There's something about HBCU Homecoming.
The music. The bands. The Divine Nine. The tailgates. The old friends who somehow look exactly the same, even though we know better. And, of course, the fashion.
Homecoming has never been just an event. It's a runway, a reunion and a celebration of who we are.
And baby, if the outfit is going to give, the skin has to come with it.
I love seeing us show up for Homecoming season at every age. We're wearing the boots, the denim, the school colors, the statement jackets and, yes, sometimes the heels we probably should have left at home.
But great style doesn't stop at the clothes. Beautiful, healthy-looking skin is part of the look.
At IKNOW Skincare, we call that skin fashion.
Your Skin Is Your First Accessory
Before the sunglasses. Before the bag. Before the jewelry.
There's your skin.
And at this stage of life, I'm not interested in trying to make my skin look 25. I want it to look healthy, hydrated, smooth and cared for right now.
That's what pro-aging means to me.
Age happens.™ And I believe we should enjoy every beautiful year that comes with it.
Homecoming is the perfect reminder. We get to return to the places that helped shape us, reconnect with people who knew us when and celebrate the women we've become.
Those years deserve to be worn proudly.
Friday: The Welcome-Back Face
You know Friday night is when everybody is checking everybody out.
Start with clean, hydrated skin and keep the makeup fresh. This is not necessarily the night for seventeen layers of everything. Let your skin do some of the work.
Cleanse with Feels Great Foaming Face Cleanser or give your complexion a little extra polish with Me First Plum Enzyme Powder Cleanser.
Follow with Glow Booster+ Vitamin C & E Serum to help bring that fresh, luminous look we want before the makeup even starts.
Then get dressed and go find your people.
Saturday: The Yard Is the Runway
Now, this is the main event.
You've planned the outfit. You know which jacket you're wearing. You've checked the weather twelve times. And somebody in the group chat is still asking, "What are we wearing?"
Meanwhile, your skin needs a plan too.
Start with Eyes Matter Smoothing Under-Eye Serum. Homecoming weekend may have you staying up a little later than usual, but your eyes don't have to tell everybody what time you went to bed. Give that delicate under-eye area some attention before the makeup, the pictures and the all-day festivities begin.
Then comes one of my favorite Homecoming accessories: the sunglasses.
Oversized. Cat-eye. Tortoiseshell. School-color frames. Whatever your style, put them on and give a little attitude.
But remember, those fabulous shades may cover your eyes. They don't replace caring for the skin around them.
Eyes Matter + statement sunglasses? That's skin fashion.
And if you're going to be outside for the game, tailgate, step show or simply walking the yard, SPF is not optional.
Yes, Black skin needs sunscreen.
Apply Very Necessary SPF 40 Moisturizing Cream before you head out and remember that sun protection is part of your skincare wardrobe, even when the temperatures start dropping.
Now add the great lip, the statement shades and your HBCU colors.
You're ready for the yard.
Saturday Night: Take the Day Off
I know what happens after a long Homecoming Saturday.
You get back to the hotel, sit on the edge of the bed and suddenly removing your makeup feels like a major life decision.
Take. It. Off.
Your skin has spent the day under makeup, sunscreen and whatever the weather decided to do. Give it some attention before you go to sleep.
Cleanse thoroughly, then bring in your nighttime skincare.
This is where Night Cap Retinol Cream and R4 Hydrating Night Time Cream can become part of your evening ritual.
R4 is about exactly what its name promises: rest. restore. renew. revitalize.
Because while you sleep, your skincare can still be working.
Sunday: Give Them Effortless
By Sunday, we're not doing too much.
We're giving brunch. Sunglasses. Great coat. Comfortable shoes. Hydrated skin.
A few drops of Cellular Retreat 100% Pure & Natural Plum Oil can help give skin that soft, nourished finish that looks beautiful without trying too hard.
Add Eyes Matter one more time before those Sunday shades go on. After a full Homecoming weekend, consider it a little extra love for the eyes that have seen old friends, late nights, plenty of pictures and maybe a little more Homecoming than you planned.
And if somebody tells you that you look good?
Say thank you.
Do not explain.
The Best Thing You Can Wear Homecoming Weekend
Here's what I know after all these years: confidence looks different when you've earned it.
When we were younger, Homecoming might have been about being seen. Now, there's something beautiful about returning knowing exactly who you are.
We know what works for our bodies.
We know what works for our skin.
We know which shoes are coming off by 9:30.
And hopefully, we've learned that beauty was never about looking younger. It's about looking and feeling like the best version of the woman you are today.
So wear the outfit.
Take the pictures.
Walk the yard.
Laugh too loudly.
Find your classmates.
Dance when the band plays your song.
And take care of that beautiful skin while you're doing it.
Because Homecoming may only happen once a year, but good skin is always in season.
If You Know, You Glow. Because Age Happens.™
Germaine Bolds-Leftridge
Founder, IKNOW Skincare
