

You know what's a trip? The more intentional I become about setting healthy boundaries, releasing toxic people, tapping into my Black femininity and protecting my inner peace, the more I'm all about pampering myself. I mean, budgeting out money, every single month, to treat my body to some much-needed TLC. Lately, what I've been getting into are facials. Recently, I had my first back facial. It was divine. There is no better word for it. Anyway, as I was getting a "face facial" a couple of weeks ago, my skincare specialist told me that while I don't really need to get a professional facial more than once a season (four times a year), it can never hurt to give myself one at home around every four weeks or so. And so, that is exactly what I am going to start implementing into my DIY beauty regimen.
As for you sis, whether it's because time and money are tight or because you want to learn how to do more at-home pampering and you think that giving yourself a facial would be a good start (and I would agree), here are eight reasons that hopefully will inspire you to check out five videos (here, here, here, here and here) on how to give yourself an at-home facial, so that you will be fully inspired to treat yourself before the week's end.
1. It Deep-Cleanses Your Pores
Last summer, I wrote an article for the platform entitled, "10 All-Natural Ways To Make Your Pores Appear Smaller" because I'm someone who has larger pores on certain parts of my body. A part of it is genetic. Another reason is because I wasn't always the most diligent about deep cleaning them and, when you're not, that can cause oil, dirt and make-up build-up to stretch and enlarge your pores overtime. That's one of the reasons why a facial can be so helpful. It will help to pull all of the "gunk" out of your pores, so that they can stay smaller and you will encounter less breakouts.
Pore Cleansing Facial Recipe: Combine ½ cup of manuka honey (it's an amazing humectant) with three tablespoons of fresh-squeezed orange juice (it's loaded with antioxidants), one tablespoon of sea salt (the perfect exfoliant) and one teaspoon of Aloe vera (it's loaded with healing properties). Mix all of the ingredients together, apply to freshly washed skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm and then cool water (as a heads up, this part of the instruction applies to just about every recipe in this piece). The combination of these ingredients will deeply exfoliate your skin while triggering collagen production at the same time.
2. It Treats Acne
If you're someone who is prone to breakouts, this is another reason to consider giving at-home facials a try. Not only do facials help to clear out your pores as I just mentioned, they can get rid of dead skin cells, remove excess oil and also soothe your skin, if there are areas that happen to be inflamed. With all of these things being less of an issue, it's a lot harder for pimples to literally rear their ugly heads.
Acne Facial Recipe: Mix two tablespoons of manuka honey with one teaspoon of turmeric. The properties in the turmeric will reduce inflammation as the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in the honey will help to get rid of the bacteria that causes breakouts in the first place.
3. It Evens Out Your Skin Tone
Whenever I get a facial, something that I notice, pretty much immediately, is how bright and even my skin looks.
Due to things like UV damage (which can happen to us too), hormonal shifts, acne marks, slow collagen production and/or the overproduction of melanin, our skin can end up having some discoloration here and there. Two things that can remedy this is getting to personally know what your skin type is (more on that later) and yep, you guessed it, having facials.
In this lane, facials are dope because they can smooth and even out your skin tone over time. The key here is to go with a facial recipe that is loaded with antioxidants.
Skin Tone Facial Recipe: Blend the pulp of one papaya with two tablespoons of goat milk. The antioxidants along with the enzyme papain in the papaya will break down dead skin cells while the milk will soften the skin and unevenness. Oh, it should go on record that because papaya can be pretty potent, you'll probably only need to keep this particular mask on your face for no more than 5-7 minutes.
4. It Increases Blood Circulation
You might not have ever thought about getting a facial for the specific purpose of increasing blood circulation to your face, yet it is another benefit that comes with having one. The reality is poor circulation to your face (and neck) can play a significant role in your skin aging faster than it ever should. The way to head this off is to give yourself a facial that contains a form of Vitamin A known as retinoids; they increase blood circulation and even have a reputation for creating new blood vessels over time. Dope.
Blood Circulation Facial Recipe: Combine one egg with two tablespoons of plain whole milk yogurt. Both are loaded with retinoids and, as a bonus, will make your skin feel baby soft smooth.
5. It Slows Down the Signs of Aging
Don't get triggered but I once wrote "Yes, Black CAN Crack. Here's What To Do About It, Tho." for this platform for a reason and a purpose.
While the extra melanin in our skin is indeed a blessing, that doesn't mean that we should take it for granted or not be proactive about making sure that we keep our youthful glow for as long as possible. One way to do that? You already know — give yourself a facial. Another benefit that comes from this kind of beauty treatment is it can help to increase your skin's elasticity, thicken your skin and remove toxins that may be embedded in your pores while improving your skin's texture and super-hydrating your pores in the process.
Anti-Aging Facial Recipe: Put one tablespoon of shea butter, two teaspoons of Aloe vera gel, ¼ of a ripe avocado and ½ ripe apricot in a blender until everything is super smooth. The shea butter's antioxidants have anti-aging properties. The Aloe vera will help to improve your skin's elasticity. Avocados hydrate and also add to your skin's elasticity. Apricots are rich in fatty acids to help make your skin soft and supple.
6. It’s a Skin Hydrator
All of your body needs moisture. Your face is certainly no exception. When it fails to get the adequate amount that it needs, that can lead to dryness, irritation, acne, environmental damage and premature signs of aging. That's why it's important to consume lots of water and to consider giving yourself a facial that specifically treats dry skin from time to time.
Skin Hydration Facial Recipe: Put four ripe strawberries into a blender along with two teaspoons of Greek yogurt and a tablespoon of coconut milk. Strawberries are high in antioxidants. The lactic acid from the yogurt will brighten your skin. The coconut milk is extremely moisturizing.
