
From Fresh Face To Glam: Keke Palmer’s Skincare And Makeup Must-Haves Are Here

If it’s Keke Palmer, baby, we are locked in.
The multi-faceted star showed Vogue her beauty routine, and we can’t get enough. It reflects her love for self-care and natural beauty. Her skincare emphasizes hydration and brightening, using products like La Roche-Posay cleanser, Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant for hyperpigmentation, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost serum.
Of course, our cousin does her research before recommending any products. Keke said, “When I do any kind of product, I do check and see what kind of people have reviewed the product, particularly Black people, to know that somebody with obviously Black skin uses the product.”
Skincare
Screenshot/ Vogue
- Cleanse: Uses La Roche-Posay Gel Cleanser for a gentle, effective cleanse, ensuring it’s reviewed for Black skin compatibility.
- Exfoliate: Applies Paula’s Choice BHA to target hyperpigmentation and improve texture.
- Mask: Treats herself with Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C+ masks for fun and nourishment.
- Hydrate: Sprays Avène Thermal Spring Water, followed by Neutrogena Hydro Boost serum.
- Moisturize: Locks in hydration with La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer and Aquaphor for dry areas.
- Protect: Applies Cay Skin SPF to prepare for makeup.
Screenshot/ Vogue
"The real reason why my routine has changed as a mom is because I’m tired. Sometimes I have to really like pull myself to do the routine." More than anything, time with her son, Leo, is what matters most. “Personally, during my pregnancy, my skin was absolutely amazing, and when I had my son... the excess amount of progesterone helped level my skin out.”
Hair
Screenshot/ Vogue
Keke shared, "When I started doing my natural hair... I realized that I really loved flexi rod sets. It’s not too much; I just try to keep it in its form." She went on to say, “It took me a long time to get to the place of being able to really appreciate my hair and all its uniqueness and what it can do.”
- Style: Sets her natural hair with flexi rods for defined, voluminous curls.
- Shine: Uses Creme of Nature Argan Oil Shine Mist to maintain luster.
- Separate & Shape: Carefully separates curls and picks them out for volume.
- Protective Styles: Wears wigs occasionally, embracing them as a choice, not a necessity.
Makeup
Screenshot/ Vogue
Her makeup style is casual yet polished, featuring staples like Anastasia Brow Wiz and Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, creating a radiant, natural glow. "I’m going for a very casual makeup look... oh my gosh, did she do her makeup? Maybe she did. She’s such a fab girl naturally."
The routine highlights self-love and artistry while staying relatable to her audience.
- Base: Applies Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation and NARS concealer for a light, highlighted finish.
- Set: Uses Charlotte Tilbury spray and bronzing powder for a flawless glow.
- Blush: Adds Patrick Ta Creme Blush for a soft, youthful flush.
- Eyes & Lashes: Uses mascara to refresh false lashes, adding a pop of drama.
- Lips: Lines with Make Up For Ever pencil and applies Huda Beauty matte lipstick.
- Final Touch: Sets everything with Hourglass powder and Chanel blush for a blurred, seamless finish.
Screenshot/ Vogue
Keke finishes her beauty routine with Kilian Angels’ Share perfume, adding a touch of luxury.
One gem the Nope actress dropped was also the fact that Brandy gave her her first journal. In it, she left a note that said, "I am who I am because you are who you are.” Representation matters in every way.
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Feature image Screenshot/ Vogue
'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Quinta Brunson Gets Real About Divorce, Boundaries & Becoming
Quinta Brunson is the woman who chooses herself, even when the world is watching. And in her June 30 cover story for Bustle, she gives us a rare glimpse into the soft, centered place she's navigating her life from now. From leading one of television's most beloved series in the last decade to quietly moving through life shifts, the creator of Abbott Elementary is walking through a personal evolution and doing so with intention, grace, and a firm grip on her boundaries.
Back in March, the 35-year-old filed for divorce from Kevin Jay Anik after nearly three years of marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences." The news hit the headlines of news outlets fast, but Quinta hadn't planned to announce their dissolution to the public so quickly.
Quinta Brunson On Divorce, Public Scrutiny & Sacred Boundaries
"I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce,’" she told Bustle. “I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you. No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life. It’s just that that’s public record information."
In regards to her private moves becoming tabloid fodder, Quinta continued, "I hated that. I hate all of it."
"I Am An Artist First": Quinta On Cutting Her Hair & Reclaiming Herself
Still, the diminutive phenom holds her crown high in the face of change and is returning to the essence of who she is, especially as an artist. "Cutting my hair reminded me that I am an artist first. I want to feel things. I want to make choices. I want to be a person, and not just stuck in having to be a certain way for business." It's giving sacred rebirth. It's giving self-liberation. It's especially giving main character energy.
And while the headlines keep spinning their narratives, the one that Quinta is focused on is her own. For her, slowing down and nourishing herself in ways that feed her is what matters. "It’s a transitional time. I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world," Quinta shared with Bustle. “I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day."
That includes indulging in simple rituals that ground her like "making myself a meal" which has become "really, really important to me."
That spirit of agency doesn't stop at the personal. In her professional world, as the creator, executive producer, and lead actress of the critically-acclaimed Abbott Elementary, Quinta understands the weight her choices carry, both on- and off-screen. She revealed to Bustle, "People used to tell me at the beginning of this that the No. 1 on the call sheet sets the tone, and the producer sets the tone — and I’m both of those roles."
She continued, "I understand now, after doing this for four years, how important it was that I set the tone that I did when we first started."
Quinta doesn't just lead, she understands the importance of curating the energy of any space she enters. Even amid a season of shifts and shedding, her power speaks loudly. Sometimes that power looks like quiet resistance. Sometimes that power is soft leadership.
And sometimes that power looks like cutting your hair and taking back your name in rooms that have forgotten you were an artist long before you were a brand.
Read Quinta's cover story on Bustle here to witness the fullness of Quinta's becoming.
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