11 Ways To Keep Your Underarms Happy
As humans, we tend to spend a lot of time taking care of our skin, mostly our face. Why don't we give more consideration to the skin all over our bodies in not-so-traditional places? There are parts of our body that go unnoticed, and it's time for us to give them some extra attention. We are glad that society is moving in the direction of body awareness because our bodies are designed to be loved.
First up: underarms. They can be sweaty and a pain to maintain, but they do so much for us. For one, they hold 20 lymph nodes in each crevice, an essential part of your body's immune system as it filters toxins. While societal expectations say that women should shave their pits, we believe that's between you and your body. Do you, sis! Just make sure you're keeping your underarms happy.
Below, we've rounded up some must-haves guaranteed to do just that. And let's just say, they aren't best-selling products for no reason. Keep scrolling for the deets!
1.Bella Skin Beauty Watermelon Probiotic Underarm Toner
Bella Skin Beauty
I didn't know underarm toner was a thing until I tried this product from Bella Skin Beauty. According to the brand, it eliminates bacteria, gently cleanses the skin, protects against environmental aggressors, and maintains its pH. Best of all, it reduces body odor. My favorite part is the plant-based ingredients: pure watermelon extract, ylang-ylang, lemon balm, aloe, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A, making for a divine smell and soothing feel.
2.Glossier Body Hero Cleanse + Exfoliate Duo
Glossier
We don't exfoliate enough, and we definitely don't exfoliate under our arms enough. This duo by Glossier was designed to give your skin the one-two punch you need. The daily oil wash gathers the dirt and grime that don't belong and washes it away like Jesus washes away our sins while the exfoliating bar combats dryness and dead skin like your fairy godmother. Using this under your arms will create the soft, silky skin you deserve.
3.Oui The People PHA Ingrown Relief Toner
Oui The People
Of all of the acids, polyhydroxy acid (PHA) is said to be the least aggressive compared to alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. Don't get it twisted, PHAs hold their own, especially when it comes to fighting glycation; that's when digested sugar attaches to the collagen in your skin, won't let go, and makes it weak. By using The Big Reveal, you'll notice brighter and smoother skin with less irritation in weeks.
4.PiperWai Underarm Oil
PiperWai
Say hello to the new spa treatment for your pits, sis. Between the essential oils and antibacterial ingredients, your natural pH balance will be supported like never before. PiperWai suggests you "massage 1-2 drops per armpit before bed, or daily followed by deodorant if desired. If you are using the oil with the deodorant, use sparingly as a little bit goes a long way."
5.Native Natural Deodorant
Native
Native Deodorant is a firm believer that we have to take care of our bodies because it's the only place we have to live. This antiperspirant glides on like butter and keeps you dry throughout the day. Most importantly, it is aluminum-free which means it's natural enough not to harm you but strong enough to tackle your stress sweat.
6.Pacifica Coconut & Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub
Pacifica
Keeping it 100% vegan and cruelty-free, Pacifica wants you to free your pits. And you can do so with this holy grail of a product because it unclogs your pores and makes them like new. If you're thinking of transitioning to natural deodorant, you'll want to use this detox scrub. The thickness is just right and isn't too harsh like other similar products.
7.Athena Club Smooth Skin Trio
Athena Club
You know what they say, "Good things come in threes!" The Smooth Skin Trio is made up of Cloud Shave Foam, Dewy Body Lotion, and Creamy Body Wash — all determined to keep you soft, smooth, and dewy. The shaving cream supports moisture, the lotion serves as a multivitamin, and the body wash cleanses and protects.
8.Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Paula's Choice
I've recently become a superfan of Paula's Choice products because they give what they need to give. You can count on their products to provide you with all-over smoothing. "Ongoing use banishes dullness and promotes resilient skin that's touchably soft and ultimately smooth. This is a customer favorite, suitable even for skin prone to keratosis pilaris." Keratosis pilaris is a common yet harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps.
9.Thrive Market Baking Soda
Thrive Market
"I'm in love with the CoCo." If you're not, you should be because this natural remedy contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Not only does it tighten pores, but it also fights body odor. Baking soda and lemon juice even lighten your underarms.
Using one tablespoon of baking soda and juice of half a lemon, you can combine both the ingredients in a bowl to create a paste. Once you have achieved your desired consistency, apply the paste to your armpits and massage for a minute, then let it dry for 20 minutes. Finally, wash off with cold water. Complete this application 2-3 times a week to see results.
10.Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream
Meow Meow Tweet
We love that this natural deodorant comes in a glass jar and can be refilled. Mama Earth would be proud! Both gentle and productive, this cream nourishes your underarm like a conditioner. Essential oils are always a vibe, and when you mix the various butters and plant oils included in this product, you are sure to have a frosting that your pits will adore.
11.Fur Ingrown Concentrate
Fur
Au Naturale and oh, so soothing should be the tagline for Fur's Ingrown Concentrate. Name a better spot treatment that slays annoying bumps and redness while also ailing sensitive skin. It's also the mitt for us because it's the key to buffing out those stubborn ingrown hairs.
Featured image by Getty Images
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
These Newlyweds Found Love Thanks To A Friend Playing Matchmaker
How We Met is a series where xoNecole talks love and relationships with real-life couples. We learn how they met, how like turned into love, and how they make their love work.
Jason and Elise Robinson’s union is a reminder that kind people still get their happily ever after. The pair had their first date in October of 2021 and tied the knot on June 15, 2024. Both of them have dedicated their lives to celebrating and supporting Black culture so it was only fitting they get married in what's considered the Black Hollywood of America during the Juneteenth celebration weekend. From the florists to Elise and Jason's gown and suit designers to the table signage and so much more, everything was Black-owned. It's no wonder their love for Black culture was the jumping-off point for their love story.
When they met, Jason had just moved to Atlanta for a new job opportunity, and Elise was living happily in her career and had put dating on the backburner. But luckily, a mutual connection saw something in both of them and thanks to a yoga-themed baby shower and a chance text message, they found their forever. Check out their beautiful How We Met story below.
I’ll start with the easiest question. Can you both tell me a little bit about yourself and your background?
Elise: Sure, my name is Elise. I’m actually from Atlanta, GA – not a transplant. I grew up here and left right after college to pursue my career. Now I’ve been back going on eight years, and I’m in my early 40s.
Jason: And I’m Jason. I’m originally from Racine, Wisconsin. I went to school at Florida A&M University, so I am a rattler. I went back to the Midwest for a period of time, in Indianapolis. Now, I’ve been in the Atlanta area for a little over two and a half years.
Jason and Elise Robinson
Photo by FotosbyFola
Wow, that’s nice because Atlanta gets a bad rap when it comes to relationships. So you have to give us the deets. How did you two find each other?
Elise: So I work in TV and I was on-air for a number of years and then transitioned into being a producer and then a manager. As a producer, I’d always have guests on. And there was a woman who came on frequently named Rosalynn (@Rosalynndaniels, often referred to as The Black Martha Stewart), and we connected instantly. Anyway, she got pregnant right before COVID and invited me to a “modern-day yoga baby shower.” I came to support, but was also just curious about that theme.
I had an amazing time. And when it was over a few of us stuck around and convos got personal. She ended up asking me the infamous ‘Are you dating’ question. When I told her no, she decided to set me up. So I should tell you, in both of my only two serious relationships, I was set up – so I was like no.
But she pointed at her husband, who was folding up chairs, and said that another friend set her up with him. Sometimes, it takes people outside of us to see what we need. A few months later, she reached out and said she had family relocating and thought I’d really like him. So she gave him my number, and I reached out with a text. He responded with a call, and that night, we talked for about 2-3 hours. So that’s how we met. I was a little nervous because me and Rosalynn were starting a friendship, and here I was, talking to her family!
Jason: It was new for me too. Remember, I was new to the area, and I had heard so many “stories” about how people have been done wrong in the dating world. Whether it’s by theft or scamming (laughs). Plus, I had just got a new job and wanted to focus on that. But I did want to be able to date someone in a more personal way and see where it led. I felt like who better than someone who I trust to connect me. Rosalynn knows I’m private, about business life, and my personal life is important to me.
So let’s get into your courtship. What was your first date like?
Elise: We had our first convo on a Monday, and he asked me out the next day. I didn’t have any plans, but I still said no. I was just playing hard to get (laughs). But we were talking every day, and he told me he wanted to take me somewhere I’ve never been. And I’m like, you’re in my city! But he sends me three options, and sure enough, two of the places I hadn’t gone to. So, our first date was October 1, 2021, and somebody was 45 minutes late.
