Beauty & Fashion
And listen, I recently came across one that made me question everything I ever knew about applying makeup, pull up a chair, let me explain.
GiphyIt all started when I came across beauty influencer Yasmin Buachie's IG page, where she often shows off her beauty content to her followers. In a video, she was applying her beat for the day and testing out a hack that she learned from another influencer. In the end, after she finishes her makeup, in the oxymoron move of the century, she dunks her face in water to give herself a matte look. Yes, water. Again, to set her makeup, she dunked her full face in water. Science gods, make it make sense!
The video was captioned:
"So I was sent this makeup hack by one of my friends which was done by @makeupbyalissiac and I had to try it. First things first this actually made my skin look flawless no cap like I am shook but also I don't think I'm going to dunk my head in water every time I do my make up haha maybe for a long day out or something. MC was complimenting my makeup all day tho so haha who knows."
And ladies listen, her makeup was beautifully in place when all was said and done.
In fact, the trick has been around for years, hailing from South Korea. It's called 'Jamsu' and it's made its way from South Korea to, well, everywhere else, popping up on TikTok, IG, and even getting mentioned by celebs. Jamsu has been a "thing" since 2017, but has re-emerged this year, thanks to social media discovering the technique and ultimately the pandemic making us bored enough to try whatever we need to do for flawless skin.
The instructions were simple: following base application (foundation, concealer, and powder), dunk your head in cold water three times for about ten seconds. Make sure to use a bowl big enough that you can move your face around in. And as to why it works, Maree Kinder, founder of Beauty & Seoul says:
"The water repels the powder and presses it to set on your skin, which is why powder is the critical step."
And by now, if you're like me, your jaw is on the floor and you're questioning everything you ever thought you knew about makeup application. Yasmine's comment section was amazed as well.
From those that were mind blown:
To those who fell in line to give it a try:
--
Yasmin hasn't said if this is a practice that she still does after completing her look, but sis, if we need to add water to the regimen, then just say that.
Ladies, would you try this hack?
Are you a member of our insiders squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured image by Getty Images
When it comes to shopping for pieces to compliment my curves, it can be frustrating. You know what has been my go-to since COVID changed all of our lives? Matching sets. They have a way of transforming to fit the mood and the vibe. Their comfort alone got me through the last year and a half. Even when I couldn't find a "f" to give, wearing them made me seem like I put in some effort. Without further ado, say hello to some matching sets that are guaranteed to change the game for curvy cuties!
The Elevated Set
Photography by Curated by Charlie
If you haven't ordered a matching set from Amazon in the last year, I admire your willpower. As for me and my house, I am obsessed; especially with this particular set. It's the versatility for me. I have worn this duo in so many ways. From wearing it to the gym to ATVing in the rainforest to strutting into my favorite members only club, I have maximized the ways in which this comfy set can be worn. Take this look for example. I decided to pair it with my IVY PARK cropped blazer for prime elevation. This is your cue to do the same with your favorite set because she can be worn places other than your Target runs.
Aleumdr
$26
The Essential Set for "Outside"
Photography by Curated by Charlie
This is the newest addition to my arsenal and it is now a staple. The color and design are to die for and don't get me started on the material. The material is comparable to a cloud which creates ultimate comfort. One of my favorite Black-female designers, Crystal Lee created the Essential Set for Outside for the people. This set is not only stylish but it's also unisex. It brings a whole new meaning to wearing your partner's clothes because now you can do it fashionably. On this day, I opted for classic Air Force 1s and bamboo earrings to really tap into my roots. You could also style this up with some strappy heels for happy hour with the gang. Lucky for us, this getup comes in an array of colors to brighten up your wardrobe.
