Denise Eseimokumoh

Ag. Managing Editor

Dear Reader,

Welcome to our inaugural Beauty Issue – a deep dive into the very soul of African beauty, a reclamation whispered through generations and now spoken with a confident voice. This is more than a collection of images; it is a tender yet radical celebration of the myriad forms in which our beauty manifests, a testament to the enduring strength and artistry of African women and women of African descent.

Within these articles, we journey beyond the narrow confines of imposed ideals, embracing the rich tapestry of heritage features, the sacred wisdom of ancestral rituals, the vibrant language of cultural adornment, and the profound power of self-defined standards. We consciously turn our gaze away from the long-dominant Eurocentric lens, illuminating instead the intricate politics, the deep spirituality, and the inherent power that reside within our unique expressions of identity.

For us, beauty is not a superficial veneer; it is a living embodiment of our history, our resilience, and our connection to something ancient and sacred. In my own Ijaw heritage, we understand this intimately, knowing the divine as Woyengi, the beautiful, fierce woman who co-creates our destinies with us. This understanding infuses our very being, reminding us that the source of creation is inherently beautiful, and so too are we.

From the stories etched onto our skin and the resilience that nourishes our spirit, to the intricate artistry of our hair that speaks volumes of our history and the healing traditions passed down through generations, this issue champions both the everyday and the extraordinary. We share the intimate rituals that ground us, the cherished products that connect us to our heritage, the compelling narratives that shape our understanding, and the profound philosophies that guide our self-care.

This Beauty Issue is an invitation to a homecoming – to critically examine the external pressures that may have shaped our perceptions, to honour the deep wellspring of African beauty that resides within us, and to redefine what it truly means to be beautiful, not as a fleeting trend, but as a powerful and enduring act of self-love and cultural pride.

Thank you for embarking on this profound and beautiful journey with us.

In a world often fixated on fleeting trends and superficial aesthetics, Temi Otedola offers a refreshing and deeply resonant perspective on beauty. More than just an image, for Temi, beauty is an evolving journey of self-discovery, cultural pride, and authentic empowerment. Our debut Beauty Issue tells a story of how she’s redefining what it truly means to be beautiful, not just for herself, but for a generation, encouraging African women to critically examine our own perceptions of beauty and consider the external pressures that may have shaped them. In doing so, they can learn to approach beauty holistically, as a rich, vibrant embodiment that sits far beneath the surface.

The whispers of shade: Navigating the complexities of colourism and bleaching

In a society where skin tone often dictates one’s worth, some women turn to bleaching as a response to colourism and the pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards.

Beauty comes from authenticity – Valerie Obaze on ethical beauty, African Skincare and building R&R skincare her way

Leading a transformative wave in African beauty, visionary women like Valerie Obaze of R&R Skincare are building global brands rooted in heritage, quality, and sustainability.

Curves, cheekbones, and everything in between: Celebrating the diverse beauty of African women

Beauty knows no borders, and neither do African women – a celebration of diversity and poise.

My Beauty Confession: I don’t have wide hips… but I still hope they grow someday

From chasing trends to finally embracing her body on her own terms, her beauty confession is raw and honest.