Changing the face of beauty with Talah Dacosta

From lifestyle influencer to natural skincare champion, Talah Hashipala, known online as Talah Dacosta, is challenging norms and making his mark in a space that hasn’t always welcomed voices like his.

With his signature confidence and sense of humour, Hashipala has built an online presence that is equal parts entertaining and refreshing. Whether he’s casually dropping skincare tips or joking about his reflection in the mirror, his content feels like a breath of fresh air in a space often dominated by polished perfection.

But interestingly, his entry into the beauty world was not something he planned.

“I started in 2019 as a lifestyle influencer, just helping brands gain visibility,” he says. “It was about content and creativity. But I didn’t realise it would turn into something deeper.”

That shift happened in 2021, when he started using products from DK Beautie, a skincare brand made with organic ingredients. What began as a personal decision to improve his skin turned into something more – not because of a marketing push, but because he actually saw results.

“I had tried so many things that didn’t work. This was the first time I saw a real difference,” he says. “People started asking what I was using, and I kept pointing them to the brand. Eventually, the founder reached out and asked if I wanted to work with them officially.”

This was his turning point.

For the first time, Hashipala’s personal skincare journey aligned with his public platform. While the partnership opened doors, it also came with a fair share of challenges, particularly around perceptions of masculinity in the beauty space.

“One of the biggest challenges has been online bullying,” he shares. “There’s this idea that beauty and skincare are for women, but that’s outdated. Anyone should be able to take care of themselves.”

If you follow Hashipala online, you know he does not shy away from these conversations. Instead, he meets criticism with humour and perspective.

“I don’t let online strangers give me wrinkles,” he jokes. “Only God can do that.”

What makes his presence stand out isn’t just his smooth skin, it’s his honesty. He talks openly about the ups and downs of his journey, the importance of finding products that align with your values, and how self-care has nothing to do with gender.

“I always say I’m naturally handsome. I see it in the mirror every day,” he says. “But for me, skincare isn’t about changing yourself. It’s about maintaining what you’ve got and feeling good about it.”

Now, Hashipala is one of the few male voices actively shaping the conversation around natural beauty in southern Africa’s influencer scene. He’s not pushing a product, he’s pushing a perspective: beauty doesn’t need to be complicated, exclusive or filled with chemicals to be effective.

His message is simple: take care of your skin, be confident in your own reflection and stop chasing filtered versions of reality.

“Own your story,” he says. “Glow in your truth. And don’t let anyone dim your shine.”

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