
[Video] How Cassandra Freeman's Personal Life Relates To Aunt Viv On 'Bel-Air'
![[Video] How Cassandra Freeman's Personal Life Relates To Aunt Viv On 'Bel-Air'](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8zMzUwMzUzNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc2Njg4OTU0MH0.gye6nmbUkvx2mRUIqJSluJNKJZXZSs_cj7mbUSgkXHw/img.jpg?width=600&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C118%2C0%2C1532)
If there is one thing that Bel-Air gets right about the reboot, it's their ability to capture the essence of our adoration for Aunt Viv. Played by Janet Hubert and Daphne Maxwell Reid in the original series, and now Cassandra Freeman in the reboot, the fact that her character translates so beautifully is one of the best features of the show.
This is largely due in part to who Aunt Viv was when brought to life by Hubert or Maxwell Reid, just as much as it has to do with who she has evolved into as Freeman. All of which have been a joy to watch.
While preparing for the role, Freeman pulled inspiration for her character from personal experiences – in Freeman’s case, it was remembering how her aunt, who is a prominent art collector, and uncle remained grounded among their elite circle of friends. She also pulled inspiration for her role from other women in the industry who shared this same set of values, including Jada Pinkett Smith, Michelle Obama, and Pauletta Washington--all high-profile women and mothers navigating society as gatekeepers to their families.
“There are a lot of women I’ve met in my career who have that feeling … they’re very much grounded in where they’re from, even though they’re surrounded by such opulence."
The actress discussed all the above in an IG Live exclusive with xoNecole, ultimately dropping gems along the way, specifically how being a working mom influences her approach to her portrayal of Aunt Viv in the series. "I think we're in a time where feminine energy is rising all over the culture right now, and it's also penetrating men's energy as well. I think there's a battle happening in the culture right now and what do we do with this feminine rising energy?"
How Cassandra Freeman's Personal Life Relates to Aunt Viv on "Bel-Air"www.youtube.com
She continued, "It's so hard to be a woman today still because statistically, it still states that women, even if they are the breadwinner, even if they are making the most money, they are still doing the cooking and cleaning and washing and nurturing. It's a heavy load and burnout is a real thing. I always tell people when I get a moment of peace, I don't know in that peace if I should take a nap but if I take a nap then I might feel guilty that maybe I should be playing with my son but maybe I should go get a pedicure or maybe I should be planning my next doctor's visit...Like how am I supposed to get everything in alignment?"
"They're just now admitting that when women have a baby, their brains change and they become like a different person so I think because we don't have any traditions to help lead women into this new life because we don't have that, it's very easy to get lost in this being my only job. It's the highest calling to be a mother, but the greatest calling is to be able to do both."
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Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
Eva Marcille On Starring In 'Jason’s Lyric Live' & Being An Audacious Black Woman
Eva Marcille has taken her talents to the stage. The model-turned-actress is starring in her first play, Jason’s Lyric Live alongside Allen Payne, K. Michelle, Treach, and others.
The play, produced by Je’Caryous Johnson, is an adaptation of the film, which starred Allen Payne as Jason and Jada Pinkett Smith as Lyric. Allen reprised his role as Jason for the play and Eva plays Lyric.
While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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This Moisturizer Comes With A Built-In Sculpting Tool—And It Lowkey Changed My Skincare Routine
Gua sha, essence, serums, moisturizer, and SPF are a few of the many steps incorporated in an everyday skincare routine. However, it’s easy to skip a step or two to save time.
And in my case, I’ve wondered how crucial it would be if I slack on an essence or gua sha routine, so my routine doesn’t feel as extensive. With skincare routines getting longer, I always appreciate a two-in-one product.
Now and then, the beauty industry releases a two-in-one product that makes life worth living again. One of those brands is REFY.
The Hype Behind REFY's Face Sculpt Moisturizer With Built-In Roller
The company shook the industry when it first released its REFY Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer With Niacinamide. Now they’ve come out with a moisturizer version of the product. The Face Sculpt by REFY is the world's first moisturizer with a sculpting piece attached.
The product aims to lift the skin while hydrating it at the same time. This is music to my ears, since it’s one less step I have to take separately and still get my facelift.
Face Sculpt by REFY is the "world's first facial sculpting moisturizer that instantly lifts, defines and hydrates."
REFY
Key Ingredients in REFY's Sculpting Moisturizer: What Your Skin Will Love
Before I try any product, I always look at the ingredients. It’s important to know what's going on with your skin. Doing this extra step can help you learn the benefits or risks you’re up against. I love that this moisturizer is filled with glycerin and provitamin B5.
Glycerin is incredible for deeply hydrating the skin, which is essential since I have dry skin. Provitamin B5 is an ingredient I rarely see in most skincare products. It’s excellent for calming the skin and reducing redness. This can come in handy on mornings when your skin is puffy and needs to calm down.
How To Use REFY’s Face Sculpt Moisturizer for Best Results
When applying the product, I learned that patience is key. Rolling the moisturizer into your skin won’t melt in as quickly as using your hands. I found this beneficial since it meant the moisturizer was slowly working its way into my pores, instead of forcing it in. I worked the “roller” in upward motions to ensure I got the face lift effect I sought.
Although the facelift didn’t come instantly, I knew it would come in time if I were consistent enough—four weeks to be exact.
REFY
Four-Week Facelift or Nah? My First Impressions
The website shows various final results after using the moisturizer for four weeks. Several women are posing with pride, showing off their final results. There was a slight difference in lifting for each face. In addition, their smile wrinkles have subsided.
I look forward to these results as I continue to use this product consistently. I encourage everyone to check out the results on their website, as they're worth looking into before you start.
After using this product immediately, I noticed a noticeable difference in hydration. The moisturizer created a luminous effect on my skin that I deeply appreciated. I also loved how much it helped with lymphatic drainage. Since I had to work in the moisturizer, the rolling motions helped smooth out my skin. Allowing for a depuffing effect before starting my day.
Final Thoughts: Is REFY's Face Sculpt Worth It?
I give this product a 10 out of 10. It's perfect for all skin types, but especially those looking for a subtle face lift. With patience and commitment, your skin can be perky and ready for the day!
Remember to roll day and night so your skin can stay plump.
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