

There are a plethora of beauty tips on the World Wide Web. It's a utopia for women like me who are always looking to try something new. But when it comes to my skin, I have to stick with the pros. Things like yes, even though I'm a Black woman I still need to wear sunscreen, and no, my skin doesn't have to be oily in the summer and dry in the winter, are just a couple of reasons why I love following beauty and skin experts on social media.
When it comes to the growing trend of TikTok, some of my faves provide tips that are quick, but mind-blowing. They just drop gems as if they're not life-changing at all. But because they're pros, I know I can trust what they have to say when it comes to caring for and improving my skin. If you want to bless your TikTok timeline with a few skin experts, follow these ladies.
1.Brittany Oliver, MD @dr.dermatic
@dr.dermatic #stitch with @skincarebyhyram Just say no to DIY citrus scrubs. 🤦🏽♀️ #dermatologist #skincare #diy #fyp #foryou #skincarebyhyram
From solutions for eczema to breaking some of the not-so-great habits we don't even know we have, Dr. Brittany Oliver (@dr.dermatic) reveals the good, bad, and ugly of skincare that we can all relate to on her TikTok. Even though she's an expert, she shares her own journey too, including the worst thing she's ever done to her skin. (Let's just say it was a DIY citrus scrub gone wrong. I think we've been there a time or two.)
2.DrDeeMD @drdeemd
@drdeemd Say goodbye to razor bumps #shaving #shavingtips #razor #razorbumps #ingrown #ingrownhair #ingrownhairremoval
Dr. Dee (@drdeemd) is all about preserving your health and beauty, and I'm here for it. If you want to see how certain procedures like laser hair removal look, she deserves a follow because she's showing it all. Dr. Dee also answers questions I know I've asked Google (i.e. how to find the best razor for shaving) and reminding us that certain household items like olive oil should not be used on our faces. Plus, she gives an affirmation here and there, which is always a good thing.
3.Dr. Paul, Dermatologist @derm4brownskin
@derm4brownskin Reply to @lrkkfam sunscreen for brown skin #sunscreen #spf #brownskin #antiaging #darkspots #indianskincare #indianskin #derm4brownskin @larocheposay
It's the name for me! Dr. Paul (@derm4brownskin) is giving all kinds of insight on how we can care for our skin as women of color. She doesn't miss a beat and provides skincare tips for women in their 20s, 30s, and even ladies who are pregnant. What I love about her page is that she explains what causes certain skin conditions like dark circles, and gives strategies for how to tackle them. And her budget-friendly product features don't hurt.
4.Samantha Gentry @youmebeautyy
@youmebeautyy #esthetician #mask #tumeric #skinscrubber #tutorial #browngirl #youngma #hyperpigmentation #skintherapy #natural #selfcaresunday
This has proven to be the perfect time to try something new from the comfort of your own home, and Samantha Gentry (@youmebeautyy) is showing us how on TikTok. Whether it's a DIY turmeric mask or sharing foods that do amazing wonders for our skin, her page has a wealth of much-needed information.
5.Dr. Howard @dermbeautydoc
@dermbeautydoc Visit TikTok to discover videos!
Confession. One of the things that drew me to this page was a recent video where Dr. Howard (@dermbeautydoc) addresses crusty heels. Good to know I'm not the only one struggling. Her breakdown is always super practical and she never hesitates to remind us to love the skin we're in right now. Her beauty hacks and do's and don'ts of skincare are also a win.
6.Dr. Alexis @dralexisstephens
@dralexisstephens Shop with a dermatologist to help fade dark marks #hyperpigmentation #herstory
Dr. Alexis brings us along for her trips to Target, Walmart, Ulta, and more, and I love the adventure. And when it comes to her videos of the top mistakes we're making in skincare, signs we're using the wrong cleanser, and how to properly pluck your eyebrows, I can't click fast enough.