7. It Teaches You More About Your Skin
The reason why a lot of us don't end up with the flawless glowing skin that we desire is because we don't know enough about our skin type to give it, just what it needs. One thing that can help with this is to take an online quiz (like the one on the Ask the Scientists website that you can check out here). Another is to give yourself a facial to see which one your skin responds to best. If you want to "ease into" giving yourself one, vegetable glycerin and Vitamin E are two ingredients that are great for sensitive skin.
Beginner's Facial Recipe: Add three Vitamin E capsules to one tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. Glycerin adds lots of moisture while Vitamin offers anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
8. It Reduces Your Stress Levels
If you really want to take your DIY facial up a notch, devote 5-10 minutes massaging your face first. Make sure your hands and face are clean and then use your fingertips to create small circles all over your face and neck. Not only will it help to increase blood circulation, it is extremely relaxing too. Then, once you're done, give yourself a stress-releasing facial. Not only will it help to activate your sympathetic nervous system, it will also reduce your anxiety levels and uplift your spirits. Definitely a win when it comes to DIY skincare.
Stress-Reducing Facial Recipe: Mix two tablespoons of sweet almond oil (improves complexion, fights breakouts), with a teaspoon of honey and four drops of lavender (it's soothing to the skin as it gets rid of bacteria and calms your spirits at the same time). It's the perfect skin treatment at night before turning in, so that you can wake up with beautiful skin. Enjoy!
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Relationship Timeline
Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe are one of our favorite Hollywood couples. We can't get over their adorable moments together on the red carpet and on social media. While they're both from St. Louis, they didn't meet until college, which they both attended Stanford. And the rest is as they say, history. Read below as we dive into their decades-long relationship.
Mid to Late1990s: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Meet
Sterling and Ryan met as freshmen at Stanford University. "We were in the same dorm freshman year...that's kind of how we met," Ryan said in an interview with ET. "I was mesmerized," she said after watching him audition for the school play, Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Sterling revealed that The First Wives Club star was dating someone else, so they started off as friends.
"She got cast in the play as well, and we would ride bikes to rehearsal, and we would just talk. We found out that we were both from St. Louis. We didn't know that we were both from St. Louis, like, our parents went to rival high schools. We were born in the same hospital. Like, we were friends," he said.
The first few years of their relationship involved many breakups and makeups. However, they ended up graduating and attended NYU's Tisch Grad Acting Program together.
Early 2000s: Sterling K. Brown Tells Ryan Michelle Bathe She's 'The Love Of My Life'
The Paradise star opened up about telling Ryan that she was the one. "We broke up for three and a half years before we came back into each other's lives," he said. "She was on the treadmill working out, and I had this epiphany, 'I have to go tell this woman she's the love of my life.'"
"I go to her apartment, I tell her, and she's like, 'Well, I'm working out right now,' and I was like, 'No, I can see that—I'll just talk to you while you're on the treadmill,' and she's like, 'Well, I feel like going outside. So I'm gonna go on a run,'" he continued. "So I'm like dressed [in a suit], and she starts running through Koreatown, and I start running along with her. Brother had to work, but it was well worthwhile."
2006: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Tie The Knot
The St. Louis natives eloped in 2006 and a year later held a larger ceremony. According to the bride, the best part of their wedding was the food. "The best thing about it was the food," she told ET.
"Can I just say, sometimes you go to weddings, and you get the winner-winner chicken dinner and you're like, 'I pay. OK, it's fine.' But I wanted people to remember their experience -- their culinary experience. So I was happy about that. The food was good."
2011: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Welcome Their First Child
In 2011, Sterling and The Endgame actress welcomed their first son, Andrew. In a 2017 tweet, Sterling revealed they had a home birth. "An unexpected home delivery is something my wife and I went through ourselves with our first born, so this was round 2 for me!" he wrote while referring to a scene involving his character Randall, in This Is Us.
2012: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Appear On-screen Together
A year later, the couple acted together on the Lifetime series Army Wives.
2015: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Welcome Their Second Child
In 2015, Sterling and Ryan welcomed another son, Amaré. Sterling shared an Instagram post about their latest addition to the family. "1st post. 2nd child. All good! #imoninstagram," the Atlas star wrote.
2016: Ryan Michelle Bathe Joins Sterling K. Brown On 'This Is Us'
Ryan guest appears on her hubby's show, This Is Us.
Sterling K. Brown Reveals Ryan Michelle Bathe's Mother Didn't Like Him At First
During their sit-down interview for the Black Love series, Sterling revealed that Ryan's mother wasn't a fan of him, which caused friction in their relationship.
2024: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Explain How Jennifer Lopez Once Broke Them Up
While visiting The Jennifer Hudson Show, Sterling and Ryan share their hilarious Jennifer Lopez break-up story. "We had just gone out, we were living in New York City, we were in grad school, and we had gone to see a Broadway play and we came back to my place and my roommate was playing the ["Love Don't Cost A Thing"] video on MTV," Sterling said.
"Now I'm a fan of Jennifer Lopez's dancing, and I was watching the video and I knew my young...21, 22-year-old girlfriend was looking at me watch the video. And I know I'm not supposed to have a reaction. In trying NOT to have a reaction, what had happened was, my eyes began to water."
Ryan jumped in, "Otherwise known as, TEARS! I turn around and my boyfriend is weeping, tears like big fat [tears]. And I'm looking and she's just a shakin' and a shimming, and he's just crying. I said 'Oh no, I got to go.' "
2024: Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe Launch Their Podcast, We Don't Always Agree
The couple launched their podcast, We Don't Always Agree, where they disclose more intimate details about their love story.
Feature image by Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock