In Mexico, a New Space for Hot Pink Wicker Lamps and Spiky Bowls

I have quite dry skin and eyes, so I need all the moisture possible. I use a Neostrata Matrix Support day cream and Intensive Eye Therapy; then when I shower, I use Dermafix DermaPolish + Activated Charcoal. I feel like I have great skin now, but it’s been a journey to maintain it. Dr. Fatima Bhabha, my doctor in Johannesburg who specializes in aesthetic medicine, really got me thinking that I need to follow a routine and use sunscreen. I use this Italian brand, BioNike Defence Sun 30 Mineral Cream. On my body, I use Nivea Men All Seasons Moisture Body Cream, and because I have such dry skin I always use aloe vera to moisturize. My grandmother always had the plants outside and would slather me with aloe.

I don’t have a lot of hair to speak of, but when I shampoo I use Dark and Lovely 3-in-1 Shampoo. My hair grows quickly, so I see my barber every second week. He’ll wrap my head in a very hot towel and use a wax to lay my hair flat. When I’m at home I’ll use a bit of moisturizer to keep it down.

I swear by these eye drops called Safyr Bleu. My eyes tend to get red or brown easily, and when I use the drops they immediately brighten and clear up. If I have an event and need to look great, I have the perfect match for my skin tone with Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch in shade B80. It’s a gel and it gives me such an incredible, natural look. To frame my eyes and brows I’ll use a tiny bit of mascara. I’m not particular, but right now it’s Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Washable Mascara. On my lips I will use a bit of petroleum jelly with a tiny dab of Rouge Dior in 999 Velvet just for the color. I’ve gotten over the habit of throwing myself into bed without taking care of my skin: I’ll use Johnson’s Fresh Hydration Micellar Cleansing Jelly and Neostrata Cellular Restoration moisturizer.

For fragrance, I use Chanel Sycomore mixed with YSL Black Opium. I went to a YSL launch in Johannesburg and they had samples in a goody bag. My coat still smelled like Sycomore and that’s how I realized that they come together quite well.

Last month, the architect and designer Daniel Valero opened a showroom off an alleyway in San Miguel de Allende’s Centro neighborhood, filling it with exuberant pieces inspired by Mexico’s artisans and natural surroundings. A red triangular table, set with spiky ceramic bowls, sits under a bendy fuchsia wicker lamp. Born in Saltillo, Mexico, Valero studied architecture at Tecnológico de…