

It's 2024, and you're ready to get back into the dating scene. Well, you're not alone. According to Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Brand and Marketing of BLK, a popular dating and lifestyle app for the Black community, the day after Christmas through Valentine's Day is considered "peak season" for dating apps. So, whether romance is on your vision board or you just want to date for fun, it's necessary to make your dating profile stand out. If you've used dating apps, then you've probably seen it all. The shady profiles with creepy photos, the lack of info or too much info in the About Me section, and much more. While we know that's not you, you could be making some mistakes that are keeping you from making a connection with a potential love interest.
In an exclusive interview, Jonathan lists 10 dating profile mistakes to avoid in 2024. Read below to kick off your dating journey in a positive way.
Blurry Pictures
Jonathan says blurry pictures are the ultimate no-no. "Pictures are your first representation of yourself on the dating app. So make sure that you have a clear picture, make sure that the picture represents you. If it's a blurry picture, people can't see you. They will see your picture before they read your profile."
Inappropriate Pictures
Next are inappropriate pictures. "Typically, they'll get flagged on dating apps by our moderators, but I mean a torso pic. I mean, even if you have a six-pack, people still want to see your face."
Morsa Images/ Getty Images
Incomplete Biographies
"Another profile mistake; I will say incomplete bios because after people see your pic, if they like it. They want to, you know, get to know a little bit about you," he says.
"If the app gives you as much information to fill out like if you want kids, education, are you a smoker or do you work out, you know, fill out as much as possible because that way that also helps, you know, get you to your match quicker and can alleviate some of that time back and forth. If you know, it's not going to be a match."
Misspellings and Grammar Mistakes
Jonathan recommends that dating app users use spellcheck when writing bios. Grammar mistakes and misspelled words may show that you don't "pay attention to detail, which people probably don't want."
Being Vague About Intentions
While you may be looking for a serious relationship, other people may just be looking for a good time so revealing what you're looking for in your profile will help weed out those who don't match your intentions. "So on BLK we now have, you can select your intention right on your profile. Are you looking for long-term relationship, friends with benefits, friends, you know, things like that?"
Pro-Stock Studios/ Getty Images
TMI
However, there is such a thing as too much information. "Because then that could be safety and privacy, like you don't want to put your phone number on there. I mean, you might not want to put your Snapchat or Instagram." He continues, "I will say like, keep your different social media separate and not give all your information out on your profile."
Negativity
If you're on dating apps, then you've probably seen a negative profile or two, but don't follow in those footsteps. "Even if you've had bad experiences in dating apps or relationships, you don't take it to the dating app because it's supposed to be a place of hope."
Not Updating Your Profile
Have you dyed your hair or lost weight since creating your dating profile? Then you might want to update it, sis. "I mean, you don't want to misrepresent yourself, like if you got a picture from when you were in high school, probably not the best thing because if you meet somebody in person, you're not going to look the same. People's weights, especially during COVID, have gone up, gone down. So you might want to keep that updated to be in accordance with what's real."
Overuse of Filters
While we love our filters, we want to make sure our pics on our dating profiles match how we look in real life. No catfishing here. "Overuse of filters is definitely a faux pas because, again, it's not representing who you truly are," he says. "We want to be all about authenticity. Like that's why BLK exists because it's like you can be your real self, so with BLK, you don't have to code switch. So, I would say, like the filters and edits, let's not lean into that so much.
Lack of Initiative
Lack of initiative applies to after matching with someone. "Bumble says make the first move. We're not gonna say that, but it's like, I mean, send a message if you already matched, so it's like okay, you both swiped right on each other. Don't wait for the other person to message you first. Just go for it. I mean, all you can lose is just somebody you don't know."
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On her debut album,CTRL,SZA crooned about her desire to be a “Normal Girl.” Now, nearly eight years since its release, her Not Beauty line represents her commitment to existing outside of traditional beauty norms.
The singer whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe first teased the idea of a lip gloss line during Super Bowl LIX in February, noting that the release would be happening “very shortly.” Not Beauty debuted simultaneously with the Grand National Tour, which she co-headlines with Kendrick Lamar, in Minneapolis on April 19.
