Vanity Break is an interview series where trailblazing women give a sneak peek into their beauty and wellness routines. Because taking care of yourself isn’t vain — it’s vital.
Emmy Award-winning meteorologist Somara Theodore caught my eye a few years ago on Instagram. At the time, she was a meteorologist in Cleveland. Up until that point, I had never seen a young, Black, female meteorologist. I quickly took notice of her work and have admired her since. I was even more excited when she moved to the DC area and became a meteorologist for NBC 4. Now I get to see her on my local news! Her weather expertise and bubbly personality shine through her forecasts and online content, which is why I couldn’t wait to feature her. Let’s get into Somara’s vanity break:
Walk me through your skincare routine.
I usually change products out based on what my skin needs at the time. My routine consists of a gel cleanser, but in the winter, I like to use cream cleansers. I always let my cleanser sit on my face for at least 60 seconds, and I use a warm, damp paper towel to wipe it off.
After that, I like to use a gentle exfoliant on my face, and I usually exfoliate once a week because I don’t want to irritate my skin or cause micro tears. After I finish cleansing my face, I take a non-alcoholic toner and wipe around my hairline to get any excess makeup or edge control off.
Then I put on my face moisturizer which is usually a cream-based solution followed up with Derma-E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. Finally, I put on my SDOT Beauty’s Day Serum [in the morning] and their night serum [before bed]. In the mornings, I finish with Black Girl Sunscreen, which is a product that I live by. I also sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent breakouts.
You have a gorgeous head of natural hair. What are your go-to products that you recommend for other naturals?
Mielle Organics Twisting Soufflé. I swear by this product. I have found that with type four hair, I don’t need a water-based gel to make my hair curly or take form, but rather a heavier cream-based product and this works wonders.
As a meteorologist for a prominent news outlet, you’re constantly in the spotlight. How do you stay committed to showing up as your authentic self every day — hair, beauty, and all?
I just stay true to being myself, and I think that translates to the viewers on television. As for my hair and makeup, yes, there are days when I’m very tired and wonder, “What am I gonna do with my hair today,” but you just give yourself some extra time to get the job done.
What are your top 3 tips for eating well and taking care of yourself, even when you’re busy?
I don’t take on more than I know I am capable of committing energy to. I don’t eat after 7:30PM on most days. I protect my energy at all costs, and I drink plenty of water. I find quiet time to meditate and relax.
You rep your Trinidadian heritage to the fullest. How has your culture influenced the way you live your life today?
It has definitely had a major impact on my diet, hair, and skin regimens. A lot of things that I grew up with and just thought were the norm have become fads, like turmeric facials or making sure your diet is big on lots of exotic fruits. Those are things that we normally eat for breakfast, and I feel like the island is so plentiful in foods that have great healing properties. This has just been the way I’ve lived my life from childhood. I really do value my culture, and I love sharing any helpful beauty tips or information that I have with others.
