However, like life, each character must grow into the human they’re meant to be. And we, as viewers, have to come to terms with this.
One actress growing up in front of our eyes is Marsai Martin. At one point, she was a young girl who dominated our television screens and immediately stole our hearts through her role in Black-ish. Now, our princess-turned-queen is officially the big 2-0! Our girl is all grown up. In honor of her special day, we’ve come up with our favorite beauty looks from her throughout the years.
1.Fresh Faced Queen
Makeup where? Martin proves her face card never declines with this casual bare-faced selfie. Fresh box braids allow the actress to show off her healthy eyebrows and cute dimples!
2.Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.
The actress is dripped in diamonds while promoting her nail line Mari by Marsai. Although the nails are on point, can we also take a moment to appreciate this soft glam look? Martin is wearing latte makeup with a hint of old Hollywood vibes. Seriously, Marilyn Monroe would be proud.
3.'90s Kind of World
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Don't call it a throwback. During the 2022 BET Awards, Marsai rocked a mocha-colored lipgloss and 90s-style lip liner. The glam look was also tied together with a sweetheart cat-eye that made her side-eye game sharp. A golden bronzer followed to seal this makeup moment together.
4.The Blueprint
Body snatched and face beat, Marsai posed in a series of photos featuring her on a balcony wearing a blue form-fitting dress with hair and full glam to match. Sis isn't playing fair, we fear.
5.Smokey-Eyed Gaze
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for NAACP
Getting ready for a night on the town with the NAACP Awards, Martin sported a smokey eye. The navy blue base is outside of her typical neutral eye. And just when you think the glam stops there, BOOM! Insert lashes! Diva-style lashes lay across the actress’s eye, enhancing her smoky makeup and taking things to new heights.
6.New Hair Who Dis?
Hair truly brings a beautiful look together. Martin’s captivating red hair is a perfect example! We are obsessed with the way her deep red hair complements her neutral pink lip.
7.Hater Blockers
We have to give it up to this cool accessory. The glasses (pictured above in slide 2) are making this glam look out of this world. They cover the actress's entire face, leaving nothing to see but a girl's greatest beauty asset—a smile.
8.Just Peachy
If this sweet pic doesn’t warm your heart, we don’t know what else will. Martin gives us a light peachy moment when showing off her fresh cut. Sun-kissed blushes and a simple lip are the touches that make this selfie too sweet.
9.That Girl Always
Well, you know what they say: blondes have more fun! And this stands true with her latest look. Martin wore blonde boho braids, a red dress, and a beat face. Happy belated birthday to a true queen of glam.
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There’s more to products than what’s on the surface. Each one is made up of different ingredients tailored to serve different needs. Allen explains the key differences between each product, its longevity, and how we can determine if a lip gloss or lip oil is best in our routine. With more beauty brands releasing lip oils and glosses, having insight into each product's benefits can prevent us from wasting money on products that don't satisfy our needs.
The Difference
“Lip oils and lip glosses differ in texture, color, and benefit,” says Allen. She continues to explain that lip oils nourish and protect our lips from dehydration. Similar to how body oil deeply hydrates our skin. “Conversely, lip glosses provide a super glossy finish and come in various high-pigmented colors,” adds Allen. We’ve seen an abundance of this in beauty brand launches. Fenty Beauty is one of many brands that have launched a series of lip glosses to their line. The various colors add to any makeup look, while lip oil can be worn on a casual, fresh-face day.
Beauty Makeup GIF by e.l.f. CosmeticsGiphyWhich One Will Provide Lasting Moisture?
It’s natural to believe lip oils are the key solution to long-lasting moisture. The real answer? It depends. According to Allen, many lip glosses on the market are formulated with hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing properties. These ingredients can help provide a level of hydration for a few hours. If you’re looking for something long-lasting, then it’s recommended that you grab your favorite lip oil. “Lip oils are made with moisturizing oils that can lock in moisture, which leaves your lips feeling more hydrated throughout the day,” says Allen.
"Lip oils are made with moisturizing oils that can lock in moisture, which leaves your lips feeling more hydrated throughout the day."
Business Insider
How Can We Decide Which Product Is Best for Our Needs?
