From his top skincare tip to the inside scoop on Rihanna’s regime, aesthetician Sean Garrette reveals what you need to know
Let’s start at the beginning: how did you get involved in working with the brand?
I was so excited when Fenty Skin approached me to be considered as a brand ambassador. I really respected what Rihanna had created with Fenty Beauty and how she gave a voice to a much-needed movement of inclusivity in the beauty industry, so I was intrigued to find out more about her skincare brand. After learning about her skincare philosophy, the products she created – why and how – not only was I impressed, but I also really related to the brand and the clean, uncomplicated, effective products. It was a no-brainer to join her in this mission of delivering healthy-looking, beautiful skin to all – it’s already what I preach to my clients and followers.
How important do you think great packaging is for products?
Packaging sets a nice tone for the brand’s sense of thoughtfulness and consideration for everything it stands for and delivers. Fenty Skin does a great job with being transparent about its measures to be earth-conscious – such as eliminating outer boxes and using refillable packaging where possible. Ultimately, though, it comes down to the ingredients, and to the experience and results they deliver.
Let's talk about Total Cleans’r – why is it so great, who is it good for and any top tips for using it?
Total Cleans’r has quickly become one of my favourite cleansers. It’s a 2-in-1 make-up remover and cleanser that effortlessly removes make-up and impurities from skin. I have dry/combo skin that tends to dry out easily, but I love this because it deeply cleanses and removes make-up without stripping and drying skin. I love to spend a few minutes at night massaging it in – it helps me unwind after a long day.
Moving on to the toner – Fat Water. Why is it called that and what does it do?
This is more than just an average toner. It has the power of a toner and serum in one. It helps to brighten, smooth, fight shine and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It’s called Fat Water because it has a unique, thick texture that instantly sinks into skin. After cleansing, apply to palms and press over your face – no cotton pad needed.
Rihanna has been praised for launching an SPF. What would your message be to anyone not using SPF regularly?
Almost 90% of my job is preaching to my clients and followers about the importance of sun protection. Sunscreen is absolutely non-negotiable and is essential in every skincare routine, so it was extremely important to Rihanna to offer an SPF that works for all skin tones – which is Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF30 (50ml). There has been a myth for decades about Black people not needing to wear sunscreen – that’s absolutely false! Sunscreen helps protect your skin from the harmful UV rays that can cause damage, accelerate premature ageing, and exacerbate hyperpigmentation and dark spots*. Hydra Vizor is super lightweight and leaves skin with a beautiful, glowing finish. It’s also formulated with one of my favourite ingredients, niacinamide, which helps reduce the appearance of pores, dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
What is Rihanna’s skin like?
Fenty Skin is a reflection of Rihanna’s experiences. She has amazing skin now but, like most of us, has had a personal skin journey. She created Fenty Skin with the intention of sharing everything she’d learned over the years and – most importantly – what she wishes she’d known when she was first starting out in skincare. Rihanna has shared that she has experienced hyperpigmentation and breakouts and has sensitive skin, which is why she tries and tests everything personally! Fenty Skin was made with even those who have sensitive skin in mind.
Is she really diligent with her skincare regime?
Rihanna developed the Fenty Skin Start’r routines to have three simple steps because she believes that consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Rihanna really saw results when she started using all three products together consistently and made each product really sensorial, with rich textures and clean scents inspired by the products’ ingredients, so that you’d love the entire experience.
What do you think a good skincare routine should look like?
My approach to skin is always to keep things concise and as uncomplicated as possible. Because there are so many products, ingredients and treatments on the market, people tend to get confused and overwhelmed with their skincare routines. As an aesthetician, I always preach to my clients about keeping their routine simple and focusing on products and ingredients that target their specific issues and concerns.
What’s the one piece of skincare advice you would give everyone, regardless of skin type and skin colour?
My number one skincare tip is to wear sunscreen every single day! It’s so important for people to know that using proper sun protection is NOT just for the summer, or when you’re only out at the pool or the beach, or just for people with fairer skin tones. EVERYONE needs to wear sunscreen every single day.*
