Nine Regular Beauty Maintenance Routines You Need In Your Rotation
The year of our Lord, 2021, has come to a close! This means that many of us are currently planning our New Year's resolutions, manifesting our higher selves, and honing in on what needs to be in our beauty maintenance routines. You know, the regular self-care, self-love, beautification appointments that keep us naked sexy fine all year round. The ones ensure that we are always looking good, feeling our best, and turning heads wherever we go.
Now when it comes to beauty maintenance, most women are on top of their game. We keep our nails done, hair done, and everything did. But for the woman who doesn't know what to do, where to go, or how often to get it done, trying to find a routine of getting beautified and sexified can be a bit daunting.
But fear not, here is a checklist of nine regular beautification routines to keep you looking good in 2022 and beyond.
1.Hair
Starting with the crowns, it is important that we keep our hair looking its absolute best, as it signifies how well put together we are. Depending on the style, a good rule of thumb is to see your hairstylist every two to six weeks. This keeps the hair fresh, clean, deep conditioned, and ends properly trimmed. As for braided looks, those should stay in for no longer than two months.
2.Nails
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Because the condition of your hands and feet says a lot about you and your upkeep, a fresh mani is always a good idea. It is good to visit the nail salon every two weeks for routine manicures, artificial nail enhancement fill-ins, and of course regular pedicures. Tired of the polish chipping after two days? Opt for gel polish to ensure that it will last until your next nail appointment.
3.Waxing
Whether it's for the hair under your arms, on your legs, on your face, or in the sacred regions, it's time to toss the razors and start investing in a good wax. While shaving temporarily removes hair, it causes it to grow back thicker, faster, and more coarse. Whereas with waxing, the hair stays gone longer, thins it out, and keeps the skin looking soft and smooth. Regular waxing should be done every four to six weeks, and whatever you do, do not shave in between appointments.
4.Facials
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The fountain of youth that we have all been searching for is found at our estheticians' office. Routine facials cleanse and hydrate the skin, exfoliate pores, reduce breakouts, and keep the skin looking youthful while addressing problems and enhancing our natural glow. Facials should be done every three to four weeks, or once a month, and never the day before a major event.
5.Lash Extensions
Because why apply seven coats of mascara or bother with lash strips, when you could easily get lash extensions for that bigger, brighter, more youthful look. Lash extensions are applied at the top of your natural eyelash and are water- and exercise-resistant, last longer, and add volume. Initial application of the lash extensions takes up to two hours, with fill-ins done in 30 minutes every two to three weeks.
6.Brows
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The days of practicing perfecting our brows are over. Microblading and brow tinting help to achieve that perfect brow look without the hassle of trying to do it yourself. Both microblading and brow tinting offer the same benefits of enhancing, shaping, and defining your brows. The difference between the two is, with brow tinting a semi-permanent dye is applied every four to six weeks; whereas microblading is a little more permanent with it being a form of cosmetic makeup or a semi-permanent tattoo lasting 18 months to almost three years.
7.Teeth Whitening
For that picture-perfect, blindingly white smile, teeth whitening is the move. When done regularly it boosts your self-esteem and strengthens your teeth. It can also be a cheat code to your success because much like your hands and feet, the condition of your teeth says a lot about you. For best results, teeth whitening should be done by a professional and depending on the condition of your teeth, every three to six months.
8.Massages
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While not necessarily a beauty routine, regular massages help with improving circulation, increasing relaxation, and reducing stress. Massages have other health benefits like immune support, pain reduction, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and PMS support. And we all know that if you feel good on the inside, it radiates on the outside. Depending on your needs, regular massages can be performed anywhere from once a week to once a month.
9.Skin Exfoliation
Because the average cycle of our skin is four weeks, it is important to begin the regular practice of removing that outer layer of skin from our bodies through skin exfoliation. Using a coffee, sugar, or salt scrub, or exfoliating gloves, perform small circular motions on the skin for 30 seconds and rinse off under lukewarm water. This will help with better absorption of moisturizers, anti-aging, and boosting your skin's circulation. For best results, only exfoliate once or twice a week.
Featured image by Getty Images
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Racquel Coral is an experienced lifestyle writer focusing on self-love, growth, body positivity, and profiles of Black-owned businesses and community heros. Her work can be found here, and she can be found on all social media platforms @withloveracquel.
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