Summer makeup is synonymous with clean, glowing, sun-kissed, and healthy skin. We are here to remind you that you can still make a statement out in the sun, all while combating the summer heat.
If you're looking to spice up your makeup routine, start with these 3 fresh summer beauty looks to rock all season long.
Golden Girl
McKenzie Renae for xoNecole
(pictured: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter in "Trophy Wife", NARS Blush in "Orgasm", Becca Glow Gloss in "Metamorphic Gold")
One way to create a fresh twist on a barely-there makeup look is to add a dash of gold in all the right places. Lightly dust and highlight the areas of the face where the sunlight naturally hits. This includes your temple and high cheekbone, bridge of the nose, under the arch of your brow, and cupids bow. If your skin is on the oilier side, use a mattifying primer prior to applying foundation. Another tip is to lightly apply a translucent powder on the areas of your face that are prone to oil buildup before applying your gold highlight.
Don't forget the rest of your body, sis. Take a body brush and sweep gold highlighter on the tops of your shoulders and décolletage straight from the palette or mix it in with your favorite lotion for a more subdued effect.
Juicy Lips
McKenzie Renae for xoNecole
(pictured: Maybelline ColorSensational Vivid Lipstick in "885 Vibrant Mandarin", and Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lipgloss in "Snitch")
I think we can all agree that ultra-glossy lips have made a comeback this summer. Give your mattes a rest and reach for a bold juicy hue instead. Orange, melons, and pinks are always a great place to start for your pout. But if you care to reach for a shade of lilac to liven things up, go for it girl. The key to a juicy pout is exfoliated, moisturized lips. Take the time to gently exfoliate, then apply a light balm.
Take your fingers and gently press the balm into the lip so your lipstick doesn't slide around and swipes on effortlessly. Top your pout with a glossy gloss and get ready to hit the town with your favorite summer drink in tow.
Electric Liner
McKenzie Renae for xoNecole
(pictured: BlackUp Matte Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in "ELM05", NARS Satin Lip Pencil in "Giusti, NARS Oil Infused Lip Tint in "Orgasm")
A cat eye has always been a classic beauty look. Turn things up a few notches by lining your lids in an electric-colored hue. Cobalt blue, neon green, vibrant yellow, electric orange and stark white are all hot options to rock this summer. If you've got a steady hand, pick up a liquid liner pen; but if you need a little more help with precision, opt for an angled brush to dip into your pigment and take your time. Finish the look off with a soft pink or nude glossy lip that doesn't take the attention away from your colorful wing.
Tell us below, which look are you planning to try this summer?
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RELATED
October 2025 Astrology: An Overview
Mercury enters Scorpio on October 6, and Mercury in Scorpio only knows depth. The conversations being had this month are inspiring, transformative, and a little more blunt than usual. This energy is good for the power of persuasion and for asking for what you want, especially within business and financial matters. On the same day, we have a Supermoon in Aries, and this is a powerful Full Moon for reflection, owning your power, and letting go of the insecurities that don’t resonate with what you want for yourself and your future.
Venus, the planet of love, moves into Libra on October 13 after being in Virgo for the past month, and after some time of healing and clarity in love, Libra is here to bring in the romance. Venus loves being in Libra, and this energy creates new beginnings within relationships and provides a little extra magic in this area of life. With Pluto going direct in Aquarius on the same day after being retrograde since May, life and love move forward mid-October, helping provide more stable and nurturing foundations in your personal life and community as well.
The New Moon of the month occurs in Libra on October 21, making it a beautiful time for manifesting romance, balance, and harmony in your world.
This New Moon aligns with the Sun in Libra, and it’s all about letting a new beginning transform your world and the love in your life for the better. Scorpio Season officially begins on October 22, and Neptune retrograde enters Pisces on the same day, bringing in some water sign energy into the mix. As we close out the month, it’s time to renew, honor the transformations occurring, and know that your dreams aren’t as far out of reach as they may seem at times.
Read for your sun and rising sign below to see what October 2025 has in store for you.
What October 2025 Has In Store For Your Zodiac Sign
ARIES
AriesKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is all about perspective, Aries. This is the month to trust the divine timing of your life, and not let the what-ifs overwhelm you. With the Sun in Libra, your sister sign, for most of the month, October is about building connections, finding your balance in love, and knowing that you are worthy of what your heart is seeking right now. We have a Supermoon in your sign on October 6, and emotions are a little heavier this month, but also healing. Give yourself grace, and let go of what isn’t working for you.
