Beauty is completely personal.
Cold water and a layer of vitamin E oil first thing in the morning is my favorite way of feeling refreshed and resetting my energy to set the tone for the day. Beauty is a reflection of how you feel about yourself, and taking the time to pour into your cup is the highest honor you can offer yourself.
Vitamin E oil is an absolute must for me.
I use it all over my body but it’s my favorite beauty product. It’s inexpensive and super accessible. Letting it condition my face overnight helps with my skins elasticity and constantly prevents and heals any scarring or dark spots. It’s also my favorite for sealing in my serums and moisturizers, especially after a dermaplaning session.
‘The Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum is so lovely for helping fade away dark spots and scars from blemishes. This is a must for me. The brand being co-owned by a black woman is just an added bonus.’
‘YTTP is one of my favorite beauty brands, period. There are very few products I buy over and over again but this one has been on my shelf for years now. It’s super hydrating but not too greasy, just enough to keep your skin soft and hydrated. I love this in the mornings and it goes great underneath my daily makeup.’
‘I can’t do lip balms, I have to be able to see my reflection in my lips at all times for some reason. This product doesn’t make me compromise. Lasting hydration for my lips, non-sticky, glossy, and the scented ones smell incredible. Great on its own or with a lip liner.’
‘Dermaplaning has changed the game for me. My makeup is so seamless and my skincare absorbs 10x better since I started using this tool weekly. Flamingo makes both a disposable and reusable Dermaplaner.’
‘I worked in fragrances for years so I’ve tried nearly every single one. The Collection Privee by Christian Dior does not miss. It’s exclusive to certain stores and has a hefty price tag but the scents do not disappoint. Belle De Jour is one of my favourites – super elegant, slightly powdery and floral but still very clean. This one is timeless and always reminds me of how my mother’s silk scarves smelled when I was a child, so nostalgia plays a big role in why I love this one so much.’
My hair is typically in protective styles so a good scalp spray like the Mielle Rice Water and a Mousse to keep my hair conditioned is vital.
I also use rosemary oil to keep my scalp moisturised. My favourite shampoo is definitely by Olaplex, and I also love a thick hydrating hair mask like Soul Food by Amika. I also love the pre-shampoo mask by Prose for when I’m taking down my braids.
I’ve been really loving Hourglass’ Concealer and Mascara. It’s so seamless and lightweight. Second to that would be the Concealer and Foundation Stick by Milk Makeup. I also can’t live without my Espressoh Beauty Brow Gel and Lip Gloss which I always pair with my Chestnut Lip Pencil by Mac. I’ve also been obsessed with Saie Beauty’s Dew Blushes. I have almost every shade.
I recently started taking probiotics daily by Seed and have seen such an improvement in my energy levels. I love starting my day with two of these supplements and a large glass of lime water before I have my coffee. Good rest, a regular eating schedule, and finding daily movement is essential to my mental and physical health.
Class pass has been such a great way for me to have a regular workout routine especially with how much I travel. I love that I can pick a different mode of movement depending on how I’m feeling that day I’ll choose between a gym pass or a yoga class or sometimes switch it up. They also have great deals on massages that I love treating myself to at least once a month.
Lys 41 by Le Labo has been my signature scent for years, I love layering it with either Gaiac 10 or DedCool’s Xtra Milk Layering Fragrance. I’m also a big fan of Christian Dior’s Privee Collection and Bal D’Afrique by Byredo. Sometimes I wear Another 13 by Le Labo as well, I love a masculine/androgynous scent. I worked in fragrances for years so I’ve tried them all.
Necessaire body serum + whipped shea butter + coconut oil is my favourite combo for a lasting glow.
My Lip Combo (Espressoh Gloss + Chestnut Liner by Mac), Jao Hand Refresher, and Weleda Skin Food is a must.
Stark Wax Studio in Silverlake/LA is the best waxing studio I’ve ever been to. It’s clean and the aestheticians are so professional, they use a combo of hard and soft wax depending on your specific needs. I also loved my facial experience at Kate Somerville in Melrose.
‘I typically go for a face oil over a moisturiser because in the past I find that face creams are never rich enough to keep my skin hydrated however this product is heaven-sent. It’s one of my favourite products now and my routine is not complete without it. This peptide hydrating gel cream makes my skin feel so plump and goes so well underneath makeup.’