C.R. LEE TOMBOI
$130
The Snatched Set
"Fashion focused, figure-flattering premium sports-luxe activewear for both performance and lifestyle," is the motto for my new favorite brand, STAX. In the brand story, they go on to say, "Prioritising high quality whilst demonstrating luxury at affordable prices, STAX. blends a perfect mix of both fitness and fashion, dressing every person at every size, STAX. believes inclusivity should be a general standard." And I can attest that these words are true. The way the BB tights and crop top flatter my curvy figure is nothing short of perfection. Celebrities like Lizzo and Jennifer Lopez are huge fans of the brand as it proves to be the "little black dress of activewear."
STAX.
$100
The DIY Set
Photography by Curated by Charlie
Sometimes you gotta mix it up and create your own set. That's exactly what I did with these two standalone pieces from good ol' Walmart. One thing about Black women, we are gonna create things off the dome. I was doing some random shopping at Walmart and something drew me to these neon striped leggings. Then, it was almost as if an ultralight beam illuminated this sports bra. And just like that, I created my own set. Neon will always be a part of my wardrobe no matter the season. It was a no-brainer for me to couple my DIY set with equally bold-colored sneakers.
Avia
$20
The Chill Set
Photography by Curated by Charlie
I recently found Ruby Ribbon and instantly wondered where they had been my whole life. Since its inception, Ruby Ribbon has dedicated its movement to empower all women. Every time I slip on these leggings and demiette I feel just that: empowered. I had no idea what a demiette was until I was introduced to Ruby Ribbon. Recently, the social commerce-driven women's intimates, shapewear and athleisure company announced: "they have been issued their first patent for their top-selling Sport Demiette™."
Lead designer, Cami Raymond, created the demiette constructed with molded cups in the bust and a supportive sling aka she changed the game. The support is real without the uncomfortabilty of a wire. Whether you're rocking this to yoga or a hike, you'll be both fly and cozy.
Ruby Ribbon
$168
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image courtesy of Joce Blake
Something tells me that I'm not the only one who's been guilty of this lil' faux pas, so as we're just days away from what I think is the absolute best season of the year, here are 12 beauty hacks that are affordable, all-natural and a truly wonderful way to welcome autumn in.
1. Exfoliate from Head to Toe
While I'm pretty sure you know what the general concept of exfoliating is all about, if you needed a basic definition, it's removing dead skin cells from the surface layer of your skin. And since we all shed somewhere around 30-40,000 of them every minute, I'm sure you get why that's such a good idea to do. Exfoliating not only gets rid of dead skin cells, it unclogs your pores, helps to prevent ingrown hairs, reduces breakouts, evens skin tone and even makes it easier for your skin to absorb your favorite moisturizer. So, I'm pretty sure you can see why exfoliating, not just your face and neck but your entire body, is a great "fall prep" practice. Since the cold weather can do rough on your skin, exfoliating can help it to absorb whatever you plan on putting on it to keep it soft, supple and smooth. That's why it's a good idea to do it around twice a month.
By the way, coffee scrubs help to reduce inflammation (a recipe is here), brown sugar scrubs are a humectant that can draw moisture in from the air (a recipe for that is here) and charcoal scrubs are great at detoxifying your skin (a recipe for that is right here). So, if you want to customize your body exfoliation process, there's a good starting point to go with.
2. Bathe in Rosewater and Lavender Oil
If you like nothing more than coming in from the chilly air and soaking in a hot bath, two things. First, it's best if you wait for your skin to get down to your normal body temperature (going from one extreme to another can put your body into shock or even cause a heart attack; wow, right?) and secondly, try and avoid the "hot as possible" approach. One thing that you want to make sure that you do is not zap your skin of the natural moisture that it already has; hot water will do that which is why warm water is best.
Speaking of caring for your skin, treat it by pouring some rosewater and a few drops of lavender essential oil into your bathwater. Rosewater contains anti-inflammatory properties that will help to reduce redness. It also contains antiseptic properties that can help to soothe any skin infections or surface wounds that you may have. Rosewater is full of antioxidants that can repair any cell damage that you may have experienced. Plus, it's known to improve moods and even bring relief to headaches. Lavender oil is great for your skin because it also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can speed up the healing of breakouts, soothe skin conditions that cold weather may irritate such as eczema, help to remove toxins from your skin and, thanks to its scent, it's really effective when it comes to helping you to relax before bedtime.
