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Paloma Sandoval is a 23-year-old model living in New York. You might know her from her palomarad.io radio show, her starring role in Sabrina Carpenter’s “Nonsense”, or her spontaneous talent shows on Instagram Live. “Beauty has never been a touchy subject for me,” she says. “I grew up knowing pretty indisputably that I was beautiful, whether people agreed with me or not. I think it’s mostly just about the stuff you do to make yourself feel better, that’s beauty, not whether you’re quantifiably beautiful, though I obviously am.” Below, she gives Dazed her 2025 beauty recap, and shares her affirmations for 2026.

NAME A BEAUTY RITUAL YOU KEPT UP WITH THIS YEAR

Paloma Sandoval: TOOTH CLEANING! I became obsessed with my teeth this year. Admittedly, I was a cavity kid, full of silver teeth by age ten, and I hated taking care of them. This year I flossed for the first time in a long while, and I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but it smelled like actual poop. Like poop, in my mouth. So I decided that was the last straw for me, and I was going to fully commit myself to tooth care. It’s been a beautiful journey, honestly. I love the ten minutes it takes me to tongue scrape, floss, then water floss, then brush, then mouthwash. It feels like my mouth is a kitchen and I’m wiping the counters every night. Love. 

TELL US YOUR 2026 BEAUTY AFFIRMATIONS? 

Paloma Sandoval:

1. It’s okay if your leg hair pokes out from your tights. It’s like mohair.

2. You don’t have to make your pimple look like a freckle. It can just be a pimple. 

3. The most beautiful girl at the grocery store is not a real award. If you look a little raggedy, it’s not the end of the world. 

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE SCENT THIS YEAR?

Paloma Sandoval: Henry Rose, Dave. Makes me smell like a pineapple. 

NAME ONE HOLY GRAIL PRODUCT YOU’RE TAKING INTO 2026

Paloma Sandoval: Merit flush balm in the shade Cheeky. It’s blush, eyeshadow and lip tint rolled into one. 

WHICH BEAUTY TREND ARE YOU READY TO SAY GOODBYE TO IN 2025?

Paloma Sandoval: Bleached brows. Except on me. 

WHAT’S THE BEST BEAUTY ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

Paloma Sandoval: Do your routine in reverse and see what you really like. Often, you don’t need all the complexion products you think you do.