How are you doing? In the UK we're at the end of the first week of lockdown in a bid to slow the progress of COVID-19, but in Milan, Italy, today's guest Tamu McPherson, has been indoors for over three weeks. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Tamu lived in New York for 23 years and has spent the past 15 in Milan, where she has built a huge following as a style influencer.

I've been working with Tamu for about a year, providing content for her site alltheprettybirds, and after seeing her share her experiences during lockdown, I thought she could shed some light on what it's like for the rest of the world. In the first in a series of #lockdown episodes, Tamu shares memories of finding her style via '90s influences such as acid house and dancehall culture. Despite the fact that Tamu's current signature look is a gorgeous TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro), she takes me back to her early hair experiments such as her first relaxer, and booking in for Dominican blowdries in New York. We talk about how her routine has changed since lockdown and she shares her advice on how to adjust and accept, and most of all, #stayhome. Follow Tamu on Instagram and be sure to check out @beautymepodcast as I'll be sharing a ton of '90s hair and beauty imagery!

Products mentioned:

Living Libations Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn: https://dutchhealthstore.com/product/best-skin-ever-seabuckthorn/
Sacred Rose Water Body Mist: http://www.sacredrosewater.com
Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Creme: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/tata-harper-illuminating-eye-cream.html
Julisis Gold Wash Day: https://www.newlondonpharmacy.com/products/julisis-gold-wash-day
Honieh Soft Cloud Face Cleanser: https://www.honiehbeauty.com/soft-cloud-face-cleanser-honieh.html
Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum: https://vintnersdaughter.com/products/active-botanical-serum
May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon Beauty Balm Concentrate: https://www.spacenk.com/uk/en_GB/skincare/moisturisers/night-moisturiser/the-blue-cocoon-beauty-balm-concentrate-MUK200022476.html

Link to Taye Hansberry's gel nail removal video: https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17893831477475504/

Look out for future #lockdown episodes - over the next couple of weeks I'll be doing two shows per week, in the hope that you'll find comfort and inspiration. Until then, do let me know when you're listening and tag me over on social! Thanks so much for each and every review and like. Stay safe, and sane.x