3. “Seal” Your Skin
Something that I definitely make sure that I do when I get out of the shower is "seal my skin". Basically, that consists of not immediately drying off, putting some homemade whipped shea butter or sweet almond oil on my skin, letting it sit for a few minutes and then blot-drying my skin. All of this helps to "lock" the moisture in to where I don't need to apply any lotion or anything else once I'm done. Plus, my skin feels silky smooth, pretty much until the next time I take a bath.
4. Steam Your Hair
If it seems kinda weird that cold wet weather could actually cause your hair to dry out, here's why it's so problematic. When temps are cold and/or the air is dry, that can result in the cuticles of your hair lifting which can keep moisture from staying in your hair. And when there's no moisture, the dryness can ultimately lead to breakage. A remedy? Well, aside from deep conditioning your locks, it can never hurt to steam your tresses too.
Steam adds moisture. Steam makes it easier for the products that you put into your hair to be absorbed into it. Steam encourages elasticity so that your hair doesn't break as easily when it's being styled. Steam also helps to keep the pores of your scalp unclogged so that your hair follicles can grow freely.
As far as how often you should steam your hair, some folks do it as much as a couple of times a week while others reserve the practice for wash day. Either way, if this is something you'd like to try, Natural Hair Products has a list of some of the best steamers for natural hair here. Also, Melissa Denise is a YouTuber who has some tips on how to steam your hair without a steamer that you can check out here.
5. Line Your Hats
At this point, I can't even tell you how many hats I have. Back when I was wearing really short hair, this particular tip didn't matter all that much to me; however, now that I have some length, I am intentional about lining my hats with satin. Since my golf caps and brims are mostly made of wool, between the way that fabric has a tendency to dry my hair, cause friction and even has the potential for snagging on my ends, making sure my hats are lined is how I keep my hair protected while I'm out here looking fly. If you want to learn how to line your own hats, check out this video and this video.
6. Make a Castor/Argan/Vitamin E Oil Solution for Your Eyelashes
If you want to have longer and thicker eyelashes without having to buy any (so that you can have a few extra coins saved up for the holiday season), make your own serum that consists of Jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil and vitamin E oil. The Jamaican black castor oil contains properties that will help to thicken your lashes and make them appear fuller. Argan oil is packed with fatty acids and antioxidants that will help your lashes to grow longer. Vitamin E is awesome because it stimulates hair growth. If you apply this combo with a mascara wand every night before turning in, you should see some progress with your lashes within 3-4 weeks.
7. Apply Some Shea Butter and Cinnamon to Your Lips
I can't tell you the last time I went to bed without putting some raw shea butter on my lips. Since it's an emollient (which means it creates a barrier between your lips and the atmosphere around you), it's an excellent "base" for lip gloss or lipstick before heading out into the chilly air. Since shea butter is also loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A and E, it can help to soothe and heal your lips if they experience any chapping during the fall and winter seasons. As far as cinnamon goes, if you apply cinnamon oil, it's a natural lip plumper. On the other hand, if you go with its powder (or ground cinnamon) form, it can gently exfoliate while also providing a soft natural sun-kissed glow. Yep, even in the fall. Just add a sprinkle or two of it to a lip container of shea butter and you're all set.
8. DIY a Hand and Foot Cream
I'm thinking it's a given that you should amp up how much you moisturize your hands and feet as you head into the cooler seasons of the year. All I want to say here is try and avoid commercial brands that are heavy on the perfumes and ingredients you can't pronounce. One, because our skin definitely absorbs some of what we put onto it and two, some of those harsh items can strip our skin of the moisture that it so desperately needs; especially when it's cold.
