4 Black Woman-Owned Brands You Need In Your Skincare Routine
Elevate and chill is the wave, and every week, xoNecole is highlighting four black woman-owned brands you should support and follow. Join us on August 3 to support businesses like these in real life at our first annual ElevateHER Market event.
As I've grown older, my skin has come to feel like less of a point of pride and more of a burden on my to-do list. While, as a young, spring chicken, I didn't have to worry about the perils of cystic acne and sebum-induced sadness, now it seems like it's all I think about.
My Google search history is riddled with natural remedies that have either left my skin inflamed or had little-to-no effect at all. It wasn't until I decided to buy black that I realized the value in consulting and confiding in experts that look like me and therefore have the same problems as you (as well as the right solutions).
While the ULTA lady tried her hardest to help me understand how the latest cult cleanser that's about $100 more than what I've budgeted for is the key to healing my hyperpigmentation, sis just couldn't relate. If you're like me and have spent hours on end looking for a suitable skin solution, look no further.
Below, I've compiled a list of black-owned skincare brands created by boss women that look like us that will help remedy all of your skin-related woes in the process:
Minimo Skin Essentials
Less is definitely more when it comes to skincare products, and according to Minimo Skin Essentials, minimalism isn't their mission.
Created in 2016 by Houston-based entrepreneur, Mary Ware, this company seeks to deliver high-end, paraben-free beauty products that will help you say goodbye to bad skin and revel in your glow like the queen that you are. Minimo's line of all-natural, reasonably priced products includes facial scrubs, serums, and dark spot correctors that will get your skin all the way together.
Shop Minimo Skin Essentials here.
Jade & Fox Co.
If you're in the Atlanta area, make sure to swing by Little Five Points, where Jade & Fox Co. can fulfill all of your natural skincare needs. This company uses products that can be found in the confines of your pantry to create a cocktail of skincare magic that will give you that glow all year round. I've ordered from this company twice before, and while I miss their package deals, I can really appreciate what these clever concoctions have done for both my acne and my hyperpigmentation (the Darla Cleanser paired with their Fineapple Face Mask is the key to true happiness).
Jade & Fox Co. offers a number of organic solutions to suit all of your personal needs and offers a range of products, including but not limited to aluminum-free deodorant, linen spray, and body scrubs.
Shop Jade & Fox Co. here.
Brown and Coconut
Brown + Coconut is a plant-based, non-GMO skincare company based in Boston that was created by melanated sisters, Letisha and Zeena Brown, who developed the business after suffering from years of severe acne.
Letisha and Zeena cured themselves of their dermatology-related woes from the inside-out, starting with changing their eating habits and later compiling years of research and testing to create organic, chemical-free skincare solutions that would be suitable for every skin type. Using household ingredients like thyme, honeysuckle, and kale, these sisters have created a line of scrubs, masks, and cleansers that will have your skin on 10.
Shop Brown + Coconut here.
Uni Beauty Blends
When it comes to sunscreen, serums, and scrubs, Uni Beauty Blends has you covered. Based in Baltimore, Uni Beauty Blends offers plant-based solutions for all skin types that help with problems like hyperpigmentation, eczema, and psoriasis. Most of their products are under $20, making this collection perfect for the sebum-burdened beauty on a budget.
A woman like me can't say no to an effective facial system, and according to several customer reviews, this company has exactly what you need. You can purchase these products for a steal as a part of a bundle deal or try them out individually a la carte. According to many customers, Uni Beauty Blends' Apple Crisp toner is a crowd favorite that will have you looking 10 years younger.
Shop Uni Beauty Blends here.
Featured image by Instagram/@MinimoBathAndBody.
Show your support to black-owned businesses created by women in real life by buying a ticket to xoNecole's first-ever ElevateHER Market event today!
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LISTÂ HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images