

Tia Mowry Shares The Why Behind Her Decision To Leave 'The Game' When She Did
You know, there is something so refreshing about seeing this new, independent Tia Mowry. She is out here living her best, unapologetic, post-divorce, free, and fulfilled life. And honestly, we are here for it.
In fact, although her divorce was news to us, it absolutely was not the case for her, as the Sister, Sister alum recently shared with Today that she actually knew the exact moment she wanted to end her 14-year marriage with ex-husband Cory Hardrict.
“I knew when I really started to focus on my happiness. I feel like women, we tend to focus on everybody else’s happiness, making sure that everybody else is okay — meaning our children, our friends, our family — but at the end of the day, it’s about self-love.”
Now, you can find her serving as resident content queen across our timelines, from hilarious Reels on Instagram to dinner recipes on YouTube. She's also taking more chances at owning her happiness and allowing us a genuine glimpse into who she is as a woman -- not the mom, the wife, or the actress -- even opening up on subjects that she never discussed publicly in the past.
Recently, she visited TheTERRELL Show on YouTube so the duo could indulge in a few libations and chat about life like old friends do (which, if you don't watch him regularly, definitely add his channel to your subscription list). They played games and discussed intriguing topics such as her divorce, how she's navigating the single life, The Game, and whether or not she's dating.
Highlights are below:
On acting not being her first passion:
As Terrell was giving Tia her flowers, coining her a triple threat, Tia revealed that she is actually a dancer at heart.
"I love to dance," she started. "And a lot of people don't know this, I actually was a dancer. The first jobs I got were being a dancer, so I danced with MC Hammer." She went on to reveal that she can in fact, "touch that" and that she didn't really have aspirations to be an actress at first.
"I would model, I would dance, there would be some singing. Honestly, my brother Taj was the bonafide actor."
On starring in 'Sister, Sister':
Mowry tells the story of how Sister, Sister came about after visiting the Full House set with Taj frequently at 14 years old. "Sister, Sister was actually created for us, so we didn't have to audition at all. My sister and I just kinda went into this room, and it was at Paramount Studios, and we just talked [about it]."
On Marques Houston being her actual real first kiss:
"You know I grew up on that show and you know I'm a teenager...my first real kiss was in the parking lot at Paramount Studio with Marques Houston. I wasn't allowed to date until I was 18, so this is probably the first time [my parents] are hearing this. Marques and I, we were really good friends, and we are still really good friends. So, hi, mom. Hi, dad. Sorry, Marques."
Terrell goes on to ask her how she and her twin sister, Tamera, didn't succumb to the horror stories of being child stars, to which she assuredly quipped, "because we had a mother that whooped our ass."
On the chokehold 'Seventeen Again' had on the culture:
"I feel like it still resonates. A lot of people really, really loved that movie, and it's a classic, especially around that time you didn't see a lot of representation playing in movies like that."
On why she accepted the role of Melanie in 'The Game':
"I graduated from college in 2003. I knew I wanted--because I graduated with a psych degree in growth and child development--I knew I didn't want to go in that direction, so I said you know what, I have my degree, but I still want to act, and I was like you know what, this character is so me. [Melanie] was a girlfriend that was there for her boyfriend at the time, supporting his career...that's kind of where I felt I was in my life."
On why she (really) left 'The Game':
By this time, the shots had settled in, and Tia opened up about some of the politics that go on behind-the-scenes that make actors choose their own happiness over beloved characters.
"'The Game' was canceled from the CW, so there was a timelapse. Pooch (Derwin) ended up booking a show, and he was a regular on the show, which made him reoccurring on 'The Game.' So they said, 'well, you could come back but only as recurring.' And I valued myself, you know, and I said I feel like I'm more than a recurring. I am a regular. And I said 'no.'"
We stan a Black woman who knows her worth. #deuces
The interview closes out with Tia revealing that she's deaf in one ear, her struggles with breaking out as a solo actress without Tamera, and our girl even confirms that she may have been outside to see what the dating pool is all about.
