Keshia East: My Little Black Beauty Book

Here at The Cosmo Black Beauty Hub we absolutely do not gatekeep, so when we get a chance to quiz some of our favourite Black women about their go-to beauty products tips and treatments we don't hold back– after all, that's how our Little Black Beauty Book Franchise was born. All the tea on our favourite star's life in beauty, served hot.

This week we caught up with haircare founder and celebrity makeup artist, Keshia East...

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty is about confidence and embracing who you truly are, celebrating individuality and authenticity. I feel most beautiful fully embracing my naturally curly hair.

What’s your favourite skin treatment?

A Hydrafacial is my absolute favourite beauty treatment. It gives my skin a deep cleanse, exfoliation and hydration all in one session. I try to book one every three months to keep my skin in its best condition.

Any cosmetic procedure recommendations?

I highly recommend laser hair removal. Pulse Light Clinic in London and Manchester is fantastic for hair removal. I also recommend microblading if, like me, you’re fed up with drawing on your brows. Nez Hasan, who is in London, is an expert I trust, thanks to her experience with darker skin tones.

What’s your wash-day routine?

Wash days are my little ritual of self-care. After years of struggling with them growing up, I’ve turned the experience into something relaxing and enjoyable. I start with Kurl Kitchen’s Black Soap Shampoo and I always deep condition – my current favourite is the K18 Leave-In Mask. After styling, I air-dry whenever I have time to minimise heat damage and keep my curls healthy.

Do you have a go-to salon or hairdresser?

I discovered Hair by Trina, based in London, four years ago and haven’t looked back since. She truly understands how to cut curly hair.

The skincare product you can’t live without?

SPF is a non-negotiable for me. I love the CeraVe AM Moisturising Lotion with SPF 50 because it’s lightweight, leaves no white cast and gives my skin the protection it needs. If it’s not SPF 50, I’m not interested.

What’s a body treatment that you love?

A full-body sugar scrub followed by a deep moisturiser is my favourite combo. Luxury for my skin and soul. I love The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub, followed by the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream.

What’s been your biggest beauty splurge?

The Dyson Supersonic Nural blow-dryer with a diffuser attachment. It’s a total game-changer. My favourite feature is how it remembers your settings based on the attachment, so you’re good to go every time.

And your most affordable beauty obsession?

Carmex lip balm. It’s a classic and costs under 5ドル.