Yan Cosmetics, a melange of Windrush and yardie vibes
Yanique Burton is a proud mum to three beautiful girls, a registered nurse specialising in haemodialysis in the UK, and a beauty buff.
“My passion has long been beauty and cosmetics…No matter what field I pursue, I always find myself drawn to something beauty-related. In fact, I love experimenting with make-up , and I love helping others feel confident while enhancing their true beauty,” she shares with Tuesday Style Dryer (TSD).
Her passion has led to Yan Cosmetics London, a business that offers top-quality lipsticks and lip products which are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. “Our aim is to provide beauty and creativity to all via our exceptional beauty items. Our products are rich in vitamins C and E and also contain aloe vera which stimulates the skin to produce collagen elastin fibres making the skin less wrinkled,” she adds.
Burton who was born and raised in Jamaica with firm roots in the parish of Saint Elizabeth, explains the genesis of her name Yanique:
“Yanique has both French and Greek roots, and is commonly used in Jamaica where it holds a special meaning. It [Yanique] is believed to represent the goddess of beauty. The name is derived from the French word ‘yan’, which means ‘beautiful,’ implying that the bearer of the name embodies beauty. This association with beauty has also been reflected in the brand name Beautiful Cosmetics London, where the essence of beauty is encapsulated in the products offered.
“I was deeply inspired by the rich cultural mix of 1960s Britain and the vibrant energy of the early years of Jamaican dancehall and, too, the story of my grandparents, who were part of the Windrush generation and shared stories of settling in Dulwich and navigating life in a new country. My grandmother’s tales of shopping in the UK painted a picture of a bold and adventurous spirit that I sought to capture in my collection.
“Additionally, my father’s involvement in owning and operating a dancehall in Jamaica exposed me to the lively and expressive world of dancehall culture.
“The bright bold colours and self-expression of the women at the dancehall resonated with me, leading me to focus on various shades of red in my designs. Names like Spring Cherry, for example were influenced by the popular Eric Donaldson’s song
Cherry Oh! Baby,” which my dad and I used to listen to frequently. Additionally, names like Candy Peechie were inspired by common Jamaican nicknames, adding a touch of local culture to the shades I selected.
“These names evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to the music and traditions of Jamaica, making them even more special to me.
“In Jamaica, our motto is ‘Out of Many One People,’ I want individuals of all ethnic groups to feel a connection to my brand and know that the creator is someone who understands their experiences. I want people of all backgrounds to wear my products and feel confident and relatable, especially as a mother myself.”
Burton’s dream is to see her brand placed alongside the big names in cosmetics. “I would love to see my work displayed in some of the top stores across the UK and Jamaica and for the brand to reach its full potential, “ she tells TSD
Yan Cosmetics
Website: www.yancosmetics.co.uk
Instagram: @yancosmeticsldn
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winner.
Here’s how you can win.
Answer this easy question: Where in Jamaica is Yanique Burton from?
Affix the correct answer to today’s copy of Tuesday Style found only in the Jamaica Observer.
Place in an envelope with your name and contact information and drop off at the Jamaica Observer, 40-421/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5