With so many products on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which will satisfy our needs. Allen advocates for us, asking ourselves what is most important to us to make a concrete decision. She asks us, “Do you want a product that provides a light sheen with many nourishing oils that penetrate your lips? Then go for a lip oil. Do you want to moisturize your lips with a high-quality shine and excellent color payoff? Then go for lipgloss.” Being intentional about our needs will ultimately lead us to the product that will satisfy us.
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As someone who dermaplanes regularly, I figured I’d give it a shot. Purchasing the product through TikTok Shop would cost me the time I didn’t have. Luckily, I found it on Amazon for a fraction of the price. I was purchasing it for only $9.99, as opposed to upwards of $18.00 on TikTok Shop, depending on the vendor. After a few short days, the product arrived at my apartment in bubble gum pink packaging, proving that facial shaving isn’t just a man's sport.
What’s In It?
The Hair Identifier Spray gives off a white overcast similar to a shaving mouse (a bit lighter). The ingredients include but are not limited to the following:
- Alcohol
- Sativa Rice Starch
- Propane
- Butane
- Isobutane
- Fragrance
Despite the product's fragrance, I didn’t notice a scent when it was spraying on my skin. I was also surprised by how light the product was. The combination of ingredients provides a solid foundation to coat the skin thoroughly without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, this allowed me to notice every hair on my skin and become aware of areas I typically miss.
Facial Prep
To have the best dermaplaning experience, I had to prep my skin. I began by double cleansing, which eliminated dirt and dead skin cells that could get in the way of a smooth shave. I also applied a hydrating serum before beginning this process. Our skin may seem tough, but it is susceptible. Adding a serum to my dermaplaning routine ensures that the razor will glide against my skin without irritating it.
How To Use
@its.janetj Im still amazed🤯definitely a once a year activity! I had toooo much fun with this product. I even convinced my hubby to let me shave him @SKNBODY #hairidentifier #dermaplaning #hairidentifierspray #faceshaving #shaving #dermaplane #foryou #BeautyTok #peachfuzz dermatologist reacts to hair identifier hair identifier spray black girl hair identifier spray is bad hair identifier dermatologist hair identifier spray gone wrong temporary hair color spray on black girl hair identifier spray baby powder identifier spray
The method of using this product is straightforward. Simply shake before use, hold the product 5-7 inches away from your face, and spray away. However, the real secret lies in the shaving technique. Making it a priority to pull the skin back while actively shaving helped me target pesky facial hairs without the risk of cutting myself. Once I removed all visible facial hairs, I refreshed my face with cool water and followed up with my skincare routine.
Results
After using this product, my skin texture significantly improved. The smoothness of my face indicated that I had successfully targeted each hair on my skin. Before using this product, my facial shave felt clean but not fresh. My skin rebirthed in a way that was almost equivalent to getting the procedure done professionally. This product wasn’t just a want but a need that eased the anxieties of facial shaving. I highly recommend it to anyone beginning or looking to improve their at-home dermaplaning experience.
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Douglas struggled with adult acne during the pandemic. “I spent about six months researching and trying to figure it out on my own, and given how I was eating at the time, I soon discovered that there was a relationship between food and how it affects my skin,” Douglas said. This discovery leads her to change her eating habits. Opting for healthier food options and finding balance with non-healthy options.
In what seemed like no time, she began seeing a major change in her skin and taking her skincare more seriously. This led to her reflecting on how she cared for her skin growing up. “There was a time when I used to go to bed with makeup, like every day, and my skin suffered because of it."
“There was a time when I used to go to bed with makeup, like every day, and my skin suffered because of it."
Like many of us, Douglas had no education in skincare, and she put her skin through the ringer by trying too many different skincare products. Reflecting on her mistakes helped to form a better relationship with caring for her skin. “Now that I’m older, I understand the importance of finding the right products for my skin type. I love using sunscreen and products that protect my skin barrier. That experience assisted me in garnering youthful-looking skin,” Douglas added.
Courtesy
These days, Douglas' morning routine is as realistic as it gets. She’s rushing to get ready for a long day at work. Still, she always finds time to fit in a glass of water and her skincare routine. Even amid morning stress, her routine never becomes tiresome. As she prepares for the day, her mother’s wisdom runs through her mind: “'Looking young never gets old,' my mom always said to me!”
Douglas enjoys indulging in Korean skincare products that hydrate the skin. Some mornings, she will combine her skincare routine with a workout. “I love going on runs and Pilates. I’ve always preferred a more toned and slender look, so the strength training and cardio combo is a 10 out of 10.”
