'Tis the season for holiday cheer, yet for many of us this joyous occasion can be overshadowed by the stress that comes along with finding the perfect gifts for the women in our lives. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, every year I become obsessed with choosing gifts that are special and useful in one's everyday life. Typically a last-minute shopper, this year I'm getting a head start to avoid the ongoing shipping delays, "out of stock" notifications, and even worse, the mad dash to the mall to pick over whatever's left of the holiday gift sets.
As I attempt to master the art of the annual gift exchange, my strategy is to shop for products that everyone loves, including myself. Whether for the annual 'Friendsmas' get-together or showing your bestie how much you care, these are the gifts that keep on giving no matter the gal you're shopping for. From beauty products to home goods, here's a list of my favorite things when considering what to buy this holiday season.
1.Laneige Sleep Mask Set
One thing I've learned is women love sharing beauty tips and breaking down their favorite facial products. Recommended by at least five people I know, this Laneige Sleep Mask set is life-changing. Created to revive dry, chapped lips 24/7, it is exactly what the doctor ordered, especially in the wintertime. A great gift for only $21, you might as well add another set for yourself.
2.Your Sunday Candles
Modern wellness for the contemporary woman, Your Sunday is a luxury candle shop made with vegan, non-toxic ingredients along with cruelty-free fragrances and luxe scents. Made to bring balance and harmony into intimate spaces, these beautifully crafted wax sculptures are created with calming aromas that inspire one to take it slow, pause, and breathe. Bold shapes and silhouettes are unique to the brand's identity and overall aesthetic for a stylish feel that fits in any home.
3.My Black Beautiful Hair: 101 Natural Hair Stories from the Sisterhood
The perfect coffee table book, My Black Beautiful Hair: 101 Natural Hair Stories from the Sisterhood takes us on a journey of self-love and self-discovery. A collection of Detrick-Jules' candid photos of Black women, this book also features first-person stories from the women about their natural hair experiences. This book stands as a joyful witness to the current cultural landscape as the natural hair movement comes into full bloom.
4.Mented Cosmetics Holiday Brush Collection
I've never been into wearing much makeup, but I have learned that at some point a makeup brush collection is totally necessary. For the friends that love the 'no makeup' makeup look, this is a gift they may not even think to give themselves. As one who knows little about applying makeup, I didn't realize how small my collection was until I needed more brushes. Mented Cosmetics' Holiday Brush Collection is the perfect brush set to gift the makeup guru in your life or the perfect starter kit to grow a girl's expertise.
5.DIXIEGRAZE By Hanna Jewelry
Gold is a girl's best friend which means DIXIEGRAZE By Hanna is a must when shopping for practical gift options this year. One of my favorite shops when looking to add a layer of specialty handmade accessories, this line of jewelry is perfect for everyone. Simple yet chic makes these pieces designs anyone could wear.
6.UnSun Cosmetics Bronze Goddess Face and Body Highlighter
Speaking of gold, give the gift of a beautiful glow this Christmas with the help of UnSun Cosmetics. Created to bring a natural glow to a bare face or a made-up one, the award-winning beauty products are the perfect addition to any facial routine. With winter around the corner, maintaining a natural summer glow all year is one of my skincare goals.
Featured image by Getty Images
'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:
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube