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 the in-demand DJ and content creator, Mercedes Benson to chat all things hair, makeup and skincare!
What does Black beauty mean to you?
Being unapologetic in who we are, inside out. It’s the way we have the superpower to become so many different people through our style – our makeup, our hair, one day with braids, the next with a silk press or an Afro. Black beauty is our heritage, creativity and vulnerability, all in one.
Favourite beauty treatment?
Honestly, a good facial where they steam and extract everything is ideal. Currently, my pick is the Ultimate Glow Facial by Sunday Riley at Liberty London. Chef’s kiss.
What’s your wash-day routine?
My hair’s been through the trenches. DJing at events back-to-back has resulted in constant styling, heat damage and forgetting to moisturise in between. Beauty theorist Mikai McDermott recommended the Redken Extreme range – and it’s been a game-changer. The Cécred Restoring Hair & Edge Drops are also magic for strengthening my edges.
Redken Extreme Shampoo, Conditioner and Anti-Snap Leave-in Treatment Strength Repair Bundle for Damaged Hair
Go-to hair salon/hairdresser?
Kanni’s Undiscovered Beauty is my regular for wash days and overall wig styles. And Ama’s Hair Salon for my super last-minute, “I’m in the mood for something special” hair days, as they cater to last-minute bookings all the time.
Have you had any bad hair experiences – if so, how did that feel?
Oh my gosh, yes! I once left a salon crying because my leave-out was literally fried and breaking off. It taught me two things: never ignore your gut when the stylist doesn’t feel right, and learn about your hair so no one can ruin it again.
Skincare product you can’t live without?
Sun cream. Black girl or not, SPF is mandatory. I love Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+.
Body treatment you love?
A good hammam or full-body scrub anywhere along Edgware Road in London. There’s something about scrubbing away dead skin and leaving soft, soft skin that feels therapeutic.
Your biggest beauty splurge?
My Dyson Airwrap. It was painful at checkout, but worth every penny when I need a quick silk press look at home.
Cheapest beauty obsession?
African black soap – £3 from the hair shop, and my skin loves it.
Your makeup bag wouldn’t be the same without…
A Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb. Even if I have no other makeup on, that gloss makes me feel put together, and it plumps to the gods!
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.