“I love going on runs and Pilates. I’ve always preferred a more toned and slender look, so the strength training and cardio combo is a 10 out of 10.”
Douglas' journey to clear skin has become a health transformation. She’s changed her eating habits, worked out, and prioritizes caring for her skin on her busiest days. It’s no wonder she is now a representation of beauty. To her, beauty isn’t just about the products we use but the daily habits we implement to feel good.
Here are the products Douglas uses day and night to keep glowing all day long:
Xenia's Morning Skincare Routine:
Step 1: CeraVe Cleanser
CeraVe
"I use the CeraVe cleansers (either the Salicylic Acid, foaming, or Hydrating Cleanser). I pretty much rotate between these three depending on what my skin is calling for that day.”
Step 2: Innisfree Green Tea Toner
Amazon
"In 2020, I started learning more about Korean skincare, and it propelled me to begin using water-based toners as opposed to alcohol-based toners. Given that alcohol-based toners are more of an astringent and can cause more harm than good, the switch to a water-based toner, specifically my Innisfree Green Tea toner, has done wonders in hydrating and supporting my skin."
Step 3: Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream
Soon Jung
"When I moisturize, I don’t just use a basic moisturizer. I use a moisture barrier cream! As I mentioned before, I am an advocate for Korean skincare, as it is quite hydrating. So, I use moisturizers that shield my skin from irritants, friction, or drying out. My favorite is the Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream. It’s amazing!”
Step 4: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop!
“I try not to miss a day when it comes to my sunscreen. I use the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, particularly on the days I’m on the road or outside."
Xenia's Nighttime Skincare Routine:
Step 1: COSRX Snail Mucin Serum
COSRX
“I normally use a hydrating serum on days when my skin feels dry, or I notice some texture. It’s extremely moisturizing."
Step 2: COSRX Snail Mucin Moisturizer
COSRX
"I follow up with this moisturizer when I use the COSRX Serum. They’re quite the dynamic duo.”
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Although Majors is deeply opinionated and passionate about the fashion space, she’s also a sweet girl from Nashville with a love for beauty. “Growing up in the South, I wasn’t aware of my appearance. Still, I always kept my beauty routine simple with a face wash and lotion every day,” says Majors. College is where Majors' relationship with beauty began to strengthen. Implementing a basic skincare regimen to keep her skin in great health. “I’ve followed all the trends in beauty. From a simple skincare routine to a step routine, I’ve learned that keeping it simple is best.”
At the same time, Majors began to enter the modeling world, where she learned tips from makeup artists on how to better care for her skin. Unlike her hometown, there was now a greater emphasis on how Majors looked due to the industry that she was in. Moving to Los Angeles also came with pressure to keep up with beauty standards. The pressure made Majors feel like she had to be “perfect.” Constantly picking at her features to appease a standard of beauty. “I’ve learned that trying to be perfect is unrealistic, and if you do, it’s an unpleasant existence.” Separating from the pressure of living up to being perfect has helped her develop a new relationship with beauty - internal beauty.
“I’ve learned that trying to be perfect is unrealistic, and if you do, it’s an unpleasant existence.”
Becoming a mom has made Majors look at beauty from a different lens. She doesn’t want her child to emphasize how she looks as she once did. Majors is setting an example for his daughter by practicing kindness and prioritizing her internal self by doing the 75 Hard Challenge. A wellness routine that consists of the following: reading 10 pages of a book, drinking water, workout, meditating, journaling, etc. The exercise is supposed to improve mental health. “Inner beauty radiates far more than outer beauty. Being a good person is always going to be most important.”
Tabria Majors' Morning Skincare Routine:
Heritage Store Rosewater Rose Water Spray
Heritage Store
“I love to use this in the morning to dampen my face."
Anua Heartleaf 77 Soothing Toner
“Toners are another way to hydrate my skin, and this one works for me.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
“When I was pregnant and breastfeeding, this was a safe and good product for me to use.”
Caudalíe Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum Vitamin C Alternative
“This is great for brightening the skin and targeting fine lines and wrinkles.”
Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
Weleda
“It’s a rich and thick moisturizer that penetrates my skin well.”
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
“It’s easy to apply and great for working because it glides on my skin easily.”
