When AJ Odudu spills her beauty secrets you listen up
If you're au fait with Cosmo's Black Beauty Hub, you know that this is a no gatekeeping zone. We aren't about hiding product gems or filtering over the trickier aspects of navigating the world of beauty as a person of colour. We're about testing the best of beauty for you and getting recommendations from fellow beauty lovers, diving head first into their skincare shelfie, makeup stash and wash day rituals.
Recently we caught up with presenter and TV's most versatile hair queen, AJ Odudu, for a quick chat about all things beauty...
What are your beauty non-negotiables?
Lip balm and moisturiser are my beauty non-negotiables. If my skin feels dry I literally can't focus. Sol de Janeiro’s Delicia Drench Body Butter has been amazing at giving me that summer glow lately.
Any beauty and health tips you picked up from your family?
Back in the day, I used to use the big family size tub of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter that we (my siblings and I) would all share and occasionally my mum’s Oil of Olay face moisturiser. While there’s a big range of products in my beauty cupboard now, I would say the lessons have always been around keeping it simple and sticking to a daily routine.
What are your favourite beauty treatments?
It has to be a facial. I don’t have them often, but when I do it’s a real treat. I especially love having one after a long flight when my skin is most dehydrated. Hydrafacial and Sturm Glow facials are my favourite.
Your go-to beauty products?
There are so many amazing beauty products that I can’t get enough of. For hair, Olaplex is the one, but I do love using KeraCare and Dizziak too. Plantmade also has an amazing hair oil called inches and it’s amazing on my scalp if it's a little dry.
I can’t wait to finally try some FENTY hair but for now I will continue using the FENTY gloss bombs. I also can’t get enough of MAC’s ‘chestnut’ lip pencil and the ‘spiked’ eyebrow styler – it’s a perfect match for me. I also love YSL’s Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara and Lancôme’s Lash Idol Mascara. My go-to eyeshadow palettes would have to be either Urban Decay, Huda Beauty and Pat McGrath.
I am also obsessed with Dr. Sturm’s whole range, especially their Enzyme Cleanser. I love Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist and Brazilian Bum Bum Cream; both are gorgeous on my skin and smell great. Sunday Riley’s Brightening Serum and Lancôme’s Advanced Genifique Serum are real gems too.
Shop AJ's beauty picks here
Who are your beauty icons?
I absolutely LOVE how playful Rihanna is. She’s always been experimental with her make-up and hair, and it reminds me that there are no set rules when it comes to beauty. You can have fun and express yourself in so many ways.
I’ve also always admired the simplicity and beauty of Sade’s glam and Lauryn Hill in particular, had a huge impact on me growing up. Flawless skin makeup with a juicy brown lippy.
What are your thoughts on ‘Black don’t crack?’ Do you think it’s harmful, or true or nuanced…
For my sake, I hope it’s true! Joking aside, ageing is such a privilege and how we do so is unique to all of us. It should be celebrated whether it's cracking or not.
Can you tell us your wash day routine?
My wash day routine is very simple. I normally start by taking out my braids and doing two deep washes. I am currently using Olaplex no.4 shampoo and their matching conditioner. After that, I will usually finish off by blow-drying my hair out. When I was younger I felt like my Afro hair was such a chore but now that I know myself and my hair I realise it's not! The time taken to look after my locks is time well spent.
How do you manage your hair and beauty routine around working out?
Because of my work in television, I wear a lot of wigs as a protective style. As a result, my hair is often braided into cornrows, and I tend to keep it like that whilst working out. If my hair has been pressed, I simply wrap on a headscarf and that usually keeps the edges from curling whilst working out.
Finally, what does ‘beauty’ mean to you?
Beauty to me means feeling good in your own skin. There’s nothing more beautiful than someone who is confident and owning the things that make them unique.
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