Kelly Rowland Had The Best Response To Rumors That She Bleaches Her Skin
"The darker the berry, the sweeter the juice" has long since been the motto (thank you Pac), however since the dawn of time, it seems darker-skinned black women have had it harder amongst our community. Despite the warmth of their skin and the way it absorbs and reflects light like a built-in Trophy Wife, it has long been an insecurity amongst a lot of us taught to self-hate, to feel less than, unpretty, and ultimately inferior to lighter and whiter skin.
In recent years, the wave of self-love has had a beautiful effect in the way we accept ourselves and glorify our beauty, acknowledging our beauty and our skin like the liquid gold that it is. Still, there are some of us that have missed the memo, especially in parts of the world where an exposure to black people other than Zendaya and Rihanna as symbols of black beauty might be few and far between. For those reasons, skin bleaching still unfortunately remains a thing.
Recently, rumors of Kelly Rowland bleaching her skin caught wind. And although it's a rare thing that she acknowledges the haters, the famously dark-skinned beauty wanted it to be resoundingly clear that she loves her skin and reppin for Team Chocolate will be her forever mood. She hopped on IG stories with the quickness and said:
"I just landed in LA and I saw that a lot of people are like, 'Oh my God she bleaches her skin.' Now, I never answer questions like this because I think it's so stupid or even say anything about comments like this, but I am not the one to bleach my skin. Nor do I want to bleach my skin. Nor do I have to bleach my skin. I don't even think that that—it's not for me."
The 37-year-old went on to explain that her perceived "lighter skin" could be due to a number of factors in a video or photo, like lighting, and reiterated that skin bleaching is a definite "no" for her.
"I am still chocolate, forever chocolate, proud to be chocolate. Shout-out to all my chocolate girls."
With a complexion as gorgeous as Kelly's, how could you not be loud and proud about your shameless love for self? In a world where you're taught to hate the skin you're in, seeing such unequivocal self-love is not only a good thing, it's also needed.
Featured image by Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
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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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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Featured image by Maskot/Getty Images