Each Not Beauty pop-up would offer fans the opportunity to purchase the glosses, learn more about the brand, and have the opportunity to meet the superstar in the flesh regardless of their ticket status.
During the Los Angeles tour stop, which spanned three dates on May 21, May 23, with the finale on May 24, xoNecole had the opportunity to test out the glosses included in this soft launch, as SZA revealed in a statement that "this is just the start of other lip products, including plans to launch stains, liners, and creams all inspired by SZA's “infamous layered lip combinations.”
Courtesy
So, what is included in the first Not Beauty launch?
The current Not Beauty products available are lip glosses that come in three shades: In the Flesh, Strawberry Jelly, and Quartz.
During my visit to the first LA Not Beauty pop-up activation, I not only had the chance to purchase all three glosses but also took a peek inside the blow-up log tent. Inside, fans got to experience SZA’s love for nature and her fascination with bugs, which are prominently featured in her performances for this tour. At one point, she even had human preying mantis prancing across the stage y'all.
There were blow-up photos of the beauty that is SZA for fans (myself included) to take photos, but in wooden-like tree trunks were a deeper dive into some of the ingredients featured in her products and their benefits.
For example, the glosses feature Hi-Shine Lip Jelly and Shea Butter as key ingredients and some of the listed benefits included are:
- Shea Butter - “A powerhouse ingredient, offering both functional and nourishing benefits.”
- Hi-Shine Lip Jelly (featured in the In the Flesh shade) - “Formula glides on with perfect adhesion to the lips without stickiness).
Courtesy
What are in the products?
Featured in an orange package, with images of a bug and flower on the side, the back of the box reads: “It’s NOT BEAUTY, it just works. Developed by Solána “SZA” Rowe.
As someone who never leaves home without a good lip gloss, I loved how compact the wood panel packaging is. Perfect to slip into my purse, or in the case of the show at SoFi Stadium, into my pocket when I’m not carrying a bag.
Because I’m a sucker for a good black and brown lip liner and clear gloss combo, I decided to wear the Quartz flavor on night one of the Grand National Tour LA stop, and it did not disappoint. I’ll admit, it’s light weight feel made me nervous because it felt like there was nothing on my lips. However, when I checked my lips in my compact mirror several times throughout the night, I was shocked to find that my gloss was still intact. I only reapplied once out of the habit of looking cute and applying my gloss, but not necessity.
Here are some of the ingredients featured, but not limited to, in the Quartz flavor.
- Polyisoubutene
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea)Butter
- Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
- Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
- Tocopherol
Courtesy
Lip prep
I’m a simple girl who loves to stay true to her roots. So ahead of the show, I stopped by a local Inglewood Beauty Supply store and grabbed a Black and Brown shade lip pencil for just under $2 a piece.
Shading the outline of my lips with the black pencil first, I used the brown to lightly fill the inside of my lips before applying my Quartz Not Beauty shade gloss.
How to apply
There’s truly no right or wrong way to apply lip gloss (in my opinion), with this being a brush applicator sort of product, I simply untwisted the top and swiped the gloss around my top and bottom lip generously.
Courtesy
Results
Again, my Not Beauty Quartz product stayed on my lips from the start of the show, which began with a fire DJ set from LA’s very own, Mustard, to the conclusion when Kendrick and SZA reunited on stage to send us home to their duet, “luther,” featured on the rapper's GNX album.
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Feature image courtesy
The 11 Best Braid Sprays To Give Your Protective Style The Refresh It Craves
There’s nothing better than a fresh set of braids. From knotless to boho braids, twists, and locs, these signature summer styles are undefeated when it comes to the versatility and ease that they bring to our lives.
Still, the itchy scalp that comes with product build-up or dryness can totally ruin the vibe of having your hair newly done. And since we want our braids to last as long as possible, scratching at our roots is one of the quickest ways to undo all the fresh parting we sat for hours to get.
That’s why it is important to have go-to scalp care to help maintain your protective style and keep scalp sensitivities at bay. To help, we’ve put together a list of the best scalp sprays, tonic, and lotions to soothe and refresh your crown.