That's why I'm all about you making your own hand and foot cream. That way, you know exactly what goes into it. The YouTube channel Yaya DIY Creations has a hand cream recipe worth checking out here. paskiiLuv has an easy-to-make foot cream recipe here.
9. Cop Some Bamboo Socks
Speaking of feet, just because you're about to swap out sandals for boots, please don't use that as an excuse to slack off when it comes to getting pedicures. That said, since we're all going to be wearing socks a lot more often, did you know that cotton ones can sometimes cause blisters? The "science" behind it is, since cotton is a fabric that absorbs moisture, the longer your feet are damp, the easier it is for a blister to form. That's why wool, synthetic or even bamboo socks are a better route when you're planning to spend a lot of time in inclement weather.
Bamboo socks are cool because they contain antibacterial properties, they're pretty soft, they hold less odor, they are thermo-regulating (which means they help to keep your feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter) and they're sustainable.
Bamboo Comfort is a website that features some of the best bamboo sock brands this year. You can see the list here.
10. Take a Fish Oil Supplement
If it seems like you can't stop scratching words with your nails onto your skin (due to how dry it is) no matter how hard you try, you might want to take a fish oil supplement. Fish oil contains anti-inflammatory and healing properties that help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Some other benefits include the fact that it's able to help to heal symptoms associated with psoriasis, decrease the appearance of pimples and also protect your skin from sun damage (and yes, you can experience sun damage any time of the year because, well, the sun is out all 12 months).
11. Invest in Some Local Honey
First up, if your allergies are known to kick up during the fall, local honey is what you should look into because it contains similar allergens to what are in the air around you. Taking a teaspoon or so a day can serve as a natural antibiotic, so that your system can develop a resistance to allergens and allergy-related symptoms. Not only that but honey is a powerful humectant as well. This means that if you put a couple of teaspoons into your hair conditioner, it can help to moisturize your hair or if you make a face mask out of it, it can deeply condition your skin. Honey is bomb on a ton of levels. In fact, when it comes to honey in general, check out "Manuka Honey Is The Ultimate Beauty Find".
12. Get Yourself a Pumpkin (or Two)
The signature fruit for fall is undoubtedly the pumpkin.
As far as all-natural beauty benefits go, it's great for you because pumpkins are high in vitamins A and C, zinc, antioxidants, fruit enzymes and even alpha hydroxy acids. All of this works together to trigger collagen production in your body, brighten your skin tone, improve your skin's texture, help to reverse UV damage and hinder free radicals from damaging and aging your skin.
So, the next time you're at your local grocery store, pick up a pumpkin or two. Then, when you get home, treat yourself to a pumpkin face mask (recipe is here); a body scrub (recipe is here); a foot scrub (recipe is here); a body butter (which is made with pumpkin spice and recipe is here), or a lip exfoliant (which is also made with pumpkin spice and the recipe is here). You'll feel good. It smells great. And it's one of the best all-natural beauty treatments to officially welcome your skin into this, what I'm sure will be, beautiful upcoming fall season.
Join our xoTribe, an exclusive community dedicated to YOU and your stories and all things xoNecole. Be a part of a growing community of women from all over the world who come together to uplift, inspire, and inform each other on all things related to the glow up.
Featured image by Getty Images
Most importantly, the week always ends with the highly-anticipated Met Gala, which will be streamed live for the first time ever (and hosted by Keke Palmer and Ilana Glazer), and an after-party hosted by the one and only Bad Gyal, Rihanna.
But because we know you ladies love fashion like we do, we thought it would only be right to serve you up a recap of who (or what) stole our edges while strutting down 5th Avenue.
So, without further adieu...
Junie Shumpert
Teyana Taylor recently expressed on her E! Show with husbae Iman Shumpert, that she encourages her daughter Junie (5) to have a presence on social media, and her business ventures are no different as our mini sis shut NYFW down in the best way possible. Taylor had a Pretty Little Thing collection hit the runway, and she invited her firstborn along for the ride, which sis understood everything about the assignment.
