Pinaman Owusu-Banahene is a senior advisor by day and by night, founder of Africa Fashion Festival.
In the lead up to the festival, the stylish Wellingtonian shares her beauty secrets and an insight into her own eclectic style.
FQ: Firstly, why fashion?
Pinaman: I love the creativity of fashion. You can really understand someone by what they wear and I love seeing what people are able to put together in Wellington. Also, the opportunities that fashion creates; it’s an opportunity for different worlds to collide.
Describe your personal style:
My day-to-day style is eclectic with lots of jewellery. My dress sense is dictated by my mood; I actually make more of an effort when I’m feeling a bit down!
What is your morning skincare routine?
The first thing I do is drink lots of water — especially in winter. Then I start by using Doctor Babor Cleansing Foam, it instantly wakes me up. Next I use Doctor Babor Ultimate Vitamin C Concentrate, then finish up with the Tailor Your Blend Moisturiser which I am trialing at the moment.
And at night?
I remove my makeup with unscented face wipes then use St Ives Green Tea Scrub to wash my face — it’s great for exfoliating and getting rid of any last bits of makeup. Next up is Bioelement Quick Refiner For Eyes – it smoothes the lines around the eyes and brightens as well which is amazing. The last product for my face is Tailor Renew Serum; it really feels good on my skin.
What’s your philosophy on beauty?
Less is more. Healthy skin is key.
As you are getting older, how has your attitude to your appearance changed?
It’s becoming more important for me to take care of my skin first. I invest more in skincare and spa treatments now. I’m more mindful of what my skin reacts well to and what it doesn’t. Plus, eating healthy and drinking lots of water and herbal tea.
What have you learnt about skin that you wish you had known when you were younger?
Sunscreen, sunscreen and sunscreen! Also leaving the pimples alone.
What’s the latest trick you’ve learnt that’s changed up your beauty game?
Lipstick! The bolder the better. Especially for looking more awake in the morning. Also, drinking heaps of water before bed and again in the morning.
What’s the product you tell everyone about?
Doctor Babor Vitamin C Booster Concentrate. And Bobbi Brown and NARS foundations — especially for people who have darker skin tones like me because they don’t make our skin look ashy.
Lipgloss, lipstick or lip balm?
Lip balm for hydration but lipstick every day!
Foundation: blending with fingers, sponge or brush?
Brush.
Nails: Standard polish or gel?
Standard polish.
What’s your guilty beauty splurge?
MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo lipstick.
Best supermarket beauty find?
St Ives face scrub.
* Africa Fashion Festival runs 21-22 July in Wellington. Tickets can be purchased from africafashionfestival.com/tickets. Designs from the festival are available to shop online at acollective.nz and in the Wellington pop-up store between 26 July and 6 August.
