The Lineup is a monthly series where we're giving you an inside peek at the beauty lineups of cool fashion people, editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, and estheticians—all the people we trust the most. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at all the can't-live-without products that make their worlds go round.
When I was a kid, I fell into the trap of believing there was such a thing as "perfect skin." It was all I saw in magazines and on TV, and I began to think that if I just used "miracle" products, I could have flawless skin, too. Olamide Olowe, the founder of skincare brand Topicals, felt the same way. The only difference between us? Olowe actually set out to change the skincare industry and founded Topicals with the intention of shifting peoples' perspectives about their skin.
"I grew up with chronic skin conditions and always felt left out of the fun parts of beauty and skincare. There were so many brands that I loved but couldn't really use because the products didn't serve my skincare needs," says Olowe. "I would watch YouTube videos and try to make skin and haircare concoctions in search of a cure-all product." While there's no such thing as one cure-all product, Olowe ultimately decided to launch her own brand with products that would serve her needs and the needs of many others who felt ignored by the skincare industry. "I love how beauty acts as a point of connection and friendship," she says.
"Perfect skin" isn't the goal of Topicals. In fact, the brand upholds the belief that perfect skin doesn't exist. But it does strive to formulate products with the most effective ingredients. Before any product launches, it's tested by a team of dermatologists for approval. "You don't need 12+ products to achieve real results. The philosophy behind my line has always been around creating targeted solutions that help simplify your routine while also delivering results," explains Olowe.
What I love most about Topicals is the narrative it's creating. The brand is making it easier for those with chronic skin conditions like acne to feel more confident in their skin. With Topicals's fun branding, its community engagement, and its commitment to phrases like, "You make skin look good, not the other way around," it's hard not to feel good about yourself. Since Olowe loves how beauty acts as a point of connection, I knew she wouldn't mind sharing 11 of her must-have products for feeling good in her skin. Keep scrolling for her picks.
"I love the Glossier Cleanser Concentrate because it's gentle yet exfoliating. I use it three times a week, and it helps energize my skin with very little product. It leaves my skin feeling silky and soft with a very gentle formula. The ingredients are all derived from plant extracts, and it's also vegan. This product is my go-to cleanser and a must-have for my skincare routine."
"I created the Topicals Faded body mist specifically for those hard-to-reach places that can be difficult to accommodate with the serum. It's a useful product to help care and soothe skin all over your body in a mist form. The Faded mist is a multi-tasking product that helps fade the look of dark spots and skin texture from acne on the back, butt, and chest. I use it two times a week for optimal results, and I can't imagine my bodycare routine without it."
"I'm a huge fan of the Dieux Skin Forever eye masks because they always leave my skin feeling glowy and hydrated. These patches are also reusable, which is a major bonus. They're a sustainable option that eliminates unnecessary waste and a high-quality product that maintains moisture and leaves my skin prepped every single time. Eye masks are such a fun part of skincare and self-care, so I love that Dieux made these patches to celebrate under-eye care in a very appealing and trendy manner."
"I'm a strong advocate for wearing SPF and building it into your daily routine. The Kinfield Daily Dew sunscreen is my favorite because it doesn't leave a white cast, and that's super important to me. Plus, it's a mineral sunscreen and good for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It's also vegan and has recyclable packaging."
"My favorite exfoliant product is the Nécessaire Body Exfoliator because it leaves my skin feeling so smooth. It's gentle enough that it doesn't irritate my skin, and the formula is great for a simple scrub. It was created for sensitive skin and works as a multi-functional bodycare product."
"I consistently use the Topicals Like Butter mask as an overnight hydrating treatment in my nighttime routine. It's a personal must-have for the dryer months (especially living in Southern California) to maintain a healthy glow. When I launched Topicals, I knew it was a priority for us to create products that are beneficial for all skin types and conditions."
"I love using the Olaplex shampoo because I know that the ingredients are carefully selected to maintain color-treated hair and treat damage. I dye my hair ginger on a regular basis, so maintaining, hydrating, and nourishing my hair is the most important part of my haircare routine."
"One of the best hair and scalp products that I live by is the Bread Beauty Supply mud mask because it's detoxifying without stripping the moisture from my hair. It's the perfect formula for a pre-wash treatment that makes my hair shine and works for all hair types and textures. Bread Beauty does an amazing job of formulating its clean products. This mud mask works well with my other treatments to provide optimal hydration."
"Another go-to treatment I love is the guava leave-in conditioner from Ceremonia because it smells so good and provides deep hydration and repair for my hair. It's another great example of a clean beauty product that works overtime for deep conditioning at a great price point. Ceremonia does a great job of formulating antioxidants and using intentional ingredients to maximize hydration and shine."
"I love the Ami Cole skin tint because it feels and looks like my natural skin but appears dewier. It's the perfect simple enhancement for light but consistent coverage. The shade range is very inclusive, which makes it much easier to find the right product for my skin. The rich and clean formula of the skin tint makes it such an amazing product that compliments my skin tone and complexion effortlessly."
"My go-to is the Sephora concealer because it's not only affordable but it doesn't leave a ghost-like cast, which can be difficult to find. It has a creamy but lightweight formula that doesn't leave a cakey appearance. I love the natural glow it gives my skin, and it's a must-have on my beauty list."
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