I tend to keep my day-to-day skincare routine minimal, but it’s something I value as a self-care ritual. A big part of looking after my skin is focusing on nutrition, balancing hormones, and getting enough sleep. And then I mainly use products that complement and enhance my skin’s natural health. I like to keep products clean, natural and artificial fragrance-free. At some point during lockdown, while everyone was busy baking banana bread, I started cooking up a different kind of recipe in the kitchen. I wanted more control of what I was putting on my skin as most moisturisers didn’t hit the levels of hydration I needed, so I decided to make my own, and my skin has never been healthier.
Cleanser: Oil-based cleansers work really well for me as they avoid stripping everything off. I used coconut oil for a long time as a cleanser or make-up remover (which worked wonders) until the day I walked past a beauty pop-up at Soho House and got introduced to Epara, it was love at first sight.
I swear by their cleanser and love using it when I get home from work, the smell is so soothing that I now associate it with winding down for the day. I also love the hydrating mask, which is so rejuvenating to skin in winter months.
Toner: Witch hazel is also a great toner or cleanser. You don’t need anything too fancy – the Boots Distilled Witch Hazel does the trick and it’s a staple in my bathroom cabinet. I’ve seen a noticeable difference to light scarring on my face with consistent use. After using it, I like to spritz on a little rose water to balance my skin’s pH. It’s a tip I picked up from my mama, who’s always had amazing skin – simple, effective and timeless skincare that really works.
Serums: I recently added IRÄYE’s Eye Revive Cream to my skincare routine, and it’s been a game changer. A little drop goes a long way, and it’s gentle yet effective around the delicate eye area. As a mother who doesn’t get as much beauty sleep as I’d like, it’s reassuring to have something I can count on to uplift and refresh my eyes.
Hydration: My go-to skincare product is a homemade multi-purpose butter. I’ve perfected it over the years with shea, cocoa and mango butters blended with carrier and essential oils and it’s surprisingly easy to throw together. I love it for intense hydration and nourishment to my face and body and it’s become a go-to in my household for everything from hair conditioner to nappy cream. I use raw and unprocessed ingredients like the Liha raw shea butter.
I also always apply a face and body oil after moisturising as it helps to lock in moisture. The Liha Idan body oil is my favourite ever – it smells so good and it has a silky texture that feels so luxe when applied.
SPF: I was so happy to find a sunscreen for dark skin that doesn’t have a thick white coating and still leaves my skin feeling dewy.
S.O.S products: I always have two bottles of aloe vera gel and one stocked in the fridge, I use it for everything from bites to toning or soothing skin. When I get a spot I blend it with a drop of tea tree oil and it works wonders every single time.
At-home treatments: I’ve gone through a lot of face masks and pure honey is still my favourite mask. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and works wonders for exfoliating and renewing skin.
