Lupita Nyong'o's Hair and Skincare Secrets for Radiant, Natural Beauty

If you look up natural beauty in the dictionary, we are positive you will find a photo of Lupita Nyong’o. The Mexican-born, Kenya actress has embraced her natural hair and glowing skin since her breakout role in 12 Years a Slave — and has never felt the need to conform to Western beauty standards.

So, how does she maintain her flawless looks? Continue reading for a look into her unique approach to natural beauty and skincare.

To keep her skin healthy and in the best condition, the actress prefers to keep things as simple as possible.

Otherwise, she says she would just give up. In an interview with Vogue Arabia, Lupita revealed that she does not wash her skin every morning. This helps her skin retain its natural oils – especially since she has dry skin. Instead of washing her face in the morning, the actress takes the time to “listen” to her skin and find out what it needs. She normally adjusts her routine based on how her skin feels – if it is irritated or dry and so on.

To keep her dry skin moisturized, the actress loves to use oils. Her go-to natural options include Hawaii Kukui and avocado oil. She normally prefers to use the latter to remove makeup as it does not strip her skin.

Another tip for clear skin — whenever Lupita spots a zit, she prefers to use a home remedy she learned from her mother – applying garlic at the affected site when going to bed, per Women’s Health.

Again, natural is the keyword, and for Lupita that applies to her approach to makeup as well.

“I wear makeup as seldom as possible,” she told Vogue Arabia, but she does have her go-to products for when she does need to get glammed up.

Lupita, who is a brand ambassador for Lancôme, uses the brand’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear foundation and Dual Finish powder foundation in 550 Suede for her skin.

She also loves a dramatic eye and uses Lancôme’s Hypnôse mascara, depending on how bold she is going.

Again, the actress prefers to simplify things when it comes to her hair care routine. However, she does turn to her hairstylist Vernon Francois when it comes to red-carpet premieres and maintaining healthy locks.

According to Vernon, women must have the right hair combs, know their hair products(“there is a difference between oil, moisture and hydration”), and get informed.

“'I love that so many women are going back to their natural hair texture, but the problem is that many of them don't know why they are doing it or how to manage their natural texture,” Vernon told Elle UK. ‘So the first step is education, creating a relationship with this new texture, and learning how to look after your natural genetic gift.”

Lupita also uses Vernon Francois Scalp Nourishment Braids and Locs Spray religiously.

Lupita is also big on self-care and has been practicing meditation.

“I do love full body treatments—massages and baths, like a Moroccan hammam bath. I like soaking in bathing salts as well,” she explained. “For massage, I love a head and face massage to help with circulation. And I do enjoy an at-home moisturizing face mask.”

Lupita Nyong’o uses her position as a Lancôme ambassador to share and promote her methodology when it comes to beauty. While she does not consider herself a model, her successful acting career and stunning looks make her an influential figure when it comes to matters of beauty among Black women.