Photographer - Shane Suban
Model: London Brown - INDIGO Talent Group
Hair & Makeup - Lester Davis Beauty
Wardrobe - Davis & Davis Company
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What does being from the 413 mean to you?
Being from the 413 to mean means that I’ve grown up with more of an understanding of the quote on quote “real world”. Western mass has people of every socioeconomic level, so I was able to see how people live. My mom had friends that lived in huge mansions in Longmeadow and friends that lived in hood ass apartments downtown. I knew what this community has to offer and it’s just about taking the opportunities it offers.
What makes you feel powerful?
I feel powerful when I achieve goals. When I see the things I visualized come to life it just confirms that I can do anything I put my mind to. I’m powerful, my mind is powerful.
If you could rewind time what would you change?
If I could go back in time I would change the fact that I let a lot of things I wanted to do pass me by because I was fearful of how a significant other or friend would react. It left me feeling resentful to those people but I the older I get the more I realize it was really my fault for allowing it. I would have put my happiness first.
What would you tell your haters now?
I was always friendly with everyone so if you aren’t my friend chances are you did something to prove you weren’t worthy of my friendship. If I see you out though I’ll buy you a drink 😏
What makes you feel beautiful?
I feel beautiful when my mind is at peace. Usually when my mind is right my skin is clear, my waist is snatched, my smile is bright. I can be the most beautiful me. I just shine. It really starts with my mind for me then the rest follows. I’m working on not letting things change my mind when it’s in the right state.
What are you doing to stay healthy during the Pandemic?
Ive been taking supplements and learning more about natural immune boosters. I’ve really not been watching any mainstream news. The news is pretty toxic and messes with my juju. I think a lot of it is mind over matter. If you think your sick then you’ll feel sick.
Favorite fashion trend?
My favorite fashion trend right now is the whole 90’s/ early 2000’s vibes. The bucket hats, denim overalls, crop tops with embroidered lettering, high cut swim suits, etc. basically wearing the same fashion my mom did when she was a teen/young adult. I love it.
3 adjectives on skincare?
Simple, natural, anti-aging.
Most listened to song?
Right now I love “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles.
What did you last eat?
I ate Picanha with rice. I don’t really care for red meat but I crave it every once in a while.
Do ya’ll remember back in 2013-2015 when we were all walking around greasy with cracked skin because “clear skin” twitter convinced us that coconut oil was the solution to clear skin?? Same. Well let me give you some skincare tips that you are going to FALL in love with…. You get it? …. Because it’s Fall...and these are skincare tips..
Let’s get into it ! I will start by saying that regardless of your skin type hydration and cleanliness are everything. Ask yourself, Am I drinking enough water ? If you don’t know the answer to the question, here is a simple equation that can help you break down how much your daily water intake should be based on your weight. Take your current body weight and multiple it by ⅔ . So for example, if you weigh 150 lbs you should be drinking at least 100 ounces, or 12.5 cups, of water a day, or more if you are active. Water is life...literally.
Number two, and be honest: How often are you washing your pillow cases sis? Fall is coming around, we’re cranking up the heat, and we’re snuggled in our blankets. Think of all the sweat, oil, and skin cells that are rubbing off on your sheets and pillowcases every night where you gracefully lay your head. If you’re washing your face, but not washing your pillow cases you’re pretty much wasting your time. It’s counter productive, and that is why you keep waking up with random pimples, or your problem area is on the side of your face that you sleep on. And I know some of you may be reading and saying “well I have breakouts on my hairline” and to you I say:
Do you regularly wash your bonnet, scarf, silky, etc?
Did you properly wash off your edge control before laying your babies to rest?
No? …. Then that could be why.
Now that we have covered hydration and cleanliness, let’s get into the actual routine. Personally, I like to keep it very simple but in the Fall I like to implement a more rigorous routine for self care sundays. Here is what I like to follow:
Steam
Cleanse (2x)
Scrub
Mask
Tone
Moisturize
My routine starts with steam. You can boil water in a pot and stand over it for about 15 mins with a towel over your head or you can buy a face steamer for the low off amazon for about $20-$30 dollars. Next we cleanse. I like to keep my ingredients very simple. Primarily I use raw african black soap, the real kind…...not that black bar of soap they sell at the beauty supply. However, african black soap can strip your skin and have a drying effect at times. For this reason I also incorporate another cleanser into my routine from Formula 10.0.6 . I love their face cleansers and masks (this is not sponsored) their products have reacted well with my skin. Note that I stated that you should cleanse twice. After you steam and open up your pores, the first cleanse is to loosen up the dirt and the second cleanse is to clean.
I like to keep things simple, so when I am really suffering from intense breakouts and problem areas I use baking soda ! Yes, you heard me, baking soda. I mix it with a little bit of water to form a light paste. I gently lather it into my face in circular motions, then I let it sit for a few minutes until it starts to dry up a bit. After I rinse my skin I follow up with my favorite mask. I alternate between an amazon healing clay mask or a Formula 10.0.6 Mud or peel mask.
After your mask you want to tone and loc in that moisture. I’ve used witch hazel and rose water toner, but these days I used apple cider vinegar diluted with water to tone my skin. After this extensive sunday morning process, you want to seal in all that moisture so that your time is not in vain. You can use an oil ( e.g almond oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, vitamin e oil, etc) or water based moisturizer that works best for you. If you are using a moisturizer, I recommend one that has SPF ( like the Fenty Skin HYDRA VIZOR INVISIBLE MOISTURIZER
BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 30 SUNSCREEN that’s coral reef friendly and earth conscious) !!! Yes we have melanin and we are loved by the son, but only for about 2 hours. So incorporate SPF into your routine because excessive sun/UV ray exposure prematurely ages the skin, can cause skin cancers, and worsen facial scarring.
Now that I have given you the tools, always remember that everyone’s skin is DIFFERENT. You can tweak this model and use the best products, methods that work best for you. But, remember that it all starts with hydration and cleanliness.
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