This Influencer Shares Her Investment Skincare Routine
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.
Natacha John, or Tacha, is a 24-year-old beauty and lifestyle content creator. The DMV native came on my radar after a viral photo of her made its way to my Explore page on Instagram. The rest is history.
Last month, she revealed to her followers that she was officially taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship, having grown an impressive following of 40,000 followers and counting. As a creative who earns her living by literally doing her. "I get to be myself for a living," she tells xoNecole. "I get to share my interests, exercise my creativity, and connect with women. Those are definitely my favorites parts!"
In the process, she is also putting us on to her favorite beauty finds and it's nothing short of amazing. Although I live for her aesthetic and her thought-provoking questions, I am also an admirer of her glowing, radiant skin. That being said, I had to know what her beauty arsenal consisted of.
Below, Tacha shares with us the products she swears by and how she achieves beauty from the outside in.
My morning routine looks like...
"I'm still trying to establish a consistent morning routine but usually it starts off with taking care of my puppy and straightening up my apartment while I make a cup of tea. Then I'm usually checking emails and reviewing my to-do list for the day. Some mornings, I'll toss in journaling and meditation. Those two things always make me feel level-headed but I'll admit I'm bad at making consistent time for them."
For my skincare routine in the AM...
"I keep it ultra simple in the morning. I don't cleanse, I just rinse my face with water and sometimes, depending on my skins condition, I'll tone either using Goode Skin's two hundred dollar water micellar cleanser or Thayers Witch Hazel. Then I moisturize with a facial oil, like Aura Cacia Jojoba Oil, and top it off with my favorite SPF, La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Clear Skin Sunscreen."
And for my skincare routine in the PM...
"Things are more extensive in the evenings. I always start off by double cleansing. Face wash is the one thing in my routine that I'm constantly switching out but I'm currently enjoying the Farmacy's Clean Bee cleanser and Neutrogena's Hydro Boost cleanser. Once or twice a week, I'll add in exfoliation using Lush's Dark Angels [or their] Herbalism [herbal wash], or Goode Skin's SKINZYME. And follow up with First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Liquid Recovery. That's become one of my favorite steps! The liquid recovery goes onto your skin like water and is so soothing and calming, I can't get enough. Then, I moisturize with an oil again. About 2 or 3 times a week I'll apply a face mask, I like Farmacy's Bright On mask."
How I approach skincare on-the-go...
"When I'm on-the-go, I have to have products that I know work for me so if my skin starts to act crazy, I'm ready! You'll usually catch me with a mask that's good for breakouts, either my Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment Mask or Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask. And something that's good for dry/dull skin like my Origins' Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask."
My go-to makeup look consists of...
"I'm a natural makeup kind of girl. On a day-to-day basis, I'll be bare-faced or maybe have on some concealer or tinted moisturizer, blush, and mascara. Lately, I've been reaching for my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer (in Almond), Glossier Cloud Paint, and my trusty L'Oreal Telescopic mascara. I like to keep things pretty low-maintenance but if I have to be in front of the camera or have an event to attend, I'll go all in."
How I approach beauty from the inside-out...
"Something as small as starting my day with a cup of hot lemon water and half an hour of uninterrupted alone time helps me to feel refreshed and ready to put forth my best self throughout the day. I get pulled in a lot of different directions and it's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're a one woman team, so taking that time to level myself out really helps me to feel more at peace."
What self-care looks like to me...
"To be completely transparent, I don't make a ton of time to unwind. It's something I'm really working on though! Usually I'm working well into the evening, and when I finally unplug, all I have time for is a hot shower before I crawl into bed. But I value that time and make the most with what I have. While I'm getting ready for bed, I usually play a good podcast or Audiobook and add a few drops of essential oil to my shower to make things extra relaxing."
For more of Tacha, follow her on Instagram.
Shop Tach's Beauty Staples:
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Featured image via Tacha/Instagram
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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7 Surreal Mexico Beach Destinations You Must Visit This Year
Mexico is a country known for its flavorful food, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. Every year, people from all over the world flock to this tropical North American country with miles and miles of sandy beaches from coast to coast. Mexico is the perfect destination for crystal blue waters and beaches of all different sizes and vibes. The Pacific coast includes destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, while the Caribbean side includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
The beauty of Mexico is that with over 400 beaches, there is something for every type of traveler. I’ve spent time in at least 3 different cities in Mexico, and each of them had numerous beaches with their own personalities. Some were calm and quiet, perfect for reading a book and taking in the scenery. While others were busier, with a more turn-up crowd, perfect for the traveler looking to have some fun. So whether you’re in need of family-friendly beaches, turn-up beach clubs, snorkeling opportunities, or peace and quiet, you’ll find it somewhere in Mexico.
