

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.
This New Scalp Care Line Is Exactly What Your Wash Days Need
This post is in partnership with SheaMoisture.
When it comes to healthy hair care, there are a few things that will help you achieve healthy strands: a healthy hair care regime, hydration, consistent treatments, and scalp care. While scalp care is one of the most neglected practices, it is also one of the most important. Why? Because it helps promote healthy hair growth, clear hair follicles, and remove build-up.
When it comes to creating a healthy scalp routine, it helps to know exactly what you’re up against so you know how to specifically treat it. Two of the most common concerns are dandruff and dry scalp. It can be tough to decipher which is which, but here’s a quick breakdown: dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil and yeast buildup on the scalp. Knowing that both of these are big concerns, SheaMoisture released two separate product lines to address both issues: the Scalp Moisture collection and the Anti-Dandruff collection.
Needless to say, if you tend to experience dandruff then I’d recommend you try the Anti-Dandruff collection. However, my biggest concern has always been dry scalp. A lack of moisture on the scalp can be caused by several factors like weather, age, and hair products to name a few. I’ve noticed that when I use certain gels or skip out on a deep scalp cleanse, my roots feel itchy and dry nonstop, which is uncomfortable.
The only way to relieve the discomfort is to properly wash and moisturize my roots, so I tried the Scalp Moisture collection and this is what I thought.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
First, What’s In The Collection?
The Scalp Moisture collection is a four-product line that includes a pre-wash masque, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a moisturizing scalp cream. Each product uses moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like aloe butter and vitamin B3 as active ingredients to provide eight times the moisture. Together, aloe butter and vitamin B3 work to restore dry and brittle hair, as well as add relief to the scalp.
Now, let’s break down each product…
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque may actually be the all-star of the collection. Using this deep conditioning masque is one of the best ways to target your dry scalp, restore hydration, and nourish your strands before shampooing.
I started by completely saturating my hair and scalp with water, then making small sections to apply the masque directly to the root. For my girls who have experience with relaxers and perms, it helps to apply the masque to your roots just like you would do with a relaxer. This way you can make sure you’ve covered as much of your scalp as possible while minimizing any breakage.
Pro tip: you can also use a color application brush to make this step easier.
After I completely covered my scalp, I massaged the product into my roots, used any excess on my strands, then left the masque in for 30 minutes. I was shocked by how moisturizing and clarifying my scalp and hair felt. One of the things that I love about the masque is the slip and how much softer it made my hair. While this is marketed as a scalp care product, it can completely transform your hair from dry and parched to completely hydrated.
In my opinion, the downside of this masque is that the quantity is too small for my liking. Truth be told, naturals go through deep conditioners faster than any other product (especially when it’s this good.) So SheaMoisture, if you’re reading this, we’d love a bigger jar.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Shampoo
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Shampoo is a gentle cleanser packed with the same moisture as the masque. The pearl-colored shampoo is lightweight with a serum-like consistency and a light and clean scent. The smell is pleasant, subtle, and not overbearing. When I applied the shampoo, I noticed immediately that it foams and lathers up very quickly, so less is more.
After applying the shampoo, I parted my hair and started at the roots to target as much of my scalp as possible. I recommend really taking the time to work the product and massage your scalp as much as possible.
Pro tip: using a scalp massager makes it easier and it feels amazing.
Once you start to massage your hair you’ll feel the product start to work. There’s a tingling sensation that might catch you off guard if you’re not used to it, but it’s not nearly as strong as other scalp products I’ve tried. I know some may not appreciate the sensation, but I loved it! My scalp felt clean, light, and breathable.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Conditioner
Like the shampoo, the SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Conditioner shares that pearly color and serum-like feel. It applies very easily while softening and moisturizing your hair. When I applied it to my hand, it gave my hands a lotion-like feel, which speaks volumes about its hydration capabilities. I also loved that the conditioner comes with a pump, instead of having to squeeze the product out – to me, it makes application easier.
I typically apply my conditioner to the ends first but because this is a scalp care product I started at the root and worked my way down to my ends. I did leave the conditioner in for ten minutes, although the bottle recommends leaving it in for three. The conditioner also provides that same breathable feel to your scalp. I honestly loved the relief.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Cream
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Cream is more of a daily relief product for your roots rather than your overall hair. It’s great for providing moisture and immediate relief to a dry and itchy scalp. Just like most of the collection, it gives a light and breathable feel – without the tingle. The applicator bottle targets specific parts of your scalp and makes applying easier.
Pro tip: I typically just squeeze the bottle to wherever I need the relief and use the tip to massage it into my scalp so it doesn’t mess up the hairstyle.
Overall, SheaMoisture’s scalp care line lives up to its claims – it moisturizes, strengthens, and provides immediate scalp relief. I definitely recommend trying the Scalp Moisture collection for an affordable way to treat itchy and dry scalp.
Featured image by Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Ice Spice Addresses Controversy Surrounding Her Rise To Fame: 'I'm A Human Being'
Rapper Isis "Ice Spice" Gaston first burst into the scene in 2021 after participating in the viral "Bust It" TikTok challenge, and the star's fame would catapult to new heights the following year when she released her hit track "Munch (Feelin' U)."
The success of Gaston's single, thanks to the support of Drake and social media users, would ultimately lead to the release of her debut EP titled Like..? The 23-year-old's accomplishments don't stop there. Following the release of Gaston's 2023 EP, --which debuted at number 37 on Billboard's 200 album chart-- the lyricist would also drop various singles, including "Gangsta Boo" with Lil Tjay and a remix to PinkPantheress' hit "Boy's a Liar."
Since then, Gaston has been riding the wave of her fame by continuing to collaborate with other artists and landing major brand deals. But with Gaston's immediate success in the entertainment industry in a short time, it has also drawn online criticism.
Many claimed that the emcee's advanced career trajectory was due to colorism because other artists of a darker complexion who have been releasing music around the same time or if not longer than her have not reached the same level of stardom.
During the June cover story for Teen Vogue magazine, Gaston addressed the colorism remarks head-on, how it made her feel, and the steps she takes to limit what she views online.
Ice Spice On The Negative Comments
In the interview, the New York native revealed that she had seen some of the chatter online and didn't take it personally because the colorism conversation had occurred long before she became famous.
"I have seen those opinions. I feel like that's not something personal to me. I feel like that's been the conversation for generations and forever, since the beginning of time," she said.
Gaston would add that the comments hadn't negatively impacted her because she acknowledged that those individuals making the claims were only trying to bring her down.
"I try not to feed into negativity because I also see that when people are trying to make that point, it's not out of a good place,” she stated. “They end up putting somebody else down."
Ice Spice On How She Handles The Negative Remarks
Further into the discussion, Gaston clarified that although the negative remarks haven't impacted her as many thought they would, it doesn't mean she is prone to not getting her feelings hurt.
The "Bikini Bottom" rapper disclosed that because she is on social media, there's a possibility that she could encounter hurtful comments regarding various topics, including her career. When Gaston does spot those remarks, instead of "torturing" herself by reading more, she just leaves the app.
"I'm a human being, so anything hurtful could potentially hurt my feelings. Potentially if I do read the comments and see something negative, I'll leave. I'm not torturing myself," she said. "A lot of the time I know what they're going to say, because the public is mad predictable…. I expect them to just be on my d--k, to be picking at dumb s--t. Like, they didn't need to bring that up."
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