Watch the full interview below:
TIA MOWRY Gets Drunk, Sings Brandy, Spills Marques Houston Tea, and Talks Dating After Divorce
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Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
Chief Mom Officer: 23 Quotes From Working Moms Finding Their Balance
The truth is, Black moms create magic every single day. Whether we're juggling motherhood with a busy 9-5, a thriving business, or staying at home to run a household, no day is short of amazing when you're managing life as a mommy. This Mother's Day, xoNecole is giving flowers to CMOs (Chief Mom Officers) in business who exemplify the strength it takes to balance work with motherhood.
We've commissioned these ladies, who are pillars in their respective industries, for tidbits of advice to get you through the best and worst days of mothering. Here, they share their "secret sauce" and advice for other moms trying to find their rhythm.
Emmelie De La Cruz, Chief Strategist at One Day CMO
"My mom friends and I all laugh and agree: Motherhood is the ghettoest thing you will ever do. It's beautiful and hard all at the same time, but one day you will wake up and feel like 'I got this' and you will get the hang of it. After 4 months, I finally felt like I found my footing to keep my kid and myself alive, but it took vulnerability to take off the cape and be honest about the areas that I didn't have it all together. The healing (physically and emotionally) truly does happen in community - whatever and whoever that looks like for you."
Alizè V. Garcia, Director Of Social & Community Impact at Nike
"I would tell a new mom or a prospective mother that they must give themselves grace, understand and remember there is no right way to do this thing and have fun! When I had my daughter three and a half years ago, I was petrified! I truly had no clue about what to do and how I was going to do it. But with time, my confidence grew and I realized quickly that I have all the tools I need to be the mother I want to be."
Nikki Osei-Barrett, Publicist + Co-Founder of The Momference
"There's no balance. I'm dropping sh*t everywhere! However, my secret sauce is pursuing interests and hobbies outside of what's required of me and finding time to workout. Stronger body equals = stronger mind."
Lauren Grove, Chief Experience Architect, The Grant Access, LLC
"I try to give myself grace. That’s my mantra for this phase of motherhood…grace. I won’t be able to get everything done. To have a spotless house. To not lose my cool after an exhausting day. Those things can’t happen all of the time. But I can take a deep breath and know tomorrow is another day and my blessings are more plentiful than my pitfalls."
Rachel Nicks, Founder & CEO of Birth Queen
"You have the answers within you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Curate your life to work for you. Ask for help."
Tanisha Colon-Bibb, Founder + CEO Rebelle Agency + Rebelle Management
"I know love doesn't pay bills but when I am overwhelmed with work or client demands I take a moment to play with my baby and be reminded of the love, energy, science, and Godliness that went into his birth. I am brightened by his smile and laugh. I remember I am someone's parent and not just a work horse. That at the end of the day everything will work out for the good of my sanity and the love within my life."
Christina Brown, Founder of LoveBrownSugar & BabyBrownSugar
"Learning your rhythm as a mom takes time and can be uncomfortable when you’re in a season of overwhelm. Constantly check in with yourself and assess what’s working and what’s not. Get the help you need without feeling guilty or ashamed of needing it."
Mecca Tartt, Executive Director of Startup Runway Foundation
"I want to be the best for myself, my husband, children and company. However, the reality is you can have it all but not at the same time. My secret sauce is outsourcing and realizing that it’s okay to have help in order for me to perform at the highest level."
Jen Hayes Lee, Head Of Marketing at The Bump (The Knot Worldwide)
"My secret sauce is being direct and honest with everyone around me about what I need to be successful in all of my various "jobs". Setting boundaries is one thing, but if you're the only one who knows they exist, your partners at home and on the job can't help you maintain them. I also talk to my kids like adults and let them know why mommy needs to go to this conference or get this massage...they need to build an appreciation for my needs too!"
Whitney Gayle-Benta, Chief Music Officer JKBX
"What helps me push through each day is the motivation to continue by thinking about my son. All my efforts, though exhausting, are to create a wonderful life for him."
Ezinne Okoro, Global Chief Inclusion, Equity, & Diversity Officer at Wunderman Thompson,
"The advice I received that I’ll pass on is, you will continue to figure it out and find your rhythm as your child grows into new stages. Trust your nurturing intuition, parent on your terms, and listen to your child."
