Marcella Kozinski, the newly crowned Miss Universe Brasil 2026, has revealed the daily skincare routine and favorite beauty products she relies on before major events.
The 26-year-old model, who represented the coastal island of Ilha do Mel during the national pageant, is currently preparing for the global Miss Universe competition scheduled for November 24 in Puerto Rico. Between intensive photo shoots, promotional appearances, and long production days, Kozinski has adapted her personal beauty rituals to keep her skin hydrated and healthy under heavy camera makeup.
Miss Universe Brasil is the national beauty contest that selects Brazil's candidate for the global Miss Universe pageant, one of the world's most watched beauty competitions. Kozinski earned her title after competing as the representative of Ilha do Mel, a scenic island off the coast of the southern Brazilian state of Parana that is famous for its protected nature reserves and Atlantic rainforest beaches.
Morning preparation and makeup prep
Kozinski explained that her skin preparation begins immediately upon waking up. Before applying any topical cosmetic products, she uses a facial massage roller across her skin to help reduce morning facial swelling and puffiness.
Following the facial roller, Kozinski applies a hydrating facial essence formulated with ceramides prior to her makeup application. She noted that the essence is one of her favorite products because it leaves her face with a smooth, laminated skin effect. Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that help reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
Depending on how her skin feels on any given morning, Kozinski alternates the essence with a Korean gel-cream moisturizer. She uses the gel-cream primarily to soothe irritation, provide deep hydration, and strengthen her skin barrier before receiving layers of cosmetic products. Korean beauty formulations, widely known as K-beauty, often prioritize gentle hydration and skin barrier health.
To keep her makeup looking fresh throughout long shoots, Kozinski incorporated a specific trick into her pre-makeup routine. Because she has dry skin, she applies a single drop of 100 percent pure, unrefined marula facial oil beneath her eyes before applying concealer. She noted that this step keeps the delicate under-eye area hydrated and prevents the concealer from cracking or settling into lines over the course of the day. Marula oil is a botanical oil harvested from the nuts of the African marula tree, known for its high concentration of fatty acids and antioxidants.
Cleansing and makeup removal
Thoroughly removing makeup after long hours under studio lighting is an indispensable part of Kozinski's daily routine. Because her skin is naturally dry, she selects cleansing products that thoroughly remove impurities without stripping natural moisture or causing a tight, uncomfortable sensation.
Her evening cleansing routine begins with a specialized facial cleansing oil designed to dissolve cosmetics effectively while preserving the skin's natural moisture barrier. She follows this with a gentle facial cleanser tailored for dry and sensitive skin, which removes remaining makeup and impurities without leaving her face feeling dried out.
To finish the cleansing phase, Kozinski uses micellar water on a cotton pad to eliminate any tiny traces of makeup that remain on her skin. Micellar water contains microscopic oil molecules called micelles suspended in soft water, which attract dirt and oil without requiring rinsing. Kozinski stated that she favors this multi-step cleansing combination because it thoroughly cleanses her face while ensuring her skin remains soft and hydrated.
Nighttime treatment and target care
Once her face is clean, Kozinski moves on to an intensive nighttime skincare routine, alternating treatment products based on her skin's immediate needs. Among the essential items in her beauty bag are exfoliating pads, a popular step inspired by Korean skincare routines.
She explained that she uses the exfoliating pads specifically for their visible impact on her pores. The pads work to smooth skin texture, balance excess oil, and unclog pores while visually minimizing their appearance.
Another staple in her nightly regimen is a treatment combination pairing a targeted serum with a matching treatment moisturizer. Both products feature tranexamic acid, commonly known as TXA, to target dark spots, post-acne marks, uneven skin tone, and overall skin radiance. Kozinski noted that using the serum and moisturizer together helps fade dark spots and creates a more uniform skin tone across her face.
Her nighttime regimen also includes specialized care for specific areas of the face. For the delicate skin around her eyes, Kozinski applies a lightweight Korean eye serum designed to improve firmness, smooth fine lines, deliver hydration, and boost radiance. The fast-absorbing formula contains retinal, a vitamin A derivative that encourages cellular turnover, alongside antioxidant-rich ginseng root extract.
For her lips, Kozinski relies on an intensive overnight lip treatment mask that forms a rich nourishing layer while she sleeps. The mask softens dry patches, hydrates, and reduces flaking so her lips are smooth by morning. Its formula combines vitamin C with coconut oil, shea butter, and murumuru butter, a natural fat harvested from Amazonian palm seeds that provides long-lasting moisture. Kozinski noted that she carries the dense cream with her constantly to restore her skin whenever it becomes severely dry.
Rather than following a rigid set of rules, Kozinski said she prefers to observe her skin daily and adapt her routine to her demanding schedule. She will continue her preparations in the coming months as she readies herself to represent Brazil on the global stage at the Miss Universe pageant on November 24 in Puerto Rico.
