

xoGift Guide 2019: Gifts For The Beauty Lover In Your Life
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this season you should cop some be-you-ti-ful gifts for your favorite beauty lover.
We all have at least one beauty lover in our life, so it's important that we know which items will place the biggest smile on their face. Finding the right present for an avid beauty junkie who is up on all of the releases can be frustrating because it may appear that they have it all. That's why our list is unique. We gathered some astounding products made by black-owned companies and most of them by black women. When it's for us and by us, the beauty just hits different.
For everything from lipsticks to brushes to eyeshadows, this list will supply with all you need for a fire beauty box from heaven.
Brushes: Taya Marin Beauty
Taya Marin Beauty
Face and Body Multi-Purpose Brush
According to beauty maven Taya Marin, these brushes are a must-have in your makeup kit. This large multi-purpose brush in particular is perfect for applying powder foundation, bronzer, blush, and highlighter.
Skincare: Zandra Beauty
Zandra Beauty
Almond Alfresco Vegan Bath & Body Wash
First of all, give it up for this Teen CEO who started her business at age 9. Zandra Cunningham started her plant-based bath and beauty company for pre-teens and teenagers to naturally nourish, heal and improve sensitive skin. This is ideal for the rising beauty extraordinaire because they can experience dope products with a splash of inspiration.
Toner: Aba Love Apothecary
Aba Love Apothecary
Petal Facial Mist
Toners are essential to any beauty enthusiast's routine. Aba Love Apothecary's Petal Facial Mist is great for all skin types. The mist is ideal for keeping you moisturized in dry environments, as well as soothing sunburn and sensitive skin. It also contains skin-loving ingredients like Bulgarian Rose water and organic aloe vera.
Lipstick: The Lip Bar
The Lip Bar
Liquid Matte Lipstick in "Bawse Lady"
A good lippie goes a long way. You can even wear a bare face and a bold lip on the days you don't want to beat your face. The Lip Bar has an armory of shades and tints that will blow your mind.
Gloss & Highlighter: FENTY BEAUTY
FENTY BEAUTY
Bomb Baby 2 Mini Lip and Face Set
Everything in Robyn Rihanna Fenty's beauty collection is worth throwing in the bag but since we don't want you to break the bank, start with the basics. The Gloss Bomb and Killawatt Highlighter are two staples in the collection. They get the job done and this gift set is perfect, especially in travel size. Your lips and cheeks will be perfectly luminized.
Foundation: Laws of Nature Cosmetics
Laws of Nature Cosmetics
The founder of Laws of Nature Cosmetics birthed the beauty brand in her kitchen while experimenting with cosmetic recipes to help women of color like herself. Jasmine Rose combined botanical ingredients and non-toxic minerals, creating a nourishing foundation and setting powder. Many customers rave about the seamless application.
Eyeshadow: Juvia's Place
Juvia's Place
The Warrior Palette
Juvia's Place is the G.O.A.T. so there ain't a beauty lover on this planet that won't gush over any of their palettes. The plethora of effervescent hues look like magic dripping on melanin skin. If you're not sure which product to snag, you can add a handy gift card to your cart and let your beauty lover choose for themselves.
Blush: Mented Cosmetics
Mented Cosmetics
Make You Blush Collection
Mented Cosmetics is known for its exuberant shades of lipsticks but it's time to try their blushes. "Blendable, buildable, and most importantly pigmented, the Make You Blush Collection allows you to sculpt and create perfectly flushed cheeks. With a touch of Vitamin E, this long-lasting powder formula means the product nourishes the skin and stays put all day." Longevity is everything when it comes to any product.
Beauty Organizer: See Me Beauty Organizer "Starter Pack"
We Are JOI
See Me Beauty Organizer "Starter Pack"
Every beauty lover needs an effective way to organize their products, brushes and more. I have a few of these bad boys and they really get the job done because you can easily find what you need when you need it. I am stickler for organization and these make me so happy! I love that they can be stacked on my vanity or even on the floor using the optional platform. This way you can give your collection room to grow while helping you maintain long-term organization.
