

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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'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Women Are (Still) Spelling 'Coconut' With Their Hips. And Guys Are Losing Their Damn Minds.
While prepping for a podcast interview a while back, because I received the questions beforehand, I did a bit of research into one of the inquiries: what are men’s current favorite sex positions? I doubt any of you are shocked by the fact that what continued to pop up (like here, here, and here) was doggy style and the cowgirl position (i.e., when a woman is on top).
When it comes to ridin’, specifically, that got me to thinking about something that was all over the internet a few years ago: women who were advising that you spell “coconut” with your hips, during sex, in order for you and your partner to receive maximum pleasure and satisfaction.
When I asked a few women I know if they ever tried that before, I was surprised to discover that not only had they, but many didn’t treat it as some random social media fad — they actually still do it to this day. Partly, because it’s fun to them and partly because their partner(s) seem to go crazy for it.
Listen, any time something sexual works like a charm, I’m going to shout it out — (late) trend or not. And so, if you’ve never heard of the whole coconut thing, you tried it and forgot all about it, or you just want to try something new/different/else tonight — here’s a reminder, in article form, that coconut-ting is still alive and well, y’all. And the men are all about it!
But First, The Grapefruit Technique
Video Credit: Myem/YouTube (Funny part starts at 2:40)
If this woman is not familiar to you on sight, you ain’t a real one. LOL. Although I know that a lot of people think that the concept of grapefruiting came from the movie Girls Trip (you can see the clip from the film here) that absolutely is not the case. Auntie Angel (whose real name is reportedly Denise Walker) is the creator of the Grapefruit Technique and although I thought that this video came out way earlier, apparently it made its way onto the YouTube streets sometime back in 2014.
If for some reason, you’re not familiar with grapefruiting on any level, I will tell you right now that I had to download this video because it is absolutely NSFW — so you should probably watch it on your lunch break (on your phone with the volume as low as possible) or at home…because chile, the sound effects? Whew, the sound effects. LOL. However, when I sat down to pen this piece, I thought it was hilarious that this video is what immediately came to mind because it seems like, when it comes to “blow his mind sex hacks,” fruit is constantly on the menu.
When it comes to oral sex, it’s grapefruit.
When it comes to ride ‘em cowgirl, it’s a coconut.
What Is the “Coconut” Sex Trend?
@windy_moraba #duet with @mysteri0us.gir1 spell coconut with your waist 😂😂😂
Okay, so what in the world does a coconut have to do with intercourse? Well, for starters, if you and your partner are looking for an all-natural lubricant, coconut oil works well. HOWEVER, do keep in mind that the disclaimer on this is you shouldn’t use it if condoms are in the mix because they can actually cause rubbers to be less effective (silicone lube is a solid bet for condoms, by the way).
There is another way that coconuts are kinda-sorta incorporated when it comes to making sex more pleasurable — and it actually became pretty popular right after COVID lockdown (2021): spelling C-O-C-O-N-U-T with your hips while you’re on top of your partner.
It’s wild how I forgot all about this until a client of mine was telling me how much her husband liked her on top while it wasn’t her favorite thing to do because it felt awkward to her. When I said, “Have you ever heard of spelling ‘coconut’ with your hips before?” — at first, she looked at me like I was crazy and then she busted out laughing: “Girl, no” was her reply.
Hmph. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it because, as wild as it might sound on the surface, the word isn’t the point so much as the movements that come with spelling it out are.
When you’re moving your pelvis around to make a “c,” “o” or U-turn, not only does it intensify the level of sensation that both you and your partner feel during intercourse, it can also increase the level of blood circulation to both of your genitalia which can make your orgasms more satisfying too.
At the end of the day, spelling “coconut” is simply reminding you that there are more options to riding than simply sitting there while your partner pumps for all he’s worth or you humping up and down like you’re on a pogo stick.
Spelling “coconut” is an easy hack to bring some variety into cowgirling. However…
Honestly, the “Fruit” Isn’t the Point. THIS IS.
From grapefruiting and spelling “coconut” to reading articles that I’ve penned for the platform like “How To Improve The Taste Of Sperm” — fruit and sex are always going to be a winning combination, one way or another. However, the main point of this article isn’t about making sure that you are a master speller so much as providing you with tips that will make the cowgirl position something that you are confident about and you find a ton of fulfillment in doing.
