
This article is in partnership with Ulta Beauty.
Fall is here y'all and since my hair is natural and chemically-treated with color, I need all the moisture I can get! When choosing any haircare line, my two main goals are to keep my hair moisturized and protect my color and Ulta Beauty has me covered with their Gorgeous Hair Event.
As one of their biggest sales of the year, you can expect up to 50% off of brands like PATTERN Beauty, The Mane Choice, and so much more. Their sale is available online, curbside pickup, and in-store now until Oct. 24. Make sure you grab your mask and hand sanitizer and get everything you need for half the price.
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
My hair is professionally colored so I can't be lazy with my maintenance to keep these edges, my color, and curls on point and I was so hype to try Black-owned brand, tgin's Rose Water collection––oh and the entire tgin line is on sale this Sunday, Oct. 18 at 50% off for 24 hours only! I heard some amazing things about the collection and had been wanting to try it for FAHEVA so, like all wash days, I started with a really dirty puff and got to werk!
Here's how I created my perfect wash and go using the tgin line from Ulta Beauty:
Step One:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Since my hair is color-treated, the shampoo I use has to be hydrating yet gentle enough to not strip my color. So I washed my hair with the tgin Rose Water Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo in medium sections with lukewarm water twice. The first thing I noticed was how amazing it smelled and secondly, I noticed how my hair still felt hydrated and it gave a luxurious lather, honey! My hair was super soft after I rinsed it out and my curls were already popping with NO product on it!
Step Two:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Next, I deep conditioned with the tgin Rose Water Hydrating Mask and was in love! The best part of a mask is its slip which made unclumping tangles super easy. I parted my hair into 6 sections and applied the mask to each section while saturating each section with water to make the product spread evenly. A friendly tip: more water = less product (and more coins in your wallet).
Step Three:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Then, I placed my hair under a plastic bag (think greenhouse method) and sat under a hair dryer for 15 to 20 minutes so that the hair mask can really penetrate my hair. Moisture is key for natural hair with color!
Step Four:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
After rinsing out the Hydrating Mask, I followed up with the tgin Rose Water Leave-In Conditioner which seals in moisture and adds shine. Mind you, I haven't done a wash and go in forever so I really had to take my time to detangle section by section while rewetting my hair as needed so that the product distributes evenly. We don't have time for breakage boo.
Step Five:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Detangling with a wide-tooth comb during this step is better because it cuts down on potentially having to detangle before and after the deep conditioning process. It's easier just to do it when you're about to style your hair and cuts down on breakage which is key to maintaining length retention.
After detangling each section, I applied the Rose Water Curl Setting Mousse for definition and used a Denman brush to further detangle and smooth out my curls. I could already tell this wash and go was about to be lit!
Step Six:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Next, I allowed my hair to air dry for about an hour, and then while slightly damp, I diffused the ends and then went in with a concentrated nozzle to stretch out my roots (making sure to not mess up my curls). Then I picked out with my PATTERN Hair Pick and was veryyyyy happy with how my hair turned out!
The Final Look:
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com
Although the quarantine life has me grateful that I don't have to do my hair as often, it has made styling my hair a big ole treat, especially when it turns out bomb! I would definitely try the tgin Rose Water collection again because my hair clearly loved it and my color was still vibrant afterward. I'm so grateful to still be able to celebrate my curls, quarantine or not!
To shop all of my faves from the Ulta Beauty Gorgeous Hair Event, scroll below!
tgin Rose Water Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo (Saturday, Oct. 18 - 50% Off)
Ulta
Regular Price:$14.99
Sale Price:
tgin Rose Water Leave-In Conditioner (Saturday, Oct. 18 - 50% Off)
Ulta
Regular Price: $14.99
Sale Price:
tgin Rose Water Hydrating Mask (Saturday, Oct. 18 - 50% Off)
Ulta
Regular Price: $17.99
Sale Price:
Rose Water Curl Defining Mousse (Saturday, Oct. 18 - 50% Off)
Ulta
Regular Price: $11.99
Sale Price:
Watch the defined wash-n-go on color-treated hair tutorial below:
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Featured image by Anissa LiMara for xoNecole.com.
Sigh. So you're on day 182 of the quarantine and you decide to get on Bumble, Hinge or whatever dating app that allows you to chat without commitment and swipe all your heart desires. You exchange numbers with a guy or two, the first couple of phone conversations go amazingly, and eventually they ask the dreaded question: When can we FaceTime? It's only dreaded a la self-quarantine and most of us walk around looking like zombies on our worst day and blah on our best.