Oh So Strong! Shine Boosting Moisturizer
Aunt Jackie's
Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Strong! Shine Boosting Moisturizer is the perfect solution for maintaining fresh braids while enhancing shine and moisture. This specially formulated moisturizer is enriched with a refreshing blend of biotin, honey, rosemary, and mint, providing essential nourishment to both hair and scalp.
Use daily to keep your protective styles soft, moisturized, and brilliantly shiny.
Camille Rose Mint Condition Braid & Scalp Spray
Camille Rose
Experience the rejuvenating benefits of Camille Rose’s Mint Condition Braid & Scalp Spray, infused with a carefully crafted blend of essential oils, herbs, and sea moss. Designed to alleviate dryness and itching, Mint Condition provides instant relief while softening hair roots and revitalizing strands.
Nourish your scalp and promote healthy hair growth with our handcrafted herbal tea blend, enriched with aloe vera juice and sea moss, to strengthen hair and minimize breakage.
Tgin Rose Water Curl Refresher
Tgin
Tgin Rose Water Curl Refresher has all the goodness of rose water and coconut oil with a unique formula that revitalizes even the most irritated scalp conditions.
Say goodbye to dryness and frizz as this refreshing spray hydrates, smooths, and revitalizes your hair. Extend the life of your braids effortlessly and enjoy the added peace of mind, knowing your hair is in good hands.
As I Am Rosemary Hair Water
As I Am
Experience the calming scent of As I Am Rosemary Hair Water with rosemary and peppermint oil, ensuring a soothing and refreshing haircare experience. Utilizing advanced sub-micron technology, it enhances the scalp's protective barrier, while also balancing the pH levels of hair and scalp.
Mizani Scalp Care Soothing Scalp Lotion
Mizani
This leave-in treatment by Mizani is enriched with a soothing blend of aloe vera, avocado oil, and invigorating eucalyptus. Providing nourishment and a cooling sensation, it will revitalize your scalp for optimal health and comfort.
Pharm To Table Scalp Relief Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner
Pharm To Table
If your scalp needs some recusing, then you might want to try this leave-in conditioner. Pharm To Table Scalp Relief is formulated with tea tree oil, mint, coconut oil, and biotin. This blend provides cooling comfort to dry, irritated scalps while imparting an invigorating fragrance that energizes the senses.
Uncle Funky’s Daughter Defunk Neutralizing Tonic
Uncle Funky's Daughter
Greasy, dry scalp, be gone! Defunk Hair Refresher Tonic is here to deliver your roots from itchiness and promote hair growth. Suitable for all hair types, it's a refreshing pick-me-up and effective in treating odor and buildup removal in locs, braids, and twists.
Mielle Rice Water And Aloe Braid And Scalp Moisturizer
Mielle Organics
Mielle’s Rice Water & Aloe Vera Braid & Scalp Moisturizer is a lightweight, non-greasy spray specially formulated to hydrate and condition braids and scalp without leaving any buildup. This all-in-one product instantly absorbs, providing deep moisture to maintain hair and scalp health throughout protective styling.
Design Essentials Peppermint & Aloe Scalp Tonic
Design Essentials
Revitalize your hair with Design Essentials® Peppermint & Aloe Soothing Scalp Tonic. This refreshing tonic clarifies and purifies the scalp, eliminating dirt and excess oils that cause irritation. Infused with natural peppermint and aloe, it calms, soothes, and stimulates the scalp, providing instant relief from itching.
Use as a pre-shampoo treatment or leave-in scalp treatment.
Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar
Sunday II Sunday
Sunday II Sunday’s dry shampoo alternative utilizes the cleansing power of apple cider vinegar and micellar water to refresh your hair and scalp. Enjoy hair that appears, feels, and smells rejuvenated between washes.
Jamaican Mango & Lime Braid Your Way 6-in-1 Soothes & Revives Braid Refresher
Jamaican Mango & Lime
There’s nothing like finding a product that covers all your bases, and this 6-in-1 Soothes & Revives Braid Refresher by Jamaican Mango & Lime does just that.
It promotes hair growth and reduces breakage and inflammation, all while keeping your hair protected, moisturized, and healthy.
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Featured image by Good Faces on Unsplash
Originally published on May 14, 2024