laura kariuki
We have a sweet beauty/style profile on the loveliest and talented Laura Kariuki. She returns to us for a quick catch up and photo diary spotlighting her ever evolving personal style sporting some vintage finds, glowy skin and fresh burgundy braids. Laura believes feeling good on the inside translates to feeling good on the outside. She is bare goals. So scroll on down!
“ I have been going through a bit of a style transformation within the past year. I turned 25, so I feel like I have really begun to step into my womanhood. Wearing things that I look, and more importantly, feel good in has been my mantra. I have never really been able to put a word to describe my style cause I was just never sure, but I recently read an article (watched a few tiktoks) that used the term “tomboy femme” and I think that describes my current personal style pretty accurately. I’m not someone who really enjoys wearing dresses or skirts, but I still want to have that feminine silhouette. Big pants/little top and little pants/big top are my go tos. I tend to wear a lot of basics, but accessorize with things that I find make the outfit more interesting - whether that be in a fun earring, fun shoe, fun purse, fun makeup look, etc. ”
“ I absolutely loooooved wearing the fur and jewels. I’ve been obsessed with the look of long fur coats, and have been on the hunt for the perfect one (faux or vintage) - so I got to live out the fantasy. I also rarely wear a ton of rings or bracelet stacks, but they were stunning. I felt so girly and luxurious.”
“ I love to thrift and especially recently, finding good quality pieces that will last forever has been a big priority for me. Spring of 2023 I was on the hunt for a classic brown leather jacket for weeks, and I frequent the Grand Bazaar on the UWS - there are always amazing pieces; One day I got lucky and found this jacket and I’m obsessed with it.”
“ I loved the more masculine silhouette of the overcoat with the structured shoulders, but then the velvet collar added a lovely feminine touch.”
“As previously mentioned, I have been going through a bit of a style transformation within the past year. Finding pieces within my closet that are flattering, and make me feel good while wearing them has been so fun and rewarding. Bearing in mind that not every trend is going to be right for me and that is a-okay! Some days I feel the best in a baggy t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers and other days I feel best in a sleek matching set and knee high boots - ya never know what it’ll be. With my hair, I love braids. Getting them done in different colors is such a fun way to express myself and in it of itself is an accessory. I’m currently loving the burgundy. ”
“ I do believe that feeling good on the inside translates to feeling good on the outside; taking vitamins, staying hydrated, eating healthy(ish) makes a difference in my skin/outward appearance for sure. That sounds like such an annoying answer, but it is so true for me! Another thing is not wearing makeup/heavy makeup everyday. Whenever I am on a set, makeup is caked on to my face all day, and that can take a toll on my skin. Being able to let it breathe as often as I can is necessary. And obviously, I still love a beat face - so having a solid skincare routine is imperative. Staying exfoliated and moisturized! Also I’ve never touched my eyebrows, which has been a gift.”
Laura’s top 5 Bare Essentials
1 - I have dry skin, so being moisturized is key; Number one is my face moisturizer, Farmacy Honey Halo Moisturizer and body butter, Fenty Beauty Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream. I am obsessed with these two products. So rich and moisturizing.
2 - Green tea with honey and lemon in the morning. Super high in antioxidants, a great kick start for my day. Doesn't taste amazing, but ya know, it's doing amazing things.
3 - Yoga Sculpt at CorePower. I am not a girlie who can just go to the gym with nothing but vibes - I need direction. It is such a good/hard workout, the teachers rock, I actually look forward to going to class, and afterwards I feel awesome (mentally and physically). Big slay.
4 - Maison Margiela Replica perfume in the scent Bubble Bath; My favorite scent ever. It's light and inviting and I wanna take a bath in it - pun intended.
5 - Blush!! It's without a doubt my favorite part of my makeup routine. I love Makeup by Mario's Soft Pop Blush Sticks, Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Liquid Blushes, Elf's Putty Bushes and I always top them off with a powder blush; my current fave is Juvia's Place.
Photos/Makeup: Tina Turnbow using Ogee
Laura wears her own clothing and vintage from Cure Thrift
Styling: Liz Wolff
Shot at Cure Thrift NYC
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
