It has been said time and time again: what you allow onto (and into) your skin matters — through the topical treatments you choose, the foods you consume daily, the number of times you wake up with a hangover, etc. There exists a group of women who are well-versed in dissecting ingredient lists, with the keen ability to separate carcinogens from fillers and everything in between. Our editors can be found on either end of the spectrum, with some more leaning towards clean beauty than others. After all, selecting products to fill precious space on bathroom shelves is a deeply personal process, involving so much more than the argument of natural versus chemical. For some, functionality — read: a product that works — is the only aspect that matters. For others, simplicity is key. The endless combinations that eventually evolve (and continue to expand) into one’s preferred routine is precisely why we love to talk beauty shop in the first place, and the reason why our Skin Milk series was born.
We already knew Nneka Ibeachbuchi was cool (be sure to check out her full interview here if you don’t believe us). Nneka’s appeal is effortless. But, in a world of FaceTune and Kardashian-inspired fillers, what sets the freelance model apart has to be her uncomplicated approach to beauty. “I only use natural products on my skin and body, or naturally infused products,” she told Bleu. You won’t find ingredients you can’t pronounce or the latest and greatest in fussy tools on her list, either. Opting to reach for things that work best for her oil-prone and sensitive skin, Nneka’s “it” list is pretty straightforward and compiled of items you can pick up at most any local beauty store (think: Ulta, Target, Walgreens), often ringing in at a wallet-friendly price, too, which is greatly appreciated.
Tell us a bit about your morning routine. “It’s the same every day. I have oily, sensitive skin, so I prefer to use natural products — nothing too harsh. I wash my face with Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap and warm water (warm water is great to wash your face in the morning, as it awakens your skin). Then, I rinse my face and pat it dry. I use apple cider vinegar as my toner. I dilute the vinegar with water to balance out my pH levels, let it dry, and then I cut a part of my aloe vera plant and rub the gel all over my face and let it air dry. I use my Dr. Bronner’s lotion to moisturize and Ambi Fade Spot Cream to finish.”
Shop Nneka's Skincare
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Tea Tree Soap
"I use this product for my face and body. It’s an organic, vegan product and I love it."
Dr. Bronner's , $16
Succulents Online Aloe Vera Plant
"I use this on both my face and hair. It's also great as a toner, and keeps my skin hydrated. It gives you healthy, strong hair."
Succulents Online , $15
Dr. Bronner's Organic Hand & Body Lotion
"I really use this for a face moisturizer, as it’s not heavy on the skin."
Dr. Bronner's , $10
Tell us a bit about your makeup. “I always go for a natural face, but beat: foundation, concealer, light contour, and lashes, sometimes.”
Shop Nneka's Makeup
L.A. Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation
"This is the only foundation I have used that doesn’t actually break me out."
L.A. Girl , $9
L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer
"This is my favorite concealer! It’s full coverage on dark circles."
L.A. Girl , $5
Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara
"This makes me looks like I have false lashes. It’s so good!"
Marc Jacobs , $26
Urban Decay All-Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
"This is one of my favorite makeup products to use because I have such oily skin that this setting spray gives me an all-day hold without touch-ups."
Urban Decay , $32
Tell us about your haircare. “[Laughs] I pick out what wig I want to wear for the day and go.”
Tell us a bit about your body and beauty routine from the inside out. “It’s like I eat healthy without even trying to eat healthy. [Laughs] 85% of the time, I consume healthy food and snacks. I’m also not a fan of prescribed medication. I only do herbs and natural remedies because I feel like that’s a part of the reason they were put on this earth. I take daily vitamins, ride my bike, and meditate a lot which keeps me happy.”
Shop Nneka's Remedies
Vitamin Code Raw-B Complex
"I take this supplement as a daily vitamin, and for other natural remedies."
Vitamin Code , $26
Tell us about your nightly routine. “I love doing a mask with the St. Ives Scrub for 10 minutes. I then rinse it off, wash my face with my Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap, and then use my apple cider vinegar as a toner. I’ll let that dry and then I use my aloe plant gel again. I go to sleep with that on. Then, I wake up and do it all over again.”
Biggest beauty secret/advice? “Stop picking your face people! If you have a tiny pimple on your face, let it be. It will eventually go away on its own and leave no dark spots behind.”