If that sounds familiar, here's how to go from "Eh I'm not sure (let me see how long it will take me to do my hair)" to "Sure, of course I'd love to tonight at 7" for your first virtual date night!
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
First, get your essentials together, also known as, a cute dress or top and some simple jewelry. The key is to shoot for cute but simple because, ahem, we are going to our laptops or phones to chat, not Ruth Chris. Get a simple dress that shows off your décolleté and fits you just right but is also comfortable to lounge in your ergonomic chair in. Then, pair it with a pair of gold hoops (because they make any outfit go drab to fab in .5 seconds) and a simple bangle: I chose my Alex & Ani phases of the moon bracelet since it represents femininity.
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Next, is makeup. After not wearing any for umpteen days, my skin is popping so I like to keep it simple because ladies, we all know any makeup looks BOMB if your skin is acting right. Want to beat your face? Go for it! But as for me and my house, if my makeup doesn't come off easily (especially after not wearing any for so long), I will definitely be annoyed so less is more. So I do a simple, "no makeup, makeup" look with dewy skin, a little color on my cheeks, some mascara to make my eyes pop and a nude but supple lip. Easy, peasy.
From (L to R) Glossier Cloud Paint Seamless Cheek Color in Dusk, Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint, Glossier Lash Slick Mascara, Fenty Beauty, Glossier Stretch Concealer
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Lastly, but most importantly (to me), is hair. Since I've been keeping my hair in twists after two weeks, I'm ready to take them out and wear my hair big and curly if I know there's a chance I might be on FaceTime more often than not. For a virtual date, I like to wear a cute updo so I put my hair up in a puff, fluff it out and go. Curls poppin', skin glowing and keeping it sexy yet classy.
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
No frills. Just keep it simple and to the point. We have no idea what will become of this pandemic so keeping your look light will help keep the conversation light...hopefully. Trust me. Your skin (AND TIME if the date is a bust) will thank you later. Happy [virtual] dating, ya'll!
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Even though the world is in a state of panic, there are many that are over the moon at just thinking about the next time we can "go outside" again. And if you're anything like me, it's going to be EPIC. I've been putting together a mood board of all of the looks, outfits and places I haven't been that I want to try out once we get to the other side (whatever that looks like) all in one piece. And trust, I'm stepping out like the first day of 9th grade before social media.
New outfit, new hair, new makeup, who dis?!
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Look #1: “All-Over Pastels” Eye
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Juvia's Place The Violets Eyeshadow Palette
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Juvia's Place The Violets Eyeshadow Palette
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Baby blue. Lilac. Baby pink. Pastels are making a comeback and are becoming the new "power" eye so to accentuate my brown eyes, the all-over lilac eyeshadow from Juvia's Place The Violets Eyeshadow Palette really brings out the honey hues of my eyes and will make a statement for my first brunch or girls' night out! The trick to keeping cloudy hues from washing out skin or looking too preteen is to apply a light shimmery color in the tear ducts to break up the monotony and then pair with dewy skin, lashes (eyeliner if you're going out) and a nude lip.
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Look #2: All Over Gloss
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
The Glamatory Lip Drip Universal
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
When all of this is over, most of us will come out with AMAZING skin (fingers crossed) after spending some time with our skin, checking in with our esthetician and sticking to our skincare routine without the constant clogging of our pores with outside radicals and makeup. So show that SKIN off, hunnay! Keeping it dewy with glossy eyes and lips is perfect to show off your hard-earned skin. Wearing the Supergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50 is clutch because it protects your skin while giving it that GLOW we all love. Pair it with Milk Makeup Eye Vinyl for a glass effect on the eyes with matching lips that will bring out all of the natural highlights on your face and will show off your skin the way it deserves. In other words, give the people what they want!
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Look #3: Neon Eyeliner
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Fenty Beauty Vivid Liquid Eyeliner in Banana Blaze
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Want to make a BOLD statement when we're free to move about the country? A simple neon eyeliner will do the trick. Again, quarantining has taught us a lot about keeping things simple and I do believe our makeup, once all of this is over, will showcase that. Pairing a yellow, blue or even pink neon eyeliner (like Fenty Beauty Vivid Liquid Eyeliner in Banana Blaze) with a clean face and a nude lip will give you that extra pop without spending hours on your face for your first concert after the world opens back up!
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So, let's get real about quarantine hair. For many of us, most days have NOT been pretty. Between dealing with job uncertainties, making sure you're "staying safe" and not catching the Rona, or dealing with the 24-hour news cycle of horror: taking care of one's hair is typically last on the list of things to worry about during a pandemic. However, when dealing with black women's hair (especially natural hair), quarantine or no quarantine, our hair requires serious maintenance. Otherwise, cue the matting, tangling and looking a hot MESS!