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Featured image courtesy of Jackie Aina/Giphy
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Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Chief Mom Officer: 23 Quotes From Working Moms Finding Their Balance
The truth is, Black moms create magic every single day. Whether we're juggling motherhood with a busy 9-5, a thriving business, or staying at home to run a household, no day is short of amazing when you're managing life as a mommy. This Mother's Day, xoNecole is giving flowers to CMOs (Chief Mom Officers) in business who exemplify the strength it takes to balance work with motherhood.
We've commissioned these ladies, who are pillars in their respective industries, for tidbits of advice to get you through the best and worst days of mothering. Here, they share their "secret sauce" and advice for other moms trying to find their rhythm.
Emmelie De La Cruz, Chief Strategist at One Day CMO
"My mom friends and I all laugh and agree: Motherhood is the ghettoest thing you will ever do. It's beautiful and hard all at the same time, but one day you will wake up and feel like 'I got this' and you will get the hang of it. After 4 months, I finally felt like I found my footing to keep my kid and myself alive, but it took vulnerability to take off the cape and be honest about the areas that I didn't have it all together. The healing (physically and emotionally) truly does happen in community - whatever and whoever that looks like for you."
Alizè V. Garcia, Director Of Social & Community Impact at Nike
"I would tell a new mom or a prospective mother that they must give themselves grace, understand and remember there is no right way to do this thing and have fun! When I had my daughter three and a half years ago, I was petrified! I truly had no clue about what to do and how I was going to do it. But with time, my confidence grew and I realized quickly that I have all the tools I need to be the mother I want to be."
Nikki Osei-Barrett, Publicist + Co-Founder of The Momference
"There's no balance. I'm dropping sh*t everywhere! However, my secret sauce is pursuing interests and hobbies outside of what's required of me and finding time to workout. Stronger body equals = stronger mind."
Lauren Grove, Chief Experience Architect, The Grant Access, LLC
"I try to give myself grace. That’s my mantra for this phase of motherhood…grace. I won’t be able to get everything done. To have a spotless house. To not lose my cool after an exhausting day. Those things can’t happen all of the time. But I can take a deep breath and know tomorrow is another day and my blessings are more plentiful than my pitfalls."
Rachel Nicks, Founder & CEO of Birth Queen
"You have the answers within you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Curate your life to work for you. Ask for help."
Tanisha Colon-Bibb, Founder + CEO Rebelle Agency + Rebelle Management
"I know love doesn't pay bills but when I am overwhelmed with work or client demands I take a moment to play with my baby and be reminded of the love, energy, science, and Godliness that went into his birth. I am brightened by his smile and laugh. I remember I am someone's parent and not just a work horse. That at the end of the day everything will work out for the good of my sanity and the love within my life."
Christina Brown, Founder of LoveBrownSugar & BabyBrownSugar
"Learning your rhythm as a mom takes time and can be uncomfortable when you’re in a season of overwhelm. Constantly check in with yourself and assess what’s working and what’s not. Get the help you need without feeling guilty or ashamed of needing it."
Mecca Tartt, Executive Director of Startup Runway Foundation
"I want to be the best for myself, my husband, children and company. However, the reality is you can have it all but not at the same time. My secret sauce is outsourcing and realizing that it’s okay to have help in order for me to perform at the highest level."
Jen Hayes Lee, Head Of Marketing at The Bump (The Knot Worldwide)
"My secret sauce is being direct and honest with everyone around me about what I need to be successful in all of my various "jobs". Setting boundaries is one thing, but if you're the only one who knows they exist, your partners at home and on the job can't help you maintain them. I also talk to my kids like adults and let them know why mommy needs to go to this conference or get this massage...they need to build an appreciation for my needs too!"
Whitney Gayle-Benta, Chief Music Officer JKBX
"What helps me push through each day is the motivation to continue by thinking about my son. All my efforts, though exhausting, are to create a wonderful life for him."
Ezinne Okoro, Global Chief Inclusion, Equity, & Diversity Officer at Wunderman Thompson,
"The advice I received that I’ll pass on is, you will continue to figure it out and find your rhythm as your child grows into new stages. Trust your nurturing intuition, parent on your terms, and listen to your child."
Jovian Zayne, CEO of The OnPurpose Movement
"I live by the personal mantra: 'You can’t be your best self by yourself.' My life feels more balanced when I offer the help I can give and ask for the help I need. This might mean outsourcing housecleaning for my home, or hiring additional project management support for my business."
