
Tracee Ellis Ross On Turning 47 & Finding The Courage To Go Makeup-Free

We've all been taught that beauty is only skin deep, but according to the latest YouTube tutorial I watched, beauty also requires hundreds of dollars worth of brushes, palettes, and other miscellaneous makeup products that simply do not fit into my weekly budget. For women, like me, who have grown tired of beating our faces (and our bank accounts) into submission but still seek to keep our glow-on-go, never fear, because the Girlfriend in our head just slid through with a must-have beauty tip you didn't know you needed. According to Tracee Ellis Ross, the key to putting on your best face for the day is not putting anything on your face at all. At this year's PaleyFest, the actress explained:
"There are so many other things to focus my time and attention on. And I think we all do the best with what we've been given."
Although the Black-ish actress is the queen of style, hair, and beauty hacks alike, at 46, she's grown to appreciate the beauty of being totally barefaced. To Tracee, not only is going make-up free more convenient, but it's one helluva self-confidence booster. She continued:
"I would call it confidence. I think what it is is that I am comfortable with myself. And the truth is that I prefer my face the way it actually looks, then some weird sort of brushed version of it."
"I mean, don't get me wrong, I love makeup and I love playing things and all of that. But I'm really conscious of not getting trapped in not liking what I actually got, you know?"
A little over one week from now, this sexy Scorpio will celebrate her 47th birthday and couldn't be more proud of the woman she's become. While Tracee says that it took more than four decades of primping, prodding, and once even ironing her hair to become something that she wasn't, she's finally grown to embrace and fall in love with the woman that she is. She told the co-anchor of Good Morning Philadelphia:
"I love a birthday. I feel good in my skin. I'm 46, I'm going to be 47 on Oct. 29 … It took me a long time to figure out who I was. Once I figured it out, I knew who I was but I didn't have the courage to be that person. Now I'm like, this is me. Take it or leave it. I may not be your cup of tea. But this is me."
Life won't always turn out the way you planned it, but that's good news for you, sis, because that means it can turn out to be more than you ever imagined.
Tracee said that although years ago, she would have pictured her life looking much differently, possibly with a husband and children, she's become the woman of her dreams by living outside of her comfort zone and she doesn't plan on changing that mentality anytime soon:
"So much of the good stuff of life comes out of the comfort zone. But I personally have learned, from experience, there is no point in pushing myself so far outside of the comfort zone so that it creates another wound."
Featured image by Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
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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.
Your February 2025 Horoscopes Are All About Self-Love & Soulful Alignment
Explore your sign’s 2025 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
February is a coming together, as a culmination of community and abundance is evident. Some significant planets go direct this month after being retrograde since this past year, and we can finally take a deep breath. We walk into the month in Aquarius season, and the focus during this time is on coming together with the people you resonate with on a soul level, opening your heart to love, and gaining perspective in the process. When the Sun is in Aquarius, everything feels more electrified and inspiring, and this is one of the best months of the year to manifest and set your intentions.On Feb. 4, Venus enters Aries, Jupiter goes direct in Gemini, and the energy and passion return. Venus in Aries is fiery, dynamic, and puts self-love first. While Venus is in Aries for the entire month, February is all about going after the things you want in love, and trusting that you will be supported here. Jupiter goes direct on the same day after being retrograde since Oct. 9, and we can see our blessings manifest more effortlessly now, especially regarding communication matters, networking, short travels, education, and the mind. Jupiter finishes its Gemini transit on Jun. 9, so over the next few months, this is a good time to expand your mind and your vision, get creative, and meet new people.
What February 2025 Has In Store For Your Zodiac Sign
The Full Moon of February occurs in Leo on the 12th, and this is the Snow Moon of the year. This Full Moon brings emotions to the surface and creates self-clarity and honesty in the process. This Full Moon is a time to let go of old versions or ideas of yourself that don’t align with who you are today and to focus on what feels authentic and empowering for you right now.
On Valentine's Day, Mercury enters Pisces until Mar. 3, and the mind is on love right now.