Venus is in your house of love from October 13 until November 6, and there is a lot to look forward to when it comes to romance and the relationship dynamics in your life as you move through the month. It’s about being confident in your power of attraction and letting love come to you right now. Before October comes to an end, we have a New Moon in your 7th house of love as well, and with all this energy in your relationship zone, life changes for you in love for the better in October.
TAURUS
TaurusKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is a spiritual month for you, Taurus. You are thinking a lot about your next steps ahead, and are getting organized, focused, and aligned. The Supermoon on October 6 is a time of reflection for you, and you are entering the month ready to let go of the past, heal, and create space for something new in your life. This month is all about trusting your intuition and letting your wisdom guide you in your personal growth and evolution.
You are more than where you have been, and this month is a reminder of that.
With Mars in Scorpio and in your 7th house of love all month, you are motivated by the partnerships in your life right now. Your love life and relationships are where the action is for you this month, and you are honoring your passion and direction here. Venus, your planetary ruler, moves into your house of health mid-month and into November, and you are leaving October seeking healthier habits, daily routines, and relationships. Overall, this month is helping you align with your vision.
GEMINI
GeminiKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is a fresh start for you, Gemini. Your heart is free, love is beaming, and you are feeling larger than life. This month is about taking a leap of faith in yourself, honoring your confidence in life, and being your biggest advocate. With the Sun in your 5th house of self-expression, romance, and happiness, and with Venus entering this same area of your chart mid-October, there is a lot to look forward to right now, and things are looking up for you.
On October 21, we have a New Moon in a fellow air sign, and this is a good time to set your intentions for creative projects, hobbies, romance, and your overall happiness in life. There are a lot of little moments of magic unfolding for you this month, and this New Moon is one of them. Before October comes to an end, Mercury, your ruling planet, enters Sagittarius, and this brings open communication into your relationships, and you are having lively conversations and insights.
CANCER
CancerKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis is a transformative month for you, Cancer. You are moving through closure, healing, and depth as you navigate the opportunities that are coming into your life, with the stability you are seeking. With the Sun in your 4th house of home and family in October, this is the month to spend more time in your safe spaces, connect with your loved ones, and get grounded. You are also more focused on your financial world right now, and this is a good time for building new foundations for yourself and looking at the bigger picture when it comes to your career and life goals.
Mars is in your house of romance and happiness for the entire month, and this is one of the highlights of your life right now. You are passionate about your joy and all the things that light you up inside, and you are protecting your peace and giving more of your energy to your pleasure. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in Libra, highlighting your home life, and some Cancers may be moving at the end of the month or getting the opportunity to turn a page here. Overall, this is your month to reflect, go within, and make sense of what has been restricting you from feeling stable.
LEO
LeoKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is about taking things one day at a time and being patient with what is presenting itself to you, Leo. This month, you are getting your ducks in a row and gaining the clarity needed to create a new beginning in your life. The month begins with a Supermoon in a fellow fire sign on October 6, aligning in harmony with you and fueling your need for adventure. You are going over the wisdom you have gained as of late and how it has shifted the way you navigate your life and see the world around you.
On October 13, Pluto goes direct in your 7th house of love, after being retrograde here since May. This is bringing in more balance, empowerment, and passion into your love life, and this is a positive change of energy for you after a time of some power struggles within your relationships. Before the month comes to an end, we have a New Moon in Libra, and this New Moon is the best time to set intentions for clarity, communication, and connection. October is about taking your time with things and knowing that everything is working out in your favor at the end of the day.
VIRGO
VirgoKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis October is about finding your balance, Virgo. There is a lot of energy when it comes to your finances this month, but you may be overworking or overcommitting yourself in the process. Honor the opportunities and responsibilities in your life, but make sure you are equally taking care of your health and prioritizing your time and energy so that you don’t burn out. Venus, the planet of love, is in your sign until October 13; use this energy to your benefit and let things come to you.
You are a magnet for abundance, romance, and support if you allow yourself to receive it.
On October 13, Venus moves into your 2nd house of income, and your relationships are a supportive place for you to lean on right now. Your love life and partnerships are where your financial world is evolving this month, and this is a good time to ask for what you want; you never know what may happen. At the end of the month, Neptune goes retrograde in your sister sign, Pisces, and you are taking a step back and reassessing what love means for you right now. Overall, October is about remembering that you don’t have to do it all alone, Virgo.
LIBRA
LibraKyra Jay for xoNecoleLibra Season is here, and it’s your time to shine and thrive! This Libra Season changes everything for you, and October is when you really begin to feel this shift in your life. The Sun is in your sign until October 22, and it’s time to put yourself first. With a Supermoon in Aries as we begin the month as well, you are letting go of any unhealthy attachments or relationship dynamics that take you away from yourself, and are moving into deeper clarity.
