L
ike many mom pals,
Raina Lewis (above left)
and Ilka Selby were
brought together by
their kids. Chatting
three years ago at a Manhattan casting
call (Raina’s son and Ilka’s daughter,
both 10, are models), the pair
discovered that they lived just a block
apart in Brooklyn, and their friendship
fate was sealed. Though they aren’t
neighbors anymore—Raina’s since
moved about 70 miles away—they
feel closer than ever, and these days
Raina especially could use that
support: Now also the mom of 2-year-
old twins, she’s going through a
divorce that’s left her emotionally and
financially vulnerable. “Raina’s at
a tough point in her life and needs to
feel good about herself again,” says
Ilka. “I’ve seen pictures of her when
she was an L.A. girl, looking all
flashy and beautiful. She’s still that
gorgeous person! But she always
puts herself on the back burner.”Raina admits that over the years,
she forgot that L.A. girl: “I got lost
in my marriage and kids,” she says.
Though she has many accomplishments
under her belt—she studied film
and television development, worked
as an actor, designs jewelry, and has
written a book aimed at helping women
in unhealthy relationships—reentering
the workforce is both daunting and
exciting. “There are so many stories
to be told in the world, and with my
background in film, I would love to be
a part of bringing them to life,” she
says, adding that a new look could be
just the boost she needs as she sets out
on this journey. “I’m ready to feel like
my old self again—fearless.”THE REVEAL
ILKA: I can’t stop staring at you—
this makeover is the first step toward
reclaiming your black girl magic!
RAINA: I feel beautiful, important, and
noticed. This is my time to embrace the
lioness inside and roar—unapologetically.
ILKA: It’s like you’re my daughter
right now. I want to jump, cry, and clap.
Take it from here and run with it!
RAINA: This is a new beginning: me
getting back to me.Raina’s
New Look
THE HAIR AND MAKEUP
Raina’s little secret: Before her
makeover, she hadn’t cut her
hair in three years. Paves trimmed
her ringlets when they were
wet, combed through leave-in
conditioner, and let them air-dry.
Then, to create bounce and even
out the shape, he took random
sections and snipped them freehand.
Asylum lightened her up with
a full head of superfine caramel
highlights. “I didn’t want to
do anything too drastic that would
compromise the integrity of her
curls,” he says. Carmindy, using
products from her new Carmindy
Beauty line (available August 27
on qvc.com), blended coppery
shadow on Raina’s lids and rose gold
highlighter on her cheekbones. A
praline lip amplified the warm glow.
THE CLOTHES
No mom jeans for this mom. A fitted
style paired with a structured blazer
is comfortable enough on the go,
but also professional and fresh. The
kick of knee-high, heeled boots
brings it all together—an outfit that
works for a meeting or even date
night. “Now I want to throw out all
my sweatpants,” Raina says.Raina
Lewis, 39
HER FRIEND:
ILKA SELBY, 47108 SEPTEMBER^2019 OPRAHMAG.COM