When it comes to luxury beauty, Dana Oliver’s expertise is second to none. As Beauty Director at Yahoo Lifestyle, she covers beauty news, features and interviews celebrities and influencers within the beauty vertical. Her video series “Full Coverage With Dana Oliver,” highlights the latest in editor-approved beauty products to make you feel and look your absolute best. Dana has also been an advocate for diversity and inclusion and recently participated in an Inclusive Beauty Talk with Barney’s New York. I’m excited to share a piece of her journey with you below.
Have you always been into beauty? At what age did it become evident?
My earliest beauty memory is watching my mother apply Fashion Fair foundation — everything from the powder pink compact to the creamy brown texture of the makeup is imprinted on my mind. I also fondly recall my grandmother’s favorite perfume, Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds. Seeing how the women I love most incorporated beauty into their daily routine definitely intrigued me. But it wasn’t until I was a preteen and started experimenting with my own hair, rocking braided hairstyles inspired by Brandy that my love for beauty really blossomed. I love how my attitude changed and confidence grew with every box braids, micro braids appointment.
If you could only use 3 skincare products, which ones would you recommend?
I swear by sunscreen and strongly recommend applying a facial sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. One of my current favorite is by Black Girl Sunscreen — I love how it doesn’t leave a white cast on my dark complexion.
I am also a HUGE fan of SK-II Facial Essence Treatment. The texture of my skin is much smoother and overall clearer since making this a part of my skincare regimen.
Now that I am a mom, I get way less sleep than I’d like to. So I keep dark under-eye circles at bay by smoothing on OLEHENRIKSEN Banana Bright Eye Crème. This product also makes for a moisturizing prep before applying any eye makeup.
What’s the best beauty hack you’ve come across?
After painting my nails, I like to give them a quick ice water bath to help set the polish and get them to dry quicker.
What’s your favorite quote and why?
My favorite quote is actually a Bible verse that my late grandmother would always reference to uplift me:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
Most people don’t know that I actually live in Philadelphia. Even though I work in New York City, my home (for now) is Philly. As a child, I spent my summers there with my nana and then I attended undergrad at Temple University. While living in NYC was an experience I’ll never forget, I returned to Philadelphia because it’s where I fell in love and started my family.
Get more insider beauty tips & tricks on Dana’s IG + find out more about her work in the beauty industry here.