Here at The Cosmopolitan 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 makeup artist to the stars and founder of enoléh, Bernicia Boateng...
What does Black beauty mean to you?
Black beauty is celebration, its pride, ownership, fearlessness, and self-acceptance. It’s about loving and honouring the skin, the hair, the heritage that we carry. It’s not just aesthetics: it’s a deeply rooted sense of identity. When I think of Black beauty, I feel free. It’s about being unabashedly yourself, embracing every part of who you are, and owning that with joy and strength.
Favourite skin / beauty treatment?
I absolutely love microneedling, there’s something transformative about stimulating collagen, and to me it’s like investing in long-term glow. And if I’m being real, laser hair removal is up there too - it’s practical, it’s freeing, and it feels like self-care and efficiency rolled into one.
Any recs for places for aesthetic procedures?
Yes, because it's so important, especially for Black skin, to find practitioners who understand nuance and experience. One place I trust completely for microblading on my brows (major key), dermal filler and Botox is DBrowLyfe, not only is she my sister (which already gives her top marks!) she's incredibly talented and deeply empathetic in the way she provides her services, with women and their safety in mind.
For clinics, I highly recommend True Skyn Clinic, they are so professional and informed. Bespoke Skin Clinic is another go-to: their laser hair removal experience is excellent, particularly because they specialise in darker skin, which really gives me confidence.
What’s your wash-day routine?
Oh, wash day is like a ritual! My hair is 4C, so I treat it gently and with love. I start with the PATTERN Cleansing Shampoo – it’s formulated specifically for tight curls and coils, so it clarifies without stripping. Then I sometimes use a detox shampoo (Ouai's Detox Shampoo is fab) to really lift build-up.
After that, l condition with a rich conditioner - I mix in my favourites, like Fenty’s Richer One Moisture Conditioner, it gives great moisture - lastly I apply a leave-in conditioner - I adore Amika’s Leave-in Conditioner for its softness and slip, also makes styling and protecting your hair before adding any heat easy. For the edges, I use Cecred – major key and Beyoncé deserves every award, just another Black woman in stem saving edges! They help me keep things sleek while being nourishing. Finally, I seal it all in with my own homemade Ghanaian shea-butter oil blend. (Someday I might drop the recipe!).
FENTY HAIR THE RICHER ONE MOISTURE REPAIR DEEP CONDITIONER
FENTY HAIR THE RICHER ONE MOISTURE REPAIR DEEP CONDITIONER 340ml
Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner
Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner
Go-to hair salon / hairdresser?
I have so much love for my hair team! Tolu at LUSCurls is my natural hair queen - she cares for my coils as if they’re delicate treasures, which is essential when I alternate between wigs, and weaves. Then there’s Hair Weather, Bukola B, Mariah London, and Remi Liade who I go to for my installs - these women are absolute legends in the Black hair space. They’re booked up (obviously!), but that’s because not only are they stunning stylists, they genuinely care about the health of your hair. Their work isn’t just art, it's love.
Have you had any bad hair experiences, and how did that feel?
Yes, I have - and honestly, those experiences shaped so much of who I am today. I had my hair braided once and it ended up falling out. I relaxed my hair too early, without the right prep, and I’m still navigating some of the effects of that now – I’ve dealt with traction alopecia, and it hit my confidence hard.
When I started buying extensions and wigs, I was young, broke, and uninformed, so I ended up with low-quality hair or didn’t treat what I had properly. Over time, I realised that cutting corners cost me more – not just in money, but in self-esteem and hair health. That’s one of the big reasons I launched my hair brand Enoléh. I wanted to give our “collectors” total transparency – exactly how to care for their pieces, because this isn’t just hair, it’s a luxury purchase. We built education into our site. We talk about quality and longevity.
We lean into the idea of a “wig wardrobe” - encouraging people to treat their units like designer handbags or shoes, not just something temporary. For me, that repositioning is everything.
Skincare product(s) you can’t live without?
Oh, there are a few staples I’m obsessed with:
Shiseido Power Infusing serum – this is like resilience in a bottle; it strengthens skin so beautifully.
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum Refillable
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum Refillable
SkinCeuticals Vitamin C + Ferulic – a real hero in my routine, giving that glow and protection I need.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum 30ml
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream – I use it when my skin wants to feel plump and luminous.
From effortless eyeshadows to iconic lipsticks, you can’t go wrong with the classics..
Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair – before I go to bed is ESSENTIAL.
And for the fun factor – I love the CryoGLO shark-face mask for a cooling, de-puffing moment - also I just feel really cool with it on.
Shark Cryoglow Under-Eye Cooling and LED Anti-Ageing Blemish Repair Mask Lilac Chill FW312UKPL
Body treatment you love?
I’m a fan of a good body exfoliation treatment – there’s something so renewing about scrubbing away dead skin, followed by slathering on moisturiser. It's self-care, but also a reset for my entire body.
Your biggest beauty splurge?
That would be The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader , it’s a bit indulgent, yes, but the way it makes my skin feel silky, nourished, and timeless is worth every penny.
Cheapest beauty obsession?
Definitely Heritage Store Rose Water. It’s a winter essential for me - a quick spritz locks in moisture and gives my skin that soft, dewy glow. Plus, it's so affordable!
Makeup mishap memories?
Haha, yes - I’ve had a few! My biggest has to be the halo brows phase. You know, that signature arch style that was everywhere for a minute. I was very on-trend, but also very … experimental. It’s a sign of the times, but I laugh about it now.
Your makeup bag wouldn’t be the same without …
My Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is a must. For all my girls and for me, it’s that perfect finishing touch. Somehow it smooths everything out but still lets my skin breathe!
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