7.Marielle Juan @mariellejuan
@mariellejuan SPF is super important to use, even if it’s not sunny 😩☝️#spf #sunscreen #skintok #skincare
Marielle Juan doesn't hold back when she lets us know our "skincare routine is trash without sunscreen" and calling out problematic beauty brands that she refuses to support. She even exposes the truth about our beloved makeup remover wipes.
8.Funmi Monet @funmimonet
@funmimonet Vitamin C is a staple in my AM routine 🍊 @bliss #skincareroutine #skincaretips #skincaretiktok #fyp #glowingskin
Funmi Monet (@funmimonet) specializes in all things beauty, fragrance, and skincare. She tries all kinds of products I never knew were even a thing (like a Vitamin C serum to achieve glowing skin first thing in the morning). She fearlessly applies them and shows us her results, no matter what they might be. I can be behind this movement.
9.wendyskin @wendyskin
@wendyskin who else goes to zoom university? 🥲#learnontiktok #tiktokpartner #skintok #skincaretips #zoomuniversity
We can all benefit from her video of how to look awake on Zoom meetings (because those early morning calls are… a lot). And wendyskin (@wendyskin) has much more to offer. Her nighttime routines are always a mood and she's doesn't shy away from spilling skincare secrets (i.e. how to double cleanse).
10.Sunny Tsao @sunny.tsao
@sunny.tsao Reply to @hannajay8 ive had reactive skin since childhood. Very annoying!! #skin #skincare @kravebeauty @larocheposay @mondaymuse @innisfreeusa 🥰
Get ready to get lost scrolling on Sunny Tsao's (@sunny.tsao) TikTok. The content is seemingly endless and she doesn't recommend just any product. The girl has standards, which is exactly what we need to care for our skin. So have at it!
11.Dr. Adeline @brownskinderm
@brownskinderm #bcgdramaeffect #blackcreators #suncreen #blackdontcrack #blacktiktokcommunity #dermatologist #brownskinderm #skincare #skincaremyth #bcgdrama #tik
Dr. Adeline (@brownskinderm) is always answering questions from her followers and reminding us that just because "black don't crack" doesn't mean we can skip sunscreen. #BlackGirlMagic doesn't protect us from those harsh rays. But let's not stop there. She's shutting down myths and educating us on the products and ingredients our skin should embrace in 2021. It's time to get into it.
Featured image via Dr. Adeline (@brownskinderm)/TikTok
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Ashley Versher is known for her work in the Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black series and more recently, she starred alongside Taraji P. Henson in the Netflix film Straw. But she is more than just her acting credits and stunning looks (her hair alone is everything). In an xoNecole exclusive, Ashley dishes on her first celebrity crush, how she spends her downtime, and her go-to haircare products because we need the deets.
Get to know Ashley below.
xoNecole: Where are you from?
Ashley Versher: San Francisco - BAY AREAAAAAA!!!!
xoN: What was your first major acting role?
AV: A 49ers Super Bowl commercial - I think I was 3.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny audition story? If so, what happened?
AV: Yes! I was doing a self-tape once and I forgot to take off my bonnet. But the tape was so good I sent it in anyway.
xoN: Your hair is gorgeous. What has it been like navigating Hollywood with natural hair?
AV: Thank you so much! Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself. Once I fully embraced my natural hair and committed to the journey, everything else began to align. It’s been nothing short of empowering.
Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself.
xoN: What are your favorite go-to hair products?
AV: Ooooooo, right now I’m loving Camille Rose’s Jai Twisting Butter—it’s super moisturizing and gives me a fun, bouncy twist-out! I’ve also recently gotten into oils, and I’m especially loving sweet almond oil.
xoN: We know you as an actress, but what is another special talent you have that most people don't know about?
AV: I trained as a classical violinist for 13/14years.
xoN: Who is your hero?
AV: My mom. She’s incredible - full stop.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: How do you like to spend your down time?
AV: Ha! What’s that!? Jk jk, I love to travel, that’s honestly my favorite thing.
xoN: Who was your first celebrity crush?
AV: Prince.
xoN: What is your dream role?
AV: One day I will play a witch with Harry Potter-like powers!
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Feature image by Johnny Marlow