen, eyes popped without being dramatic, cheeks looked alive, lips were plump. Threw on a bright tank top, some dangly earrings. Did I look exactly like Nani Pelekai? Nah. But I definitely caught her vibe – approachable, warm, like I just walked off a beach. Went to grab coffee later and got a “you look nice today” from the barista. Win! But honestly? The real secret I learned is confidence sells it. That, and don’t sneeze near glitter pots.
