Here at The Cosmopolitan 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 radio host and presenter of I’m a Celebrity Unpacked!, Kemi Rodgers.
What does Black beauty mean to you?
Everyone’s clicking on…
To me, it means confidence. Being at peace with yourself, inside and out. You can see those people that seem to radiate beauty and it’s not about what products they are wearing, they seem to ooze a confidence – if they could bottle it up, I would buy it!
Favourite skin/beauty treatment?
The occasional facial, and I mean occasional! My last one was a year ago, and I think it’s a lovely luxury treat for yourself when things can get so busy.
An hour with no phones, eyes closed and spa music blasting while lovely products and steam are wafting all over your face… It’s nice having someone take care of you for a while and you come out feeling so zen. The only work you have to do is try and not think about those unread emails.
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Any recs for places for aesthetic procedures?
I feel like such a novice when it comes to procedures – I have been recommended salmon sperm injections from a couple of people now but haven’t been brave enough. I’ll let you know my verdict if I take the plunge! I’ve also been flirting with the idea of an LED light mask but I have spent so much time on TikTok watching conflicting reviews, I could’ve just got one and had smoother skin by now – I am so indecisive!
What’s your wash-day routine?
So, if I’m not being lazy, i’ll go for a pre-shampoo treatment – either Olaplex No. 3 or Philip Kingsley Elasticizer – and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes to fix my damaged and dry curls. I’ve been pretty inconsistent with my shampoo and conditioner but recently I’ve been enjoying Redken Acidic Bonding Shampoo and Conditioner; my hair seems to be responding to it really well. On the odd occasion I’ll swap in some K18, which my hair loves, then I will pop in a moisturising leave in treatment, pop my hair in plaits and enjoy the rest of my cosy night in.
Go-to hair salon?
I’ve recently just visited a brand new salon, as my indecisiveness has had me traipsing all over for a decent cut. I have always loved my curly cut from Cuttlefish Eco Salon in Lewes (they also have a branch in Brighton), but I’ve recently had a lovely cut and colour from Texture Hair Salon in Brixton. Those guys know everything there is to know about all sorts of curls!
Kemi Rodgers
Have you had any bad hair experiences and if so, how did that feel?
Christ yes, and it still horrifies me to this day! I got a haircut and the hairdresser took off so much more than I had wanted, so I had the shortest little bob and I hated it so much. I never let on, when she asked me what I thought I said “yeah love it” and as soon as I left I burst into tears! Whenever I get a haircut (which is rare) I always mention that experience so they don’t take too much off… even if they think I should have a big chop.
Skincare product you can’t live without?
Cera Ve Moisturising Cream. It is my holy grail; I won’t put any other moisturiser on my body. It’s so big and heavy it takes up a lot of my weight restriction when I travel because I refuse to buy moisturiser on the go! When I find a product I love, I am loyal.
Body treatment you love?
I’m so late to the game but I’ve recently been converted to body oil. I’m currently using the Palmers body oil or classic baby oil, post shower, skin damp, and just lather it all in, giving myself a mini lymphatic massage – or whatever I think a lymphatic massage is, I have zero knowledge or qualifications!
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Your biggest beauty splurge?
Skin Rocks The Moisturiser – it’s pretty pricey at £58 but I was recommended it by someone in Space NK so I gave it a go and it really does make my skin feel so silky – I love it, but I wish I loved a cheaper moisturiser as much!
Skin Rocks The Moisturiser
Cheapest beauty obsession?
Blistex lip balm – I think I’ve converted about 5 people that I know to it, it is the best of the best – I need my lips to be moisturised and nothing else I’ve tried cuts it. If I see it I will buy like six at a time, I have a fear of running out. I have one in each bag!
Makeup mishap memories?
I remember one morning I came downstairs for school, my mum took one look at me and sent me straight upstairs to take my makeup off as I was practically orange. My foundation that didn’t quite suit my skin tone, purple eyeshadow, black eyeliner – yep, a strong look. No wonder she sent me to wash it off!
Your makeup bag wouldn’t be the same without…
Bronzer – always Bobbi Brown – I discovered it in university, and when I’m on holiday or feeling lazy but want a little bit of makeup, I’ll whack on some of that, mascara and gloss and be on my merry way!
Kemi hosts I’m a Celebrity Unpacked! on ITV alongside her own show on Capital, 10-1pm Monday-Thursday.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo’s Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
