On Beauty : Erin of @theesperanzamaria

Beauty means something different to everyone, and we’re on a quest to find out why. This week we profiled curly girl and blogger Erin of @theesperanzamaria — a certified badass and expert selfie-taker.

On Makeup…

When did you start wearing makeup?

I started wearing makeup behind my parents back when I was 14 but really got into foundation and all of that when I was 16/17. I’ve always been an athlete so makeup was never my thing because I’d end up sweating it off but getting into my high school years I wanted to try it out.

What was your first makeup product - would you still use it today?

The first ever makeup I wore was mascara by Covergirl! And yes I would definitely still use it today.

Fave makeup product right now?

My favorite make-up product right now is my contour stick from NYX Professional Makeup, it gives my cheek bones amazing definition!

You're about to board a plane, what's in your carry-on?

If I was about to board a plane: mascara, my eyebrow pencil, concealer and highlighter would be in my carry-on hands down! I can do without foundation and all the extra stuff, but I need my eyebrows and eyelashes to be poppin’ — the highlight just adds some extra slay to my nude look.

The one product you can't live without?

The one makeup product I can’t live without is mascara; without it I look like I have no eyelashes (haha).

Your beauty philosophy in eight words or less.

My beauty philosophy is: Slay whatever look you provide the world with!

On Hair...

Tell us a little bit about your hair? Is it your baby or just a thing on top of your head?

My hair is my baby 100%; a lot of my self care is done when I do my hair. I love to take a day and cater to my hair and myself by just relaxing, deep conditioning and doing my twist-out. I definitely protect my hair a all costs from rain, heat, and anything toxic or damaging to be honest.

What’s your go-to product?

My go to product is Jojoba Oil Deep Conditioner by Eden Body Works. It’s like revival/heaven in a container!

What’s your relationship with your hair? Has it always been your fave or has it been hard to love?

My relationship with my hair has definitely be a love/hate relationship on so many different occasions. Prior to going natural I did my own relaxers and trimmed my own hair (which I still do) and it was just always a hassle to do. I used to be obsessed with cutting my hair and always wanted to add color or something to it. But I would also always have lazy days with my hair. When I would wear it straight it would just be in a side part or up in a bun or slicked back, no versatility no nothing. Now that I really take care of my hair I love every inch of it, it can still be a lot to handle and take a good amount of time to maintain but it’s so worth it. My hair is so healthy and feels amazing. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Hair fear?

My hair fear is weird actually. I’m deathly afraid of being on a hike or walking through the woods and a spider or some sort of bug getting caught in my hair and me not finding it until it’s crawling on me. I know it’s odd but it really does frighten me, I’m constantly shaking my hair to make sure there is nothing caught in it haha!

What’s your maintenance routine?
My maintenance routine is pretty simple, I do my Twist Out once a week which includes a co-wash, ACV rinse (if necessary), deep condition, then I detangle with a leave-in, apply a twist or curl cream and seal it with an oil. Then to maintain it throughout the week I wear it in a pineapple when going to bed and refresh my curls with an oil in the morning. I also do scalp massages for about 5 minutes 3x a week!

How does your hair impact the way you view yourself? Does it make you feel more confident or beautiful?

My hair does not define who I am. Yes, it is a part of me and has become a big part of my brand but if I didn’t have my hair I’d still be me. Hair doesn’t provide beauty or confidence to anyone, that comes from within. My hair is an addition to my beauty for sure but I will always love myself with or without it.

Craziest hair story (wild dye job, crazy undercut, etc.)

Sophomore year of college I cut my hair into a bob all the way up to my jawline. My hair was super damaged and I just got scissor happy and kept getting it cut off. That’s about as crazy as it gets for me thank goodness.