This Educator Shares Her Cannabis-Infused Beauty Routine
In About Face, xoNecole gets the 411 on IGers who give us #skincaregoals on the daily. Here they break down their beauty routines on the inside and out, as well as the highly coveted products that grace their shelves and their skin.
To keep it all the way 100 with you, I didn't come across DeJanae Evins in some roundabout way on the Explore page on my IG feed. Instead, she found me. She first graced our site as a contributor, penning articles about wellness, veganism, and weed when it called for it. In addition to dabbling in entrepreneurship and freelancing, DeJanae is also a certified cannabis educator at the helm of the platform Green Goddess Glow.
As someone who is knowledgeable the healing powers of cannabis and encourages others to indulge in "mindful cannabis and self-care practices," DeJanae finds herself very fulfilled by the work she does. "My favorite part about the work I do is encouraging culture-shifting conversations around the ways we define health and wellness, usually in ways that emphasize ancestral knowledge," she shared with xoNecole.
After giving her a follow on Instagram, it was easy to become enamored by her physical beauty as well. The 27-year-old LA-based entrepreneur in all her cocoa skin and cocoa butter kissed glory has skin that could be the envy of all the girls in the yard. Which is absolutely why I had to hit her up to learn more about the routines that helped her maintain and own her beauty from the outside in.
And here's what she had to say.
My morning routine looks like...
"A typical morning for me begins with warm water and lemon. Expressing gratitude, prayer and intention setting."
For my skincare routine in the AM...
"My morning skincare routine looks like a quick rinse using Dr. Bronner's Hemp Soap (Amazon, $12), followed by Dame Body's Manuka Honey Face Scrub. I try to use cannabis in my skincare regimen because its benefits are so far reaching! It's a great inflammatory and moisturizes without clogging the pores. Then I'll tone with Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel (Amazon, $9) or Dame Body's Witch Hazel Orange Blossom Toner. A lot of the time I'm using Dame Body's Orange Blossom Toner because, in addition to witch hazel distillate, there are citrus botanical extracts, including neroli essential oil, which comes from the bitter orange tree. It's a sweet fragrance and is rich in vitamins A, C and E.
"And I finish with a Dame Body's Raw Face Serum, which is full of African wild harvested and cold pressed oils like Tanzanian Tamanu, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Rwandan Maracuja oil and Namibian Marula oil. It also includes Raspberry and Egyptian Carrot oils that naturally provide an SPF 30, protecting against UVA and UVB rays, which is great because my skin usually breaks out from the chemicals in traditional sunscreens. Throughout the day, I'm refreshing with rose water or Dame Body's Orange Blossom Water imported from Lebanon and infused with Citrine crystals."
And for my skincare routine in the PM...
"At night, I melt off all my make up with Caudalie Cleansing Oil (Macys, $28) and OSEA Ocean Cleanser (Neiman Marcus, $48) before getting in the shower. I try to stay away from using product with animal bones or gelatin. And I love that OSEA has algae, or seaweed, in it which is a great alternative. I follow this up a Manuka Honey Face Scrub (Amazon, $13) that I put on while I wash my body and brush my teeth (because a girl loves to multi-task!). Then I rinse the scrub off, apply Dame Body's Witch Hazel Orange Blossom Toner and finish with the Raw Face Serum."
How the seasons affect my approach to skincare...
"I'd say my winter/fall products are more heavy, I do a lot more moisturizing in the colder months to avoid peeling and dry skin. I consult with skin care specialists like Sannae of Dame Body who keep me informed about the best methods to maintain clear and healthy skin in seasonal transitions."
My go-to makeup look consists of...
"My look is pretty consistent, unless it's a special occasion. In addition to the Raw Face Serum, I use The Body Shop's Hemp Heavy Duty Face Protector (Amazon, $13) when I'm not wearing makeup and Hangover Replenishing Face Primer which doubles as a moisturizer when I am applying makeup. My go-to foundation is Becca because I get so many compliments on my skin when I wear it. I use Sephora concealer, Laura Mercier finishing powder, a $7 Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette, and NYX's Dubai liquid matte lipstick. That's pretty much my day-to-day look."
