This Blogger's Skincare Routine Helped Her Kiss Breakouts Goodbye
In About Face, xoNecole gets the 411 on IGers who give us #skincaregoals on the daily. Here they break down their beauty routines on the inside and out, as well as the highly coveted products that grace their shelves and their skin.
Having a great beauty routine is a lot like having a bomb-ass insurance plan—you don't really know how important it is to have one until you need it. At 31, this was a lesson that Rhode Island-based blogger Leniza Evy had to learn the hard way.
I hate to break it to you, but keeping your skin on 10 requires far more than blowing a check at your local beauty store and constantly restocking your endless drawer of sheet masks. In this month's edition of About Face, we sat down with Leniza, who explained that maintaining an effective beauty regimen isn't a hobby--issa lifestyle.
Leniza's perspective on skincare completely changed this year, and she let us in on the budget-friendly regimen that keeps her glow on-go at all times. Although skincare has always been a part of her routine, she explained that she's been forced to level up her methods in a major way.
"For the first time in my life, I'm struggling with my skin, and I'm being forced to start catering to it."
While her skin has absolutely fallen in love with the Drunk Elephant skincare system, she added, the most essential part of her skincare regimen is her diet. "My skincare routine is very simple. Since I didn't know much about skincare until this year, I'm still struggling with finding the right routine that works for me. My skincare comes more from what I eat and drink. Now that I'm older, my diet really plays an important factor in how my skin looks and feels."
In our interview, Leniza opened up about some of her morning routine, her favorite beauty products, and her plan for managing weird breakouts. Here's what we learned:
My morning routine looks like...
"Let me just start by saying that I am not a morning person at all. Mornings are such a struggle for me. Now that I work a 9-to-5, my morning routine has changed a great deal. As soon as I wake up, I'm in a bad mood, even when I was self-employed doing what I loved, but I bring myself back to a good place real quick by practicing gratitude while still in bed. It makes such a big difference in how I feel. I then follow up with my morning shower where I say my daily affirmations out loud while listening to some music. Once I'm ready, I head to work with a banana or spinach smoothie in my hand."
For my skincare routine in the AM...
Courtesy of Leniza Evy
"So I start by washing my face with warm water in the shower. I currently use Drunk Elephant Jelly Cleanser. I really love this product as it leaves my face with a fresh, clean look. I only use my fingertips when applying. Once that's rinsed off, I follow up with one of my favorite products, which is Beija Flor Natural Amazon Antioxidant treatment. I use this product every day. It's definitely my favorite. It leaves my face really smooth with a natural glow that lasts all day. It also helps with my dark spots on my forehead which is currently my main issue."
For my skincare routine in the PM...
"At night I wash my face using Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel. This product leaves my skin the same way as the Drunk Elephant Jelly cleanser, but the Neutrogena one is more pocket-friendly. I also use my Vanity Planet Spin brush three times a week as it truly makes a difference in the appearance of my skin. I finish it off using Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream as my moisturizer. My skin tends to get ashy after using my brush so this helps."
How the seasons change my skin and routine...
"Honestly, my skincare routine does not change according to the season. Besides the dark spots on my forehead, which are the aftermath of these weird pimples I've been getting this year, I don't have any other issues. I'm calling them weird because of the way they look and how often I get them on the same spot. I will be seeing a dermatologist soon as it seems to have gotten worse."
My go-to makeup look consists of...
"I LOVE makeup. I usually switch it up between a natural look consisting of foundation, concealer, light contouring, light highlight, falsies, and lip gloss, or my beat face where I go all out--especially with the contour and eyeshadow. It really depends on how much time I have."
How I approach beauty from the inside out...
"Practicing gratitude and putting healthy food in my body. Don't get me wrong, I love my junk food, but I've accepted that as much as I love junk food, it does affect how I'm feeling emotionally and mentally. Dancing, playing soccer, and crossing things off on my to-do list also makes me feel good and helps me with my anxiety tremendously."
What self-care looks like to me...
"A gratitude journal, a consistent gym schedule, retail therapy, and time to myself where I'm in complete silence."
How her routine switches up during travel...
"I don't switch up my skincare routine that much when I travel, but I usually [don't] travel without my Spin Brush. Depending on the weather, I might use a product with a higher SPF. As far as beauty, the majority of the time I travel with a protective hairstyle, and I wear more makeup as I tend to take more pictures."
For more Leniza, follow her on Instagram @Leniza_Evy!
Shop Leniza's Beauty Staples:
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Featured image by Instagram/@Leniza_Evy.
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
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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ItGirl 100: Get To Know Some Of The Most Inspiring And Empowering Women On Our List
The ItGirl 100 List, in partnership with Hyundai, is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
We often see lists featuring amazing women who are seasoned in this thing called life, and our ItGirl 100 List gives flowers to the people they’ve passed the torch to: young millennial and Gen Z women who are innovating and disrupting in today’s world of advancement.
xoNecole has partnered with Hyundai for its inaugural ItGirl 100 List to give these women their flowers today. It’s a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who have built their own tables, launched new businesses, and redefined what it truly means to be blessed, booked, and busy.
Here’s a snapshot of fun facts from a few of the women listed on the ItGirl 100, representing the East, West, Midwest, and South:
EAST
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DJ 9AM: DJ & Curator
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Nia Long
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, Pisces Rising
Favoring open-format, multi-genre mixes, this DJ has created a winning reputation for rocking a crowd with seamless transitions and selections, always representing Southwest musical and cultural influences.
