

Introducing The Minimalist Make-Up Trend That's Dominating 2020
There are fewer things that bring me joy in this life than good wine, a good meal, good dessert, a good outfit, and a BEAT FACE, honey. Those who know me best know that the relationship I have with makeup is one that's ever-growing and full of passion. You know, the type of passion that walks around with eyeshadow and lipstick swatches all up and down my arm at almost every Sephora and Ulta visit.
But since the Rona has had us all homebound for the last handful of months, I haven't had much of a reason to get all dolled up. So when I heard about this new trend called clean color makeup, I jumped at the opportunity to find out more about it. Coined by Ricky Wilson, Dior International makeup artist––the aesthetic for this lewk calls for pairing splashy hues with minimalistic skin and lips.
Pretty simple, right?
Shanelle Harris for xoNecole
With that in mind, I grabbed two of my newfound favorite palettes to get started. Namely the HudaBeauty Topaz Obsessions and Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette.
Look 1: Obsessed
Shanelle Harris for xoNecole
One of the things I love about this HudaBeauty palette is the fact that it's so warm. I have warmer undertones so I often find myself naturally gravitating to anything with golds, browns, oranges, and the like. You can find this beauty at Sephora for about $27.00.
Shanelle Harris for xoNecole
Now I normally am not one to wear a lot of bright colors on my lids (I love soft/neutral glam looks), but it was something about this Urban Decay palette that made me fall in love. Every now and then I bust this out when I'm feeling a little fun so it only made sense for me to use it for the clean color trend. Unfortunately, this particular palette has been discontinued, but you can find a very similar Urban Decay one here on sale now for just $19.50.
Look 2: It's Electric
Shanelle Harris for xoNecole
For this look, I wanted to emulate a vivid neon green liner. I used the pressed pigment "Thrash" and carefully applied it along my lash line into a wing and still kept it clean by keeping the nude glossy lip. This time I opted for lashes though because I just had a feeling they'd set this look off. And luckily I was right.
Shanelle Harris for xoNecole
See? Super simple! Clean color was a fairly easy look to achieve and I have no doubt that it will be for even the most color-averse among us. The most important and creative part is that how you wear your color is all up to you. I opted to pop my color on my eyes, but you can also wear it via blush, colored mascara, or eyeliner. The options are endless.
Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you keep it, cute sis!
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Featured image by Shanelle Harris for xoNecole.
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Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
How A Couple That Never Spoke On The Phone Answered Marriage’s Call
How We Met is a series where xoNecole talks love and relationships with real-life couples. We learn how they met, how like turned into love, and how they make their love work.
As I move through life and experience different highs and lows, one thing that has become increasingly clear is the importance of self-love and self-worth. Now, I’m not saying it’s always easy, but I do feel like if it’s in a good place, people experience life more fully. And when it comes to love, my friend Amanda Wicks and her husband, Will Ford, are the perfect example.
Amanda may not remember this, but years ago, on one of her many visits back to Atlanta (we both went to Clark Atlanta University), she sat across from me at a dinner table and declared she was done looking for love. She was happy with who she was, and while she still desired it, it was no longer something she was chasing. “If it happens, it happens,” she said. The statement was so bold it made me quickly reroute our usual dating story catch-ups and awkwardly move to a different topic.
Well, the next time we met up, she told me she had met someone and was moving to Houston to live with him. Imagine my surprise and concern. Later, I’d find out that this decision, like so many other elements of their relationship, flowed naturally and organically. Their whole partnership has been full of peace and vulnerability.
Fast forward to today’s conversation, they’re still living together, celebrating four years of marriage, and planning to create a family. And while this stage of their story sounds generally normal, the way they got there is nothing but. Check out the "How We Met" feature below to see how a couple who never spoke on the phone and lived in different states ended up in a loving marriage full of ease, art, and authenticity.
Photo courtesy of Amanda Wicks and Will Ford
Walk me through your ‘How We Met’ story.
