Win with Iman Cosmetics

We caught up with gorgeous Iman (54-going-on-34!) at the Table Bay Hotel during her visit to South Africa for the official launch of Iman Cosmetics (visit a Stuttafords near you to experience the brand first hand.)

Q: How do the beauty needs of women of colour differ from those of Caucasian women and how does Iman Cosmetics address those concerns?

A: ‘For me the most important thing, the holy grail, and a problem for women of colour is finding a foundation and powder true to our skin tone. The industry has so many brands that cater to Caucasian women. If a brand has 12 colours for white women and they wish to branch into the black market, they usually just make an extension of a few darker shades but the formulation remains the same. Different skin tones need different formulations to achieve the best results. With the same formulation, you can only get so dark.

The key work here is ‘undertones’ and knowing what undertones are in a dark skin. For example most foundations for Caucasian skins have a pink undertone, whereas those for women of colour will be yellow or red. We understand that. That’s the difference between our brand and their brands, from day one.

Skincare is also vital. The thing to remember is that different skin types have different problems and different needs. My skin is more oily whereas yours is perhaps drier. My biggest problem as I age will be hyper-pigmentation, and yours will be wrinkles. The needs are different. Skincare is an investment! And it takes a lot of years for women to see a change, unlike with a cosmetic where, when you put it on you see immediate change.’

Q: What is your best makeup advice to women of colour in South Africa?

A: ‘My best advice for women is to realise that they are no set rules. You are the ruler and you must pick and choose what you want, with the help of trained experts. We will advise you, but you need to know what you want to achieve.  Walk up to the cosmetic counter and tell us, ‘I want this, how do I get it?’

A lot of people get intimidated at a department store, especially if they don’t know exactly what they are looking for. We speak a different language; the customer is god and knows what she wants; we can show her what’s new and what to experiment with. Make-up is the easiest way to enhance your beauty and we want to make every women look the best she can be.

The second thing I really want women to be aware of is that sun care is very important. Iman products have a SPF of 15. That is important, regardless of where you are from or how dark you are. Everyone needs protection because the sun does not discriminate.’

Q: Are Iman beauty products suitable for all skin types and tones?

A: ‘I want women to get past the notion that Iman Cosmetics are only for black women. They’re not. They’re for Indian women, Middle Eastern women, mixed races, Latinas, Hispanics and even Orientals. Miss South Africa wears our foundation – she wears Clay 5 – and that is not even the lightest colour. We have even lighter than that. This brand is for all skin of colour. It’s not about ethnic backgrounds, it’s purely about skin tone.’

Q: What is your biggest beauty trend for Spring?

A: ‘Relaxed glamour. We’re looking at lip stains rather than lipsticks; a hint of colour rather than too much. We see a trend at the moment where people are incorporating small touches of colour into their wardrobe and make-up and that’s what we want to achieve. Just light, minimum make-up, a subtle flush of colour. It makes everyone look healthier.

And of course, even just foundation without lip gloss, mascara or anything! With the right foundation your skin looks better than ever – that’s the power of foundation. Just by finding your foundation and knowing it by name you’ll be able to ask for it and that in itself gives you self-confidence. We don’t want to transform you into someone else, but rather to make you think when you look in that mirror, ‘Wow, this is the best I’ve ever looked’.’

WIN one of three personally signed copies of Iman's book, The Beauty of Color (valued at R500 each), by telling us why you need it.

Competition ends Wednesday 14th April, 2010.