What’s your earliest memory of wearing or seeing lipstick? 

Cliché, but my earliest memory wearing or seeing lipstick was definitely my mother! African women adorn themselves with gold, silks, fragrance and, of course, makeup to match. I remember the era my mother would match her lipstick to her clothes. I wouldn’t go back, but iconic if you ask me.  

What’s your signature shade, if you have one? Why that one? 

To say a red lip is my signature shade would not be entirely true. Similar to my mother, I love for my makeup to match the tones and hues of what I’m wearing. Of all the shades, I do appreciate a cherry-blue red with a bit of gloss on top. This is, of course, coupled with red blush to match. 

If we peeked into your bag, how many lipsticks would we find? 

Considering this is a safe space, this answer depends on the bag & occasion. If I am attending an event or out to dinner, generally I only carry my lip combo for that moment. My travel purse is a completely different situation—I would have one that stains, something glossy, something matte, and a natural, hydrating formula that prioritizes healthy ingredients for my lips.  

Has your taste in lipstick shades changed over the years? 

My tastes in lipsticks have most definitely matured over the years. I would have never worn red, brown or purple in the past, but now I see lipstick as a means of expressing myself. I never thought of fashion as independent of my beauty looks, but I did limit myself to focus on eye makeup. I’m having so much fun exploring more within the realm of lip looks.