Amanda: We met on Instagram (laughs). He followed me first, and I followed back because he does art, and I was intrigued by that. Honestly, we followed each other for a while before we connected. But I remember one day I saw a post where he had on a Martin t-shirt that I liked, and that sparked our conversation. He ended up telling me he made the shirt and actually mailed me one. So when I got it, I made a post wearing it, and that’s where the conversation started. Since that day we’ve communicated every day since.
Will: Yeah, I initially saw her on a short-hair Instagram page and followed her because I thought she was attractive. I actually showed her to my co-workers on one of our monthly outings as an example of my “type” – something I had never done. But one thing I will say is, I noticed she had on a Nina Simone shirt in one of her photos, that’s what got me. It showed she had more depth.
I guess that answers my next question. Did you have an initial attraction to each other?
Will: (Laughs) Yeah, I did.
Amanda: For me, no. I just wasn’t looking at him through that lens. I didn’t follow him because he was attractive. I don’t follow people online because of that. I actually remember a time when we were going back and forth, and I was like, “Aye, you kinda cute.” It was a specific moment. Once I started looking through his page more often, I started to view him that way, but it still was more of an acknowledgment. We really connected primarily because of our creative interests.
So, how did it go to the next level?
Amanda: I was in Nashville, and he was in Houston. But I’m somebody where if I feel like doing something, I’m going to do it. I had been meaning to go to Houston for a while to see a friend, so I felt like it was the perfect combination of a circumstance. We had been talking a lot, and I knew I liked him as a person and really wanted to meet him, but of course, I was aware of the idea that it could blossom into more. I remember I sent him a text saying, “Would you think I was crazy if I pulled up to Houston?”
Photo courtesy of Amanda Wicks and Will Ford
What was your reply? Did you think she was crazy?
Will: In my mind, I was like, I don’t know. (Laughs) I wanted her to, though, so I wasn’t going to say yeah. It was a little wild, but I encouraged it.
Okay, so tell me about the date.
Amanda: I don’t know if you’d call it our first “date,” but the first time we met, we went to a skating rink. I was a little nervous about meeting him in person. Like, what if we don’t have chemistry – that was in the back of my head a little. But I brought my friend with me as a buffer, and thank God I did because he was so quiet the whole night. I literally can’t think of one thing he said the entire time. But the saving grace was that we had built a rapport. We reconnected the following night and were together until 5 a.m. – just sitting there talking. We ended up spending the whole weekend together.
Will: I’m socially awkward if I don’t know you. Also, before the date, I didn’t know what she sounded like or anything because, that’s another thing, we hadn’t talked on the phone. (They both really don’t like phone calls, so everything was through texts at this point.) I guess I could say I was kinda nervous, too. I had never met someone through social media, and then here I was, meeting her in person at a skating rink. I hadn’t skated in years, I was hoping I didn’t fall. But we had just been talking so much that I was open to it.
What made you want to take that risk?
Will: She has a level of authenticity that I’ve never seen in any other woman before, and once I saw her, it solidified that. I knew I wanted her around.
Amanda: I don’t think it was anything specific. It’s not hard for me to connect with people. But there were no red flags. We align across the board. That was different. We really connect on how we see the world.
"She has a level of authenticity that I’ve never seen in any other woman before, and once I saw her, it solidified that. I knew I wanted her around."
Photo courtesy of Amanda Wicks and Will Ford
Out of curiosity, what are your love languages?
Amanda: I connect with all of them. I think it just depends on what I’ve been lacking. I appreciate words of affirmation because I’m so big on actions that I like those bold statements of love, and of course, I appreciate quality time. The older I get, the more I appreciate physical touch, but that’s not something I need. With receiving gifts, I like thoughtfulness, and I like giving thoughtful gifts, too. But acts of service is for sure my biggest one. I love when someone considers me and makes my life easier. That speaks to me most.
"I love when someone considers me and makes my life easier. That speaks to me most."
Will: I think it all depends on how I’m feeling, too. But probably also acts of service. I like how Amanda will buy me deodorant when I run out (laughs). She just does so much all the time to show that I’m thought of.
At what point in your connection did y’all have the “what are we” conversation?