Her Nighttime Skincare Routine:
The next few products Majors uses for her nighttime skincare routine are similar to her morning skincare. She uses them at night for the same reasons she does in the morning. These are products that work well with her skin and give her great results.
mixsoon Soybean Milk Serum
“I love this product! It has a goopy feeling that sticks to my skin, and I enjoy it.”
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Creme Eye Cream
“This is a great product to bring my under eyes back to life.”
Topicals Faded Serum for Dark Spots & Discoloration
Topicals
“This serum got me the most compliments on my skin. It gets the job done when it comes to hyperpigmentation.”
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Featured image by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 Presented by Amazon Prime Video
Ramcharitar says, “I remember playing in my mom's makeup as a child; I’ve always been fascinated by it.” That fascination continued into her teenage years when she began wearing makeup for school performances. Her performing arts teacher encouraged students to be themselves but not to overdo it with the performance makeup. “She taught me there was a time and a place to be full glam.”
Ramcharitar's love for beauty wasn’t mutual when it came to skincare. Like most teens, she viewed skincare as a chore and far from the self-care narrative that is heavily emphasized today. She says, “I had only one step in my skincare routine back then, and even that felt like a chore.” Aveeno’s Radiant Daily Moisturizer and Sunscreen combo was Ramcharitar’s go-to every morning. Ramcharitar's skin glows as she reminisces on the days when skincare was an eye-rolling thought. It is hard to believe that someone with such beautiful skin today was nearly an anti-skincare routine at a point in time.
Photo courtesy
For women, there’s a pressure to adopt self-care routines that feel like responsibility rather than pleasure. Brands constantly try to convince us that we need at least 50 steps to achieve our goals. The more we dive into ourselves, the more we block out the noise and prioritize our well-being. Ramcharitas's love for skin care developed as she learned to discover what skincare looks like. She says, “My biggest lesson in beauty and skincare: not everything works for everyone.” Since then, she’s learned to minimize her skincare routine and develop self-care practices that align her with her highest self.
“My biggest lesson in beauty and skincare: not everything works for everyone.”
Being a beauty influencer is a dream job for many, but it has consequences. Influencers can feel pressure from the industry to keep up with the latest beauty trends, sometimes taking them further away from self-acceptance. Throughout her years in the industry, Ramcharita has learned the true beauty secret: staying true to yourself is finding your anchor. “God grounds me, which helps me remain solid in the beauty space.” Ramcharita advocates for having the heart of flesh, not the heart of stone. This bible verse regularly allows her to stand in kindness, which is the truest form of beauty to her. “People can be mean to others, but you shouldn’t let that change you. Remaining in kindness will always shine through.”
Ramcharita was kind enough to share her skincare routine with us! Read to find out more.
Her Morning Skincare Routine:
La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Amazon
“I have sensitive skin and can sometimes get irritation bumps. The La Roche[-Posay] Cleanser is so gentle and hydrating for my skin.”
BYOMA Face Mist
BYOMA Balancing Face Mist
Ulta
“I’m not a toner person; this feels like one, so it gets the job done for me.”
BYOMA Hydrating Serum
BYOMA Hydrating Serum
Ulta
“I used to get eczema under my eyes, but that has stopped since I started using this product. I love it!”
Fenty Skin Thicc, Rich, And Smooth Peptide Eye Cream
Fenty Skin Thicc, Rich and Smooth Peptide Eye Cream
Sephora
“I used to never use undereye creams, but this feels so nice under my eyes and around my mouth.”
Kiehl's Better Sunscreen SPF 50
Kiehls Better Screen UV Serum
Kiehls
“I’ve been testing sunscreens under my makeup, and this works perfectly.”
Her Night Time Skincare Routine:
Elemis Cleansing Balm
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Sephora
“I love to use this when I have makeup on to double-cleanse my skin without over-stretching.”
Dermalogica Oil To Foam Cleanser
Dermalogica Oil to Foam Total Cleanser
Dermalogica
“This is also a great way to cleanse my skin gently.”
The Ordinary Soothing and Barrier Support Serum
The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Sephora
“It helps when my skin feels irritated and dry.”
Violette Fr Cream
Violette Fr C'est La Cream
Violette Fr
“What can I say? I just love this stuff! It’s lightweight, but it’s so moisturizing.”
BYOMA Hydrating Recovery Oil
BYOMA Hydrating Recovery Oil
Ulta
“This is my favorite product out of their whole skin line. It hydrates my skin well without making it too oily.”
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