Love Island may be known for its drama and romance, but for Olandria Carthen, the show was also a stage to showcase authenticity, resilience, and undeniable beauty.
The reality TV star is opening up about what it meant to be a Black woman navigating the spotlight and how she managed to look radiant under the pressures of the villa.
Carthen candidly shared that stepping onto reality television came with both excitement and challenges. “Being a Black woman on a show like Love Island means you’re often hyper-aware of how beauty is perceived,” she explained. “Sometimes the standard feels one-dimensional, but I wanted to show up as myself, fully and unapologetically.” Her words underscore the ongoing conversation about representation in reality TV, where diverse beauty often goes underappreciated.
Despite the scrutiny, Carthen’s on-screen glow didn’t go unnoticed, and she credits it to a mix of practical hacks and intentional self-care. One of her biggest secrets? Consistency. “I kept my routine simple but steady, hydration, SPF, and nourishing oils were my go-to,” she revealed. “I knew long filming days and constant sun exposure could take a toll, so protecting my skin was non-negotiable.”
When it came to hair, Carthen leaned on protective styles to balance both convenience and camera-ready looks. Box braids and sleek updos gave her the versatility to shine without constant manipulation. “Protective styles were lifesavers,” she admitted. “They allowed me to feel confident while keeping my hair healthy under all the heat and pool time.”
Makeup-wise, her philosophy was about enhancement rather than transformation. Lightweight foundations, highlighters for that extra glow, and a bold lip when she wanted to make a statement were her staples. “Less was more for me,” she said. “I wanted viewers to see me, not just the makeup.”
Carthen’s openness about her experience brings forward a larger truth: beauty standards are still evolving, and voices like hers are essential in pushing that evolution forward. For fans, her presence on the show was more than entertainment, it was representation, visibility, and affirmation.
With her honesty and down-to-earth beauty approach, Olandria Carthen reminds us that real glow comes from authenticity. Onscreen or off, her confidence is proof that self-love is the ultimate beauty hack.
