THE BEAUTY E-TAILER _
As the co-founder of the online retailer Candour Beauty, Abi Lawrenceadesida has the inside track on effective skincare for women of colour
WHERE TO SPEND £££ PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS
For me, this is money well spent. Seeing my aesthetician for a deep cleanse and exfoliating facial once a month helps to keep hormonal blemishes at bay, using clinical ingredients and light therapy, which I couldn’t do at home. EXFOLIATOR It’s a common misconception that physical scrubs help to minimise acne breakouts, but the opposite is true. Harsh scrubbing causes more inflammation, which can exacerbate the issue, so it’s worth factoring a good chemical exfoliant into your budget, with salicylic or fruit acids. I rate Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, £28.
SUSTAINABLE BRANDS Social conscience is my biggest luxury. Spending my money on brands with a reputable supply chain, environmentally friendly credentials and sustainably sourced (or organic) ingredients means more to me than fancy packaging and a big name.
WHERE TO SAVE £
INGREDIENTS Hormones, ageing and the weather all cause skin to change, so having a variety of products to combat various concerns is essential. That’s where brands such as The Ordinary and The Inkey List come into their own, as their formulas contain high-quality ingredients that are still super affordable. MULTITASKING PRODUCTS With Black skin, acne and pigmentation go hand-in-hand. The scarring from acne causes postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, so it doesn’t make sense to treat them as separate issues. A two-in-one product, such as
Nuhanciam Anti-imperfection Emulsion, £20, tackles both issues, saving you money.
BODY CARE I like speedy, multitasking body products.
When Black women have dry skin, it can look ashy. I use R&R Luxury Shea Oil, £15, all over my body, as well as on my seven-year-old son. It’s deeply nourishing, lasts all day and instantly stops that ashy look. I also love 54 Thrones Beldi Moroccan Body Mask, £36; it cleanses, exfoliates and softens skin. It also lasts for ages as I only use it occasionally. I apply it all over and scrub off after 15 minutes.
ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
NEVER SKIP SUNSCREEN Due to higher melanin levels, most Black skin has a natural SPF of 13, but Black women aren’t immune to the damaging effects of the sun. We suffer with pigmentation, and UV rays cause collagen to break down, resulting in fine lines and a lack of firmness. In the past, SPF left an unattractive white cast, but new brands such as Black Girl Sunscreen, from £23, and Unsun, from £28, are changing the dialogue with their lightweight, wearable formulas. Yes, they’ll add extra cost to your routine, but if you care about your skin, it’s worth it.