Thuso Mbedu staying focussed on the goal

ACTRESS THUSO MBEDU ROSE TO FAME FOR HER PERFORMANCE IN THE TEEN DRAMA SERIES IS’THUNZI FOR WHICH SHE WAS NOMINATED FOR AN INTERNATIONAL EMMY IN 2017 AND 2018 BUT IT WAS HER ROLE IN THE WOMAN KING THAT MADE THE INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE NOTICE HER. THUSO SPOKE TO INBOUND SA ABOUT HER BEAUTY ROUTINE.

You wanted to become a dermatologist because you had bad skin as a teenager. Today, you are the L’Oréal Paris Sub-Saharan Ambassador, recently a judge at Miss SA and a Hollywood actress. What would you say to your younger self now that you have accomplished such amazing things?
Stay focused on the goal! Life will present you with challenges but those are there just to strengthen you. Hold on to your ‘why’ with everything in you! You are going to have to fight for it and the strength you will gain from that will keep you going.

Teenagers seemed to be obsessed with how celebrities look on social media. What advice would you give them?
Don’t become obsessed. All of that stuff is fleeting and what speaks for you is your work ethic and how you speak to people.

Beauty is…?
…You. You are beauty.

As a skincare ambassador, it takes dedication to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. You seem to pull it off well. What is your beauty routine in the morning?

I wash my face and then apply glycolic bright serum, filler anti-wrinkle 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid serum and filler serum. I then apply filler replumping SPF 50 day cream.

What is the one product you can’t live without?
I love a lip balm and if I want to take it up a notch, I use the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in- Lipstick.

In your job as ambassador, what beauty tip shocked you most?
That we also have to take care of our necks the same way we take care of our faces.

You have been known to be an inspiration to many young women, not only in South Africa but around the globe. Who inspires you?
Viola Davis. (Viola Davis is an American actress and producer, and one of the few performers to have been awarded an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. She is also the sole African American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting.)

Was there a defining moment in your life that put you on your career path?
Yes, at age 16, I was exposed to acting and drama and made the decision to pursue that instead of dermatology.

What drives you?
Purpose

What is your motto with regards to defining and achieving success?
Pursue excellence!

What do you feel are your biggest achievement thus far?
All my major milestones are significant achievements for me, and it would be hard to just pick one.

Any favourite Hollywood actors you can’t wait to work with?
Denzel Washington.

You are now based in LA. But the American cuisine differs from South Africa. What foods do you miss the most?
Braai meat, especially wors!

Do you prepare SA delicacies in LA for yourself and if so, what?
Nope. Because that would require me cooking!

What is something your audience would be surprised to find out about you?
I am an introvert.

What do you still want to accomplish in life?
A lot of things, I wouldn’t know where to start.

Thuso’s faves!

• Your perfect day: Water activities in the morning and then sleeping in the rest of the afternoon.
• Favourite city or town: Seoul
• Favourite activity or hobby: Quad biking and jet skiing.
• Favourite food: Shatini (a spicy tomato relish) and lamb chops.
• Guilty pleasure: K-Dramas

Beauty tips with Thuso

1. What is a must-have skincare product every woman should have? Sunblock

2. Botox. Yay or nay? Nay