While Mercury is in Pisces, we speak in words of poetry and spirituality, and mental connections turn into romantic ones. This is a beautiful energy to walk into on the day of love, signifying an urge to be around people who truly understand you right now.
Pisces season begins on Feb. 18, and we move into a time of closure, healing, creativity, and introspection. On Feb. 23, Mars goes direct in Cancer after being retrograde here since Jan. 6, and being retrograde in general since Dec. 6. With Mars now direct, there is more energy and direction at our disposal, and less confusion on where to go from here. Mars will be direct in Cancer until Apr. 18, and there is a lot of love, support, and intuition to be felt right now. Mars in Cancer supports others while also cherishing boundaries, and this is a good time to feel more stability in matters of the home and heart.
We end the month with a New Moon in Pisces on Feb. 27, and this is a time of magic, dreams coming to fruition, and romance in the air.
A New Moon in Pisces reminds us that what has been lost always comes back around in a new form, and helps us see what our heart is grateful for right now. This is a great New Moon to set your intentions for the future and to dream the dream. Overall, February is an inspiring and enlightening month, and your heart is the one leading the way right now.
Read for your Sun and Rising Sign below to see what February has in store for you.
ARIES
February is all about love for you, Aries. You are thriving within relationship matters as Venus is in your sign for most of this month. Venus moves into Aries on Feb. 4 and will be here until Mar. 27, however, Venus will be going retrograde in your sign on Mar. 1. So, use February to walk into some new beginnings in love, but remember to take your time with things here as well. You are overall feeling more reciprocity, support, and positive recognition now, and self-love is key this month.
On Feb. 12, we have a Full Moon in fellow fire sign Leo, and this Full Moon occurs in your 5th house of romance.
This is a beautiful Full Moon for seeing love bloom and for experiencing a sense of fulfillment that brings you closer to another. Before the month ends, Mars goes direct after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with the home, family, close loved ones, and emotional stability. With Mars now direct here, new foundations can be built in your world, and you feel more supported and secure as you end the month.
TAURUS
This month is a time to reflect, accept, and move into your new beginning, Taurus. There is a lot to process this month, and with the Sun in your 10th house for most of February, a lot of your focus right now is on your goals, purpose, and life path. The Full Moon happening mid-month is an opportunity for you to see things clearer in the home, and to create space for more support and nourishment here. You are letting go of what is weighing you down or making your emotional world feel more difficult to process this month.
Mercury enters your 11th house of hope, community, friendship, and manifestation on Valentine’s Day this year, and you move into a time of inspiration. You are thinking of all the things that make you feel empowered, loved, and in tune, and it’s time to create more of this energy around yourself. We have a New Moon in this same area of your chart before the month ends on Feb. 27, and you are ready to look forward in life rather than at the past of what could have been.
Overall, this month is about listening to your heart and spending more time taking care of yourself.
GEMINI
February is a chance to take a break, Gemini. You need more time to process and prepare for what’s ahead of you, and you are taking the time to do so this month. February begins with Jupiter going direct in your sign after being retrograde here since Oct. 9. Jupiter, the planet of blessings, will be direct in your sign until Jun. 9, and won’t be here again for another decade. This is your opportunity to set intentions, focus on your dreams, and make some important achievements happen.
Extra good luck and support from the universe are with you now, and the key for you is to let things come to you naturally through patience and dedication.
On Feb. 12, there is a Full Moon in your 3rd house of communication, and some important culminations are coming through in matters of the mind. You are coming to some conclusions about something, and it’s changing your perspective overall. Before the month ends we have a New Moon in an area of your life having to do with your career, professional world, and reputation, and this is a good time to set your intentions for what goals you want to see through right now.
CANCER
February is a month of enlightenment, Cancer. You are aligned with the path you are walking on right now, and everything is starting to make a little more sense to your heart. This month we have a Full Moon in your 12th house of closure, and you are moving away from an emotionally heavy space. You are letting go of a lot of what has kept you conflicted, and there is a sense of peace that is being obtained in the process. This is your month of inspiring others through your resilience and gift of forgiveness.
