Photo: Valerie Dayan
Stories
On A Few Things That Changed My Life in 2024
Our editor-in-chief of exaggeration, Valerie Dayan, shares a list.
Text Valerie Dayan
-Papatya Dürüm: The first bite I ever took was followed by an instinctive wow. I don’t know if they know how much secret PR I’m doing for them. They deserve the most, though. My go-to order is 1.5 Melek Döner, extra pickles, a little spice, and no fries.
-Natasha Denona Color Correcting Cream: I don’t know how I did my makeup before my sister introduced me to this angel of a product. It’s suuuper hydrating, buildable medium coverage, can be used by itself or under concealer. It lights up my complexion and minimizes redness instantly. I’m obsessed with the bendable applicator, too.
-Going to Seoul: I made my beauty pilgrimage in March 2024. I don’t think this requires too much elaboration. My life, my routine, and everything else have changed.
-Dave: I feel lucky to be a late bloomer to this masterpiece. I think I was introduced to it when I needed it the most. The show itself is madly witty, but the fact that Lil Dicky has based so much of his career and creativity on a major flaw has drastically empowered me. We’re always talking about the importance of being ourselves, but nothing or no one has inspired me more to do so.
-Olaplex Leave-In Conditioner No 5L: I’m a big believer in investing in leave-in conditioners because the wonderful ingredients stay on the hair throughout the day, just like a moisturizer. The newest launch from Olaplex is hands down one of the best I’ve ever used. It makes my hair the softest and most glossy. Also helps with detangling. I’m grateful for every pump.
-Magnesium: A good friend (you know who you are) and Wonderflaw sold me this mineral, and I don’t think I can ever go back. I take one during the day (a mix of malate and citrate) and one before bed (a mix of glycinate and taurate). The effects on me are better mood, easier muscle recovery after workouts, less menstrual pain, and better sleep. It’s honestly the first time I’ve been so dedicated to taking my supplements every day.
-Not sunbathing: I’ve been a four-seasons SPF girl for a while, but the summer of ’24 was the first time I completely disregarded my sunbathing FOMO. I got very few sunspots compared to previous summers, and my skin is visibly brighter.
-Dyson Supersonic Nural: This hair dryer is a game-changer. I’m serious. It’s so smart; I don’t know if my hair-drying sessions deserve that much intelligence. The self-adjusting heat that cares for my sensitive scalp, the way it remembers the specific settings for each attachment (oh, you didn’t have to…), how it naturally slows down when I put it on the counter so my products don’t fly off, the Wave+Curl diffuser that gives me the most natural and easiest waves… It’s a love story.
-Being consistent: This is a shout-out to myself for picking up better, albeit smaller, habits. This is the first year in my life where I made small habits stick, and I’m proud of myself for it. Taking my supplements every day, doing my eczema treatment every day, even if it’s just for a second—taking a moment to be kind to myself every day. Sticking to my boxing routine. Trying to drink a little extra water. And most importantly, not stressing myself out with unrealistic goals and habits.
-Dor Datça’’s skinless roasted almonds: I don’t know if I can praise these almonds enough. The most delicious almonds ever. I buy them in bulk. Okay, my mom buys them for me. One of the best and healthiest snacks.
-Peanut butter: I usually don’t eat breakfast, but I need several brain cells early on in the day. I have a few spoonfuls of sugar-free, all-natural peanut butter with my morning coffee, and it gives me great energy. My favorite local brands are Bi Nevi Deli and Mia Mesa.
-Doing Beymen Beauty Talk: It took big guts and a lot of effort to make this dream a reality. After working so hard behind the scenes, I had so much self-doubt about how I would be as a presenter and a YouTube figure. With great support from my team, the Beymen team, the production team, and some higher power, I think I nailed it to the best of my abilities. And now I’m just looking forward to, and have much more confidence for, creating Wonderflaw’s very own YouTube channel.
-Going to GS games: My current favorite destination for going out is Rams Park. My favorite place to de-stress. Although it gets harder to go to games during weekdays with the amount of work and rest I require, picking up a good game every once in a while gives me life. Also dreaming about doing a show on all the superficial things in football, but that’s a different story.
-Stick SPF: So easy. Just so easy. Literally no excuse not to reapply during the day. I’m currently hooked on Round Around Comfort Green Tea Air Sunstick SPF 50+ PA++++.
-Smelling the Venus Comfortglide Breeze handle: One day, out of the blue, I decided to smell the handle. I was in for a most pleasant surprise: It smelled angelic, like all mothers’ scents combined. I thank myself for being weird and adventurous enough to sniff my razor.
-Actually caring for my skin barrier: So many skin issues (almost all) are connected to the skin barrier. Being kind and caring to it has made my skin much healthier. Try it and let me know how it helps.
-Scheduling phone dates with my friends: I usually have no energy to do anything after work (and sometimes during the weekends too). But I miss, love, and need my friends, who are equally busy or live elsewhere. Phone dates have been amazing in keeping me connected with my people.
-Şako Bosphorus: I’m so fed up with every event being deemed “an experience,” and this incredible Gibi episode has been the best satire of the experience surplus. I can watch it anytime, any day.
-A mortadella panino: The panino I had at Caseificio Borderi in Ortigia was just poetic. The fresh bread, the endless shavings of pecorino, the extra mortadella, the lemon zest that lightened up the taste… A sandwich I will never forget.
