The more I understand myself and move with my aging body instead of against it, the better everything gets and the more I level up.
What does Beauty mean to you?
On Skincare
After the immediacy of the morning, then it is to the bathroom for skin care; I wash my face with an oil cleanser called Ingroov, which is an oil cleanser and moisturizer, making the convert to oil-based cleanser instead of other water-based I notice my skin has more hydrated. I have used a serum by Merit called Great Skin, and my skin loves it— The glow-up is unmatched. It is honestly incredible. After I dry brush shower before drying off, I cover my whole body in Everyday Oil. I can’t imagine not using it for rubbing and moisturizing my skin. It is a non-sexual touch that makes me feel confident, and doing this act of care helps me bring my breath back to my body. The night routine is uneventful; I return to the Ingroov oil-cleanser in under 30 seconds.
In Their File
‘This removes contaminants from shower water. Also, after a night of usage, I noticed my skin and hair becoming softer.’
‘I use this to acquire the dewy, glow make-up no make-up look.’
‘This is a face mist: it is a formulation that contains Aloe Vera, which is soothing and calming to the skin.’
‘I use Pattern Beauty products, which have helped restore the vitality of my hair. I was initially hesitant to try celebrity-branded hair products. Still, after using them for over a year, I can confidently say that they have made a significant difference in the health and appearance of my hair. I love this conditioner.’
‘I brush my teeth with Weleda Salt Toothpaste: which I’m entirely obsessed with the salty taste, and as a result, my mouth feels clean and bright.’
On Haircare
I recently got a short haircut and did a big chop after experiencing hair loss, breakage, and extreme dryness due to years of working in the fashion industry. I used to fry, dye, and blow-dry my hair, and I worked with hair stylists who were not qualified to handle my hair. After the big chop, I re-educated myself and learned how to take care of my hair and body. My daughter, Jada, is passionate about hair and skincare routines and taught me how to take care of myself. She encouraged me to take care of my hair by following a daily routine, and I followed her lead.
I live in New York City, where the water is harsh and can be drying to the skin and hair. I realized the importance of using a shower filter and replaced my showerhead with one from Jolie. After using it the first night, I noticed my hair and skin were softer and shinier. So, my first tip for anyone looking to improve their hair and skin is to switch to a filtered showerhead. After showering, I use Pattern Beauty products, which have helped restore the vitality of my hair. I was initially hesitant to try celebrity-branded hair products. Still, after using them for over a year, I can confidently say that they have made a significant difference in the health and appearance of my hair. I use their conditioner and styling mousse, but I also prioritize my diet and hydration levels to care for my skin and hair. The more I listen to my body and understand myself, the better I can take care of myself.
On Makeup
I prefer “the make-up, no make-up look.” There is much buzz of the dewy, glowy skin look, but this is when I feel most confident and myself. My go-to brand is Ami Cole; I use the light-catching balm stick, lip treatment oil, and mascara. For tinted moisturizer, it is Saie. They have perfected the glowy, even tone I look for in a product. On the days I rely on skincare for the glow effect, I will apply Great Skin by Merit.
On Health and Wellness
No one diet is right for everyone all the time. Every food philosophy has its dogma. Change is the real secret of a successful life. The ability to adapt to new environments, lifestyles, and events that may arise is key. It is continuous change that will keep our bodies healthy.
On Rituals
I typically try to optimize whatever experience I am currently in; for instance, I use this routine bodily function elimination-poop and peep to check in with my body. It happens every day as an opportunity to connect with the release of my pelvis, take a deep breath, and jump into my body to be there and to feel what is going on in my system.
I am awake every morning at 6 am. After I regularly empty my bowels, brush my teeth, scrape my tongue, drink 1/2 liter of water, take my supplements, vitamin C, lion’s mane, and multi-vitamin, I then make and pack lunch and walk my daughter to the subway station, there is less than one hour for self-care routine. I don’t fight against the busyness of the mornings with my daughter; instead, I move with the pace and find a rhythm to start my day. I have rituals to ground myself; I will do a 15-minute breathwork exercise to regulate my nervous system and then prepare a hot tea, typically green tea.
What fragrances do you love?
Coqui Coqui and Everyday Oil are my signature Fragrances. I tend to gravitate towards smoky, clary sage, vetiver, and woodsy notes.
What products do you always have in your handbag?
For on-the-go handbag: Aesop hand lotion Reverence Aromatique, Ami Cole lip oil.
Your top recommendations for beauty treatments around the world?
Iriana at Shapeshift Hair Studio will transform your hair and merge the artistry of craftsmanship with self-expression.
‘This has perfected the glowy, even tone I look for in a product.’