Skincare is a complex industry that often leaves Black women feeling lost and uncertain. As the originator of the “glazed donut” method, Tiara Willis has been a trusted voice in the beauty space for years, providing accurate guidance and knowledge to those seeking to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
The Early Days of Makeup for WOC
Willis began her platform as a 14-year-old makeup enthusiast, creating a space for women of color where representation was lacking. Her since-retired platform, “Makeup for WOC,” garnered a large following by providing a space for makeup information, honest product swatches, tutorials, and in-real-life services.
- As a makeup enthusiast, Willis expanded her love for makeup to include skincare, realizing the combined importance of the two in influencing overall results.
- She turned to esthetician school to learn about the science behind skincare products and best maintenance practices.
- Willis became an expert in melanated skin due to the lack of pointed education provided in esthetician school.
A Passion for Melanated Skin
Willis noticed a gradual shift in social media’s skincare interests and began sharing the knowledge she learned along the way. She shared effective solutions for hyperpigmentation, acne, and other conditions many Black women experience. This fueled her interest in becoming an accessible esthetician and educator.
“My focus is empowering people, specifically Black women, with accessible skincare knowledge, and to create content that bridges the gap between professional treatment and at-home care,” she shares.
Partnerships and Education
Willis has partnered with Naturium to provide consumers with a Tiara-approved glowing skin routine. She continues to champion accessible, inclusive, and effective products and methods.
| Key Partnerships | Programs/Initiatives |
|---|---|
| Naturium | Tiara-approved glowing skin routine |
| EsSENCE | Interview and expert insights |
Expert Advice
We caught up with Tiara Willis to learn more about how to navigate skincare treatments, spring skincare tips, and what products she’s currently using.
- What should clients really know about the skincare industry?
- How can clients, particularly Black clients, tell whether their esthetician is right for them?
- What makes for a solid spring skin care routine?
- What about a spring body care routine?
- The products she’s loving right now
- What is something she wishes people would do more or less of with their skincare?
Client Relationships
What should clients really know about the skincare industry?
A lot of institutions don’t consider Black people, because they don’t know how to treat them. There is a misconception that Black people can’t or don’t do laser treatments.
The reason spas say this is because they don’t offer it for skin of color. They don’t want to invest in the proper laser, so they lie. The spa you go to is very important because people will say that they can’t offer services for us, or it’s just completely not allowed when it’s not true, they just refuse to invest in treatments for us, which then impacts the clients they have.
How can clients, particularly Black clients, tell whether their esthetician is right for them?
She asks clients to repeatedly ask about services for skin of color, and depending on their response and how confident they sound, she thinks that would be an alarm: “Is this a person that I would consider working with? Is this a person I would trust with my skin?”
She emphasizes the importance of having an esthetician who can be both confident in treating clients of diverse skin types and cautious not to cause damage.
What makes for a solid spring skin care routine?
It’s very common for the skin to undergo changes with seasonal changes. In many regions, spring weather can fluctuate between cold and dry to warm and slightly humid. These shifts can have a significant impact on the skin barrier, often leading to irritation, dryness, or breakouts. Spring allergies can also cause increased sensitivity and inflammation.
During this time of year, it’s essential to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed. A solid foundation always includes three core steps: a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer suited to your skin type, and daily sunscreen.
What about a spring body care routine?
Many of the same principles that apply to spring facial skincare also apply to body care. As we transition out of the dry winter months, the skin barrier on the body needs support. It’s essential to use gentle, non-stripping body cleansers that maintain moisture.
After showering, while the skin is still damp, apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration. Spring is also when sun exposure increases. Sunscreen should be applied to any exposed areas like arms, chest, and legs, especially if you’re exfoliating or using active ingredients like AHAs.
The products she’s loving right now
Willis has been trying to incorporate more hypochlorous, which is a gentle way of treating skin while decreasing inflammation. She’s been loving Magic Molecule and Tower 28’s Spray. It helps for almost everybody, but especially for irritated skin. She really likes the Clinique Moisture Surge; the technology is pretty advanced.
A classic for her is always the CeraVe Healing Ointment because it really helps lock in moisture. She appreciates the research behind over-the-counter or drugstore products, such as Medical grade or professional skincare.
What is something she wishes people would do more or less of with their skincare?
Willis reminds people to be more wary of what they buy online, especially on TikTok Shop. Always research the company that’s selling the product. It is so easy to market dodgy products, especially if someone with a platform is pushing it.
She emphasizes the importance of considering the source when it comes to skincare information or products.
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