Here at The Cosmo Black Beauty Hub, we absolutely do not gatekeep, so when we get a chance to quiz some of our favourite Black women about their go-to beauty products, tips and treatments, we don't hold back – after all, that's how our Little Black Beauty Book Franchise was born. All the tea on our favourite star's life in beauty, served hot.
This week, we caught up with the founder of Starface, Kara Brothers, to deep dive into her little Black beauty book...
What does Black beauty mean to you?
Black beauty means fun to me. It means exploring anything you want to and feeling great in your skin.
Favourite skin/beauty treatment?
I’m loving my Omnilux LED Mask these days! I feel like my face looks tighter and brighter, and a bonus is that it scares everyone in my household.
Any recs for places for aesthetic procedures?
Ingleton Dermatology in Manhattan, New York, has been lovely. Everyone I've seen knows exactly how to work with melanated skin, and I just feel so seen and protected there.
What’s your wash-day routine?
I am a curly girl and finally have a cut that really works. I use Oribe Moisture & Control Shampoo and Conditioner. I finish with Christophe Robin Hydrating Leave-In Cream. It’s lightweight and gives my finer but full curls a lot of definition.
Go to hair salon?
Abbie at Arte Salon is the curl and colour whisperer!
Have you had any bad hair experiences, and if so, how did that feel?
I used to straighten my hair ALL the time. I love how it looks straight, and it’s really easy to manage, but because I did it so often over many years, it took me a long time to really embrace my curls, especially in a corporate environment. I’m glad I dropped the belief that curls are somehow less professional – that's a societal construct and I no longer wish to perpetuate it.
Skincare product you can’t live without?
Starface’s Hydro-Stars! I tend to pick based on where I’m going and what I’m doing, but Recovery (purple) is a fave. And I always have a Star Balm with me, too!
Body treatment you love?
I don’t do enough body treatments, but you know what I feel is one of the most underrated? Foot massages! It feels so good just to have your feet pampered. I used to go quite a bit, but somehow that fell off. This is my sign to bring them back.
Your biggest beauty splurge?
My HigherDOSE Infrared Mat. It really saves me from winter blues and has my skin looking so, so good. I thought I wouldn’t use it much, but I certainly find a way to implement it into my routine once a week.
Cheapest beauty obsession?
Every day I wear the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer and Saie Mascara 101. They are both so reasonably priced, and I’m very grateful.
Makeup mishap memories?
I have a lot of memories of putting on blush like a clown. Just one big red dot in the middle of my cheek… I still haven't perfected it, but I’ve come a long way.
Your makeup bag wouldn’t be the same without…
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