How I approach beauty from the inside-out...
"The things I do that me that make me feel on the inside as good as you look on the outside are keeping a lot of living things around: plants and flowers. I try to make a habit of buying myself flowers weekly. I burn sweet smelling incense, usually jasmine or sandalwood. I sunbathe. I put my phone on Do No Disturb without apologizing for it later. I smoke weed often and take functional mushrooms like Lion's Mane daily. I also grow my own cannabis in my backyard. It's how I stay grounded and in tune with nature."
What self-care looks like to me...
"A few of my self-care must-haves include: alkaline water, daily sun exposure, a jade roller, [and] my Lioness vibrator. When I have the time to, and I'm not rushing to bed to get a decent amount of sleep, I unwind with a bath, I journal, I meditate and steep mugwort tea with a heaping helping of honey."
For more of DeJanae, follow her on Instagram.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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'Love Is Blind' Star AD Smith Shows Us That The Journey To Self-Worth Is Ongoing And She Shouldn't Be Criticized For It
This season of Love Is Blind was undeniably a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From intricate love triangles to deeply rooted attachment issues, it offered viewers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of modern relationships.
Yet, amidst the drama and romance, I think it serves as a poignant reminder of how we can possess a keen awareness of our relationship patterns; we can even find ourselves in therapy for years yet find ourselves repeatedly entangled in the same destructive cycles. Without the necessary tools and strategies to dismantle old habits and embrace healthier alternatives, we are destined to remain ensnared in a cycle of repetition and stagnation.
Amber Desiree “AD” Smith was left shocked and confused at the altar when her fiancé, Clay Gravesande, ultimately decided not to go through with the wedding ceremony. His actions throughout the season consistently indicated hesitancy towards commitment despite initially expressing readiness for a long-term relationship when he and AD first connected in the pods.
Throughout the season, Clay's journey revealed layers of immaturity stemming from childhood wounds caused by generational trauma, along with a clear unpreparedness for a healthy relationship. His relationship with AD began on shaky ground when he hesitated to commit without knowing her appearance first.
@netflix.reality.clips Clay and AD in the pods #clayloveisblind #ADloveisblind #loveisblindseason6 #libs6 #dating show
Despite AD's initial surprise, she decided to give Clay a chance, continuing their relationship. However, this initial compromise led to recurring issues, such as Clay's insensitive comments about potential weight gain and his insistence that AD join a gym if she were to gain weight in the future.
Despite these challenges, Clay and AD left the pods engaged with a road ahead of them of ongoing struggles in the real world. Clay and AD's relationship seemed shallow, mainly revolving around superficial interactions reminiscent of casual social media banter. Clay's fixation on physical appearance and fear of commitment clashed with AD's idealized vision of their relationship, blinding her from facing the reality of who Clay truly was.
Clay often centered conversations around himself, indicating a deep need for validation, which AD eagerly provided. From my point of view, this mutual reinforcement bolstered Clay's ego while fulfilling AD's need for validation in return.
Throughout season 6, Clay grappled with committing to a single partner, influenced by his upbringing witnessing his father's multiple relationships and extramarital affairs. The absence of healthy marriage examples shaped his perception of relationships. Despite these challenges, AD remained steadfast in her support, demonstrating a willingness to confront and overcome obstacles with Clay, given her upbringing in a household where her father was absent, an attachment wound that she has gained awareness about in therapy.
In the season finale, AD's excitement turned to confusion when Clay unexpectedly responded with "I don't" after her "I do." Clay's decision wasn't about AD's worth but stemmed from his own lack of emotional maturity and focus on superficial traits like physical appearance and achievement.
@stephmoneymonster Justice for AD #loveisblind #loveisblindseason6 #fpy #viralvideo #foryoupage #single #dating
Despite Clay's repeated expressions of self-doubt throughout the season, AD was visibly taken aback, holding onto the hope that he would change. AD's desire to be with Clay overshadowed her ability to discern if he was the right guy for her. Throughout the season, she found herself caught up in a fantasy of who she wanted Clay to be and the idea of being married to him. Clay's repeated statements about how AD made him a better man and how he wanted to change for her likely boosted her ego.
