Amandla Stenberg Did Their Own Box Braids Like a Pro in This Makeup Tutorial For Vogue

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It's no secret that Amandla Stenberg is a hair chameleon — they've proven time and time again that they can pull off any style, from braided bobs and twists to natural curls in various shades and colorful box braids. In a new beauty tutorial for Vogue, The Hate U Give actor revealed they had recently learned how to do their own box braids while in quarantine and walked us through every step, in addition to showing their simple skin-care and makeup routine.

"I've been trying to figure out a braid look that feels kind of gender neutral, but still femme," Stenberg said, as they parted their hair into a triangle-inspired part. After two and a half to three hours of sectioning their hair, Stenberg then undid their bantu knots and moisturized their hair with DevaCurl's Supercream Coconut Curl Styler ($28). They then applied Cantu's Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel ($4) to keep everything sealed, and then looped their kanekalon around each sectioned piece to braid.

"You can express yourself in so many different ways through individuals and through braids."

While braiding, the actor and activist talked about their journey experimenting with braids. Back when they were in high school, their best friend gave Stenberg long silver braids and it "changed [their] whole life." "I think there's just something so beautiful about the versatility of individuals and how you can really decide what color you want to have," they said. "You can express yourself in so many different ways through individuals and through braids."

As for their skin care, the Everything, Everything star kept things fairly simple. After plunging their face in ice-cold water, they reached for easy-to-use products like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15), CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($12, originally $14), and Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($8).

Stenberg then moved on to their makeup, using products like Milk Makeup's Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 ($42) and Milk Makeup's Holographic Stick ($18, originally $28) for a "glazed doughnut" vibe. "Ya'll are getting the real basic rundown. This is like the, 'Aight, I'm headed out the house,'" they said, as they swiped on a quick smoky eye using Alima Pure's Natural Definition Eye Pencil ($24) and their fingertips. After applying ECO Style Gel ($3, originally $7) for their edges onto their brows instead and using a hairbrush to brush them out, the actor completed the look with L'Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara ($9), Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm ($3, originally $4), and Sunnies Face Lip Dip in Obsessed ($17).

Watch the full video above to see Stenberg's box braid tutorial, and to learn how they achieve that foolproof smoky eye and sun-kissed glow.