Jordyn Woods is already having a great year. Freshly engaged to the love of her life, NY Knicks’ Karl Anthony Towns, Woods has also been taking the month of January to rest and soak it all in. “I really took the month to myself for the most part,” she tells ESSENCE via phone. “I’m saying my new year is officially starting February 1st,” she adds with a laugh. “I’ve been hibernating, preserving myself, and taking time for my mental and physical health,” she says. “I know this year’s going to be absolutely nuts, so I needed that first month to myself. Plus, it’s such a dark time, but I know there is still a lot of light and opportunity,” she adds.
With that, she’s kicking off her “real” start to 2026 with a MAC Cosmetics and Depop collaboration. Specifically, shoppers will be able to purchase items directly from Woods’ closet, thanks to her 25-piece edit, curated by Woods herself. With each purchase, you’ll also receive a MACximal Matte Lipstick.
This partnership is fitting for Woods for two main reasons. “Well, one, I love clothes, and two, I love makeup, so it’s a dream,” she says of the two brands that are coming together for the first time to collaborate. “They’re celebrating individuality, which I always say, is your greatest gift,” she adds. “God made you, you for a reason and that is your superpower. To me, this is all about really highlighting personal style, self-expression, individuality, and how makeup and clothing go hand in hand.”
The moment couldn’t make more sense to us either, as Woods is arguably the queen of a good lip combo. Right now, her go-to is MAC’s Lip Liner in Cork or Plum with a nice nude like the MACXimal Matte in the shade Kinda Sexy. “And it’s hydrating, so it’s not going to dry out the lips in this cold,” she says. Speaking of which, during these diabolically frigid days in NYC, she’s taking extra measures to take care of her skin. “Hydration is key,” she says. “I love a universal balm,” like Aquaphor, for example.
As for her approach to style during this season, she’s all about being playful and fabulous. “I love layering. Wearing a good coat and then accessorizing is great. I love a glove moment with accessories on top—like a ring or bangle,” she says. “Imagine: a fur coat, Ruby Woo lipstick… so chic!”
Glitz and glam aside, what’s really important to Woods, if you couldn’t tell by the intentional time she takes for herself, is wellness and keeping a sound mind. “January marked 9 years since my father passed, and, naturally, I’ve been reflecting,” she says. “I’ve learned, in life, it’s okay to be a little selfish. I’ve always been the type of person that’s showing up everywhere, doing everything, and asking how I can do everything for everyone else,” she expresses. “As I’ve gotten older, there’s a beauty in being able to show up for yourself.”