The new black

'Ever since a school bully told me that I wasn't "properly black" because I didn't have big enough lips, I've concentrated on making my lips look as full and as big as possible.'

The new black

Hannah Pool:Spots have never been much of a problem, but, like many women (black and white) I do suffer from greasy skin around my nose and forehead. This makes the said areas shine rather more than I'd like, and I end up looking like I've just stepped out of a chip shop.

The new black

Hannah Pool: Hair has always been as much of an identity issue for black men as it has for black women. But instead of wondering whether or not to relax their hair, black men are pondering the long and short of it.

The new black

Hannah Pool: If there is one beauty product I consider a necessity, it has to be Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula. Look in the bathroom of any self-respecting black woman and you'll see the distinctive brown and orange logo.

The new black

'When talking to other black women, hair is never far from the conversation. We're either bemoaning the latest black celebrity to get theirs straightened, or agonising over what messages we're sending out ourselves.'

The new black

My skin goes darker in summer, so it's time to start looking for a new face powder.