Mars goes direct in your sign on Feb. 23 after being retrograde here since Jan. 6. With Mars retrograde in your sign since we began the year, there has been a lot for you to reflect on and emotionally process, and you are seeing yourself and your life with a new perspective and passion. Mars will be in Cancer until Apr. 18, and this is the time to take action on the things that you haven’t been ready to move forward with these past few months. On Feb. 27, we have a New Moon in Pisces, and you are leaving the month in the mood for an adventure.
This is the time to get out of your comfort zone, travel, or do something fun.
LEO
February is about protecting your energy and what you are bringing to fruition in your life, Leo. With a Full Moon in your sign mid-month, you are moving through a time of culmination, release, and inner clarity, and there is a lot to reflect on right now. You are recognizing your need to create boundaries from those who don’t serve you or your life path and are focusing on the things that feel good for you.
With the Sun in your 7th house of love for most of the month as well, you are gaining clarity on the relationships you want to move forward with, and where you need to create more space.
Venus is in Aries and in your 5th house of romance, self-expression, creativity, and joy for most of the month, and your heart is yearning for some excitement. When it comes to love in February, opportunities are coming to the surface for you to get out of your head and into your heart, heed the call. At the end of the month, Mars goes direct in your 12th house of closure, and you are moving into a breakthrough. You end February with less weight on your shoulders and more energy to just be.
VIRGO
Trust your intuition this month, Virgo. February is a month of getting organized, gaining clarity, and feeling purposeful. With Jupiter going direct in your 10th house at the start of the month, blessings follow through regarding your career and professional world. The intentions you have been setting and going over these past few months, are coming to fruition for you now, and you are being recognized and supported for your efforts here. This is a month of feeling a level up in your life, and like you are where you want to be.
Mars goes direct on Feb. 23, after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with friendship, community, and your hopes and dreams over the past month or so. With Mars now direct in Cancer, it’s easier for you to feel hopeful and to see and experience the magic in life. Before the month ends, we have a New Moon in your sister sign Pisces on Feb. 27, and love takes on a new beginning. This New Moon is one of the best of the year for you to set your intentions for love, and trust where your heart is being called to right now.
LIBRA
February is all about perspective and the intentions you are setting in your life through the thoughts you are thinking, Libra. The Sun is in your house of romance and Venus is in your house of partnership for most of the month, and there is a lot to look forward to right now. New developments are coming to fruition within your relationships, and you are reaping what you have sown, feeling grateful for what has come to fruition for you.
This is a beautiful month for travel, moving forward in your partnerships, and feeling more commitment and support in doing so.
With Jupiter also going direct this month, your home life and foundations see improvements and expansion. Anywhere you have been feeling limited here is being lifted for you now, and you are able to breathe and think bigger about what is possible for you and your sense of stability in life. The Full Moon happening on Feb. 12, is a chance for you to connect with the people who inspire you, and to let go of anything that doesn’t feel authentic to who you are today or how you feel about things.
SCORPIO
February is a month of feeling loved, Scorpio. Everything's coming together for you exactly how you have envisioned it, and with the Sun in your house of family, support, and foundations, you are feeling closer to your loved ones in the process. We have a Full Moon in your 10th house of career in mid-February, and culminations are coming through in your professional world, as recognition for your efforts and hard work are here for you now. This Full Moon is about taking the time to congratulate yourself for how far you have come and to feel gratitude for your progress in life.
On Feb. 23, Mars goes direct in fellow water sign Cancer, after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with travel, adventure, spirituality, and education over the past month or so. With Mars now direct, travel plans follow through and it’s easier for you to see the bigger picture. The New Moon of the month takes place on Feb. 27, and this is a beautiful time for you to experience joy and pleasure. You are ending the month by making your inner child happy, showing up, and connecting with the love that surrounds you now.
SAGITTARIUS
This month is a transition month for you, Sagittarius. You are moving on from what has been, and a few of you may even be moving physically or traveling during this time. This is a month of getting into new energy and letting things go where it is needed. February begins with your ruling planet Jupiter going direct after being retrograde since last fall, and you are able to experience more of the blessings in love that you have been looking for.