On October 13, Venus, your planetary ruler, enters your sign, where it loves to be the most. With Venus in your sign for the rest of the month, love takes on a new tone, and you are feeling more love for yourself and where life is taking you right now. To end the month, we have a New Moon in Libra, and it’s time to set your intentions for where you want life to grow for you over the next year. This is a month of embarking on a new journey of self, and allowing what is inspiring you right now to build your confidence in yourself and your relationships.
SCORPIO
ScorpioKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is about honoring your freedom and your power to decide, Scorpio. A lot is going on for you this month, and you have the passion and energy to see things through. Mercury, the planet of communication, moves into your sign at the beginning of the month on October 6, and this is going to help you get your ideas across, making it a good month for business matters, networking, and getting inspired. With Mars also in your sign for the entire month, life moves forward for you in transformative ways in October, and you are a force to be reckoned with.
On October 13, Venus moves into your house of closure, healing, and endings, and you are ready to close one chapter of love and create space for a new one. You are in a contemplative space when it comes to matters of the heart, and you are ready to let go of any heaviness you have been feeling here. Scorpio Season officially begins on October 22, and you are ready to begin again. This Scorpio Season is about owning your confidence in life while letting go of insecurities or self-doubts that have been getting in the way of that.
SAGITTARIUS
SagittariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleEverything unfolds for you in a beautiful way this month, Sagittarius. You are flowing well with the energy of October, and life opens up to you. With the Sun in your 11th house of aspirations, dreams, manifestations, and community, you are feeling in balance with your desires and your reality, and are bridging the gap here. This is a month of friendship, believing in your dreams, and creating space for love. With Juno also entering your sign at the beginning of the month until the end of the year, you are attracting soulmates into your life.
On October 6, we have a Supermoon in a fellow fire sign, allowing you some closure in love and a chance at healing. Your heart is feeling renewed, and you are owning your power in creating happiness in your life. Before the month ends, Mercury moves into Sagittarius, where it will be until mid-November, and inspiration is heightened. Pay attention to the guidance you are receiving this month, the conversations you are having, and the light bulb moments that are going off for you right now.
CAPRICORN
CapricornKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is about going within and connecting with the guidance of your soul, Capricorn. You are taking more time for yourself this month, and rightly so, as you need time to fully process what has happened so far this year. Pluto goes direct in your 2nd house of income, and this moves things forward when it comes to your earning potential, abundance, and values.
The key this month is in valuing yourself, your perspective, and what you are building in your life right now.
On October 21, we have a New Moon happening in your career zone, and this is a good time to manifest your goals within your professional world. Put yourself out there, show up, and know that you are worthy of success and that your dreams aren’t too big for you. As we close out the month, Mercury moves into your house of closure, even further facilitating your desire for contemplation and alone time this month. Overall, October is about taking care of your mental health, owning your successes, and finding your peace.
AQUARIUS
AquariusKyra Jay for xoNecoleOctober is a new beginning for you in love and in life, Aquarius. Your heart is feeling inspired, and there is a lot to look forward to right now. The Supermoon at the beginning of the month will be occurring in your 3rd house of communication, giving you the answers you have been looking for and helping you close the door on a chapter in your life that left you feeling misunderstood or misdirected. You are ready for a change of pace this month, and you are receiving that as we begin October.
Mid-October, Pluto goes direct in your sign after being retrograde since May, and this is a huge breath of fresh air for you and your path ahead. You may have been a little harder on yourself while Pluto was retrograde this year, and now you feel ready to forgive, move on, and own your power. Before the month comes to an end, we have a New Moon in Libra, and you are embarking on a new adventure. The end of the month is a good time for traveling, exploring, and gaining a new perspective.
PISCES
PiscesKyra Jay for xoNecoleThis month is giving you the guidance, perspective, and passion to see yourself with clear, loving eyes, Pisces. There is a sense of feeling more overwhelmed with life lately, and October is allowing you to gain the insight needed to move on from this energy, or at least see more of the gifts of what has occurred. On October 6, we have a Supermoon in an area of your chart having to do with self-worth, values, and income, and it’s time to see the gifts of what you have been investing in and valuing in your life, including yourself.
Let go of the need to play it small or count yourself out of important conversations, and know that you deserve a seat at the table.
With Pluto going direct in your 12th house of healing as we end the month, you are finally getting the answers you have been looking for emotionally, and it’s changing your perspective on your commitments in life and making you feel empowered. Before the month ends, Neptune goes retrograde in Pisces, and you are going to be moving through a personal revolution as we close out the year. You are inspired by change right now, and this month is what kicks starts this metamorphosis within you.
