Dr. Ewoma Ukeleghe from SKN/TALK
“Womanist. Reluctant Wife. Accidental Mother.
Cylon. Corporate Chick. Social Entrepreneur.
Bookworm. Chill Christian. Binge Watcher.” -Samantha Sophia, RaisingSelf
Over the span of 48 hours during the Christmas and New Year break, I read nearly every relationship and parenting blog posts Samantha has published since 2010. The way she captures the energy of her children is reminiscent of the lively outtakes my mother saved but never shared. In retrospect, those were the best and certainly the most honest. The captivating snapshots of Samantha’s life draw you closer to her journey through marriage and motherhood. Most of the content I consume via articles, videos, or podcasts is specific to a certain topic or theme and don’t center on one person’s life experiences, but Raising Self and a few others are the exceptions. Read one post from Samantha and you’ll feel like she’s talking directly to you, regardless of whether you can relate. I relish in the nuggets of wisdom throughout her reflections, especially since they don’t read esoteric or cheesy. In addition to her generous spirit, her style is impeccable and her skin is flawless, so I wanted to know how this accidental mother, corporate chick, chill Christian, and reluctant wife maintains her beauty in the midst of it all.
Tell us about yourself, including skin type.
Professionally, I’ve done everything from originating and managing multi-million dollar commercial loans, to leading a failed internet start-up, to managing risk and analytics at a multinational automotive corporation..
Personally, I’m a hipster mom of two small children and a chill wife (to my very own Mr. Darcy). A Bibliophile who reads at least two books a month. When I’m not in the office, I volunteer with Black Girls Code, freelance as a photographer, speak publicly to anyone who will listen, and live tweet my favorite shows. In my “spare time” (when I should be sleeping), I run a successful natural hair and living blog, Sisterlocked.com, and overshare about my favorite books, marriage and #momlife on RaisingSelf.com.
My hair is natural and my skin is as well. I have combination skin (oily and dry).
How has your skin changed over the years? Have you changed locales? Has your skin changed since becoming a mother?
My skin has gotten better over the years. I grew up in Florida where I benefited from the moisture in the air. I’ve lived in southern California for the past four years. Because of how dry the air is, I have to be so intentional about moisture. I use more body butters and heavier facial moisturizers.
Walk us through your morning and nighttime regimens with your favorite products. Don’t forget body products!
Morning
- Cleanse with DeVita Naturals Cleanser
- Tone with Alaffia Facial Mist
- Moisture with Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Daily Shade Facial Lotion SPF 18
- Moisturize my body with Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Velvet Soft Body Butter
Evening
- Cleanse with DeVita Naturals Cleanser
- Tone with Thayers Original Witch Hazel Astringent
- Moisture with Andalou Naturals Sensitive Skin Moisturizer
- Use oil mix on lips and under eyes
- Moisturize my body with Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Velvet Soft Body Butter
Monthly
Bentonite clay mask with apple cider vinegar.
There’s some skepticism around the concept of baby or children products. Is that something you subscribe to now or when your children were younger? If so, are there specific products or brands you prefer to buy for your children?
I don’t have skepticism, because the products I buy are so natural and plant-based, I don’t have to buy special products for my kids. I use the same thing on them as I use in myself.
If you had to pick one product, what can you not live without?
Thayers Astringent: it cleans, moisturizes, and helps me fight acne.
What’s your favorite skin care brand and why?
Andalou Naturals and 100 Percent Pure make great natural products that actually work!
What is your favorite black-owned skin care brand?
Are there tips you can share that forever changed your skin?
Always cleanse, tone and moisturize.
Where do you shop for skin care products?
Natural food stores and online from Amazon and Etsy.
What do you feel like the beauty aisle or beauty landscape is missing?
More products focused on darker skin tones and conditions related darker tones.
How do you pamper yourself?
My husband often takes the kids on weekend adventures, so I can spend a long weekend reading a book.
Who is your skin crush?
Too many to name, but I love seeing older black women without makeup. I love the details of our skin through time.
Who or what do you attribute your beauty to?
Moisture. First the moisture in the atmosphere in the Caribbean where my family is from, then in Florida where I grew up and then from the natural products that I buy now.
What would you like to see on Melanglow?
More of what you already curate!
Fill in the blanks
- My skin reacts poorly when I am stressed.
- I would describe the perfect product as plant based and does what it promises on the bottle.
- You should always drink water, rest and use a great toner.
- The worst skin care tip I’ve ever heard was not to put lotion on my face.
Follow Samantha here:
Raising Self, Sisterlocked, Instagram, and Facebook
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