Will: I don’t think we ever had that convo. We never defined anything, we just kinda went with how it was going. However, I knew I wanted it to be more serious when I went to visit her. She had been coming to Houston once a month, and I went to Florida (she was there for work) to see her. I realized I felt comfortable coming into her space, too. That gave me that last little bit of whatever I needed.
Amanda: Yeah, I can’t say I had a defined moment like that. But again, as we had more and more interactions, there were just no red flags. The more we thought about it, the more we realized no matter where we went relationship-wise, we were adamant about being a part of each other’s lives. We never had the “talking to other people” conversation or anything. But we did both understand we weren’t going anywhere. Eventually, it graduated to convos around building a life together, but even that was over six months in. I just liked him as a person.
Have there been any negative revelations that your partnership and marriage have taught you about yourself?
Amanda: I’ve always felt that partnership is supposed to make the other person’s life easier. For me, it was a struggle to let someone help me in all the ways I didn’t really know I needed help. As I started having less capacity, I had to realize that it doesn't work anymore. It was hard for me to acknowledge and ask for help. I think that’s something I am still coming to terms with, even with other relationships in my life.
Will: I think I’m learning and still learning how to get out of my head. I’m the kind of person who always has to visualize stuff before it happens. And this relationship is the first thing that I don’t do that with. Of course, we plan stuff, but I know it’s gonna be good regardless. It allows me to stay in the moment. If I can do that with this, which is the most important thing to me, why can’t I do that with other things?
Photo courtesy of Amanda Wicks and Will Ford
What challenges have you faced together?
Will: For me, the preconceived challenge was living together. I’ve never lived with a woman before. Even in my previous relationship, it was long-distance. I’m also the type of person that likes my space, but as soon as she got here, that was out the window. It was so smooth it made me feel stupid for questioning it.
Amanda: I’m grateful to say we don’t necessarily have challenges between each other together. But we have been struggling with infertility and health issues. Our biggest challenge thus far is trying to get pregnant. Even articulating that makes me realize I’m grateful it hasn’t caused a rift between us. I think we have been able to face it in a healthy way. But that’s an example of how having someone else there can be helpful. I was so functional as a full-blown individual doing everything by myself.
So, in my head, I don’t need anyone, but having someone there who is happy to support me has taught me it’s okay to welcome that. It’s made us stronger because it’s taught us how we both function under duress – it’s good to know it’s not terrible (laughs).
"Our biggest challenge thus far is trying to get pregnant. Even articulating that makes me realize I’m grateful it hasn’t caused a rift between us. I think we have been able to face it in a healthy way."
What are some of the shared values that are important to your relationship?
Will: How we see life, what we’re here for, and how you’re supposed to treat people. It sounds really simple, but it’s not as common as you think.
Amanda: We value being really good people – without strings. We both don’t value money, but we value stability. So we don’t have to endure the “why are you not hustling” arguments. We were both stable people individually, and we came together. Also, we both value meaningful connections, alone time, reflection, and family. That guides us in what we do and how we build a life.
Finally, what is your favorite thing about each other?
Amanda: I’ll say one of my favorite things about him is that he’s brilliant. I view myself as a smart person, but in my head, he can do what I’m doing ten times faster. There are times I want to push myself to do stuff, and I’ll just ask him because I know he can do it. It’s incredible.
Will: My favorite thing about her is how people see her. Being a witness to how important she is to other people’s lives is amazing. Standing to the side and seeing how she affects them is really special.
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Feature image courtesy of Amanda Hicks and Will Ford
When it comes to the love compatibility between a Scorpio woman and a Cancer man, it is an emotional pairing that is an all-consuming one. The Scorpio woman explores the depths of love; the Cancer man is enamored by the intensity he feels around her.
Scorpio Woman Cancer Man Love Compatibility
This is an emotionally charged couple and one where the heart rules. They value a lot of the same things in a relationship and have no problem connecting on a romantic and emotional level.
However, all of the emotions tied to this relationship can also become too overwhelming, and this couple is often hot and cold as a result. When it’s good, it’s out-of-this-world good, and when it’s bad, it’s a little overwhelming.
