Just when we thought a pair of certain hyper-elusive sisters had a monopoly on the whole stylish twin thing, our Internet worlds more or less got turned upside down. See? We told you daily digital procrastination was totally useful.
It all started when we found ourselves trawling Vogue.com (as we're kind of wont to do) and were introduced to Urban Bush Babes (more on that later) EIC Cipriana Quann. Oh, and then again a few weeks later when Cipriana and her twin TK (who goes by TK Wonder and works as an electronic music singer, BTW) became pretty much ubiquitous among street style spreads during fashion week. But don't worry guys: in the event that you, too, have been obsessing over the Baltimore-born identical twins with the mile-high mounds of braids, we've totally got this. While in NYC, we met up with the girls to talk their beauty signatures (think bare skin, well-groomed brows and a bright lip), "NYC's finest tap water" and this little thing called coconut oil. Heard of it?
...on the importance of starting off the day on the right, Saint Laurent-clad foot:
Cipriana: "I start off with brushing away lovely morning breath with Tom's toothpaste, then proceed to wash my face with Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile soap. After blotting my face semi-dry, I apply a half dime size amount of Nature's Way's 100% Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to moisturize. Then, my daily ritual using my trusty favorites; L'Oreal Waterproof Mascara, L'Oreal Glam Bronze Loose Powder, L'Oreal's True Match Super Blendable Powder and & Other Stories lipstick, a new found love."
TK: "[My morning beauty routine consists of] H20, soap, concealer and mascara. New York City’s finest tap water, Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap, & Other Stories concealer and L’Oreal mascara."
...on their go-tos for transitioning from day to night:
Cipriana: "I would say a bold brow. I can't escape my thick brows, so naturally they are conveniently there to stick around for my nights out on the town."
TK: "Definitely, definitely, definitely a bold lip! I prefer red tones, dark to light or shades of pink."
...Cipriana on the inspiration for Urban Bush Babes:
"I co-Founded UrbanBushBabes.com with my friend, Nikisha Brunson, because we wanted to create a platform for women, specifically women of color to feel comfortable in being or becoming their true self. A place they could feel free to color outside the lines, breaking down and redefining what 'ideal beauty' means [to them], and feel safe in expressing all aspects of their lifestyle regarding hair, fashion, health, beauty, music, film, arts and culture, et cetera. A melting pot of what it means to be you."
...on how blogging's impact on Cipriana's personal style:
"Great question! My sister and I joke about this all the time. I love fashion so it is not a burden to play dress up everyday. On the flip side, there are my mornings when I go to the gym, and am thinking, 'I bet I'll run into someone I know, who will see me in all of my morning glory.'"
...on what resonates most with UBB readers:
"Our readership is pretty evenly spread among whatever topic, interview or individual we choose to cover, only because our audience is interested more in our voice or opinions. Whatever I choose to write or share is not taken lightly since I value my readers time and support. "
...on embracing natural hair:
Cipriana: "Well, I always believe 'natural' is a state that starts within. For some hair is just hair, but for many 'naturals', the progression of becoming natural was a life journey of changing their own views of what 'ideal beauty' means and looks like. Natural is not only regarding aesthetics, but a confidence that comes from within. So for me, the number one tip that surpasses any product is confidence and love of your natural hair."
TK: "Protective styles and moisturizing are key ingredients. In particular with moisturizing, I use a blend of oils, consisting of coconut, jojoba, rosemary and olive oil. The oils are applied after water is applied to the strands of my hair, water being the most imperative moisturizing ingredient."
...on the one beauty product they can't live without & fall beauty go-tos:
Cipriana: "Lipstick, lipstick, lipstick! Well only one lipstick, but you get my point."
TK: "L’Oreal mascara."
...on the 5 beauty products they'd recommend you start stashing in your make-up bag:
Cipriana: "Natural moisturizer, mascara, sunscreen, breath mints, concealer or powder. [My fall essentials are] a red lipstick from & Other Stories, coconut oil (as make-up remover) and nail polish."
TK: "Water, greens, protein, fruit and confidence. Beauty begins with what you eat and is created from the inside out, literally and figuratively, so fuel that body with nutritious products. [My fall essentials are] a burgundy or berry lip color, moisturizing lip balm and cake eye liner."