Jovian Zayne, CEO of The OnPurpose Movement
"I live by the personal mantra: 'You can’t be your best self by yourself.' My life feels more balanced when I offer the help I can give and ask for the help I need. This might mean outsourcing housecleaning for my home, or hiring additional project management support for my business."
Simona Noce Wright, Co-Founder of District Motherhued and The Momference
"Each season of motherhood (depending on age, grade, workload) requires a different rhythm. With that said, be open to learning, to change, and understand that what worked for one season may not work the other...and that's okay."
Janaye Ingram, Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement at Airbnb
"My daughter's smile and sweet spirit help me to feel gratitude when I'm overwhelmed. I want her to see a woman who doesn't quit when things get hard."
Codie Elaine Oliver, CEO & Founder of Black Love
"I try to listen to my body and simply take a break. With 3 kids and a business with 10+ team members, I often feel overwhelmed. I remind myself that I deserve grace for everything I'm juggling, I take a walk or have a snack or even head home to see my kids, and then I get back to whatever I need to get done."
Jewel Burks Solomon, Managing Partner at Collab Capital
"Get comfortable with the word ‘no’. Be very clear about your non-negotiables and communicate them to those around you."
Julee Wilson, Executive Director at BeautyUnited and Beauty Editor-at-Large at Cosmopolitan
"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."
Salwa Benyaich, Director Of Pricing and Planning at Premion
"Most days I really try to shut my computer off by 6 pm; there are always exceptions of course when it comes to big deals or larger projects but having this as a baseline allows me to be much more present with my kids. I love the fact that I can either help with homework or be the designated driver to at least one afterschool activity. Work can be draining but there is nothing more emotionally draining than when you feel as though you are missing out on moments with your kids."
Brooke Ellis, Head of Global Marketing & Product Launches at Amazon Music
My calendar, prayer, pilates class at Forma, a good playlist, and oatmilk lattes all help get me through any day.
Courtney Beauzile, Global Director of Client and Business Development at Shearman & Sterling
My husband is a partner who steps in when I just can’t. My mom and my MIL come through whenever and however I need. My kids have many uncles and aunts and they will lend an ear, go over homework, teach life lessons, be a presence or a prayer warrior depending on the day.
Robin Snipes, Chief of Staff at Meta
"Enjoy the time you have to yourself because once kids come those times will be few and far between."
Monique Bivens, CEO & Founder at Brazilian Babes LLC.
"For new moms, it is very important that you get back into a habit or routine of something you use to do before you were pregnant. Consider the actives and things that give you the most joy and make the time to do them."
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Featured image by Westend61/Getty Images
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This Is Why Your Bright Under-Eye Technique Is Not Giving
If you are a fan of the bright under-eye, then you have the legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin to thank. The bright under-eye is only one of the major techniques that Aucoin brought to the forefront of the makeup industry in the ‘90s. The purpose of concealing the under-eye area is to hide blemishes and discoloration, redness, dark circles, and under-eye bags. However, according to Aucoin’s techniques, its main purpose is to lift and sculpt the face adding a new level of dimension.
The bright under-eye can be difficult to achieve. These are some of the common mistakes that are holding you back from sculpted bright under eyes that are giving!
1. You are not using the correct concealer shade.
Using two concealers makes a huge difference. Start with a shade 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone. Followed by a shade that is 3-4 times lighter and placed closer to the inner eye to do the heavy lifting and give the bright effect.
Two shades diffuse well into each other and give a cohesive result.
Jorine Dorcelus/xoNecole
Jorine Dorcelus/xoNecole
2. You are not blending enough.
Don't underestimate the power behind a complete blend-out! Blending your concealer fully is a make-or-break step for the bright under-eye look. Fully blending allows for a seamless transition between the areas of the face meant to be highlighted, and the areas meant to create depth and shadows. So take your time and make sure there are no harsh lines.
Jorine Dorcelus/xoNecole
3. You are not properly setting the under-eye area.
Set the under-eye using a loose setting powder or brightening powder. The key here is to choose a powder complementary to your skin's undertone and proper placement to prevent creasing. Focus the majority of the powder on the inner eye and defuse the remaining powder to the rest of the powder under the eye.
Jorine Dorcelus/xoNecole
Jorine Dorcelus/xoNecole
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