I'm sure I'm not the only one who was left in shock when retail stores and nail salons closed their doors indefinitely with no warning. Part of me was offended that there wasn't some sort of notice, I thought we were better than that. But here we are, quarantined at home with no idea of when the great outdoors will open up again. And while most of our days consist of showering (or not), only to put on a new pair of pajamas (or not), pro-MUA Kierra Lanice is giving us the glow up we all need, from the comfort of our own homes.
She's one of the millions who have felt the sting of the COVID-19 fallout. And while we're appreciating the beauty industry much more now than ever, Kierra, whose work has been featured on major events like the Grammy Awards, has launched virtual beauty consultations, which easily serve as a way to give us the star treatment at home; all while making sure her business not only stays afloat but continues to thrive during these unexpected times.
From doing personal assessments of her client's makeup bags to custom tips on how to maximize their own skills, Kierra's virtual beauty consultations are a perfect fit for novices and her fellow makeup pros alike.
xoNecole: We live in a different day and time where everyone is trying to adjust to their new normal, whatever that might mean for them. What inspired you to offer virtual makeup sessions?
Kierra Lanice: I want to help people bounce out of their funk. Yes, I think that it's very important to take a pause. We're in the middle of a global pandemic. It's OK to grieve, it's OK to not feel like doing anything. But you can't let that paralyze you.
At the beginning of this, I was really bummed out. I had just wrapped up tour dates with [Grammy-nominated artist] Rapsody. The last show ended up getting canceled, and so all this stuff started happening. I was disappointed because the tour was something that was huge for my career, but the moment I felt myself starting to spiral and my mind starting to go under siege, I knew I had to do something. People are depending on makeup artists. Just as much as this is affecting me, it's affecting the people I take responsibility for making feel beautiful. If I'm down in the dumps, how much more are other women?
"Just as much as this is affecting me, it's affecting the people I take responsibility for making feel beautiful. If I'm down in the dumps, how much more are other women?"
What’s the biggest concern you’ve heard from women when it comes to beauty and being quarantined?
You see these videos, they have 50 different steps, an hour and a half 'Get Ready With Me', and women want to know, 'Can I look this fly, can I feel this confident without using so much time?' That's been one of the things I've been trying to do is debunk the myth that it requires 25 products, an hour and a half. But at the same time, it's OK, since we do have extra time on our hands if you want to explore. If you say you'd never wear red lipstick, now is the time. Nobody's gonna see you! Try it, wear it around the house and see how it makes you feel. You might be surprised!
What will each woman walk away with after a session with you?
They'll leave with a better understanding of their skin and their face shape. That's something I've been very strategic with talking about… knowing how to shop better. They'll also get digital handouts to refer to and reference when doing their makeup. Just something that makes it more than a one-time thing. They can implement it into their regular routine. My favorite part is that it's customized specifically for them.
"I always say skincare is just as important as brushing your teeth. If you take care of your skin, it will take care of you."
How important is it for us to still practice healthy skincare routines - even though we’re not outside as much, and our skin isn’t exposed to bacteria as much as it used to be?
I always say skincare is just as important as brushing your teeth. If you take care of your skin, it will take care of you. Who knows how long this social distancing this is gonna last. I would hate for, on the other side of this, for us to come out with even worse skin. Now is the time to really start buckling down and creating these routines, getting in the habit of doing specific steps, even if it's just starting with a cleanser and a moisturizer. If you're a person who doesn't do anything to your face, start now by getting in the habit of doing this, so when we do come out of it and you start wearing makeup again like you normally would, your skin knows how to react and bounce back. Even though we're not going out, even though we're not as exposed to the skin, skincare from A-Z, finding a good cleanser, using a good moisturizer for your skin type, all of these things are important. We're responsible for taking care of our skin, cleansing it, and making sure we're protecting it.
As someone who provides self-care for others, how have you practiced it yourself during your downtime?
Every day, or at least twice a day, I'm putting on a new mask! Just because. I've been experimenting more after realizing I'm actually resourceful. In the past, I've spent so much time getting my nails done. I can do my own nails! And even braiding my hair.
As much as I love a good lazy day, there's something about putting on lipstick and doing our hair with nowhere to go.
For more of Kierra, follow her on Instagram.
Featured image courtesy of Kierra Lanice
Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
Celebrity Hairstylist Cliff Vmir On Social Media Success & How To Pivot Following Looming TikTok Ban
It’s the year 2025, newspaper ads, radio ads, billboards, posters - OUT. And you know what’s in? Social media. I mean, this clearly isn’t just a 2025 thing, but have you ever sat back and thought about the unprecedented rise of the “social media influencer?” Gone are the days when the marketing we relied on came from traditional sources. Everyday people have become some of the best marketers in today’s world.
