Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens are cool and all, but if we were to take a look at a list of my favorite things, you would see none of the above.
Along with some quality herb, the things I hold dearest to my heart are tools that help keep my self-care all the way in alignment, and because you are my good sis, I want to share them with you, too.
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On my never-ending quest to be on fleek, I'm constantly buying and trying new products so you don't have to and this month, we're going to get all the way into the 5 latest beauty and self-care items that I can't stop talking about.
From the miracle product got my hyperpigmentation together expeditiously to the THC-infused Body Balm that leveled up my relaxation game forever, here are a few products you didn't know you needed to add to your self-care shopping list.
Sunday Riley CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil ($40)
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I first read about Sunday Riley's CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Oil when researching and writing an article about Lizzo's skincare routine and decided to add it to my wishlist last Christmas. Although this serum is what I personally could consider expensive AF, you definitely get what you pay for with this product. I have the 0.5 fl. oz oil which costs $40 and has lasted me about three months. A little goes a really long way with this product and although it is guaranteed to have your glow on go, using too much can leave you looking greasy AF.
Nolaskinsentials Hyaluronic H2O Creme
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But because our managing editor, Sheriden Chanel spoke highly of Nolaskinsentials, and I'm always willing to bet on Black-owned businesses, I decided to give the brand a chance. After ordering their Pumpkin Enzyme Mask and Brightening C Serum, I decided to invest in their Hyaluronic H2O Creme and I was blown away. Living with combination skin in a city as dry as Denver can be stressful, especially when it comes to finding a good moisturizer, but within a few weeks of using this product, I've noticed that breakouts are less frequent and my dark spots have improved dramatically.
Rub. Medicinal Cannabis Body Balm by Whoopi & Maya
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A while back, I wrote an article about Whoopi Goldberg's transformative line of products that help with aches, pains, and menstrual cramps, and today, I'm still a loyal customer. While somewhat pricey, I've been using this same container for two whole years! Although birth control has alleviated a lot of pain associated with my cycle, I enjoy using this product on my stomach, back, shoulders, and joints even when I'm not on my period.
Black Girl Sunscreen
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Being a grown-up means implementing an effective SPF into your daily routine and this brand will help you do that without the unflattering caste that most sunscreens leave on brown skin. Your melanin is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs and this jojoba- and avocado oil-infused water-resistant sunscreen is perfect for the job and looks great under makeup.
Bonita Afro Balm by The Doux
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I didn't know I needed this product until last week and now I can't live without it. I had my first encounter with this brand when my cousin purchased the Swag Goo Edge Control on a Target run in Atlanta but I could never find it in Colorado. Thanks to The Doux, Christmas came early and I received a box of their products last month that made me a believer. One scoop of this thick texture cream keeps my chemically damaged curls on drip but it's also light enough to be used a few days in a row.
Want to talk more about beauty, wellness & self-care? Join the xoTribe members community to connect with other like-minded women on their glow-up journeys.
Featured image by Pretty Honore for xoNecole.com.
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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For the Foodies: Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
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There's no better way to bond than over a shared meal and Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers an unparalleled dining experience for a mother-daughter trip. The resort boasts Jalisco style ceviche making classes, a Japanese teppanyaki house right on the beach, and it recently launched ‘Las Recetas de la Abuela’ (Grandma’s Recipes.)
Las Recetas de la Abuela is a private dining experience where guests can enjoy the Executive Chef's abuela’s recipes and the heartfelt stories behind them.
For The Music Lovers: Grand Universe Lucca / La Residenza
Music is known for bringing people together and that's why Grand Universe Lucca is a great stay for music-loving mother and daughter. Lucca, steeped in classical music and opera heritage, offers a unique experience for music enthusiasts. During your stay, immerse yourself in the hotel’s Symphony Lounge, where the resident composer creates a personalized musical prelude, drawing inspiration from your personalities and life stories.
Additionally, don’t miss the city’s renowned Lucca Summer Festival, where world-class artists grace the stage each year, showcasing their talents to the local community.
For the Wellness Enthusiasts: Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
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Wellness is crucial regardless of age, so why not bond over it? Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club announced its Mother's Day Restorative Yoga Retreat, an exclusive opportunity for mothers and daughters to unwind and rejuvenate together. Immerse yourselves in the tranquility of vinyasa, restorative yoga, breathwork, sound baths, and soothing massages.
Located in Cape Cod, MA, this resort offers a serene escape, just a stone’s throw away from the breathtaking beach and conveniently located near bike trails. For the active duo, these trails provide perfect avenues for exhilarating bike rides and leisurely beach walks. Alternatively, if relaxation is your preference, indulge in a day of pampering at the resort’s renowned spa.
For the Cowgirls: The Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa
Get your boots on the ground and visit Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole, WY. This resort is situated near two national parks that give picturesque views of the mountains and offers a range of activities, including their critically acclaimed spa.
After you and your mom complete your hydrating facials and restorative massages, head to Wild Sage Restaurant, where you two can indulge in local and seasonal dishes. Lastly, to complete your cowgirl experience, end the night at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.
For the Shopaholics: Bellevue, WA
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The girls love to shop and if you and your mom love to tear the mall down, then try planning a mother-daughter trip at the shopping capital of the Pacific Northwest. Bellevue, Washington has a variety of shopping experiences from luxury goods like Gucci and Hermès to local speciality boutiques.
While you’re on your shopping spree, don’t forget to take a break and admire the breathtaking views of the mountains. After a day of shopping, treat yourselves to a delicious meal at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi and Oprah’s favorite chocolate store, Fran’s to indulge in some sweet treats.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
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