Rocking all red, and a cap that only queens understood, she left no crumbs behind as she ate the entire row of the left side of the cookie package. Taylor loved it, naturally, telling ESSENCE that she is inspired by her, and daughter Rue, at all times.
"They are the greatest form of genuine love. They're my biggest fans. I was always a strong person, but having my babies has made me unstoppable. I get my fearlessness from them."
Yara Shahidi
Our girl Yara Shahidi somehow transitioned into literal art during the NYFW festivities, as she attended The Exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams while wearing a Dior Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2022 black mohair houndstooth sweater, a flannel skirt with a high waistline, and Dior heeled sandals. She uploaded an absolutely stunning photo of her in the dress captioned,
"Don't touch the art."
We won't touch, but we will certainly admire.
LaQuan Smith
LaQuan Smith has secretly been owning New York fashion for quite sometime, so a little week of showing off what he's working with is nothing. In fact, he topped all of our lives, by presenting his newest pieces at the top of the Empire State Building. Yes, the Empire State Building. He became the first designer to ever host a fashion show at the monument, telling the AP:
"I felt like, if we're going to come back to live shows, where's the best place to do it? It really felt like this was the best place to do it," he says. "This is a time when people need to feel fabulous again. This is a time when we need to continue to find reasons to celebrate, after coming out of such a shitty year."
Additionally, he brought out the star power with starlets such as Ciara, La La Anthony, Winnie Harlow, and Lori Harvey serving up all the goals in the front row.
Gender-Bending fashion
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
Gender-bending has been a hot topic of discussion for much of the past few years, and Russell Westbrook and Kid Cudi decided to up the ante by rocking skirts--erm...kilts--to the festivities. But, the people wanted to know if we all missed the memo because in addition to the fashion risk, they each rocked blue hair to match.
Westbrook showed up to the Thom Brown Spring 2022 show wearing an ankle-length white kilt, off-white cardigan with front pockets and a diamond choker, and Kid Cudi, a floor-length black skirt under a long sleeve Nirvana shirt. Neither men are strangers to taking chances in fashion, but we're here for the bold moves.
Telfar's announcement of...a TV channel?
https://t.co/X5wMxBPS1d— TELFAR (@TELFAR)1631465644.0
Telfar has been a game-changer in Black-owned accessories since we all discovered that we have a better chance of winning the powerball than getting a Telfar bag that we didn't prep for. So, when Beyonce was photographed rocking her bag, we collectively sobbed through tears of joy. The brand went on record of saying that although they appreciated the plug, they would never raise their prices and would continue with business as usual.
But now those business moves includes something that none of us saw coming: a TV channel. During a press conference held on the final day of New York Fashion Week, owner/creator Telfar Clemens announced the launch of his label's own television channel, Telfar TV.
The channel will have brand-exclusive content, and viewers will be able to scan QR codes to purchase products, ensuring that anyone who orders the label's famously sold-out bags will get one, without fear of bots purchasing bulk inventory.
It's the innovation for me!
The Gworls
So, it's infamously a no-brainer that Ciara will show up to wherever her little heart desires and shut shit down. NYFW was no different, and she visited numerous shows and gave what was needed to be given. Alongside her adventures was BFF La La Anthony, who always pulls up with big supportive energy, as well as other starlets such as Kehlani, Lori Harvey, or the City Girls.
Some of these ladies happened to link at the LaQuan Smith show and show off why we all love them so. Edges were snatched in the process, but it was seeing them all enjoy each other that we loved the most.
Nicole Ari Parker + Kristin Davis
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Dior
OK, call me sappy, but seeing And Just Like That... co-stars take a break from filming the Sex and the City reboot to attend the Christian Dior Designer of Dreams exhibition cocktail party, was what I needed to prep myself for the show premiere. Seeing the two live out loud their show characters was exciting.
Can't wait to see Nicole crush this role!
Are you a member of our insiders squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured image by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Dior