Now Jason, why were you 45 minutes late?
Elise: It was me – in my own city. I just got turned around, and the traffic was horrible. I kept calling him and giving him permission to leave. Full transparency: I probably wouldn’t have waited if the shoe was on the other foot. But this was my first sign of what I now know and love the most about him. It’s his patience. When I got there, I was frazzled and everything, but he was just super calm. It ended up being a great first date.
Jason: I remember just waiting and being concerned for her well-being. Because I know how traffic can be, especially when someone is rushing. I was just scrolling through my phone and looking through the menu. It was cool.
Elise and Jason Robinson
Courtesy
That’s beautiful. Now let’s talk about the “what are we” convo? Did you have one of those and if so, who initiated it and how was it?
Elise: I initiated it. Jason was dating me – and still does. But by this time, we had been on a number of dates. We were on our way to a winery, and we had a bit of a drive. So I decided to state my intention. We were just a few weeks in, but we were spending a lot of time together and we are people of a particular age. So I told him, I know Atlanta can be a Black man’s playground. There’s so many beautiful professional women here. But I’m dating with intention. I don’t want to kick it or hang with a good guy even though he’s not my person. I was done with all of that. So I’m “laying down the law” in my eyes, and he didn’t flinch. He let me finish and basically let me know we were on the same page. He was not trying to sow his royal oats.
Jason: Yeah, I was not trying to be Prince Akeem. But also, it was more so about setting a tone and goal for myself. My mama always told me to set my goals. And having a family was always one of mine. I think the biggest thing of it all, was I felt blessed – in terms of moving for work and meeting Elise, now being married. There’s victories being placed in my life.
I love that you both shared that because sometimes I get feedback on these stories and it seems like sometimes we’re afraid to really voice what we desire, no matter what that looks like.
Elise: Yeah, I think sometimes women feel like they don’t want to put pressure on their partner. But it’s not pressure. Look, Jason and I are based in faith, and what is for us is for us. Being upfront and honest is best – and early makes sense. You don’t have to convince someone to be your person.
Jason: I think her sharing those values resonated with me, and hearing her “lay down the law” was fine because I was there, too. I would say to millennial women, don’t be afraid to tell a mate what you want. You never know what that would lead to. Time is a precious commodity. Elise saying that early on showed me that she values both of our time. It showed her heart, character, and integrity, and I was drawn to that and the mature conversation. In the social media world, we don’t have those pointed conversations face-to-face. I would challenge readers to have those conversations in person, and you would get more from that convo than any post or reel. Because you see body language reactions and have deeper communication.
Yeah, I think sometimes women feel like they don’t want to put pressure on their partner. But it’s not pressure. Look, Jason and I are based in faith, and what is for us is for us. Being upfront and honest is best – and early makes sense. You don’t have to convince someone to be your person.
You both have mentioned time, family, and integrity. I’m curious what other core values do you both share?
Elise: Early on, our faith. Not just do you believe in God. It had to be deeper in that. I needed someone who would lead me, our home, and our family. I didn’t want to be in a push-and-pull relationship about prayer, church, or have conversations about being better people. Also, we discussed finances. That doesn’t just mean going to work. We chatted about ownership and what it looks like for us. How do we support each other individually and together? I know I like having my hands in a few different pots, and I needed someone who was supportive of that and likewise.
Jason: My background is that I was raised in the church. My father is a deacon and my mom is a deaconess. They've been married for 55 years. Faith was very important to me and it was crucial that my wife have that relationship as well.
Elise and Jason Robinson
Photo by FotosbyFola
Can we talk about challenges? Big or small, what are some things you had to grow through together?
Elise: I have never lived with anyone – not a roommate, a sister, friend, boyfriend or anything. Now, I’m in my 40s and I'm living with someone. When you’ve been by yourself for so long that was a challenge for both of us. We weren’t pulling each other's hair out but I’m a bit extreme. Things are color-coded in my closet. For me, working in news is chaotic so I want my home to be peaceful and organized.
Jason: I’m a man, and she’s a woman. That dynamic alone adds a flair to it. She wants things a certain way. She’s a Capricorn. But just in terms of how she wants to keep a home was a big adjustment for me. It took time.
