My love for all things beauty started pretty late on in my adolescence. Iād say up until I was about 19 all I really cared about was my next Topshop fix and I just about cared enough about makeup to smear on some MaybellineĀ foundation and mascara. I would use the communal skin and body care in the family bathroom but luckilyĀ my mum has always been a total beauty junkie, so while there were a few duds I experimented with, for the most part my wholeĀ beauty routine has continued to be rich with affordable classics and oldies that should absolutely not be slept on.
As someone with eczema I have to be careful with trying new thingsā not easy as a beauty editorā but if I have a reaction to anything I strip back my skin and body care routine and reach for childhood basics to easy the flare up and soothing the dry patches. When it comes to makeup, while many new, more expensive brands have made their way into my beauty stash, there are a few brands that have a permanent place since my teenage years, including Maybelline and Sleek Makeup. And say what you will about Barry M, but the nail paints are still perfect for a quick impromptu pedi. Afro haircare has come a long way since the days of applying a ridiculous amount of Blue Magic hair oil to your scalp but classics like Ecostyler Gel are still apart of the routine for a completely snatched, sleek bun or defined twist out.
So, here are the products that I still have in my beauty routine since childhood.