Taking regular afternoon walks

has been one of the most therapeutic things I’ve done for myself during the lockdown. For an hour or so, I get to be alone and process my thoughts, so I consider it a form of selfcare that’s been as mentally rewarding as it’s been physically beneficial. It’s also reminded me how important it is to take some time for myself. This issue of Glamour serves as a gentle reminder to take a deep breath and do what makes you feel good because it’s been a tough year for all of us. Whether that means having a long chat with your bestie, exercising or enjoying a glass of wine with a good book, self-care goes a long way. Our cover star and self-taught professional makeup artist Sir John is at the forefront of championing change in the beauty industry. The world of beauty and makeup as we know it has changed drastically, for the better, in the past three years. Brands and retailers are waking up to their consumers’ needs, heeding the call for representation. La-based Sir John has dedicated his career to making women of colour feel and look beautiful. His clients include megastars Beyoncé Knowles-carter and Kim Kardashian West, and he’s worked at some of the world’s top fashion weeks. I’ve attended several of Sir John’s masterclasses, and each time I’ve walked away with even greater respect for him and his craft. A firm believer in cultivating beauty on the inside, he advocates for healthful eating and taking care of your inner self first. According to him, you should use makeup as a tool to accentuate and complement your skin and features. Sir John’s muse for his new makeup range is musician, author and radio host Unathi Nkayi, who exudes confidence, owns her light, commands respect and is unapologetic about her African roots and features. She and Sir John make for a dynamic and powerful pair. We celebrate them and the strides the beauty industry has made.

Until next month!