From London to South African these gorgeous beauty blogger babes tell us their best beauty secrets and the gals who give them beauty inspiration on Instagram!
HOMETOWN:Johannesburg, South Africa
BEAUTY MANTRA: Beauty should always be effortless. Never try too hard.
LOCALE & STYLE: I’m always traveling and I always draw inspiration from where I am at the moment. If I’m at home in Mafikeng, I dress down because I’m with family. If I’m in Joburg, I’m chic because it’s a fashion mecca.
BEAUTY CRUSHES: @tokemakinwa and @nomzamo_m.
DESERT ISLAND PICK: Every week my mother mixes aloe and honey for me to use to cleanse and heal my skin. I use it on my whole body.
VACAY ESSENTIALS: Revlon ColorStay foundation and concealer and a big hat.
HOMETOWN: Puerto Rico
BEAUTY MANTRA: Keep it simple.
LOCALE & STYLE: Before I moved to L.A., I loved being in the sun and at the beach 24/7, and my style reflects that. I wear bright clothing and nails, but I keep my makeup simple.
INSPIRATION: I love scrolling through my Tumblr feed searching for street style inspo. I get great ideas on how to revamp my outfits, or sometimes I’ll cut up old clothes I haven’t worn in ages and use the fabric to make something new.
DESERT ISLAND PICK: Conditioner. My grandmother had these hair conditioners that she would bring back from the Dominican Republic. They were amazing—very rich and creamy. Whenever I used them, my curls would spring to life. Lip balm is a close second. VACAY ESSENTIALS: Conditioner, Pixi Glow Tonic (left) and lotion.
HOMETOWN: Toronto
BEAUTY MANTRA: Never allow others to define your beauty.
LOCALE & STYLE: The various cultures and ethnicities in Toronto definitely influence my beauty. Our city is filled with a lot of art alongside fashion. It motivates you to always be on your A-game—you never know who’s watching.
BEAUTY CRUSHES: @makeupd0ll, @jamieandniks and @brittanie_evans.
DESERT ISLAND PICK: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade—the brow products last all day.
VACAY ESSENTIALS: A flat iron, foundation, concealer, Dipbrow, a bronzer or highlighter and a lip gloss.
HOMETOWN: Paris, France
BEAUTY MANTRA: Clean and simple.
LOCALE & STYLE: Paris is multicultural. You always see people expressing themselves with fashion in many different ways. I also have roots in Africa—Congo (Kinshasa)—where I go every year, so of course, the way I dress is also influenced by the vibrant colors and the creativity of the people I see when I am there.
BEAUTY CRUSHES: @Badgalriri and @amandlastenberg.
DESERT ISLAND PICK: MAC Ruby Woo lipstick. I was recently in New York City, so I stocked up on MAC products, which are more expensive in Paris.
VACAY ESSENTIALS: A good lipstick, mascara and the proper sunblock.
HOMETOWN: London, England
BEAUTY MANTRA: Discover your own idea of beautiful and run with it.
LOCALE & STYLE: London is a gorgeous and eclectic place; there is so much individual style, so I’m easily inspired everywhere I look.
BEAUTY CRUSHES: So many amazing women are online. It’s hard to choose!
DESERT ISLAND PICK: My Rimmel London eyebrow pencil. If my eyebrows are in check, I’m good to go.
VACAY ESSENTIALS: My camera, something inspirational to read and denim shorts.
HOMETOWN: London
BEAUTY MANTRA: Natural or clinical—nothing in-between.
LOCALE & STYLE: London is a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures; the kids on the street rock the best beauty hacks. I got into nails through hip-hop culture. I always wanted to be a fly girl.
INSPIRATION: Vintage style: a bygone era of sexiness; plus art, fashion and street culture.
DESERT ISLAND PICK: Pure coconut oil from my grandma’s neighbor’s farm in Jamaica. All my beauty products could be made on a desert island: I could burn twigs and use the ash for an eyebrow pencil. Okay, maybe I would take a razor.
VACAY ESSENTIALS: Bioderma cleansing wipes, sandalwood essential oil, a glittery eye pencil and, of course, coconut oil.
