This post is in partnership with BET+
If there’s anything we’ve learned about Eva Marcille both onscreen and offscreen, it’s that she’s not one to underestimate. The multi-hyphenate star has worn many hats throughout her career, but her leading role on BET+’s spicy series All The Queen’s Men has us steadily coming back for more. The show takes us into the gritty world of Atlanta’s strip club scene, where the sexy chiseled male dancers at Club Eden get the whole spot to make it rain while dealing with their own personal storms behind the scenes. At the center of it all, Marilyn “Madam” DeVille (played by Marcille) runs the club and keeps its staff in check. Madam demands respect and takes zero mess. Yet somehow, she’s able to keep calm and unbothered despite the intense pressure she’s under. Marcille’s superb acting, combined with the refreshing perspective of a woman running all the plays, makes ATQM one of the most binge-worthy shows of the year.
With the upcoming release of this season's newest episodes just around the corner (January 12th) xoNecole got to chop it up with Marcille about what inspires the big bawse energy she brings to the screen. We also got this Scorpio queen to dish on how she juggles acting with being a mom of three, and what she hopes to demystify about strip club culture through this role.
xoNecole: You are phenomenal as Madam DeVille, who is a tough, no-nonsense type of character. What personal experiences do you draw from that help you portray her so well?
EM: All of the strong women in my family, from my grandmother to my mother and all the amazing Black women from activists, lawyers, and community leaders, are where I can draw from to help me portray Madam. We are boss!
Madam DeVille is under so much pressure right now, balancing her father’s care with being under the watchful eye of the feds AND running her club. Yet she keeps such grace under pressure. What do you think helps her stay calm and collected even as everything is coming to a head?
That is part of Madam’s grace; she thrives under pressure. She stays calm, knowing that win, lose or draw, she will always be comfortable with the outcome.
In your opinion, what are some common misconceptions about exotic dancers that you think this show helps debunk/shed light on?
Some common misconceptions about exotic dancers that the show helps shed light on I think is that they are actual people and human beings; they are more than just an object. They have lives, fears, passions, families, and dreams.
You’ve worn many hats in the entertainment business from modeling to reality tv to acting. Has this role challenged or stretched you in new ways?
This role has allowed me to unapologetically perform, from the range of my voice, to the boldness in clothes, to the non-mincing of words. Marilyn is honest. It’s an honor to be able to stretch with this project and cast.
How do you balance filming with being a mom to your three adorable kids?
It’s a juggling act balancing filming and being a mom. All I can say is with the help of my wonderful husband I am able to manage as he helps keep things seamless and easy. Most importantly, Sundays are family days. So, no matter how tired I am, I always make a good home-cooked meal on Sundays and spend the day with my family.
Finally, can you tell us what we can expect from Madam’s journey as season 2 continues?
As season 2 continues, you will see Madam out for vengeance. There can only be one QUEEN in town, and Madam will fight to remain on her throne at all costs.
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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The Quiet Luxury Skincare Products A Beauty Writer Thinks Are Worth The Hype
Luxury has become TikTok’s new obsession. Long gone are the days when it was cool to wear that t-shirt with GUCCI labeled across the front. Nowadays, the girls are all about keeping their luxury items a secret. Only opting for clean and high-fashion pieces leaves nothing but a mystery to the mind. Now that quiet luxury fashion has established itself as the latest “it girl” of the season, it’s time for her to expand to other areas, like skincare. Quiet skincare is a rising trend that is soon to take over the summer.
Local drugstore and trendy skincare must move to the left because now it’s all about the fabulous life of luxury skincare. Think Prada, Gucci, and Dior, but on your face. Now that’s what I call a good time! Of course, as your fellow beauty writer, I have done the Lord's work and tested out plenty of luxury skincare products. It hasn’t been easy, and trust me, I’m exhausted, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
This is not the economy to mindlessly buy luxury skincare brands that will barely live up to the hype. Here are my recommendations for luxury skincare that are worth the hype and do what they say they’re going to do.
Tata Harper Clarifying Pore & Oil Control Cleanser with BHA & AHA
Sephora
Our skin and makeup will thrive by keeping our pores as happy as possible. Tata Harper's Clarifying Cleanser is guaranteed to put your pores in their place. This cleanser contains three key ingredients: pear flower enzymes, juniper fruit, and chlorella. Combining these ingredients helps promote exfoliation, oil balance, and soothe redness. I’ve enjoyed using this when those pesky breakouts come through, and my skin is calmer. A gentle clearing cleanser is all you need to invest your money in.
Dr. Barbra Sturm Face Mask
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Before we begin to apply the best of the best of skincare, we must prep our skin. The Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Mask is packed with nutrients to give your skin the supple hydration it deserves. I truly enjoyed using this face mask after my routine deep pore cleansing face mask - no, it’s not luxury, but it is to my pores. It’s safe to say that this face mask is best for all skin types and will have your skin glowing all day long. Aloe vera, known for its hydration and clearing properties, is the main ingredient in this product. After a few usages, I have noticed a massive difference in hyperpigmentation and hydration.
La Mer The Concentrate
This serum is going to cost you a coin. The product is set at a whopping $440. I can try multiple beauty products through brand PR packages as a beauty writer. I tried this popular serum with a small sample I inherited. Sometimes, a sample is all a girl needs to live a rich auntie lifestyle. The serum had my skin looking as incredible as the aftermath of a fresh facial appointment. This product aims to take all your money and rebuild your skin barrier. A secret miracle concentrate is packed into each bottle to enrich your skin. It also contains antioxidants that protect the skin from inflammation and environmental stressors.
Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream Revitalizing & Brightening Moisturizer
Lancôme
Bring your skin back to life with the Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream Moisturizer. Few brightening creams catch my attention, but this one has my heart. Shea butter is one of the key ingredients, along with vitamin E. I am convinced these ingredients have played a massive role in the deep hydration of my skin and the radiance I have experienced with this product. Although this item will cost you $165, a little goes a long way with this product. Shea butter is exceptionally moisturizing and shouldn’t be used with a heavy hand.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Under Eye Cream
Dr. Barbara Sturm is back at it, stealing our wallets one product at a time. Her undereye cream is an exception in terms of skincare. Are you crying at your job? This undereye cream has got you covered! This product is praised for reducing redness and dark undereye shadows, smoothing, and firming while protecting the skin barrier. I’ve used this product on good and bad days and found the consistency is similar to the face mask previously mentioned—hydrating, supple, and enriching.
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