ON BEAUTY

Words: Kelly Fung + Kholeka Kumalo | Images: Mathahle Stofile

Mathahle Stofile has long been on a journey to help Black women fall in love with their skin. As a former beauty editor, consultant and founder of The Matte Project, her consultancy that focuses on Black beauty and wellness, we’ve come to know, love and trust her expertise when it comes to living in healthy skin, just as much as her community. “We recommend only what we love, stuff that we ourselves would happily spend money on,” goes her brand's page. “Your trust is everything to us, so we’ll never lie to you.” She gets our vote. And even though the first thing she does every morning is look at her phone (“I know, terrible,” she admits), there’s a whole lot more that goes into her winter skincare – day, night and everything in between. Have you seen her skin? So, who better to turn to for some solid winter skincare tips.

How would you describe your typical beauty routine?

I always make sure my skin is properly cleansed and moisturised daily. Anything in-between and after that is purely based on mood and occasion. I believe in serums and have several for whatever my skin calls for. I also wear sunscreen just about everyday.

What’s the best beauty advice you’ve ever received? 

Clean your face properly and change your pillowcase more regularly than you think.

Do you switch up your skincare routine in winter? 

Yes, mainly my treatment products. I like hydration-packed serums, while in summer I’m more concerned with treating dark marks and discolouration. I usually go for thicker and oilier moisturisers in winter, and I also think I’m gentler on my skin. I just treat it better – I don’t know why. 

Any product or look you want to try soon? 

I’m looking for the perfect day cream. Relocating from the highveld to the coast has been great for my skin and hair. It also means changing some of my regular products and my current moisturiser is definitely too heavy for the climate here.

What’s big in skincare now – hair or makeup?

I have no idea what the trends are but I am always a fan of healthy, glowing skin and a well-dressed lip: regular and safe exfoliation, nourishing serums, sunscreen and lipstick.

Is there one product you keep buying over and over?

The original Eight Hour Cream is the first beauty product I ever bought religiously and introduced so many of my friends and family to in the early 2000s. We used it as a highlighter before highlighters were such a thing and it’s the lip balm our boyfriends used to steal. To this day, it’s a regular in my bag.

What’s the one item that everyone should have in their kit?

A serum to address a targeted need for your skin.

What were some of your favourite finds on Superbalist? 

1. A concealer, because it’s so much easier to wear daily than foundation.
2. A serum. It’s the best investment you can make for your skin outside of sunscreen, professional treatments or staying indoors for life.
3. Eight Hour x Olimpia Zagnoli Lip Protectant Stick SPF 15 Cabernet. Lipstick is still the fastest confidence booster for me, so even during lockdown, if I have to jump on a work call – video or not – I swipe on a lip colour. 
4. A tiered dress. Winter or summer, I’m most comfortable in dresses. This one is so simple and comfortable because of the length and flow of it. I’m happy to work, cook, dance around, play with the kids and take walks in it. It’s perfect.
5. A cardigan. The afternoons always get nippy, so I usually need a knit nearby. And it’s also useful for when one of my kids runs in for a snuggle.

Your top 5 skincare tips?

1. Wear sunscreen every single day.
2. Double cleanse in the evenings to remove all grime and makeup. It’s also great for rebalancing your skin, if it’s oily.
3. Never pop a pimple yourself – let a professional do it.
4. Invest in a good serum for your skin’s needs.
5. Exfoliate at least once a week.

And your top five makeup tips?

1. If it doesn’t make you happy it’s probably not worth it.
2. If it makes you happy, go for it!
3. You probably need more than one shade of foundation.
4. Your makeup will only look as good as the condition of your skin, so take care of that first.
5. You can wear lipstick, no matter the size of your lips or the tone of your skin.