Love turns a new page this month, and it’s because you are no longer settling for things that don’t align with what you want for yourself or your future.
On Feb. 12, a Full Moon is happening in an area of your life that has to do with your passion, inspiration, travel ventures, and perspective, and you are getting the full picture right now. This Full Moon is about accepting the truths that have come to the surface and following through on plans that you have had for yourself. Mars goes direct in your 8th house of transformation on Feb. 23, and you end the month experiencing a personal breakthrough. A lot is changing for you in February, and you are the one leading these efforts forward because you are owning the life you deserve.
CAPRICORN
A new month is here, and you are looking forward to all of the new experiences you are about to get into, Capricorn. February is an inspiring, passionate, and eye-opening month for you and you are making a lot of progress. With the Sun in your 2nd house of finances, values, and self-confidence for most of the month, you are spending a lot of your time developing new plans and intentions for yourself, especially financially. Mid-month we have a Full Moon in your 8th house of shared resources, and the support that you need to thrive and expand financially right now is becoming clearer to you.
Towards the end of the month, Mars goes direct in your sister sign Cancer, after being retrograde in an area of your life having to do with love, partnership, and harmony over the past month or so. With Mars moving forward again, so are you in love, and your relationship dynamics feel a little more balanced and empowered for you. On Feb. 27, we have a New Moon in Pisces to close out the month, and this New Moon for you is all about setting your intentions regarding communication, networking, and the ideas you want to build off of right now.
AQUARIUS
Your season is here, and everything is falling into place for you now, Aquarius. This is a month of feeling a positive culmination of everything you have been working towards, and seeing the rewards for your efforts. With the Sun in your sign until the 18th, all eyes are on you and you are focused on your personal goals, investments, and self-courage. Jupiter goes direct as we begin the month, turning things around for you in love and helping you see things with a new perspective here.
Blessings and understanding within relationship matters bloom for you now, and you can finally take a break from the confusion here.
With Venus in your 11th house of friendship for most of February, this is the month for connecting with the people who you resonate with on a soul level and giving your heart more time to enjoy the company. The Full Moon happening mid-month occurs in your opposite sign, highlighting your romantic life and sense of partnership. Love comes full circle as you let go of the past here and see the gifts of the partnerships you have been building in your life.
PISCES
February is your month of abundance and opportunities, Pisces. There is a lot to tend to this month, but you have the empowerment and passion to do so. Jupiter goes direct in your 4th house as the month begins, and you are feeling stronger foundations emotionally and within the home right now. Progress is being made in the spaces that are close to the heart, and you are feeling the blessings of support and stability in your life. The Full Moon happening on Feb. 12, is about letting go of unhealthy daily routines or habits and giving yourself more space to figure out what feels right for you.
On Valentine's Day this year, Mercury enters your sign, and your mind is focused on love, understanding, and connection. The conversations you are having now are fulfilling your heart and inspiring you, and you are gaining clarity in relationship matters as well. Pisces season officially begins on Feb. 18, and it’s your time to shine, to love, and to be loved in return.
Before the month ends we have a New Moon in Pisces on Feb. 27, and this is one of the best times of the year for you to set your personal intentions, manifest, and reinvent yourself.
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Many rappers are known to have a tough exterior and "gangsta" persona, but some have a softer side when it comes to the leading lady in their lives. They boast about them in interviews and social media and even rap about them in songs.
And while every couple goes through ups and downs, these rappers weren't afraid to express their love and put a ring on it. Below is a list of 10 rappers who love their wives out loud.
Gucci Mane & Keyshia Ka'oir
Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka'oir
Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage
A lot of fans credit Keyshia Ka'oir for Gucci Mane's glow up. They began dating in 2010 after meeting on set of a music video and later got married in 2017. Gucci has written songs about Keyshia, such as "Mrs. Davis" where he raps.
I was at my worst, so you deserve my best (Yeah)
I treat you like a queen (A queen) 'cause you deserve the best (Best)
Said I'd get twenty years, she didn't break a sweat (Nah)
Went from kissin' in the jail (Mwah) to kissin' on a jet (Vroom)
They share two kids together.
