Beauty products inspired by African heritage continue to grow in vast numbers. One of the first in the trend to go authentically African are Liha Okunniwa (left) and Abi Oyepitan (right), founders of LIHA. Their luxe line of candles, oils and butters combines traditional Yoruba practices with a quintessentially British attitude.
Liha: “Skincare is literally my hobby and my job. I never skip on my routine or have cheat days. Even if I’ve had a big night, I somehow manage to get my make-up off before bed. But one thing I’m guilty of is trying too many products. That can lead to major breakouts.”
Abi: “There’s always a new skincare ingredient. This year it’s L-Glutamine, next year it will be something else. I’m always open to trying new things but we love the classics and keeping it minimal. The mix of African and English aromatherapy oil blends is what makes our brand so unique.”
L: “Our Idan Oil is a cult favourite. I can’t live without it and use it for my hair and body. One of my biggest inspirations comes from my 18-year-old daughter, Eva. She always keeps me up on trends and gives the best beauty tips. I’m always stealing lotions and creams from her cabinet too.”
A: “Time spent in front of large computer screens and TVs can impact how our skin looks and feels. For a pickme- up, the Oju Omi Mud is packed with nutrients and a raft of wonder ingredients including ximenia oil, frankincense, mollasses and kaolin clay – when combined together it gives an amazing glow.”
A: “One of my favourite skincare rituals rooted in black culture are shea butter rubs. It helps so many concerns from dryness to swelling. I love how black culture influences wider culture just like it always has. When it comes to the skincare industry it’s no different. Since we launched, there have been so many brands that have embraced cultural influences and that is a beautiful change to see.”
L: “It’s great to see black-owned beauty brands on the rise. There’s room for everyone and we’ve built a community where we meet and share challenges and solutions. Abi and I met with Michele from Bouclème and Maya from Maya Nije perfumes for a lunch and it was much needed therapy.”
