This Content Creator Has The Luxury Skincare Routine Of Our Dreams
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.
Morgan Brown, better known on Instagram as @itsheymorgan, is a 22-year-old content creator taking the world by storm. "My favorite part about my work is that it didn't exist five years ago," she told xoNecole. "Although this is a challenging space, molding a career path that doesn't included a 1-2-3 step guide, I enjoy most the creative autonomy I have to create almost anything I want in my truest and most authentic voice, and self."
Whether it's through her IG-worthy travel journeys, her transparent af YouTube channel, or enviable excursions into being a skincare enthusiast, Morgan steadily proves she's a multifaceted creative to watch. And with an online following of over 52,000 and counting, she's found an untapped niche in providing beauty tips and tricks from a flawless and ever-glowing canvas. Her earliest memory of beauty was when she was five or six watching her mom's nighttime routine. "This would include removing her makeup, putting on eye cream, and tying her hair up in a silk scarf. This was the moment I learned: Never sleep in makeup, eye cream IS important, and if you want edges -- get you a silk scarf," she revealed.
In this installment of xoNecole's About Face, Morgan talks her daytime and nighttime routines, meditation, and the importance of being kissed by the sun.
My morning routine looks like...
"Mornings are so fun for me (I KNOW, actually weird). I enjoy them because it's the most intimate time and space I have with myself. So, typically a morning for me always start with prayer, a cup of coffee and the newest episode of 'ASK VIV'."
For my skincare routine in the AM...
"My daytime skin routine:
- Cleanse: Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser (Amazing for sensitive skin!)
- Serum: Joanna Vargas Revitalizing Serum (My go-to serum for months now. It leaves my skin super hydrated and glowy!)
- Moisturize: Seed Phytonutrients Hydrating Facial Lotion
- Face Oil: Lastly, I use Go-to Skincare Face Hero Oil (Super lightweight and soothing!)"
And for my skincare routine in the PM...
"At night? I would definitely say my routine is a bit more intense at night. I still include all the products in my daytime routine, with a few add-ons: Exfoliating with ELEMIS Blackcurrant Jelly Exfoliator (only 1-2x per week) and a good 'ol mask. i'm currently reaching for the Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask."
My go-to makeup look consists of...
"I am SUPER invested in my skin, so makeup isn't an everyday thing for me. However, there are days when an eyebrow, highlight and a bomb matte lip won't hurt."
How I approach beauty from the inside-out...
"Meditation, journaling and sitting in the sun."
What self-care looks like to me...
"Always, always, a good face mask, a warm cup of tea and silk PJ's."
How I do skincare when I travel...
"I am THAT girl when it comes to traveling with my entire skincare cabinet (Yes, entire). Traveling cannot stop this glow!"
For more of Morgan, follow her on Instagram.
Shop Morgan's Beauty Staples:
Featured image by Morgan Brown/Instagram
Originally published June 19, 2019
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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'Freaknik' Chronicles: A Candid Conversation With Jermaine Dupri And Uncle Luke
As a child, I was captivated by my mom's vivid tales of Freaknik '92 and '93 – the legendary parties, the infectious music, the wild energy that engulfed Atlanta. Yet, beneath her nostalgic recollections lay a deeper curiosity about the true essence of this cultural phenomenon. Now, with Hulu's latest documentary, Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told, executive produced by Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke, the veil has been lifted, revealing the untold history and impact of Freaknik. It's a journey that transcends mere nostalgia; it's an exploration of controversy, celebration, and the seismic influence this event had on Atlanta's landscape and beyond.
But amidst the pulsating beats and the bustling streets of Atlanta, a different story simmered beneath the surface. For every note of music and every surge of energy, there were whispers of chaos and commotion, traffic snarled for miles around. The documentary doesn't shy away from these realities; instead, it confronts them head-on, painting a nuanced portrait of Freaknik's impact – the highs, the lows, and the downright chaotic. Through candid interviews and raw footage, Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke peel back the layers, revealing a narrative both complex and compelling.
