Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What comes to mind when you think about skincare products? Are there any specific brands or types of products you are familiar with?
- Do you think it’s important for skincare products to include ingredients from specific regions or cultures? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- brand /brand/
- occur /uh-KUR/
- conscious /KON-shuhs/
- purchase /PUR-chuhs/
- collectively /kuh-LEK-tiv-lee/
[noun] – A specific name or symbol that distinguishes a company’s products from others.
Coca-Cola is a well-known brand of soft drinks.
[verb] – to happen or take place
The accident occurred on the highway last night.
[adjective] – aware of and able to think and notice things
She was conscious of the importance of recycling.
[noun] – the act of buying something
I made a purchase at the bookstore yesterday.
[adverb] – in a way that involves a group of people or things working together
The team collectively achieved their goal.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Uncover, a skincare brand from Kenya, is on a mission to solve the problem of not having enough beauty products designed for black skin in the rapidly expanding African beauty market. Their skincare products may be made in South Korea, but they cleverly blend in ingredients from Africa, such as green tea leaves, shea butter, and aloe vera. These ingredients have special qualities, like green tea’s ability to reduce inflammation, shea butter’s talent for keeping skin moist and its economic benefits, and aloe vera’s skill at providing non-whitening sun protection. By using these ingredients, Uncover is making its skincare products more diverse and effective. African-inspired beauty brands are on the rise in the UK, gaining popularity for their unique ingredients, traditional methods, and inclusive options. These brands also champion ethical and eco-friendly practices, promoting fair trade and sustainability while adding a rich cultural dimension to beauty and reshaping our perception of it.
This phenomenon is occurring because people in the UK are becoming more conscious of their purchases and want to support brands that make a positive impact. Interestingly, people from various backgrounds in the UK collectively spend approximately £4.5 billion each year on beauty and hair products, with a significant portion, £2.7 billion, allocated to these items. This substantial market is driving the rapid growth of African-inspired beauty brands in the UK.
This phenomenon is occurring because people in the UK are becoming more conscious of their purchases and want to support brands that make a positive impact. Interestingly, people from various backgrounds in the UK collectively spend approximately £4.5 billion each year on beauty and hair products, with a significant portion, £2.7 billion, allocated to these items. This substantial market is driving the rapid growth of African-inspired beauty brands in the UK.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the main mission of the skincare brand Uncover, and how does it aim to achieve this mission?
- According to the article, what are some of the unique ingredients used in Uncover’s skincare products, and what benefits do these ingredients offer?
- Why are African-inspired beauty brands gaining popularity in the UK, according to the article?
- What is the significance of people in the UK spending approximately £4.5 billion each year on beauty and hair products?
- How does the conscious consumer behavior of people in the UK contribute to the growth of African-inspired beauty brands in the UK, as mentioned in the article?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is your experience with skincare routines, and do you have any favorite skincare products? Could you tell me about them?
- Have you ever tried skincare products that incorporate natural ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter? How did they work for you?
- Do you think it’s important for beauty brands to be ethical and eco-friendly?
- How do you think the popularity of African-inspired beauty brands in the UK might impact the beauty industry as a whole?
- In what ways can beauty brands promote inclusivity and ethical practices beyond just using diverse ingredients? Please elaborate on your answer.