They say running partnerships and youth for The Women’s March is all in a day’s work. Okay, so no one actually says that, but in Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs‘ case, it’s true. Couple that all-hands-on-deck day job with running two zero-waste fashion lines while toting a cute, little rugrat on your hip (and another in your belly!) and you have a bonafide superhero. So, how does someone who is — without a doubt — doing so much to help change our world have time for beauty and self-care? We didn’t have the answer, so we took our curiosity straight to the source. If you haven’t already read the 30-something Trinidad and Tobago native’s Off Duty interview, be sure to make a pit stop there first before uncovering all of Tabtiha’s beauty secrets (including how she gets her gorgeous fro looking tip-top), below — some eco-friendly, and others that aren’t. We’re convinced her routine is a harmonious blend of everything one might possibly want from beauty: accessibility, affordability, and clean when feasible.
Tell us a bit about your morning routine: “It’s not pretty. I roll out of bed earlier than I want to be awake, walk to my son’s room, get his outfit for the day, and get him dressed. That’s before brushing my teeth or anything. My husband leaves the fashion up to me. He’s been asking me to dress him, too, for years, but I resist because I think he’s a hottie just the way he is. After my son gets dressed, I brush his teeth, comb his hair, put on his shoes, and get him out the door with his dad. Then, I usually put the kettle on for some tea and finally brush my teeth. Then, I meditate using the Headspace app while I drink my tea before starting the day ahead. If I have an early morning appointment, I’ll usually meditate on the train.”
Tabitha's Skincare
Burt's Bees Facial Cleanser
"I love this because it’s cream-based and easy on my skin."
Burt's Bees , $7
Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub
"I love the ethics of Lush and this lip scrub is made from all natural ingredients. It also tastes great!"
Lush , $11
Vera Moore Botanical Nova Complex
"I’m still on the hunt for a great facial moisturizer, but this one is light enough and doesn’t lead to breakouts, which I’m prone to."
Vera Moore , $35
Tell us a bit about your (AM) skincare routine: “I wash my face, put in my contact lenses, apply primer and then foundation, mascara, and lipstick. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll try eyeliner and eye shadow. I then spritz on a setting spray. Then, I moisturize my body. I can’t reach my feet at the moment due to being six months pregnant, so it’s quite a feat to get lotion all the way down.”
Tell us a bit about your makeup routine: “I use MAC products. I also wear primer and then layer on my makeup.”
Tabitha's Makeup
MAC Eyeshadow In ‘Mulch’
"I love neutral colors, so this works perfectly, is highly pigmented, and lasts all day."
MAC , $17
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF 15
"Makeup is the only area of my skincare that I don’t do eco because I’ve tried a zillion eco products and none of them work for my oily, combination, breakout-prone skin. It doesn’t matter how eco a product is, if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. And, I’m still on the hunt for makeup products that work well, look good on my black skin, and last all day. This foundation is the only one I’ve found that is a good fit for my skin and my lifestyle."
MAC , $30
Tell us a bit about your haircare: “I’ve been embracing my full fro for the past few months and it only comes alive when I put the least amount of product in it. I sleep with it out, so it gets a little matted and a little wilder, which I love. In the morning, before I step into the shower, I spritz a touch of water all over, put on a shower cap and then shower. Then I rub just a touch of Carol’s Daughter Hair moisturizer between my hands and scrunch it all over. I then use a pick to make my fro as big as possible. Wearing my natural hair is a declaration of freedom for me, as it’s politicized in certain spaces. My mother used to call my hair ‘wild’ growing up and not in a positive way, so I went through a period of trying to tame it. It’s been a real journey for me as a black woman to embrace my natural hair and wear it proudly.”
Tabitha's Body + Haircare
Dr. Woods Peppermint Castile Soap
"My husband is obsessed with this, so we buy it in bulk."
Dr. Woods , $12
OGX Quenching+ Coconut Curls Shampoo
"I’m very careful about the products I use in my hair especially since my last pregnancy."
OGX , $6
Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner
"I love that this is sulphate-free and has lots of natural ingredients."
Maui Moisture , $7
Tell us a bit about your body / beauty from the inside / wellness: “I try to eat healthy as much as I can. I’m craving lots of fruit which is high in sugar, so I am mindful of that, but I believe that we feed our souls from the inside and I know I feel better when I eat better.”
Tell us a bit about your (PM) skincare routine: “I wash my face, focusing on getting my mascara all the way off, pat my face dry, and then put on moisturizer.”
Biggest beauty secret/advice? “Drink lots of water. It really makes a difference.”