At its core, Freaknik was more than just a party – it was a movement. It became a rite of passage for HBCU students, particularly those from the illustrious AUC schools. For one fleeting week, the streets of Atlanta pulsated with a dynamic rhythm, echoing the vibrant essence of community. It wasn't just about the music or the fashion; it was about reclaiming space, asserting identity, and celebrating the richness of Black culture.
Freaknik was an economic powerhouse, igniting a new flame in Atlanta's economy. From local businesses to up-and-coming artists, everyone felt the ripple effect of Freaknik's presence. It was a testament to the power of community, creativity, and collective celebration. In a recent interview with executive producers Jermaine Dupri and Uncle Luke, they shed further light on the enduring influence of this iconic event and its significance in shaping cultural landscapes.
As an alumna of Clark Atlanta University, the documentary film hit home for me as some of my most cherished memories are from my matriculation at the institution. Jermaine Dupri touched on the importance of HBCUs to Freaknik, highlighting how these historically black colleges and universities served as the beating heart of the event, providing a cultural hub for students to converge, celebrate, and showcase their talents.
It's a sentiment echoed by many who recognize the profound role HBCUs played in shaping the spirit and identity of Freaknik, underscoring the significance of these institutions in fostering a sense of community and belonging for generations of young Black individuals.
“HBCUs are everything about Freaknik. It's the energy. I'm getting more educated on how uneducated the world is about the HBCUs and the energy that's been put out there. I think back to Deion [Sanders] at Jackson State saying that he wanted to take that energy to these HBCUs to give them that attention, Jermaine said. “That's partially part of what we're doing with this Freaknik documentary because the HBCUs have so much energy, and they have put out so many things that become Black culture and Black history. The history books have not been written the way they’re supposed to be, so it's important that we do things like this documentary to help build that energy.”
Uncle Luke further explains how the documentary touched on the legacy as well as the controversy surrounding the event and grassroots origins of Freaknik. It delves into the complexities of Freaknik's evolution, addressing the criticisms and controversies that arose as the event gained popularity. From concerns about public safety and traffic congestion to debates over the handling of sexual assault and misconduct allegations, Freaknik became a lightning rod for societal discourse. However, amidst the uproar, it remained a symbol of resilience and cultural pride for many, underscoring the complexities of navigating identity, community, and expression in a rapidly changing world.
“To me, the most important moment of it all is when you see these young folks come together to create an event for their peers. You don't see that too often these days where a group of African American men and women come together and create something and it went on for a period of time. People don't know about that period of time. The only thing they know about is when Uncle Luke came there, turned the place out, and seeing people on cars all across the highway dancing and partying,” he explained.
“That's what most people in the later years look at and think about with Freaknik. So when people see this story they'll see the rich history and how the Atlanta music scene came about that made JD so great and the artists that he touched like Lil Jon. All the artists that came to Atlanta for Freaknik and did not leave. You don't get that same vibe, feeling, energy, and positivity that you get in Atlanta.”
As we reflect on the vibrant history of Freaknik's legacy, it becomes evident that its impact transcends the boundaries of time and space. What began as a spontaneous gathering in the ‘80s blossomed into a cultural juggernaut, etching itself into the annals of history as a defining moment of the ‘90s. Its influence didn't just fade with the dawn of a new millennium; instead, it solidified its place as a timeless emblem of the Black college spring break experience.
Beyond its immediate cultural impact, Freaknik seeped into the fabric of popular media, becoming a recurring motif in Black movies and TV shows. From iconic films like House Party to beloved sitcoms like Martin, Freaknik became more than just an event – it became a staple Black cultural experience for many. One of my personal favorites remains the episode of Sister, Sister, where Tia and Tamera venture from Detroit to Atlanta for the first time for Freaknik.
As we navigate the ever-changing currents of culture and society, Freaknik stands as a beacon of resilience and celebration, a testament to the power of unity and collective joy. Its echoes continue to resonate through the corridors of time, reminding us of the indelible mark left by those fleeting moments of chaos and bliss on the streets of Atlanta. In the end, Freaknik isn't just a memory – it's a living testament to the spirit of community, creativity, and unyielding passion that defines us all.
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Feature image by Paras Griffin/Getty Images