Simona Noce Wright, Co-Founder of District Motherhued and The Momference
"Each season of motherhood (depending on age, grade, workload) requires a different rhythm. With that said, be open to learning, to change, and understand that what worked for one season may not work the other...and that's okay."
Janaye Ingram, Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement at Airbnb
"My daughter's smile and sweet spirit help me to feel gratitude when I'm overwhelmed. I want her to see a woman who doesn't quit when things get hard."
Codie Elaine Oliver, CEO & Founder of Black Love
"I try to listen to my body and simply take a break. With 3 kids and a business with 10+ team members, I often feel overwhelmed. I remind myself that I deserve grace for everything I'm juggling, I take a walk or have a snack or even head home to see my kids, and then I get back to whatever I need to get done."
Jewel Burks Solomon, Managing Partner at Collab Capital
"Get comfortable with the word ‘no’. Be very clear about your non-negotiables and communicate them to those around you."
Julee Wilson, Executive Director at BeautyUnited and Beauty Editor-at-Large at Cosmopolitan
"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."
Salwa Benyaich, Director Of Pricing and Planning at Premion
"Most days I really try to shut my computer off by 6 pm; there are always exceptions of course when it comes to big deals or larger projects but having this as a baseline allows me to be much more present with my kids. I love the fact that I can either help with homework or be the designated driver to at least one afterschool activity. Work can be draining but there is nothing more emotionally draining than when you feel as though you are missing out on moments with your kids."
Brooke Ellis, Head of Global Marketing & Product Launches at Amazon Music
My calendar, prayer, pilates class at Forma, a good playlist, and oatmilk lattes all help get me through any day.
Courtney Beauzile, Global Director of Client and Business Development at Shearman & Sterling
My husband is a partner who steps in when I just can’t. My mom and my MIL come through whenever and however I need. My kids have many uncles and aunts and they will lend an ear, go over homework, teach life lessons, be a presence or a prayer warrior depending on the day.
Robin Snipes, Chief of Staff at Meta
"Enjoy the time you have to yourself because once kids come those times will be few and far between."
Monique Bivens, CEO & Founder at Brazilian Babes LLC.
"For new moms, it is very important that you get back into a habit or routine of something you use to do before you were pregnant. Consider the actives and things that give you the most joy and make the time to do them."
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Featured image by Westend61/Getty Images
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What That 'Body Do': Chlöe Bailey Shows Us How She Achieves Her Signature Curves
If you’ve ever wondered what Chlöe Bailey does to achieve her signature curves, you’re in luck because the 24-year-old artist recently gave fans a peek into what’s keeping her fit ahead of hot girl summer.
In a short clip shared to her Instagram stories, the "Treat Me" singer is seen getting her cardio in on the elliptical machine while showing off her toned abs in a gray, leopard print two-piece set and dazzling cross necklace as a light gym flex.
With her medicine ball secured in hand, she knocked out a few reps of standing Russian twists with the support of her trainer nearby. This, we must say, is an impressive take on the traditional ab workout, as it is typically performed while sitting on the floor or gym mat.
Last week, the Atlanta native provided fans with another look into her gym routine with a TikTok video of her performing a sturdy set of glute kickbacks on a cable machine, fittingly to her new song, "Body Do." This exercise is the perfect finishing move for the glutes if you’re looking for growth, gains, and a toned shape. Maintain steady control to experience this exercise's complete burn and benefits.
putting in that work 💪🏾
@chloebaileywashere putting in that work 💪🏾
One thing’s for certain, Chlöe puts in the work to achieve her body, but the journey to embrace her body hasn’t come without trial. In 2021, on Taraji P. Henson’s Facebook Watch show Peace of Mind with Taraji, she shared the impact that social media body shaming has had on her self-image. "I've been like, really insecure for a long time, and I'm finally at that place where I have self-confidence," Bailey said.
"And at first, I was really getting sad about it," she continued. "But then I thought — why would I let that control my thoughts and feelings when I know it's a lie? So I kind of had to give it not so much power. I'm not doing anything crazy; I'm just loving and appreciating my body, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that."
The Praise This star is fresh off the release of her highly anticipated debut solo album and multi-city tour, and judging from her recent videos, we don’t see her slowing down anytime soon. We’re taking notes, Ms. Bailey.
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Featured image by Corey Nickols/Getty Images for IMDb