You can make both of these things happen by incorporating the following things:
Stretch beforehand. A charley horse during sex is the worst thing ever — and chile, don’t let it be right before you’re about to climax. SMDH. Yeah, if you want to feel more comfortable when you’re on top, make sure that you stretch beforehand and that you are well-hydrated. That will reduce the chances of experiencing a totally-out-of-nowhere muscle spasm — whether you decide to “spell” during sex or…not.
Bring pillows into the mix. Sometimes riding is a challenge because your partner feels farther away from your body than you would like. Putting a pillow underneath him can help to elevate his pelvis, so that you don’t feel like you’re stretching and straining. Speaking of pillows, a longer one can really come in handy because it can give your knees some additional support as well.
Also, ask him to put his knees up. Speaking of making the “grind” easier for you, ask your partner to put his knees up. That way, your back can recline on his legs as you’re moving your hips around. You’d be amazed how much this one hack can do for you. Straight up.
Add lube. When you get a chance, check out “The Wetter, The Better: 10 Creative Ways To Use Lubricant” and you will automatically see why bringing lubrication into a cowgirl session is an absolute must. It reduces friction. It makes your movements glide with ease. And it’s just more fun. Promise you that.
Lean in. If your partner happens to be on the larger side of life, one way that you can control his depth is by leaning forward into him. That way, your hips can better control how much or little he is inside of you, so that you can get into a position that gives you the sensation that you are looking for.
Get him to multitask. Again, whether you are spelling “coconut” or not and whether you are riding cowgirl or reverse cowgirl — something that is awesome about being on top is it frees your partner’s hands to do, umm, other things. And since it is so much easier to have an orgasm while your clitoris is being stimulated, get your partner to put some of the lube that we discussed earlier on his fingertips, so that he can gently rub on your clitoris while you are riding him. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Don’t wanna spell? Hula Hoop then. What if you try the whole coconut thing and it’s not a favorite for you (or him)? No problem — when’s the last time that you hula hooped? Pretend that you have one of those around your hips and move around that way. I’d be shocked if you ended up feeling “meh” about that option.
5 Guys Tell Me What They Love When Their Partner Is on Top
A part of the reason why I am “team cowgirl” is because it provides a lot of benefits to the woman: she has more control, it tends to be more comfortable for her, it’s a great position for a quickie and the orgasms tend to be that much more — wonderful. However, as I was thinking about spelling coconut, in general, I couldn’t help but wonder what guys thought about it and the cowgirl position overall.
If you’re curious, here’s what five of ‘em said.
1. Braxford. Engaged. 35. “Y’all be spelling up there? Who knew? My favorite thing about when my fiancée is on top is what I think every man likes: the view. It’s a chance to see her entire body and experience it at the same time. Not even doggy style accomplishes that. Damn, where’s my lady at?”
2. Denez. Single. 42. “Do you know how many ‘spots’ you have access to when y’all are on top? Breasts are in my mouth. Hickeys are on her neck. Prop my head up on a pillow and her tummy is getting licked. When a woman is riding you, it’s sensory overload! It’s crazy how each one looks amazing in that position too.”
3. Omar. In a Serious Relationship. 29. “[He said her name yet I’m not going to share it] isn’t a very vocal lover. Her body and technique are insane, so even though I love dirty talk, I’ve learned to compromise — except when she’s on top. She’s not saying much but those moans? And yeah, we tried the coconut thing. ‘Cs’ and ‘Os,’ hell yeah. ‘Ns’ and “Ts’? Nah.”
4. Nolen. Single. 45. “45 isn’t old but it’s old enough for your back to show out on you when you least expect it. My experience has been that women don’t want a lot of thrusting when they are on top, so it’s like having some of the best sex without having to do much at all. Well, aside from trying not to bust too quickly. I take that back: riding is easy on the body; it’s work on the brain.”
5. Ivan. Married. 37. “I like the spelling sh-t because it switches things up. We make a game out of it by her picking a word and spelling out while I try and guess what it is. We also try to see how many words that we can get to before one of us cums. 12 words is pushing it unless it’s like ‘dog’ or ‘cat’ or something. I’ve guessed ‘coconut’ a few times and I get what the excitement is all about. Spelling bee sex: try it.”
Yep. I concur.
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