It's time to pull up at the bar for another episode of xoNecole's Happy Hour podcast!
This week, Sheriden and Necole are living vicariously through Amer as she travels to Egypt, but there are lots of laughs as the squad pre-game while discussing how traveling can help you step out of your comfort zone and shift your perspective on life. Plus, the hosts give suggestions on how to manage toxic family members during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
Before leaving the bar, the ladies are joined by actor Kendrick Cross who plays Titus Hughes on OWN's new drama series Ambitions. Over a round of drinks, the actor reveals how he turned poetry into an acting career, why vegans taste better, and answers a round of first date questions.
Will the hosts deem him worthy of a second date?
Show Notes
Listen and subscribe to xoNecole Happy Hour on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
xoNecole Happy Hour/ @mrmarcaaron
Things you will learn in this episode:
- How a life shift can begin with travel
- Flight layaway plans that are available for travelers on a budget
- How to protect your peace from toxic family members during the holidays
- Who Kendrick Cross is outside of the show Ambitions
- What Kendrick looks for in a potential partner
- How Necole expects her first dates to end
- Why Sheriden wants to get as emotionally naked as possible with her dating prospects
Travel sites mentioned during the episode:
Getaway Cabin
A unique kind of getaway that allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and into the calm and peaceful vibe of the woods. Use this link to get $25 off of your first booking.
Airfordable
With Airfordable, you can pay for your flights anywhere in the world by booking the flight at a low price and paying it off in a series of four installments. You get to choose the frequency. Use this link to get $25 off your first booking
Articles referenced in this episode:
- I Downsized To Travel The World And Live My Dream Life
- This Couple Sold Everything They Owned To Travel The World On An Endless Honeymoon
- I Broke Up With My Boyfriend, Moved Overseas, And Found Love
- Not Everyone Can Quit Their Job To Travel & That's OK
- This 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine Left My Skin Looking Flawless
Where to find Kendrick Cross:
- Instagram: @kennythepoet
- Twitter: @kennythepoet
A HAPPY HOUR DATE WITH A VEGAN (Feat. KENDRICK CROSS)
Tune in every Wednesday for your midweek refill! You can connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @xohappyhour and use the tag #xohappyhour to join the social convos.
Leave us a voice message on xohappyhour.com to share your story with us or ask a question for a chance to be featured on the show!
Featured image by @mrmarcaaron
- Can Vegans and Meat Eaters Have Lasting Relationships ... ›
- How to date a vegan | Grist ›
- 7 Relationship Survival Tips for the Vegan/Non-Vegan Couple ›
- Things to Know Before Dating a Vegan - Vegan Dating Things ›
- The Food Chain, How to date a vegan - BBC World Service ›
- Vegans Tell Us the Highs and Lows of Dating Non-Vegans - VICE ›
- How to Date a Vegan | VegNews ›
- 21 Secrets People Who Date Vegans Won't Tell You ›
- How to Date a Vegan | HuffPost Life ›
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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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One thing about me is that I am a natural makeup girl. I enjoy using concealer on my needed areas, with a bit of blush and mascara to seal the deal. The “no makeup makeup” look has helped me feel my best for many years, and truthfully, I never learned how to do much else. I don’t know how to put on lashes or what it takes to master a good contour. The only thing I have learned in the beauty world is how to make my makeup look like my skin. Although I’m proud of my accomplishments, I think it’s time to build my skills and try to keep up with the “girls.”
A Trip To Sephora
After binge-watching Natori’s videos, I learned early on that I didn’t own most of the items she used. I made my way to my local Sephora to purchase the following: cream contour, powder, foundation, brown lip gloss, neutral blush, and refresh my concealer. Most of these beauty items were familiar due to my past makeup adventures. Powders were more of a learning curve. I typically like my makeup to be dewy and light, so I’ve always avoided using powders. In 2024, I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I had no idea there were different powders for different purposes. The Sephora employee kindly explained to me the difference while I melted internally.
Thankfully, we could navigate a lightweight powder I could use daily without feeling overwhelmed by the product. I continued to bask around Sephora as I selected items from my favorite brands—Fenty, Rare Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, and more. Once, a confused woman in an overpopulated beauty store slowly turned into a kid in a candy store. It was safe to say I was having a time splurging on “Daddy’s money.” I mean, Daddy xoNecole.
Attempting To Be A Full Glam Girl
Fresh face
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
I made the decision to skip eyeshadow and lashes for my first attempt. I figured it would be better to master the art of good face makeup before moving to more advanced makeup techniques. It’s also important to note that I used Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter for my base to ensure I didn’t overwhelm my sensitive skin.
These decisions made going for a “full glam” less intimidating and more achievable.
Foundation
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
Foundation finish
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
I prepped the skin before starting and wasted no time going heavy-handed on the Flawless Filter, Fenty Beauty’s Cream Contour, and Dior Concealer—all brands Natori has used in past videos.
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
When applying contour and concealer, I had to rehydrate the skin. I learned very quickly how fast these items can dry on your skin. Natori typically applies a facial spray during her routine to keep her products hydrating, making them easier to blend. My skin welcomed my makeup again once I used the same technique with Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Setting Spray.
Concealer
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
Concealer finish
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
Blending began to become seamless, providing the perfect full face that I had always known I could achieve. Once finished, I locked in all my hard work with a traditional Sephora Setting Powder and continued to the next step.
Blush, bronzer, and lip gloss are my best friends. We’ve been going together real bad since my early 20s. Once I made it past securing a good face base, the rest of the makeup routine was familiar. I used NARS Laguna Bronzer to lock in my contour.
Bronzer
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
Blush
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
Adding a powder bronzer into my routine brought my face back to life and enhanced my facial features. To give my skin some radiance, I applied the Rare Beauty Blush In the color "Beige Peach."
Concealer after bronzer and blush
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
I added mascara, eyeshadow, and a lip to complete the look. At the very end, in very Natori fashion, I used one of her signature go-tos, the Patrick Ta Major Glow Balm.
The Results
The finished look
Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
I loved how my makeup turned out! I did a good job landing a good face base. A few areas that could be better are my blush and bronzer. I’m used to using a light hand, which makes my blush disappear in seconds. The point of a full-glam is for it to last! Moving forward, I will be fearless when applying blush and bronzer in hopes of longevity.
It’s safe to say Natori’s complete glam makeup looks are achievable for girls looking to step things up. Your inner glam girl goals are on the other side of your makeup brush, so pick your favorite Uche Natori makeup looks and get started!
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Featured image by Celeste Polanco/xoNecole