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Featured image by Kyra Jay for xoNecole
Nope. It absolutely isn’t because the reality is that the vagina goes through all kinds of changes — ones that, a sexually attentive man, is going to take notice of.
So, let’s talk about it. If there are indeed moments where either your man directly mentions that you taste a bit different down below or you sense that he feels that way, it’s (probably) not all in his head. Here is what science says could be the underlying cause(s).
Possible Reasons You Taste Different During Oral Sex
The Time of Month That It Is
GiphyA part of the reason why I wrote the article, “Vaginal Discharge. Arousal Fluid. Cervical Mucus. What's The Difference?” earlier this year is because it’s important to know that all of the fluid that comes out of your vagina isn’t automatically or necessarily the same thing. Know what else? Due to hormonal shifts, the time of the month that you are in can affect the amount, texture and even taste of these things which is something that you and your partner must always stay aware of.
For instance, just like stress can alter the regularity of your periods and even how wet or dry your vagina is, it can also impact how your arousal fluid looks, feels and even tastes. Typically, not drastically so yet enough for a very observant partner to potentially take note of.
Your pH Balance Is Off
GiphyWhen you get a chance, do me a favor and check out “Sis, This Is How To Keep Your Vagina's pH Balanced.” There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to maintain a healthy pH balance; however, as it relates to this topic, in particular, you’ve got to remember that your pH is all about how acidic or alkaline your vagina is. And so, if your pH is a bit off-balance and it’s too acidic, it can cause your vagina to taste more metallic instead of sour (sour is pretty normal).
Or, if it’s too alkaline, it can have a fishy smell and aftertaste (which usually means that you’ve got some sort of infection going on).
You’re Dehydrated
GiphyIf your partner tells you that everything smells and tastes stronger or that he notices that you are saltier than usual, you very well could be dehydrated. It’s important to keep in mind that although your vagina is self-cleaning, it needs water in order to function properly. Not only that but, the more water that you consume, the more you are able to flush out toxins and bacteria — and a healthy and well-hydrated vagina is a tastier one!
You’re Eating Sulfur-Strong Foods
GiphyIf you check out the article, “Check Out These 10 Ways To Make Your Vagina Smell So Much Better,” something that I mention is how sulfur-enriched foods have a way of impacting how your urine and vagina secretions smell and, to a certain extent, even taste. Although the scent is temporary, this is a good thing to keep in mind if you plan on getting some oral action in after a dinner date. Oh, and for the record, some foods that are full of sulfur include onions, garlic, cabbage, broccoli and asparagus.
The Medications That You’re Taking
GiphySomething else that can alter the taste, smell or texture of your vagina is certain types of medications. Antibiotics and steroids can make you more susceptible to yeast infections (which could cause your discharge to taste a bit like sour milk). Antidepressants, diuretics and antihistamines can reduce your natural lubrication (which can make whatever you have going on below seem “on concentrate”). So, before getting a prescription, ask your doctor what vaginal/sexual side effects you may have and what you can do about them, if that is indeed in the case.
Your Period Isn’t Completely Over
GiphyWhether it’s stress, hormones or you’re dealing with perimenopause — sometimes periods don’t come or leave when we want or expect them to and yes, that can result in a bit of blood popping up in the most inopportune times. And so, if your partner says that you smell or taste a little like a copper penny, that could be because of blood. Nothing to really fret about, though. Period blood isn’t dangerous or anything — although it can be an indicator of underlying health issues. You can read more about that here.
You’ve Overdoing Caffeine (Just a Bit)
GiphyIf your vagina tastes kind of bitter, it could be because you’re enjoying a bit too much java. Yep, word on the street is things like caffeine, smoking and even consuming too many highly-processed foods can make your vagina more acidic and that can leave a really bitter taste in his mouth. Pun intended…and not intended at the same time.
You Need to Consume More Greek Yogurt
Giphy
If you were to read “10 Ways To Have An 'Extra Sweet' Vagina,” something that you would notice is the big shout-out that I gave to kefir which is a fermented milk that is high in probiotics. Yeah, probiotics are essential when it comes to maintaining optimal vaginal health because it puts “good bacteria” into your vagina — and that can help to keep your pH levels right where they need to be, so that your vagina tastes as it should.
No, not like a hot fudge sundae (even cups of pineapples a day won’t achieve that) but again, a combination of somewhat sour, slightly sweet with a touch of bitter is more than natural and okay.
Bon Appetit! Tell him that I said it. #wink
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