Many of us can relate to AD's struggle; grappling with feelings of unworthiness due to childhood trauma and abandonment often traps us in cycles that reinforce our deepest fears.
At the altar, AD was left devastated, questioning her worthiness and desirability. However, it’s not that AD isn’t worthy; she’s just stuck in a pattern of choosing emotionally unavailable partners, reminiscent of her father. Though she desires a different outcome, she finds herself unable to connect with a man who is emotionally present, reflecting her own emotional unavailability.
In our society, there's a common expectation for women to take on the role of nurturing and guiding men, often justified by the belief that “boys will be boys.” Like most women, AD frequently excuses Clay's behavior and does much of the emotional work in their relationship.
Deep down, AD likely felt the need to show unwavering support to Clay, hoping to secure his commitment by accommodating his flaws. For AD, love has become synonymous with earning someone's affection, a belief she reinforced by investing her heart in Clay, hoping to prove her worth to him. Yet, in doing so, she unwittingly perpetuated her own cycle of dysfunction.
AD's journey highlights the importance of being discerning in relationships, distinguishing between genuine compatibility, and settling for something less (the "right" from the "kinda sorta right"). Unfortunately, she lacked the tools to see Clay clearly, especially when dealing with her own attachment issues. Relying solely on physical attraction can be risky, as it often leads to repeating old patterns, with judgment clouded by the intensity of emotions.
Netflix Love Is Blind season 6 Clay and AD/ Screenshot
Engaging in inner work through therapy is undoubtedly a crucial step toward personal growth and healing, but it doesn’t fix us. It provides us with the opportunity to delve into our past traumas, confront deep-seated insecurities, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. However, despite the insights gained and the progress made within the therapeutic setting, applying this newfound self-awareness to real-life situations, especially in the realm of romantic relationships, can be challenging.
For someone like AD, the journey towards self-discovery is ongoing. I love the way Yung Pueblo puts it: “If the pain was deep, you will have to let it go many times.” While therapy equips her with valuable tools for introspection and self-reflection, it doesn't necessarily guarantee an immediate transformation in her dating behavior or decision-making process because she needs to grieve what she didn’t get from her father and create a new identity for herself.
One of the biggest reasons for this disparity between inner work and practical application lies in the complexity of human emotions and behavior.
Despite understanding the root causes of her attachment issues, AD found herself still drawn to partners who perpetuate these dynamics. This phenomenon often occurs because our emotional responses are deeply ingrained and may override rational thought processes, particularly when it pertains to matters of the heart.
'Love Is Blind' Season 6 Finale AD and Clay's Wedding/ Screenshot
Furthermore, the dynamics of therapy sessions differ vastly from real-life interactions and relationships. In therapy, individuals are in a controlled environment where they can explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. However, the unpredictability and vulnerability inherent in dating can trigger old wounds and defense mechanisms, making it challenging to maintain the same level of self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Moreover, societal expectations and cultural norms can exert significant pressure on individuals like AD, influencing their perceptions of what constitutes a successful relationship. The desire for validation, societal approval, or the fear of being alone may cloud judgment and lead to compromising on core values or overlooking red flags.
So, how can we bridge the gap between inner work and practical application in our own dating lives?
Firstly, it's essential to acknowledge that growth is a gradual process and setbacks are inevitable. Instead of expecting instant results, we can practice self-compassion and patience while holding ourselves accountable.
Additionally, we can also work on slowing down, setting boundaries, and practicing assertiveness in our interactions with potential partners. Start getting to know people from the inside out. Not just by what they say but by what they do. These two things should always walk hand in hand.
By clearly communicating our needs and values and slowing down on physical intimacy, we can better discern whether a relationship aligns with our values.
Furthermore, seeking support from wise counsel (trusted friends and family), mentors, or even continuing therapy BEFORE things get too serious can provide us with additional perspectives and guidance as we navigate the dating landscape. Having a support network can offer reassurance and validation while also providing accountability in making healthy choices.
Lastly, by staying attuned to our emotions and paying attention to what our intuition is saying, we can make more informed decisions and avoid falling into familiar traps.
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Feature image Netflix Love Is Blind Season 6/ Screenshot