Yahoo Lifestyle From our go-to hair salons to product faves, here's our little Black beauty book
When I was younger, before the days of TikTok and saving inspo to your Pinterest board, the internet and traditional media were bleak places for Black girl beauty recommendations. Like, really non-existent. I yearned to one day work for a glossy magazine, but I never saw models who looked like me in their shoots or found products that stretched to my rich skin tone on their pages. Coming into my beauty era when I was in my late teens and early twenties, we had to rely on localised beauty recommendations from friends and family, sharing the hits and the misses – and there were many, many misses. It was my community who saw me through my ‘What’s the best weave hair?’ questions, skin texture issues and ‘WTF to do about hyperpigmentation?’ woes.
Then I began working at a magazine that was specifically aimed at Black women and answered all the questions that catered to our beauty needs. It was heaven. At the same time, the natural hair movement on YouTube was on the rise, born out of the need to create a space to help demystify caring for our coils. These were such amazing resources, but they were only created due to the lack of inclusion elsewhere in the mainstream. We needed to make our own spaces because we were typically left out in the cold. I’m prouder than ever to see how far the beauty world has come with inclusion and diversity, but I also recognise that we still have away to go.
Yes, although the Black beauty community is brimming with content to feed all our makeup, skincare and haircare needs, when it comes to traditional media, it’s only ever dotted here and there for us to digest when we discover it. That’s why I’m so proud to be a Cosmo girl and be part of a magazine that has given me the space to write for Black women, recognising where it can be more inclusive, from my first-ever article for the website (‘Seven of the best foundations for darker skin tones’) to this all-encompassing little Black book of all things beauty, with advice and recommendations from myself and industry insiders who don’t gatekeep.
Yours truly,
Keeks Reid, Cosmopolitan UK’s contributing beauty director
My little speed dials for hair...
You know I love you because now they won’t have space to squeeze me in, SMH
LORRAINE DUBLIN, MY HAIR BAR, FITZROVIA, LONDON
I have known Lorraine for nearly 10 years and she has been my go-to hairdresser for at least five. While I often visit other salons as part of my work as a beauty journalist, it’s been integral for my hair’s health to have one stylist who knows my coils inside out (and who forces me to have a trim). Having a trusting relationship with one hairdresser is really special as I know I’m in safe hands. She has an impressive roster of celeb clients including Serena Williams and Vick Hope, but her salon, which she co-owns, is still homey. If you’ve ever wondered how my hair still looks healthy despite the amount of heat I use, it’s down to her.
LLOYD COURT AT SEANHANNA, WIMBLEDON, LONDON
Colouring Afro hair without completely ruining it is a fine science. Our already drier and more fragile texture has to have most of the melanin stripped out of it to have a good base for the desired colour to stick to, meaning a strong pre-lightener is needed and the margin for error is teeny tiny. I’ve only ever dyed my hair with Lloyd and am always blown away by the results. When it comes to lightening my hair, he goes ‘low and slow’ and the salon insists on a strand test (as well as the usual patch test) to ensure that your hair and skin can handle the chemicals used.
Treatments that work...
A little gift from me to you: clinics that leave me glowing
SKIN: THÉRAPIE CLINIC
Not all laser machines are created equal, and older machines can be harmful to Black skin as the laser can’t distinguish between the colour of your skin and hair. We’re all too familiar with those nightmare laser storytime videos on TikTok... yikes. Thérapie uses Cynosure’s Elite iQ machine that works on skin up to five on the Fitzpatrick scale, which is as advanced as laser technology is at the moment, and I’ve been impressed with the results. Even better, there are so many clinic locations across the country.
BODY: ADA OOI
Ada has an abundance of strings to her bow including treating skin holistically. I’m a huge believer in traditional Chinese medicine and Ada uses methods such as cupping, massage and acupuncture to aid with issues from inflammation and fluid retention to fatigue. In a world that often diminishes Black women’s pain, time with Ada feels like therapy for my body and soul.
A note on skin clinics...
We talk about hair salons’ lack of coily hair expertise, but what about skin clinics not being informed on Black skin? Our skin is a live organ – it can react to products and treatments, and some trained professionals just don’t have experience in treating it. Proficiency in understanding skin beyond number three on the Fitzpatrick scale unfortunately isn’t universal, so before booking in with a clinic for things such as laser or specific dermatological concerns, I’d check if they’re on the Black Skin Directory’s clinic directory. Clinics on here have been vetted and certified as having the highest level of knowledge and experience in treating skin of colour, so you know you’re in safe hands.