What attracts a Scorpio woman and a Cancer man to each other?
These two are both attracted to how each other shows up in the world. Water signs out of anyone often notice each other in a room as they are the ones who tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves more. Even with the Scorpio woman always trying to maintain her mysterious aura, the Cancer man quickly takes note of her and wants to get to know what is beneath the surface.
The Scorpio woman sees the Cancer man as a best friend and lover, and she may want a friendship before making things more serious. There is something of a kinship between these two, and they will enjoy doing a lot of the same things together. They quickly become two peas in a pod, and the attraction is really powerful here.
What is the relationship like between a Scorpio woman and a Cancer man?
These two get along well, and there are a lot of advantages to this relationship for the both of them. They can be themselves fully with one another and experience unconditional love and support from each other. This is a couple that shows their support for one another and tends to build their life around each other and the relationship.
The Scorpio woman and Cancer man have an emotional connection first and foremost, and that energy is what is the foundation of the relationship.
When this couple goes through challenges, however, things can get petty quickly, and this is a relationship where there could be a lot of ups and downs if not watched out for. There is a lot of intensity here, and they will need to learn how to have more patience and consideration for one another.
All in all, this is a homebody couple who will love to spend a lot of time together, be creative with one another, and experience a sense of unity in love.
What is the sex like between a Scorpio woman and a Cancer man?
The sex between the Scorpio woman and Cancer man is truly unforgettable. These two get along on many levels in life, and this, of course, includes the bedroom as well. Being both intuitive individuals, they know how to read each other’s body language and soon become fluent. The Scorpio woman tends to have a sex drive that not many can keep up with, but the Cancer man is not intimidated in the slightest.
These two will keep their romantic and sex life on the down-low and a more secret area of their life, but this is where things are truly interesting for them. They are often into the kinky type of stuff that involves leather, and they find they have a strong connection sexually. This is a passionate type of love.
What makes a relationship between a Scorpio woman and a Cancer man work?
What makes things work in this relationship is their dedication and commitment to the partnership and growing together as one. They don’t have a problem defining the relationship or letting each other know how they feel about each other. There is love here, and they both can feel it.
The Scorpio woman feels like her needs are tending to her and that the Cancer man truly understands her. The Cancer man’s nurturing instincts come out right away in this relationship, and he sees the Scorpio woman as someone he can settle down with.
This relationship will have a lot of shared goals and common interests, and they will include each other in everything they are doing. These are two people who love to be around each other and can have fun doing anything. They will talk for hours about their past, present, and future, and this relationship has depth.
Not everything is perfect, but there is a lot of good energy here keeping them together. This combo is often seen in long-term relationships and marriages.
What may cause a Scorpio woman and a Cancer man to break up?
What was once passion and intensity in the best ways can soon become overwhelming and chaotic. Even though there is strong compatibility between these two, their similarities can often feel like their detriment. The Cancer man is emotionally impulsive, and the Scorpio woman doesn’t forget anything; this energy can lead to a lot of built-up resentments and words said/actions done that can’t be taken back. These two can be their own worst enemy in the relationship, and fights will be pretty intense here.
The challenge with the two is that they are both the type to be all in or nothing, so if there are issues that arise in the relationship, one of the two (or both) may leave the relationship or begin to entertain other people or the idea of them. It’s easy for them to get lost in the drama of love and dismiss the positives of the relationship.
When things are challenging, they will have to make sure they don’t let them go too far and handle things with more grace and compassion for each other to make things work.
Summary: Is a Scorpio woman compatible with a Cancer man?
Overall, the compatibility between the Scorpio woman and Cancer man is strong and one of the better ones for both of them. Depending on the two Scorpio and Cancers at hand, this can be a fulfilling and life-long relationship or a beautiful mess. If they don’t have a strong connection to healthy emotions and what they need in a partnership, then things can turn pretty sour quickly here.
Intentions are everything, and as long as both of these individuals are looking to go all in love and devote themselves to each other, then this is a supportive and forever-type-of couple.
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Featured image by Goodboy Picture Company/Getty Images