Before
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
And if you had hair length goals, kiss that goodbye because dry, unkept, breaking-all-the-time hair is NOT growing. Period. Thankfully, I've found that the upkeep of my hair is a form of self-care and that has allowed me to feel some sense of normalcy. Plus, if you stay ready, you don't ever have to get ready.
After
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Here is the easiest way to take care of your natural hair:
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
First things first, get your entire arsenal of hair products from shampoos to masques, and gels to serums because if you've gone days or weeks without doing anything under your bonnet or scarf, buckle up. It's gonna be a long middle of the night (for those of us that have no sense of time currently).
All of the products I use are water-based which means it's going to provide the extra hydration I need after neglecting my hair for the first weeks of self-quarantining. Find what works for you and stick with it. Buying new products right now isn't necessary unless you're in dire need and thankfully most, if not all, hair companies are still thriving because they know WE NEED OUR HAIR TO LOOK RIGHT and we will pay to do so (some are even risking their lives)!
During a time like this, twists (a twist out) are the best style for natural hair that I've found. Twists are protective, low-maintenance and versatile. From mini twists to chunky twists to even marley twists, they are easy on the hands and even though they take some time to install, they can last for weeks or even months. In order to achieve this style, first you must pre-poo, wash, deep condition and then, detangle and style.
After letting my hair sit for weeks, detangling required a little more patience so here are the steps to easily detangle and twist:
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
- Section off damp hair, starting from the back, and rewet hair with water bottle.
- Spray hair with leave-in conditioner, apply an anti-breakage serum and then apply your styler (cream or gel). Tip: I personally used a cream so that when I'm ready to take my twists down, it's more pliable.
- Next, use a denman or detangle brush to thoroughly detangle section and prep for twists.
- Twist hair into 1- or 2-inch sections. Twist your hair all the way down and finger curl at the ends.
- Once all of your hair is twisted, sit under the hair dryer to decrease shrinkage.
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
After your twists are thoroughly dry (do not play yourself with damp twists, sis) and apply your favorite edge control, style your hair however you see fit. I typically wear my twists in a bun (or two space buns) with a few hanging in the front. Remember, the smaller the twists, the longer they last, and medium twists are perfect for a twist out after a few weeks. Again, we are looking for versatility, folks!
For additional styling, I'll leave the front out and throw on a cute scarf and leave it as is which can usually last up to two weeks. It's low-maintenance, zero commitment, versatile and still cute enough for any Zoom meeting or virtual "girls' night". It's also practical if you have to go out for essentials; just throw your mask on and leave your hair out or throw a wig on or hat to protect it if you're out in public.
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
For daily maintenance. just spray with a conditioning hair refresher spray, seal with a light oil and touch up your edges from time to time...that's it. Right now, it is all about convenience and leaving your hair ALONE. That's the best way to keep your hair from looking crazy and taking care of it at the same time, plus it makes length retention even easier if that's your goal.
Bottom line, as we move into a more digital world, we still have to face ourselves and others, so I'd rather do it without the hassle of "doing my hair" everyday. Because in the words of Sweet Brown, ain't nobody got time for that!
Do you have a beauty, wellness or self-care find that you've tried recently and want to share your experience? Join the xoTribe members community to connect with other beauty lovers and share your wins with the tribe.
Featured image by Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
"Get enough groceries and water for the next two weeks, get some cash on hand and fill up your gas tank." That's what my dad told me mere days before the pandemic hit America and we went on lockdown with what we now call "The Quarantine". Of course, as a single woman, I was in a state of shock. How was I going to get through this on my own with no family? What were my girlfriends doing? And how would I function as a newly single woman? I had questions, ya'll. But, as a black woman, I knew all too well how to rise to the occasion and SURVIVE so that's all I focused on was surviving and getting through my first pandemic.
From binge-watching movies, eating all of my snacks, and taking care of myself physically because I thought I had "The Rona" - I was strictly in survival mode. Since I was sick, I had to deal with thinking about the virus every single day so per Solange, I "netflix and chilled" it away, ate it away, slept it away and IGNORED it away. It wasn't until the end of April, after I started to feel better mentally and physically, that I began to realize that I needed to do more than survive, I needed to thrive. With this "new normal" of self-quarantining and the endless amount of abysmal news, it was easy for anxiety and depression to kick in while sheltering in place - especially by yourself. But I realized that now was the best time to really tune into myself and give my brain - and my body - a chance to process these emotions and reset.
