Hey family, my name is Favor, formally known as Favor the Greatest. I’m currently based in Rochester, New York, but I'm originally from Fargo, North Dakota. I’m currently a music therapy student, I’ve been playing piano and percussion my whole life, but I also play a bit of guitar. Outside of music, I’ve been writing poetry for as long as I can remember (I’m hoping to publish a book one day!) and I also knit, draw, embroider, and study astrology. You can also follow me on instagram @favthegreatest <3
First thing you do when you wake up/go to bed?
I'm up at 6 almost every day and I can’t even lie, the first thing I do when I wake up is check my phone. I’m obsessed with emails, so I check those and answer them immediately (I literally can't help it, I have a Capricorn rising, I'm always about my business). After that, I make a list in my phone notes with everything I have to get done that day. I’m also a day showerer, so I have a whole morning routine. Phone, stretch, shower, skincare, drink a couple cups of water, make a coffee, etc etc.
My nighttime routine is much less intensive. Haircare, skincare, drink some water, listen to music, and draw on my iPad. Having a lowkey nighttime routine is necessary for me because by 7pm, I’m so tired that I can’t do an extensive routine.
Any ritual health/beauty/wellness routines or products?
I keep my routine pretty simple. The specific products I use changes all the time, but the ingredients stay the same. I have oily, but dehydrated skin that’s slowly balancing out, so I use products with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, AHA/BHA, and vitamin C. Right now, my skincare routine is a mix of Glossier and Good Molecules. I’m also loving Peace Out Skincare’s Dark Spot Patches. My favorite masks are Golde’s Clean Greens and Papaya Brightening masks. Makeup-wise, I don’t really wear any foundation or concealer (especially now with masks), but I always play up my eyes. I have these big, gold frames that take up 50% of my face, so I like to accent those by wearing bright and fun eyeliner. I have over 20 eyeliners and none of them are black - but like it's fine! I'm also into aromatherapy, I joke that my favorite smells are like sexy dirt. My favorite scent is sandalwood and the brand Boy Smells makes this sandalwood candle, St. Al, and I think it's the best candle I've ever bought.
Favorite feature(s) on yourself and why?
I love my legs, for sure I’ve got these long, muscular legs that look really look good in anything. I tend to base my outfits off the pants or skirts I plan to wear, so I’m glad that my legs are so versatile! I also really love my hands. Since I’m a musician, I use my hands a lot so I like to keep them looking put-together. My older brother actually got me into getting gel manicures, and now I love getting my nails done. I also decorate my hands with lots of gold rings and interesting nail art. It’s fun, yknow?
What is your cultural and/or ethnic background?
I’m Nigerian-American but I was born in Benin. My family came to the US when I was a few months old, so I obviously don’t remember anything. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown into my Nigerian identity. I’m trying to learn more about Nigerian history and the Eleme culture. It’s been a really comforting and validating process for me, even though my family makes fun of me for it.
How do your culture, ethnicity and identity intersect and affect your beauty preferences (or grievances)?
I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup growing up, so any makeup I wore had to be really simple. Even if I didn’t like my face all the time, I learned from an early age to make peace with my features and celebrate them through makeup. My mother also emphasized the importance of natural and moisturized skin and she’s always looked half her age, so I got my love of skincare from her.
If you were to create the perfect beauty/wellness product for yourself, what would it be?
I would want one serum that would unclog my pores, brighten my hyperpigmentation, and make me look like I'm always wearing blush.