Runako Inside Out with Qyana Agina

Inside Out is our weekly profile on people and all things personal care. Our profiles will look into different aspects of personal care including physical, skin, mental and health care. We want to know how you’ve been taking care of yourself inside and out and help us share tips, tricks and advice with others. 

Qyana Agina is a marketing guru and music aficionado. She resides in New York City, but was born and raised in Houston, Texas. As a southern girl at heart, she enjoys the three B’s — Beyoncé, BBQ, and Bun B. 

Runako: How are you? Especially now with the on-going coronavirus pandemic? 

Qyana: Things have been good for me over the past few months...I'm 6 months pregnant (!!), so I'm excited for this new chapter of my life. To be honest, the first few months of the pandemic was a nightmare. I didn't realize how much I enjoy being around people until we were forced to stay indoors. But now I'm in a better, more optimistic space and hopeful that this virus will be under control sometime next year so we can have some sort of normalcy back in our lives.

Runako: How have you been taking care of your mental health? Have you implemented any changes to your personal routine?

Qyana: I try to pray each morning while taking a nice, hot shower. I've always tried to consistently and formally meditate, but I end up falling off. But those few minutes in the shower where I start off thanking God for all my blessings really helps me feel more positive. It makes me see that I have a lot to be thankful for despite the crazy circumstances we're in. 

Runako: How have you been taking care of your physical health? If not, why?

Qyana: Because I'm pregnant, I'm trying to stay active and at least walk around my neighborhood for 30 minutes a few times a week or do some sort of cardio indoors for 30 minutes. It's crazy how a woman's body changes and what it can and cannot handle -- like a 30 minute walk for me now can feel like I ran a full on marathon! But it's good because I know that being active is important to making sure I continue to have a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Runako: We can’t forget about skincare, how has your skincare routine been during the quarantine? Any significant changes?

Qyana: My skincare routine has been pretty consistent and similar to what it was pre-COVID -- I wash my face every morning + use a toner and moisturizer with SPF and at night I make sure to wash my face to remove all the build up from the day. I do moisturize my body with natural products. I've shifted to more natural body washes and lotions infused with vanilla and peppermint since I want to make sure I'm not exposing my baby to any harsh chemicals and I use a belly cream to avoid any potential stretch marks.  

Runako: What are some products you’ve been loving and using?

Qyana: As I've gotten older, I have become more serious about my skincare routine. The old me would look at the prices of some of these products and think "oh hell no! I'm not paying that!" (lol), but now, I don't mind investing in certain products that will provide long lasting benefits. I started using Fenty skincare products a couple of months after the initial corona lock down (so around May) and I really like it, my skin has reacted positively to it. I have the cleanser, the toner, and the moisturizer, which I use everyday. It's a bit pricey, but seems to last a good amount of time and is working well for me.

Runako: Any natural skin care tips or products you’ve tried and are now part of your personal routine?

Qyana: I pay much more attention to the ingredients that are included in the products I use now. Before, I'd base my skincare purchases on the smell, the packaging, maybe some reviews that talk about how good the product is/isn't, but I never really looked at what was IN the products I was buying. Now, I'm much more vigilant about doing the research. I've been using Urban Hydration's line of body products because they use natural ingredients. I love the way it feels on my body. I've also started using raw shea butter on my face at night. I like the way it smells and a little bit goes a long way. I use Runako & Co's grapefruit lotion for my hands. The product smells so good and isn't too overpowering, plus it definitely keeps my hands moisturized for long periods of time. Y'all did that!...Clearly I'm big on smells! lol

Runako: Do you have any go-to DIY skincare recipes or combinations that you can share? 

Qyana: I don't think so

Runako: What’s a must in your personal care routine? (Don’t be shy)

Qyana: The main thing that is a must have in my routine and has been amazing for my skin is...water! I was never a big water drinker prior to my pregnancy (I'd drink a couple of glasses a day typically), but again, being pregnant forces you to shed old habits that aren't the best for you. So I drink about 6-8 glasses a day which has helped my skin remain clear and vibrant. I've also been eating more fruit and veggies which has helped as well. 

Runako: Any advice, tips or tricks you want to share? Something you might have discovered recently that might help someone reading this? 

Qyana: My advice to others would be to do your research! It may take some time to sift through the ins and outs of what is included in different products you're eyeing, but it's worth putting an hour into finding out what will work for you vs. wasting money on a product that is doing more harm than good and will take its toll on your skin in the long run. That's why I love what you guys are doing at Runako, the natural ingredients are great and easy to understand!...Oh, and drink your water!

Runako: Lastly, not a question, but thank you for taking care of yourself and sharing with others your personal routine. 

Qyana: You're welcome!