We caught up with the Sleep Expert; Sophie David-Mbamara, who she made us realize that sleep as a lot to do with glowing. She defined her skin with a summation of two words ‘flawless’ and ‘awesome’: Flawsome! Talking about her journey through skincare, she shared some of her skincare routines and pointed out the need to embrace one’s imperfection as a vital step towards owning a healthy skin. In this interview, she talks about her brand, her skin, and unrivalled love for all things natural.
Your Instagram bio states ‘sleep expert’, what exactly do you mean by that?
Not many people know this about me, but I have always been fascinated with sleep. It stemmed from my long history with insomnia — I had so much difficulty sleeping as a child and adulthood didn’t make it any better.
To be honest, I felt cheated. Watching everyone else fall asleep night after night began to feel like sleep had it out for me personally. After all, what did others have that I didn’t have?
So I found myself fascinated by sleep. So much so, that I studied it; got a CTAA Sleep Consultant certification and Built a bedding and lifestyle brand with better sleep as one of the pillars of its beliefs.
Simply put, I can literally help you sleep better.
I recently published a book — The Sleep Bible, a practical guide to better sleep and healthy sleep habits — tailored to help anyone who suffers sleep deprivation and insomnia like I have. It should be released soon. I’m also working on a series of sleep therapy and wellness courses, so that’s something to watch out for.
Tell us about your brand Natuando
Comfort is everything to me. I created Natu & Co. out of a need to help people start and end their days feeling their very best – and that begins with better sheets for a better night’s sleep.
Our brand is constantly evolving, we hope to embrace all facets of our day-to-day lives, but our mission remains the same — to build a global community around great sleep, wellness and sustainable living; providing great quality products and services at affordable prices.
In one word, how would you define your skin?
I would say ‘Flawsome’. My skin is very sensitive, but also perfect in its imperfection.
In other words, define your personality.
Fierce!
Share your morning skin routine with us?
I honestly can’t talk about my morning routine without speaking of my night-time skin routine. Every night, I apply a thin coating of honey on my face before I sleep. My morning skincare routine always starts with drinking a tall glass of water. Next, I rinse the honey off my face and have a bath infused with rose water or witch hazel.
I’d lightly apply some sunscreen (if I’m going out) and a mild moisturizer to my feet and elbows and that’s it!
Let’s talk about your hair. How often do you rock it naturally?
Most times! Ever since I went natural in 2015, I rarely ever have weaves installed on my hair. Half the time I have my hair in protective styling (mostly braids or wigs), the other half, I let my ‘fro out in all its 4B glory.
What are the products you use consistently to make your skin phenomenal?
Honey and Turmeric + Coffee scrub. That’s my Holy Grail right there. I’m very big on natural products, so Twice a week I make myself a turmeric and honey head-to-toe body mask and I also make a coffee scrub which I try to use at least once a week.
If I’m to be out under the sun, I use sunscreen as necessary. And in days when I have to wear makeup, I make sure to cleanse my face with some micellar water. I’m lucky to have been blessed with a pretty much unproblematic skin, so I don’t have much need for creams or lots of beauty products. I could probably go a full year without applying lotions to my whole body (save feet and elbows) and you’d never even notice!
What advice do you have for people who are finding it difficult to come to terms with their type of skin?
I’d say, let it breathe. I’ve learnt that sometimes the more you fuss over the imperfections, the more crooked and huge the problem would seem. If you’d just let your skin breathe a little— lay off the chemicals, avoid using too many products at once or hopping from one product to the other. If you must use products you should try embracing wholesome, natural remedies. Your skin would definitely look and feel better.
Based on your experience, how can anyone get to know their skin and hair’s need?
You simply listen by being more observant about what your skin and hair respond to. You should always look out for signs of improvements (better hair colour or strength, a soft glow on your skin etc) stagnation (no visible change at all) or signs of irritation (acne breakouts, split ends, dry hair, stretch marks etc). That way you’d know what works for you and what doesn’t.
How do you stay conscious when it comes to skin, hair and beauty; and not get carried away?
For me, this is very easy. I believe the best form of self-care is born out of self-love. When you Love and accept yourself wholly, giving yourself the very best without going overboard comes to you naturally. As such, I only indulge in regimens that not just make me look beautiful, but also make me feel beautiful and comfortable in my own skin.
Your Instagram (stories) page is absolute goals. Can you share any posting tips?
There are a lot of tips and tricks I could share, but ultimately I try to be as consistent as possible with my brand persona, font and colours. This helps me maintain my aesthetics.
What is your advice for people who want to start getting more into skincare but are so used to piling up makeup?
It’s all baby steps. You can start by reducing the number of products you use. Try going with a light coverage beat during the week and save the full face beat for events or special occasions on the weekends. Invest in natural cleansers and simple face masks. There are lots of options out there or you can make your own recipes as I do. Don’t forget to moisturize.
Ever gone makeup-free, for how long?
Yes, I have. I went make up free for a full year in 2017. Currently, I only make up lighting when there’s an event I have to attend.
How does your skin feel when you’re not wearing any makeup?
Clean and comfortable.
Do you use any mask products?
Yes, I do mainly home-made face and body masks.
You can find her on Instagram: @Iamsophiedavid
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