You could even say, personality is the best marketing tool of today. xoNecole caught up with celebrity hairstylist and CEO of haircare line FEMMÉ, Cliff Vmir, who was ahead of the game as one of the first entrepreneurs to successfully use social media to promote his business.
Cliff started his hairstyling journey at 13, and by 15, he was already using Instagram to show off his skills. His talent, unique style, and effervescent personality earned him a strong social media presence. Taking Instagram by the reins while most of us were posting cringe-worthy selfies or blurry shots of a night out, his foresight has earned him some big celebrity clients, from Cardi B to Jazmine Sullivan, and a booming business.
While speaking to xoNecole, the “King of Hair” reflected on his rise to social media stardom.
“I would say I’m one of the world's first hairstylists to ever really take social media by storm and use it as a marketing tool at such a young age,” he tells us.
“No one was really utilizing Instagram for their business...But I wanted to use that as a showcase to show my work. I used my age as a good marketing tool, with me being 15 at the time and me really knowing how to do hair very well. My hashtag was #cliffvmirthe15yearoldstylist.”
The last few years have seen Instagram face new competition with the emergence of TikTok because of the variety of content available and how easy it is for creators to go viral and find fame. Cliff told us why TikTok is the app he’s loving right now.
“I just feel like TikTok has that algo of what Instagram used to have when Instagram first hit the scene. Like it is so easy to go viral or to get discovered...It's like, as long as you're staying consistent, you'll eventually fall in the algo,” he explains.
“People are making full-blown careers just off of TikTok. And it's just something about that TikTok Shop. It's its own kind of Amazon situation.” And it seems the feeling is mutual. Cliff recently teamed up with TikTok and spilled the tea on their partnership.
I just feel like TikTok has that algo of what Instagram used to have when Instagram first hit the scene. Like it is so easy to go viral or to get discovered...It's like, as long as you're staying consistent, you'll eventually fall in the algo
“I've been doing some partnership live streams with them…I've been up to the TikTok headquarters doing live streams and connecting with my fans and doing a whole live buying/shopping experience…they do things for the creators to keep the creators engaged,” he says.
The mega stylist recently went viral on TikTok with sales from his haircare line FEMMÉ skyrocketing.
“Right now, our store has sold over 23,000 units…I've never even sold this amount of units within a year. So like I said, TikTok is definitely one of those things that pushes you to the forefront,” he shares.
“And I'm just thankful...I'm thankful for the people over at TikTok who stand behind me, for the supporters on TikTok that are actually buying my product, and all my return customers as well.”
Time is running out for the clock app with the looming TikTok ban that’s set for January 19. What will this mean for creators, influencers, and everyday users?
Personally, I’m not looking forward to losing all my saved hair and makeup tutorials. And how will I plan my trip itineraries without checking “black girls + (city)” or “(city) + nightlife + black people”? #freetiktok
@iamcliffvmir Lol this my ish tho😭
Cliff shares his thoughts. “I just feel like we’re going to have to go back to the basics, which is Instagram. And I'm just going to really have to create a very strategic…But you'll just see me being more active everywhere,” he says.
“Of course, TikTok is where it is…I'm going to be active everywhere else - X, Facebook, and Instagram. I really hope they don't ban it, that would really hurt my feelings.”
#shadowbanthetiktokban, am I right? The “Hair OG” also gave us some tips and tricks for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs.
“If they're going to social media as a business, then just stay consistent, keep posting business things, and just make sure that you're keeping up with just certain trends and you're following people who you aspire to be…That's first,” he says.
“Number two is you should never be scared to get in front of the camera and make the content…It’s like a marketing tool for yourself. And then using the hashtags like #FYP and #viral, and hashtags that really can drive consumers to watch your videos.”
As a longtime celebrity hairstylist, Cliff knows all things hair-related. So what can we look forward to in 2025? A new look, perhaps? Here’s the hair trends predicted for this year.
“We're definitely going to see less wigs. We're going to see more leave-outs. We're going to see a lot more natural hair flourishing,” he reveals.
“I feel like that is really important. Yes, you can wear a wig, weave all day long, but what about the natural hair underneath? I kind of see some things remaining, though as far as things like closure installs. But hair is going to start being more natural again…It's going to revert to how it was in 2015 and 2016.”
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Feature image courtesy