So, here are 10 things that I've done to pamper and self-care myself back into thriving in this crazier world that we now live in.
1. Do nothing.
In a world where the hustle and bustle of life is applauded, rest is a valuable and sometimes slept-on commodity. Although the grind is real, so is your need to step back and indulge in doing nothing from time to time. The quarantine has been a reminder to slow down, why not surrender to that? Watch TV, sleep, crack open that book you've been meaning to get around to reading. But most importantly, in the immortal words of Whitley Gilbert, "relax, relate and RELEASE!"
2. Read lots of books.
Speaking of reading, something that people in busy seasons admit to often is that they do not have the time to pour into reading as much as they'd like to. In this interim, I've carved out meaningful space and time to do so. Fictional stories are the best to help escape reality, but also consider reading self-improvement books and inspirational books that pour into you positively. Check out our article, "13 Books To Read For A Better Relationship With Yourself" to start.
Photo Credit: Kanobi Pollard
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
3. Pray, mediate or journal.
Whenever you find yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stressed, tune into your higher source to help you stay grounded. Prayer, meditation and journaling are all spiritual practices that can help make you feel more grounded. The clarity that you find as you connect with your inner self and connect with a higher power is invaluable. In addition to that, you will also feel more centered and less stressed as a result...as you deserve!
4. Move your body!
Although we're in between a rock and a hard place when it comes to our feelings about whether or not we should amp up productivity during this time or give into this season of rest, one thing's for sure: Movement is vital. Rest doesn't mean to never get up and show thanks to the able body you've been given. Give gratitude while increasing your overall wellness by moving your body each day. Climb some steps, turn on YouTube and do a workout routine or a yoga practice. Whatever you do, move.
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
5. Make a FaceTime date with...YOUR FRIENDS!
While some states are opening back up, some of us are still declining invites to functions and meet-ups and deciding to self-isolate a bit longer. That being said, it can feel lonely and without in-person energy to pour into you, you can feel less like yourself. There's nothing like a community of women who support you that lifts you up and reminds you of who you are. Take this time to get creative with how you spend time with your friends and girlfriends. Have a much-needed girls' night in TODAY! All you need is Zoom and wine.
6. Take an elaborate shower or flower bath.
"Treat yo' self" is a phrase that is often associated with sitting back and relaxing in a warm bath, and we know why. Not only does it come with its fair share of health benefits, taking a bath provides a sense of renewal as you cleanse away dirt, stress, worry and anxiety. Candles add a soothing mood to your space and smell amazing. If you're up to it, light some candles, put on some Jill Scott, add a bath bomb, fix yourself a glass of wine, and engage in some glorious pampering.
Photo Credit: Kanobi Pollard
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
7. Put your phone down. Seriously.
In this day and age, when so much of what we do is done through our phones, some may find it difficult to take the breaks they need from their devices. However, I implore you to put your phone down every now and then. Not only is it great for your mental health to lessen your preoccupation tied to your phone, but you also effectively connect to yourself more when you disconnect from the world by unplugging. In short, put the phone down, sis.
8. Develop a green thumb and focus on taking care of something else.
Many black women are taking after our ancestors and developing a green thumb during this time. Caring for plants allow you to focus on the health and growth of a living thing outside of yourself while beautifying your space. Some plants can also improve air quality and humidity levels in your place (fights off the Rona), reduces stress (because of the Rona), and make people calmer and happier (in spite of the Rona). It also reduces workplace negativity and helps relieve symptoms of discomfort and minor ailments. If you want to know what plants you can get started with, check out our article, "These Easy To Care For Plants Can Thrive With Little To No Sunlight".
Photo Credit: Kanobi Pollard
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Through it all, everyone needs to take care of themselves mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Period. Our world before this didn't prioritize self-care in a real way, it was a mere hashtag for many, including myself. However, because I'm a natural introvert, I learned at a young age that my very own personal love language IS pampering myself, and tuning into my needs because that is vital to my overall wellbeing. Have I always succeeded in doing so? Absolutely not but before this, I always tried to make it a priority.
Photo Credit: Kanobi Pollard
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
But in a time that has forced us to really sit with ourselves (poor, poor extroverts), this is the perfect time to really love on ourselves and appreciate just being. Self-care isn't always pretty nor as simple as lighting some candles and getting a manicure, it's really about tending to whatever part of you that needs some extra TLC at that time.
This pandemic has really shown us that we have a plethora of needs that we must tend to and now have the time to do so. So do it.
