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 Danessa Myricks Beauty, Danessa herself, to deep dive into her little Black beauty book...
What does Black beauty mean to you?
Black beauty, for me, is rooted in rituals. It’s the generational conversations and cultural traditions that were woven into our homes – like using lipstick as blush or your grandmother’s favourite face powder passed down through time. It’s how we’ve watched generations take up space with the resources available to them at the time.
Today, Black beauty means taking up all the space that exists in beauty and without limitation. It’s having the perfect shade, creating new rituals, and celebrating textures and colours born from innovation. Black beauty is limitless. It’s freedom – the freedom to define yourself on your own terms, to celebrate every shade, texture, and story that makes us who we are.
For so long, the industry tried to narrow our presence, but now Black beauty is expansive. It’s culture, creativity, resilience, and power. It’s the boldness to be seen and the softness to simply be. And it continues to evolve as we celebrate pivotal moments, like the rise of new brands that are breaking barriers.
Favourite skin/beauty treatment?
I’m big on beauty from the inside out, so I take daily collagen supplements. On the outside, I love red light therapy – whether it’s a mask or time in my sauna. It helps detoxify and rejuvenate my skin.
Any recs for places for aesthetic procedures?
Shani Darden is phenomenal. She gave me the most amazing facial. I left her studio feeling like an angel. She’s not only incredibly knowledgeable but also so thoughtful in how she personalises everything – there’s never a one-size-fits-all with her. She understands the nuances of skin, especially skin of colour, which is really important to me.
What I love most about her is how much she educates about what’s happening beneath the surface. It’s not just about walking out glowing that day; it’s about building healthy, long-term results. That’s what makes her a true skin expert and why I love her so much.
What’s your wash-day routine?
Wash day is a six-hour self-care ritual for me. I do intense scalp treatments, steam my hair, microneedle my scalp, and exfoliate. My hairstylist even creates a nourishing berry-and-juice infusion that she uses to steam through my hair. I start with a pre-wash, then double wash (an exfoliating wash and a regular wash), followed by a double condition. After that, I spend about two hours under the dryer, then another hour and a half twisting my locs and sculpting them into a mohawk. It’s a full reset for me – both for my hair and my spirit.
Go to hair salon/hairdresser?
Nicola Forbes-Martin. She’s a trichologist and has been caring for my hair for the past 25 years. She’s been integral in helping me navigate my hair journey through menopause, hormonal hair loss, stress – you name it.
Have you had any bad hair experiences, and if so, how did that feel?
Yes – on set with a hair manufacturer. I wore my hair down, and because it was long, they assumed it was a wig or extensions. They actually cut a piece of my hair off to use as a reference for a wig they wanted to make. It was incredibly hurtful, but it taught me to honour my hair and always advocate for it.
Skincare product you can’t live without?
Rose Ingleton SuperFruit Brightening Cleanser
Body treatment you love?
I love a full-body exfoliation followed by a massage with shea butter. It feels indulgent but restorative.
Your biggest beauty splurge?
I installed a two-person red light therapy sauna in my home. I use it for 20 minutes a day, and I’ve heard many doctors say those 20 minutes can change your lifespan and quality of life. For me, it was money well spent.
Cheapest beauty obsession?
Neutrogena wipes! I honestly can’t remember a time I haven’t used them. They’ve been a staple in my kit for years.
Makeup mishap memories?
I’ll never forget my college graduation photo – I was unrecognisable. My foundation was several shades too light, and I looked like a ghost.
Your makeup bag wouldn’t be the same without…
My Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder. It’s my secret weapon for controlling shine, smoothing texture, and giving that effortless blurred-skin look. Whether I’m going full glam or doing a five-minute face, it’s my one-and-done product.
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.