Jay-Z & Beyoncé
Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Whether its sticking up for her when she was snubbed Album of the Year at the 2024 Grammys or rapping about her in songs, Jay-Z is always going to go up for Beyoncé. They have collaborated on many projects and even had a joint tour, but it was their first musical collab, "03' Bonnie & Clyde" that made it clear that they were locked in.
Nelly & Ashanti
Nelly & Ashanti
Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage
Since Nelly and Ashanti rekindled their relationship, the "Hot in Herre" rapper has been showing all 32 teeth. The couple got married in December 2023 and had their first child together in July 2024. In a recent interview, Nelly gushed over his wife Ashanti calling her a "great person and mother."
LL Cool J & Simone Smith
LL Cool J & Simone Smith
Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage
The couple met in 1987 and got married in 1995. They experienced many trials and tribulations in their relationship including Simone being diagnosed with stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She had to undergo reconstructive surgery on her right leg and in 2013, she was declared cancer-free.
LL Cool J talked about being by his wife's side during an interview with Oprah Winfrey on Oprah's Next Chapter. "You don't abandon someone in that foxhole…you gotta be there in that foxhole with them," he said. They share four children together.
Ice Cube & Kimberly Woodruff
Ice Cube & Kimberly Woodruff
Photo by Jerritt Clark/WireImage
Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff have been married for 32 years and have four children, including actor O'Shea Jackson Jr. who starred as his dad in the biopic Straight Outta Compton.
Last year, the Barbershop star stopped by Cam Newton's podcast Funky Friday and shared how he and Kimberly make their marriage last. “We want to be [married]. You’ve got to want it,” he said. “I don’t want nobody to have my woman. She’s mine. I’m hers,” he said.
T.I. & Tiny Harris
T.I. & Tiny Harris
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Despite their past issues, T.I. and Tiny Harris have always showed the world the true meaning of unconditional love. They share a blended family of seven kids and have collaborated on many projects including the popular reality series T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle.
During the couple's visit to Red Table Talk in 2020, T.I. revealed why they called off the divorce, which Tiny initiated in 2017.“It’s very rare where you are able to be married to the best friend you have and the best sex you’ve ever had,” he explained. “You don’t just toss that away.”
Rev Run and Justine Simmons
Rev Run and Justine Simmons
Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images
If you're a millennial like me, then you probably remember watching Run's House. The show was my first introduction to Rev Run's family and we got to see the dynamic between he and his wife Justine.
They share a blended family of six and have served as positive role models in the Black community. In their book, Old School Love, the couple opened up about their love story and shared relationship advice.
Snoop Dogg & Shante Broadus
Snoop Dogg & Shante Broadus
Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Femme It Forward
Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus met in high school and later married in 1997. After a brief split in 2004, they renewed their vows and have been inseparable ever since. Talking to People, Snoop shared his marriage advice.
"How do I stay married for so long? I've got a strong wife with a strong backbone and a good heart — she's loving and she's caring and we are meant to be together," he said.
"When we said we'd marry, we married 'til death do us part. Ain't that what it say? Not 'til arguments do us part or fighting or finances, but till death do us part."
Ice-T & Coco Austin
Ice-T & Coco Austin
Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Ice-T and Coco Austin is another celebrity couple who let the cameras into their world with their reality show Ice Loves Coco. In October, the couple dished to E! News, about having a healthy marriage.
I think Coco and I are teammates," Ice-T said. "We have to be teammates, not opponents, not assets, not liabilities. I value what she brings to me, and I think it's vice versa. We appreciate each other."
Method Man & Tamika Smith
Method Man
Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Method Man and Tamika Smith have been married for over 30 years and share three kids together. She was his personal assistant at one point and he was there for her during her bout with breast cancer. Not much else is known about their relationship, and they prefer to keep it that way.
In a Vanity Fairinterview, the Power Book II: Ghost star said this about keeping his relationship private. “I’ve been married to the same woman for 30 years, and the fact that my wife and I stay out of the public eye is a blessing in itself,” he said.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy