It is now a well-known fact that Lupita Nyong’o is no longer a mere Academy Award-winning actress. She is a cultural movement and we all need to get on board. If you’re like many of us, when you hear Nyong’o speak, or see her on the red carpet, or stalk her on Instagram (when you should be working, eating, or taking care of your small children) you’re asking yourself one thing: How can I do everything like this woman? Well, folks. We have a few ideas.
Believe In Yourself, Believe In Your Hair
Stop saying that you don’t know what to do with your hair! Lupita Nyong’o teaches us that there is always something new to do with your hair: rock a headband, rock a giant rose, rock a fade, rock a headband with a cardboard cutout of you rocking a headband.
Never, Ever Stop Smiling
Unless you find yourself being attacked by a cluster of butterflies in a New York Magazine photo shoot, keep smiling. Seriously. Between her Instagram page and her red carpet appearances, we have not seen her not smiling. Obviously, there was 12 Years A Slave, but you’re not Patsey. So keep smiling.
Embrace Your Own Unique Brand Of Beauty
Nyong’o has spoken out about growing up unable to see her own beauty, particularly distraught over having dark skin in a world where fair skin is idealized. Over time she has learned to embrace her own beauty and her confidence shines through at all times. More than the myriad dresses she wears, more than her gorgeous makeup, we see a woman whose sense of self overwhelms. It may be a cliché, but so much of beauty is dependent on confidence and if you’re going to start doing things like Nyong’o you better start there.