Beauty Bag Essentials
Our favourite beauty experts on their go-to products
Goddess Strength Shampoo
KEYSHA DAVIS,freelance beauty editor
‘This shampoo does wonders for my hair. It’s super thick and creamy and leaves my 4C natural coils feeling soft, glossy and defined. It’s blended with castor oil, black cumin seed and ginger, which are renowned for their hair-strengthening and scalp-soothing properties.’
Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
JULIA DIOGO, nail artist and founder of Painted by Jools
‘This leaves my hair silky- smooth after blow-drying. I’m in my haircare era, so adding products that help reverse damage is great for keeping my strands in good condition.’
Nutritive Nectar Thermique Blow Dry Milk
CHELSEÉ LEWIS, beauty expert
‘I absolutely love this product. It really protects my hair from heat, it’s non-greasy and gives such a fantastic blow-dry. It’s a game-changer.’
Coconut Almond Detangling Conditioner
AMERLEY OLLENNU, beauty and lifestyle editor
‘Trying to find a conditioner that can make detangling my 3C curls an enjoyable experience has been no easy feat. But if I close my eyes, I can pretend I’m on a sun-filled island thanks to the tropical scent of this rich and creamy conditioner. It leaves my curls soft, shiny and frizz-free.’
Ruka Hold Me Down Edge Gel
ATA-OWAJI VICTOR, freelance beauty and lifestyle writer
‘This brand is known for its textured extensions, but the product I find myself recommending the most is this gel. I love it because it gives a foolproof way to turn anyone into an edge-swooping pro.’
DIZZIAK Deep Hair Conditioner
RONKE ADEYEMI, founder of Brown Beauty Talk
‘After I double cleanse my hair, this product brings it back to life. It replenishes all the essential oils and detangles. It contains aloe vera, argan oil, castor oil, coconut oil and shea butter I started using it during lockdown and have never looked back.’
Schwarzkopf got2b Glued Ultra Styling Hair Gel
MIKAI MCDERMOTT, writer and hairstylist
‘I use this for the sleekest buns ever!’
Maria Nila Coils & Curls Co-Wash
JAMELIA DONALDSON, founder and CEO of TreasureTress
‘I’m biased I’m sure, but a recent TreasureTress box gave me the privilege of testing this product, and wow. It smells insane, is vegan and feels so luxe.’
Nylah Flourish Scalp Serum
TOBI OREDEIN, founder and CEO of Black Ballad
‘When I was postpartum, I lost quite a bit of hair and this scalp serum has helped restore it to its glory days.’
Gold Drip Nourishing Body & Hair Oil
LESLEY BUCKLE, content creator (@freshlengths)
‘You can use this product literally from head to toe and it feels so lightweight and non-greasy. The blend of oils including safou and jojoba make my skin feel so smooth.’
£55.00 at thefrenchpharmacy.co
Magix Cream
SHEI MAMONA, beauty writer
‘Raise your hand if you’ve been personally victimised by hyperpigmentation. I, for one, have spent my whole life trying to battle through it, and when I got my hands on this cream I started to see major improvements. The formula is soft like whipped cream and you won’t want it to end.’
Ultimate Blends Body Restoring Lotion
ANITA ASANTE, global strategic brand partnerships consultant and founder of Scalp Good
‘My skin gets so dry and I have tried everything. This is the one thing I swear by – it makes me feel smooth like a baby’s bottom.’
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash
MORGAN FARGO, freelance beauty editor
‘This is my ride-or-die. It effectively washes away the grime of the day while also imbuing skin with non-greasy hydration, meaning when you get out of the bath or shower, you’re already primed for whichever cream you’d like to slather on.’
Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream
DIJA AYODELE, skincare expert, author, and founder of Black Skin Directory
‘I love this luxurious butter texture that deeply hydrates. Your skin feels moisturised for ages.’
Wild Source Golden Hour Body Oil
RHEA CARTWRIGHT, freelance strategic beauty consultant
‘Golden Hour is my all- year essential, it’s packed with nourishing oils to keep any ashiness at bay. PSA: apply your body oils and creams on damp skin to trap in extra hydration.’
Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser
VANESE MADDIX, freelance beauty journalist and podcast host
‘If you’re looking for instant hydration, then this hybrid toner and moisturiser might be just what you need. When I say the hydration it gives is off the charts, I mean it. It contains a nourishing blend of ceramides and peptides like nothing you’ve ever tried before.’
Mother of Masks Rapid Radiance Mask
SHERRILLE RILEY, founder of Nails & Brows Mayfair
‘I use this mask in the mornings to brighten and wake up my skin for a beautiful, long-lasting glow.’
Medik8 Hydr8 B5™
KELLE SALLE, media officer, beauty and lifestyle writer
‘I can’t do without hyaluronic acid in my skincare routine. It’s one of my favourite ingredients because of its hydrating and moisture-boosting benefits. I love how quickly this serum sinks into my skin and instantly leaves it looking plump.’
Active Recovery Broth
LORETTA DE FEO, founder of Dizziak
‘This is a really beautiful serum that has improved my skin texture and also prevented breakouts. Plus, it feels like a soothing ritual whenever I apply it.’
SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
JACQUELINE KUSAMOTU, beauty specialist and co-founder of Candour Beauty
‘I use this cleanser about two to three times a week. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to give their body a nice exfoliation for soft, smooth skin.’
Typology L38 - Resurfacing Lip Peel 2% Mandelic Acid + Pomegranate Enzyme
ALICIA LARTEY, qualified aesthetician and beauty writer
‘We’re so used to lip care being a simple old scrub or balm, but this clever treatment borrows the exfoliating ingredients from facial skincare and brings them to the lips.’
LIHA Beauty Oju Omi Mud Cleanser
SARAH-JANE CRAWFORD, presenter and founder of Clean Curls
‘I recommend Liha’s skincare and treatment range. The products are full of richness, integrity and natural ingredients. The ethos supports healthy ageing and it makes me feel they are really looking after us womxn.’
Lit Up Highlight Stick
EWOMA UKELEGHE, medical and cosmetic doctor and founder of Skndoctor
‘This highlighter is one of the best I’ve ever tried. Giving the most gorgeous lit-from-within natural glow, it’s perfect for deep skin tones.’
Sleek MakeUP Lip Volve Gloss Transforming Lip Topper
ELENA CHABO, beauty writer, Cosmopolitan UK
‘Clear gloss? For Black beauty? Ground-breaking. It’s applied by a literal plastic spatula. Just think about the slathering potential. Also, it can be wiped clean if applied over colour, so you don’t tint the whole tube. Plus, stickiness is minimal.’
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pillow Talk Intense
DANI NICHOLLS, content creator and podcaster
‘A beautiful rich, dark brown lip liner, perfect with gloss for every day. It gives the illusion of being put together.’
Armani Luminous Silk Concealer
JOY ADENUGA, celebrity makeup artist
‘One of my top concealers. I love how it applies light but packs a punch in terms of coverage. If you struggle with concealers that crease or settle into fine lines, you’ll love this.’
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
PAULINE BRISCOE, celebrity makeup artist
‘The one thing I can’t live without in my makeup bag is Laura Mercier’s setting powder. It sets dark skin without looking ashy or orange.’
Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear Foundation
ADEOLA GBOYEGA, makeup artist and content creator
‘It’s normally so hard to find your perfect shade of foundation, but this one comes in 45 shades. It’s so versatile, you can add moisturiser to sheer down the coverage or build it up.’
Treatment recommendations
Our go-to pros on their favourite beauty treatments
CHARLOTTE MENSAH, award- winning hairdresser
INGRID FELICIANO AT BAGUA THERAPIES, TREATMENTS FROM £50
‘I’ve been seeing Ingrid for years for a combination of deep-tissue massage, acupuncture and cupping. She goes above and beyond to ensure that you’re getting the best treatment possible, and I always leave feeling better emotionally and physically.’
YASMIN ARTISTRY, content creator
HYDRAFACIAL TREATMENT, AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE
‘I recommend hydrafacials. They are the best type of facial for dryness and I always come back with radiant-looking skin.’
AVA WELSING- KITCHER, freelance beauty editor and brand consultant
D.THOMAS CLINIC SIGNATURE LASER FACIAL, FROM £205
‘This is the only facial treatment that has truly knocked others out of the park for me. After six months, my skin was bouncier than it was in my teens – plus, the results lasted for almost a year.’
For even more expert advice, product picks and all things Black beauty, head to our dedicated Hub (no gatekeeping here)
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