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Tiffany James, Founder, Modern BLK Girl
Representing:Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Lucky Girl" by Carlina
Favorite OG It Girl:Naomi Campbell
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Virgo Rising
Modern BLK Girl is one of the leading investment groups among women of color, and the founder serves as an avid investor, community builder, and advocate. Tiffany James is also a mentor, utilizing her unique combination of financial and fashion expertise.
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Kat Mateo, Casting Director
Representing: New Jersey
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Princess Going Digital" by Amaarae
Favorite OG It Girl: Kelis, Eve, Lil Kim
Zodiac Big Three: Aries Sun, Cancer Moon, Cancer Rising
Thriving as a casting director and stylist, Kat Mateo offers a unique point of view that has shaped New York Fashion Week shows, ad campaigns, and editorials. She has also been a major contributor to cultural conversations related to fashion and inclusivity.
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Denise Stephanie Hewitt, Photographer
Representing: Brooklyn
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Experience" by Victoria Monét
Favorite OG It Girl: Hannah Montana
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Aquarius Moon, Aquarius Rising
This Gordon Parks Foundation scholar is a full-time student who has been working to expand her freelance career in photography. Denise is also been featured among Essence'sinaugural list of "Top 10 Creators Under 30," for her unique aesthetics and perceptions through her art.
WEST
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Nayamka Roberts-Smith, Aesthetician
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Tomorrow 2" by GloRilla & Cardi B
Favorite OG It Girl: Meagan Good
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Capricorn Rising
Nayamka Roberts-Smith is an award-winning professional in the skincare industry and serves as an educator, offering knowledge on beauty culture. She also is a well-sought-after speaker on beauty and women’s issues, with a following of more than 1 million on social.
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Desiree L. Talley, Esq., Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, Revolt TV
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice" by The Carters
Favorite OG It Girl: Issa Rae
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Scorpio Moon, Cancer Rising
An attorney and storyteller, Desiree L. Talley meshes relatability with her legal smarts for the culture. She advocates for cultural advancement and societal change through her POPLAW Podcast while balancing her executive duties at Revolt TV.
Marley Rae
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Marley Rae, Organizer, WalkGood
Representing: Los Angeles
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Nice For What" by Drake
Favorite OG It Girl: Mariah Carey
Zodiac Big Three: Capricorn Sun, Taurus Moon, Leo Rising
Marley Rae is a Nike Athlete, certified yoga instructor, COO, and Director of Health and Wellness for WalkGood LA, a family-founded non-profit organization. She is dedicated to fostering understanding and care in local and global communities.
MIDWEST
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Shawnee Dez
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "FreeBody Freestyle" by Shawnee Dez
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Morrison
Zodiac Big Three: Cancer Sun, Aquarius Moon, Cancer Rising
Shawnee Dez is an artist who's all about captivating her audience through encouragement and empowerment. Her music features fluid harmonic layering, live instrumentation fused with digital production, and her unique multi-talented voice in an alto melodic tone.
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Bianca Pastel, Visual Artist
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: Anything by Whitney Houston
Favorite OG It Girl: Grace Jones
Zodiac Big Three: Taurus Sun, Leo Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Bianca Pastel's artistic portfolio includes fine art, illustrations, and animation, and she's worked with clients including Disney Pixar, and the NFL, to name a few. Her focus is "empowering the experience of being a Black child and dealing with mental health issues."
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Donyale Walton, Founder, Hoop Mobb
Representing: Detroit
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Yeah I Said It" by Rihanna
Favorite OG It Girl: Aaliyah
Zodiac Big Three: Virgo Sun, Libra Moon, Capricorn Rising
Donyale Walton's brand Hoop Mobb, celebrates the Black and Brown fashion and cultural impact and presence of hoop earrings. It's grown to earn more than seven figures in annual revenue and a nationwide community of loyal consumers.
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Ticara Devone, Content Creator
Representing: Chicago
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "She's a Bitch" by Missy Elliott
Favorite OG It Girl: Ananda Lewis
The Zodiac Big Three: Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Virgo Rising
A trusted sneaker enthusiast and content creator, Ticara Devone uses dynamic storytelling to hold space for others with a passion for sneakers. A published writer, she’s worked with brands including Nike and Footlocker and inspires us all by ensuring women are vocal and seen in the multi-billion dollar shoe space.
SOUTH
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AllyiahsFace, Content Creator
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "Go Off" Doja Cat
Favorite OG It Girl: Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry
Zodiac Big Three: Gemini Sun, Leo Moon, Scorpio Rising
AllyiahsFace's YouTube channel has more than 830,000 subscribers, and she's been hitting the ground running since 2015. Her content creation, which centers on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has led to a lucrative career and drawn a close-knit social and real-life community to view and be inspired.
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Jaycina, Executive Director, Tender
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "All I Got" by Amel Larrieux
Favorite OG It Girl:Tracee Ellis Ross
Zodiac Big Three: Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon, Sagittarius Rising
Jaycina is a signed model with a nonprofit that works to provide support and community for single mothers in Atlanta. She's also appeared in campaigns for brands including Fenty and GAP as well as features in all your favorite magazines and on billboards across the country.
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Asha Christian, Founder, Coily App
Representing: Atlanta
Ultimate ItGirl Song: "It's My Life" by Mariah Carey
Favorite OG It Girl: Toni Childs (Girlfriends)
Zodiac Big Three: Sagittarius Sun, Leo Moon, Leo Rising
Asha Christian created Coily to provide beauty recommendations utilizing social data. It offers a more personalized, AI-driven experience for users and part of her mission is to provide solutions related to diversity and put the focus back on the consumer. Meshing tech and culture, Christian is innovating with options that exemplify the Black girl magic needed in tech.
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Featured image by FG Trade/Getty