As Celeste O’Connor steps into the blood-chilling world of Scream 7, they’re also embracing a far more personal evolution. As the Kenyan-born actor reflects on redefining beauty beyond assimilation, leaning into natural hair and skin-barrier care, they are also unapologetically proving that true confidence is not about perfection.
Evolving Beauty
“Like many young women consuming media in a capitalist culture, I once equated beauty with perfection—how close I could get to whiteness, how straight my hair could be, how seamlessly I could blend in with the popular girls at school. Beauty felt small, contained, polite. It meant being pleasant and nonthreatening.
As I’ve grown, and as I’ve gotten to know myself more deeply, my definition has shifted. Today, beauty is authenticity. It’s the connection I cultivate with myself through awareness and mindfulness. It’s noticing a feeling or desire and asking, How can I honor this? Or, if it doesn’t require action, How can I gently tend to it?
The relationship I’m building with myself is what I now find beautiful. And while it’s challenging because we aren’t taught how to nurture that inner connection, it’s also freeing. My understanding of beauty has moved from assimilation to authenticity.”
Inner Confidence
“For me, authenticity and self-confidence begin with genuine self-care. There’s a lot of conversation around self-care right now and it’s often framed as indulgence: bubble baths, face masks, shopping sprees. But sometimes, self-care is far less glamorous. It’s doing the laundry, going to bed early, filling out healthcare paperwork.
When I consistently show up for myself in those practical, sometimes unromantic ways, I build trust with myself, and that trust becomes confidence.”
Sacred Rituals
“When I take care of myself—truly take care of myself—I feel beautiful. If I’ve slept well, cooked a nourishing meal, meditated, or processed my emotions, I feel supported by myself. I feel seen.
That sense of internal care radiates outward. Beauty, for me, isn’t just aesthetic. It’s the byproduct of tending to my well-being.”
Skin Essentials
As someone who has struggled with eczema and acne, I gravitate toward lightweight, gentle products that respect my skin barrier. I’m a longtime fan of La Roche-Posay and CeraVe because they’re dependable and soothing.
I also love products from Laneige, which I was introduced to through my friend Sydney Sweeney. My routine is all about hydration and calm; I keep things simple and supportive.”
Natural Power
As I’ve explored my identity more fully, expressing myself through my natural hair has become deeply meaningful, moving away from wanting to assimilate and toward asking,‘Who am I?’ and ‘What do I want to say?’ has been transformative. My fiancée, Mecca McDonald, has been a huge inspiration. She approaches hair with such creativity and intention, and she’s taught me so much about care and expression. My advice? Lean on your community. Especially for Black women, hair is a communal ritual. Play, experiment and learn alongside the women who inspire and uplift you. Expression feels safer and more joyful when it’s shared.”
Creative Play
“I prioritize experimentation, play and creativity over trends. When I shift my focus from what’s cool to what excites me, I feel empowered. That shift has changed everything. Beauty becomes less about keeping up and more about expressing what’s alive inside you.”
Style Vision
“Fashion is one of my favorite forms of self-expression, and my stylist Jason Rembert plays a major role in that journey. Recently, he brought the most dramatic, bold, unforgettable look for an event… and I got intimidated. I wondered if I should tone it down. Instead, he reminded me never to shrink my vision to make others comfortable. That moment stayed with me. Creative collaborators who encourage you to push boundaries and trust your instincts are invaluable.”
Beauty Muses
“Mecca has inspired me profoundly. She’s deeply connected to herself— authentic, expressive, playful. Watching her experiment with hair and makeup has encouraged me to do the same.
I’m also inspired by Janelle Monáe. She’s fearless in how she expresses her sexuality and uses beauty and fashion almost as performance art. So often, public figures aim for conventional beauty. I admire those who embrace extravagance, character and individuality alongside it.”
Self-Love Manifesto
“I feel strongly about not toning yourself down. Don’t shrink your vision, your desires or your beauty to make others comfortable. Women, especially, are taught to minimize themselves. I hope my work, and my collaborations, encourage people to take up space fully and unapologetically.”
Forever Favorites
“If I could only use three beauty products for the rest of my life, it would have to be my blush from Chanel, foundation from Kosas, and a sparkly, colorful eyeshadow palette from Pat McGrath Labs. A little flush, luminous skin and something bold on the eyes—that’s all I need.”