Do you have a beauty, wellness or self-care find that you've tried recently and want to share your experience? Join the xoTribe members community to connect with other beauty lovers and share your wins with the tribe.
Featured image courtesy of Annisa LiMara/Kanobi Pollard
As a proud member of the natural hair community for 15 years, I've seen all types of hair brands come and go - all with the claim of defining curls, adding moisture and being the new "IT" collection for all of us curly girls. Some brands definitely made big waves within the natural hair community and as the movement continued, others wanted in on the action, including big brands that never used to be inclusive (like ever), and of course celebrities.
My straight hair before.
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
My curls after.
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
As a lover of all things beauty and hair, Tracee Ellis Ross is a fashion and hair icon all her own and was a trailblazer in her own right. She was one of the first black women to wear her hair in its natural state YEARS before it became a movement and now, a trend. So when I found out last fall that she was launching her own haircare brand, Pattern, I knew I HAD to try it. Because, duh, it's Tracee!
Of course, with any new product launch, the natural hair nazis were out in true form and the reviews were a mixed bunch. The overall thought was that it was great for looser textured curls, any tighter and it was flop. As fate would have it, I received a PR package shortly after it launched so I decided I was up for the challenge for my super thick and curly fro.
Needless to say, I felt in my gut that it could go really good, or REALLY bad. So I cleared my schedule and began my wash day ritual and this was my experience:
From (L to R): Pattern Hydration Shampoo, Pattern Heavy Conditioner For Coilies, Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum & Pattern Leave-In Conditioner
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
When I first opened my PR package, I was IMPRESSED! The packaging was so chic, so special and just so TRACEE! Even if I didn't end up liking the products, I'm an artist so I can at least appreciate the packaging and marketing which was so captivating. The package even include a Manifesta - an ode to black hair and curls of all textures - and I even got a Denman brush, microfiber towel, hair clip and a fine mist water bottle. A natural girls' best friend!
Pattern Hydration Shampoo
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
First up was the Hydration Shampoo. After several tries with other shampoos that have dried my hair out in the past, for me, this shampoo would be the true test to see how the line would take to my hair. Also, after having my hair straightened for two weeks, I was pleasantly surprised that not only did my hair feel hydrated while shampooing but my hair was slowly reverting back to its natural state! The shampoo was truly hydrating, created a gentle lather and left my hair feeling super soft. After rinsing out the product, my curls were already popping.
Pattern Heavy Conditioner For Coilies and the Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Next, I deep conditioned with the Pattern Heavy Conditioner For Coilies and the Pattern Jojoba Oil Hair Serum. The conditioner was a bit thick for my liking but I made sure to drench each section with water to help distribute the conditioner evenly which made a huge difference. I also applied the Jojoba Oil for an extra moisture boost and used the "Green House Method" with a hot head bonnet and plastic cap for about 20 minutes to trap in moisture. After I rinsed it out, my hair was uber soft and hydrated, so even though I didn't like the texture of the Conditioner For Coilies, it did it's job. Period.
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Pattern Leave-In Conditioner
Because the wash and shampoo process was so seamless, it made the styling process a literal dream! I applied the Leave-In Conditioner to each section, applied water to distribute the product evenly, and detangled with the Denman Brush (a must-have). I loved the texture of the Leave-In Conditioner (really creamy) but I was a little apprehensive about it being enough to style my hair, so I kept it simple with a traditional "Wash & Go".
After detangling each section, I applied a little Jojoba Oil to the ends of my hair and applied it onto each section to smooth my curls. It took only 25 minutes because my hair was super easy to detangle and so soft which made styling it a piece of cake! Afterwards, I sat under the hair dryer for 30 minutes and finished drying with a diffuser from roots to tips.
The Final Look:
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
Annisa LiMara/xoNecole
When I tell ya'll this is one of thee BEST "Wash & Gos" I've done in a long time, I mean it! After drying, I fluffed it out with my hair pick and my curls rose in all their glory! All of the products worked wonders in my type 4, normal porosity, highly dense curly hair - I was literally amazed!
Tracee DID that! My hair was super supple and because I only used one product, it turned out big and fluffy but still had definition; the ultimate goal for curly hair. I would definitely rate this product line an A-.
I always tell people that each head of hair is different and that products work differently even if you have the same supposed "type" of hair. It's NEVER an exact science. But I can truly say that Pattern Beauty worked in my hair even after seeing tons of mixed reviews (and I obviously had my doubts) but I took a chance and was really shook. Pattern Beauty proved me wrong and has allowed me to STAN for Tracee Ellis Ross even more!
Featured image by Annisa LiMara/xoNecole