

Ari Lennox Is Taking It Back To The Basics When It Comes To Beauty
Most fans of Ari Lennox love that the songstress prioritizes giving it to us straight with no chaser in her music. Turns out, the stripped-down and raw approach does not only influence her lyrics but also her beauty routine. Let's face it, the billion-dollar beauty industry can be downright exhausting.
From following trends to brands sneakily adding unhealthy ingredients, to just being downright confused about what products are best. Instead of getting tripped up by the hype, when it comes to skincare, Ari decided to go with what feels right for her. She shared with Allure:
"I'm open to someone glowing me up and enlightening me on key products to have in my house — but I don't go out of my way to do that. And then I don't really... I mean, I do kind of care what people think, but it's more about what makes me comfortable, what makes my skin happy. I've noticed my skin doesn't need much to be happy, so I just stick with simple."
Water and Shea butter? Can you believe it? Shea Butter Baby is about to hit so differently, ain't it? When the songstress isn't singing from her p*ssy, or partnering with Crown Royal and The Main Street Alliance in order to give a helping hand to those who worked in bars, clubs, and stages that have been shut down as a result of COVID, sis is just one of us trying to find a protective style that makes her feel pretty. Ari explains:
"My only thing is, when I do protective styles, I [typically] do braids, [and then I feel like they] are so not cute. Other people's braids be looking so beautiful, but mine don't. It seems like they're just not luscious when I try to braid my hair. [Once I get to day two], they'll feel a little dry and shriveled up. Do you ever experience that? Do your braids really listen to you?"
While I highly doubt that there is a protective style that Ari cannot pull off, the woman is speaking the truth about how it is a journey to find a protective style that feels good on you. It takes trial and error, and a stroll into the kitchen to grab household items like apple cider vinegar to help aid itchy wefts and hair that is about to be braided directly to your scalp.
All the money that Ari appears to be saving by adding an 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' mentality when it comes to her skincare routine seems to have stacked up enough for her to become a new homeowner. However, she is not letting the newness push her into spending money that she does not have on decorations and renovations that she cannot afford:
"I find I have to, once again, be still and accept that I can't do everything that I want right away. That's been hard to accept because I like to watch a lot of home improvement shows. To know that I can't do everything in one day or in a month, [knowing that I can't] fix everything I want to fix is driving me crazy."
Phew, speak on it. It's kind of hard not to vibe with someone who is so moisturized.
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Featured image via Ari Lennox/Instagram
New Jersey native creating a life that she loves while living in gratitude. She loves using beauty, and fashion to create a balanced lifestyle while prioritizing wellness. A devoted fur mom, and a full-time lover of laughter. She is out for revenge against the darkness by being light, taking her own advice, traveling the world, and letting you know that you are so lit! Connect with her via IG @iamzaniah and please visit Zaniahsworld.com
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September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, so for my girlies who have been putting off self-care, here’s your opportunity to start. Self-care means exactly what it says: taking care of self. Why is it important? Well, many of us have busy lives that may include careers, family, and activities that consume us daily. Taking some time for self regularly can help prevent depression, stress, anxiety, and burnout.
In February 2023, Future Forum polled 10,243 people in six countries, including the U.S., and 40% said they are experiencing burnout, and 46% of that number are women. According to CNBC, many factors contributing to burnout include companies demanding employees return to the office, hiring freezes, and layoffs.
Psychologist Debbie Sorensen explained to CNBC why women and millennials are experiencing burnout in higher numbers. “We haven’t had time to recover from the trauma of what we’ve been through the last few years,” she said. “Women and young people, in particular, are putting an immense amount of pressure on themselves to keep going, keep working, no matter the cost.”
As women, particularly Black women, we tend to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Other people's problems become our problems, and then we are expected to show up to work and show up for our family and friends with a smile on our faces. Whew, chile! What if we are having a bad day? How are we supposed to cope if we have to be everything to everyone? Well, here’s your sign to make time for yourself, especially on the days when you are feeling down.
Below is a list of self-care ideas for when you are having a bad day.
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Spend time in nature
Sometimes something as simple as surrounding yourself with trees, grass, and/ or water can improve your mood exponentially. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) research shows that spending time in nature can improve attention, lower stress, and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders.
Got to a Spa
There’s nothing like going to a spa. You can relax in a sauna, get a massage, and just be. According to research, massages help release serotonin and dopamine, which are often referred to as “feel good” hormones, that will instantly perk you up and have you going about your day with a smile on your face.
Get Artsy
When was the last time you did arts and crafts? Drawing a picture, painting, or even coloring can help you discover your inner child, thus boosting your mood. Purchase an adult coloring book, or go to a paint-and-sip class by yourself, or you can make it a group activity and bring your besties.
Look your best
The old saying, “When you look good, you feel good,” didn’t just come out of thin air. There’s some truth to it. The Kentucky Counseling Center shared a link between self-care and feeling good. “Self-care regimens are extremely important not just to stabilize your day but to make you feel great. Simple things like getting a facial, taking care of your hair done, or exercising can make you confident because when you look good, you also feel good,” according to its website.
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Breathwork
There’s a reason why it is suggested that you breathe when you begin feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. Breathing brings oxygen back into your body, and WebMD reports that it can decrease the fight or flight response that happens when you are stressed.
Spend time with babies
I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me smile quicker than a baby, especially a smiling baby. If you’re the same way, then spending time with a baby or babies may help put you in a better mood, too.
Do nothing
Last but certainly not least, do nothing. There’s nothing like laying in your bed and not being forced to do anything. Stay in this moment and use this time to relax and replenish your energy.
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Feature image by Catherine Falls Commercial/ Getty Images