“Being natural is exactly what it means to be African.”
Those were the words of Winifred Ben; wife, mother and haircare specialist, as she defined the very essence of natural skincare and the beauty that springs from it. Generously, she shared with us some of her favourite skin and haircare routines, frequently used products and motivations. She expressed in simple words the need for everyone to embrace their skin type or colour as unique, without which she believes it is impossible to keep up in the evolving world of skincare. In this interview, she told us about her love for making hair, and how she combines being a mom with business.
Share your morning routine with us?
My mornings are usually busy, hence a very straight-forward routine is what I employ. I first go in with my DIY black soap which I massage on my palms before applying it on my face. I let it sit in, then I go about brushing and getting my clothes ready. After about 10-15 minutes, I wash my face with warm water and finish off with cold water to close my pores. Next steps entail, full-body bath, face toner, face cream and body cream application.
Share the products you use consistently?
Shea butter, body moisturizer, face toner, black soap and face cream.
Based on your experience, how can anyone get to know and understand their skin’s wants and needs?
In my opinion, to avoid making some mistakes I have made, anybody can learn so much about their skin type online by researching with keywords that relate to their individual skin problem; for example, acne-prone skin, African skin, dry skin, oily skin, eczema, etc If not, see a dermatologist.
What are the methods you used to find the products you’ve stuck with after trying numerous ones?
Research. After trying out random products based on trends and recommendations what works for one, may not (work for another), I decided to learn about my skin type by studying.
How does one practice consciousness when it comes to beauty and not get carried away?
Basically don’t overlook your daily routines.
Can you give any advice on accepting your skin as it is?
This is very important because a lot of time, people expect their skin to be like other peoples own, thereby, forgetting everyone is unique and our skin needs unique attention based on our specific needs.
What is your current skincare routine?
Morning:
Black soap for face and body
Beauty Formulas Micellar Water facial cleanser
Body cream
Shea Butter
Night:
Makeup removal
face wash
Face moisturizer
Face oil application
Shower
Weekends
Detox or Tea tree face mask
Face steaming
Charcoal peel-off mask
Face toning
Face moisturizing
Your Instagram is absolute goals. Can you share any posting tips with us?
As a lifestyle blogger, having good skin is important. What skincare or beauty secrets have you learned to work with top makeup artist/skincare pros and from your fellow lifestyle bloggers? Not every product works for you, so don’t apply everything you read about or use every product sent to you. Learn to read ingredients and prescription guidelines.
If you could only bring one skincare product with you when you travel, what would you choose to bring?
Face serum
You founded haircare company. What made you want to start a company?
I love to make hair.
Why does expressing your heritage through accessories mean to you?
It means embracing my “Africanness” unapologetically.
Have you ever gone make up free? For how long? What inspired your decision?
2-3 weeks. It is always good to let your face breathe. It also gives room for products to work effectively.
What’s your advice for people who want to start getting more into skincare but are so used to piling on makeup?
Don’t rush it, take it one day at a time.
What are your favourite natural-based products?
Black soap and essential oils.
What advice will you give beauty bloggers who love makeup but want to tone down? It is worth it… toning it down.
As a busy mom and businesswoman, how do you find time for skincare every day?
I do it before they wake up and after they’ve gone to bed.
You’ve talked on Instagram about your struggle with hyperpigmentation/acne/spots. What are your best tips for treating these issues?
Be diligent with your skincare routine. Every step is important, especially exfoliation. Your products won’t work if you don’t exfoliate constantly (at least 2wice a week).
As a mom have you started your kids on any type of skincare like sunscreen? At what age do you think it’s important to start them on a routine?
My little girl’s skin reacts to oil-based products like Vaseline and Shea butter. So I use only lotions on her and baby powder at night.
Do you use any mask products?
Definitely! What is a skincare routine without masks? I currently use Bentonite Clay for detox at weekends, Beauty Formulas Australian Tea tree Facial Mask and Dr Shahel Charcoal Peel-off Mask within the week.
You can find her on Instgram @winniesstyle
Wow! Thanks for the feature guys!
Check this line out for errors thoughhh..
“Your Instagram is absolute goals. Can you share any posting tips with us?
As a lifestyle blogger, having good skin is important. What skincare or beauty secrets have you learned to work with top makeup artist/skincare pros and from your fellow lifestyle bloggers? Not every product works for you, so don’t apply everything you read about or use every product sent to you. Learn to read ingredients and prescription guidelines.”
You are welcome. Thanks for obliging us. Checked and fixed.