So, before you book your next Mexican vacation, take a look at some of the most pristine beaches across the country to add to your itinerary.
1.Playa Norte
Sunset over Playa Norte on the Caribbean island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico
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Playa Norte is located on Isla Mujeres in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and is a popular spot for folks looking for the perfect blend of beautiful beaches and fun activities. Just a short ferry ride off the coast of Cancun, this is the ideal getaway for anyone looking to dodge the crowds and spring break vibes while still having a good time. In Playa Norte, you can expect crystal clear water, soft white sand, beachfront restaurants, and activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding.
Getting to Playa Norte from Cancun is pretty simple. Head over to Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal and catch the $20 RT ferry to Isla Mujeres. After laying out on the beach, rent a golf cart and explore the rest of the island for a fun time and beautiful sunsets.
2.Playa Mazunte
Head over to Oaxaca on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and you’ll find yourself on Playa Mazunte, a charming coastal village known for its laid-back atmosphere and eco-tourism. Playa Mazunte offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, eco-friendly attractions, and relaxation. Think golden-colored sand and clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming or just laying out and sunbathing. Playa Mazunte is not as popular as some of the other beaches, so you can expect less of a crowd and a more chill vibe.
A hub for eco-conscious travelers, yoga on the beach is not out of the ordinary on any given day. There are four beaches in the town of Mazunte, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
3.Playa La Ropa
Playa La Ropa is situated south of Zihuatanejo Bay in the state of Guerrero and has quickly become a popular area for beach lovers. Zihuatanejo became increasingly popular after being mentioned in the '90s movie The Shawshank Redemption, and since then, it's become the ideal spot for people seeking stunning views and relaxation. Playa La Ropa gives you calm, clear waters to hang out in, with luscious green hills as the backdrop.
There are numerous restaurants and bars along the beachfront where you can enjoy fresh seafood and tropical drinks, or you can get active and try parasailing while taking in the panoramic views of the bay. Either way, you’re in for a fantastic beach day.
4.Playa Paraíso
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Playa Paraíso has been called one of the best beaches in Mexico, and for good reason. Paraíso means paradise in Spanish and is the perfect word to describe this place. Breathtaking turquoise blue water, tall palm trees, and crisp white sand spanning the coastline near Tulum. There are tons of activities to do in the water, but also, as the area becomes more developed, there’s been an increase in beach clubs popping up that offer food, good drinks, and lots of vibes. Playa Paraíso is a great choice to hang out during a girls' trip or baecation to Tulum.
5.Yelapa Beach
Yelapa Beach, nestled along the Pacific coast near Puerto Vallarta, is a hidden gem accessible only by boat. This is a great beach for both families and solo travelers alike. Sunbathers can bask in the warm rays, while adventure seekers can partake in activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking to nearby waterfalls and jungle trails. If you’re interested in art and culture, the Yelapa Museum of Art, History and Culture is a must-visit. Yelapa is a small fishing village, so indulging in some fresh seafood at one of the beachside palapas is a must.
6.Playa Carrizalillo
Located in Puerto Escondido, Playa Carrizalillo is a longtime favorite for both locals and tourists. This smaller cove is defined by tranquil, blue-green water that attracts surfers from all over the world due to the calmness of the waves. This is an ideal beach for anyone interested in learning to surf for the first time or honing in on their skills. But if you aren’t into surfing, no need to worry; the beach is a beautiful place to just spend the day lounging, and the calm water is also great for swimming and snorkeling. After hanging out in the water, grab a drink at a local beach bar and take in panoramic views of the bay.
7.Playa Balandra
Aerial view of Balandra Bay in Mexico
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Playa Balandra is a stunning and iconic beach located near La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Unlike many of the other beaches, Playa Balandra boasts shallow crystal clear waters that allow you to easily walk around and explore the entire bay. The area has been considered one of the most beautiful in the region because of the white sand, clear waters, and mountainous background.
If you love wildlife, this is an ideal location for spotting starfish, stingrays, and lots of colorful fish. Playa Balandra and the surrounding areas are considered protected areas, so be mindful of restrictions on the number of people that are allowed to enter each day. Aka, get there early!
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Featured image by Justin Lewis/Getty Images