On a smaller level, what are some of the things you disagree about day-to-day?
Elise: Cleanliness and systems. Like, he recycles and I do not. But sometimes I just have to decide if it really needs to be a thing or if I can just take care of it.
Jason: This is where my organization takes over (laughs).
What are your love languages? Do you know?
Elise: Jason’s is an act of service which works because I love cooking for him. It doesn’t feel like a chore to me. I love when I’m out, picking up his favorite juice. The other day I saw he needed t-shirts while folding clothes. So I just like doing small things for him that he doesn’t expect. He’s very much that guy that will ask to help so it doesn’t bother me.
Jason: I’d say Elise is all of them, but physical touch would probably be the biggest one. I had to get used to that. She’s taught me it in a number of ways. I remember we actually talked about love languages, and I sent her this song called “More Than Words” by Extreme. That explained to her how I felt.
Finally, can we end with the proposal? Tell us everything!
Jason: It was at a restaurant. And again, I was trying to find somewhere she hadn’t been. Also, I didn’t want to do it on our anniversary because that would have been too obvious. I contacted one of the restaurant’s staff and decided to change up the dessert menu. Each item was something special to us.
Elise: We go on so many date nights, so I just thought it was a regular night. We had finished eating, and I had to go to the bathroom. They had a nice mirror, girl. So I’m in there taking videos and stuff.
Jason: While she’s in the restroom, I’m getting everything in place with the waitress.
Elise: So as I’m reading the menu, I realize it’s telling our story and he eventually proposed. It was so special; I actually had the menu framed! It was so beautiful and thoughtful.
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Feature image by FotosbyFola
Common Says He May Be Ready To Put A Ring On Jennifer Hudson: 'If I’m Going To Get Married, It's To Her'
Rapper and actor Common stirred speculation about his future with Jennifer Hudson during a revealing TheBreakfast Club interview to promote his new album.
The couple, who sparked dating rumors in 2022, confirmed their relationship years later on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Since then, both have offered occasional glimpses into their romance during interviews and social media posts.
Common opened up about his relationship with Jennifer during his recent The Breakfast Club appearance. The 52-year-old discussed managing their high-profile romance, how the actress and singer has reconnected him with his roots, and hinted at what the future might hold for the couple.
Common On How He Handles Their High-Profile Relationship
When asked about his relationship playing out in the media, Common acknowledged the couple's celebrity status and the public's intrigue. "The Light" emcee revealed that he solely focused on building a solid foundation for their relationship to withstand external pressures.
“I just try to make sure we stay as sacred as possible with us. I try to make sure we build our foundation because once people start talking, they can distract you, can get you off, it can discourage you,“ he said.
Common On How Jennifer Helped Him Get Back To His Chicago Roots
Further into the conversation, Common shared how the daytime television host helped him reconnect with his Chicago roots - a shared background, as both were born and raised in the Windy City.
While discussing his new track "Chi-Town Do It" from The Auditorium Vol. 1 album, the rapper expresses his appreciation for Chicago and his love for Jennifer. Common elaborated that his relationship with the EGOT winner has led to frequent visits to Chicago, allowing him to spend extended time with loved ones and stay rooted in his community.
“I’m going to be real with you. Having a lady that’s from Chicago allowed me to go home and just be home,” he stated.”I hadn’t did that in a while. Where I was just like going home and being around my loved ones and didn’t have no work to do… So me going back just for regular shit, it just helped me stay rooted in what I do and who I am.”
Common On Possibly Marrying Jennifer Hudson
When asked about taking the next step with Jennifer, Common expressed optimism, citing that their healthy and loving relationship could lead to wedding bells.
"With all due respect to all the women I've dated, it's all love, but this is a really healthy and beautiful relationship…If I’m going to get married, it's to her,” he said.
This revelation suggests marriage may be on the horizon for Common and Jennifer. It's not the first time the Fool's Paradise actor has hinted at tying the knot, lending more weight to the possibility.
Earlier this year, Common revealed in an interview that personal growth and lessons from past relationships have transformed his perspective on marriage. The star sees himself ready for commitment, stating he'll propose when the timing feels right.
Although wedding bells aren't ringing yet, it's beautiful to see Black love flourishing.
Common & Pete Rock On Respect For Hip Hop, LL Cool J, Kendrick, Jennifer Hudson, New Album + More
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