
Usher first captivated millions of hearts everywhere following the release of his second studio album, My Way, over two decades ago.
Over the years, the singer became a household name and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry after dropping two chart-topping albums, 8701 and Confessions, respectively, in 2001 and 2004. Both of which have earned countless awards. Since then, Usher would release four more studio albums and sold over 100 million records worldwide.
To date, Usher, who is considered one of the best-selling artists of all time, is currently performing all his hits and more at his widely popular Las Vegas residency. With nearly 30 years in the industry, aside from his success, many often wonder how Usher keeps his ageless appearance at 44-years-old.
In Vogue's Beauty Secrets, a YouTube series, Usher shared how he maintained his physical appearance and the products he used for his daily skincare routine.
Hot Washcloth

Vogue/ YouTube
At the start of the video, Usher revealed that he begins his everyday skincare routine by wiping his face with a hot washcloth. The singer also shared that during this process, he is cautious not to mess up his hairline.
"I start everyday prep with a hot rag. You know, Black men, we’re really are specific about our hairlines. So, I'mma be really, really careful. It's almost like paint, this work of art," he said.
Further into the clip, Usher disclosed that he incorporated a hot washcloth into his regimen because before developing a more thorough skincare routine and getting other products that worked well with his face, he only used the rag.
"I learned this technique by not having access to any of this s--t, to be honest. A hot rag will get you a long way," he stated. "But you do have to be very careful of what you put on your skin. What it does, it actually exfoliates."
Hand Sanitizer and Facial Spray

Vogue/ YouTube
In the next step, the "My Way" crooner cleans his hands with Jao sanitizer and sprinkles Mario Badescu facial spray containing aloe, herbs, and Rosewater throughout his skin.
The benefits of using aloe include acne reduction, slow signs of aging, skin hydration, etc. At the same time, Rosewater shares some similar properties as aloe. It can also help individuals balance their natural oils and promote a smoother appearance.
Cleanser

Vogue/ YouTube
Following the facial spray, Usher uses Acne Expert Skincare's cleanser to remove any excess dirt on his face. The father of four revealed that this particular product is one of his favorites because of the cleanser's lather.
"When you use cleansers that don't necessarily lather. You almost feel like you're not really cleansing your skin," he said.
Usher added that another benefit of using the cleanser was that it was easy to use and keep up with after struggling with acne for many years.
"I went through a great deal of really, really bad acne as a kid," he explained. "I mean my face broke out so bad I had to find something that was simple enough to be able to keep up."
Eye Mask

Vogue/ YouTube
In the fifth step, the "Burn" vocalist shares how he maintains his ageless appearance. Usher reveals that he likes to use Peter Thomas Roth eye masks when he has extra time for a more detailed skincare routine.
"If you have enough time, which today we happen to, I'm getting calls. They're trying to pull me away because they didn't want me to share this incredible life-changing experience for you to keep you looking young like I do forever. These are really cool because they are like golden. Peter Thomas Roth eye mask," he said.
While removing the mask and massaging his eyes, Usher opened up about why individuals need to find time to take care of themselves, whether through a daily skincare regimen, meditation, or prayer.
"This whole purpose and point of taking a moment for you. Some people choose to meditate. Some people choose to say a prayer," he stated. "Whatever it is, you got to take care of you in order to be able to take care of anybody else. You gotta straighten your own mask before you get anyone else's straight."
Vitamin C Serum

Vogue/ YouTube
Following his advice, Usher used a rejuvenating toner before applying Acne Expert Skincare's vitamin C serum with a brush. The "Superstar" singer disclosed he uses a brush instead of his hands to preserve his hairline.
"This is a daily [vitamin] c antioxidant serum that I use for my skin. Now this is a personal moment. I said I was going to let you in on the secret. I use a brush for my face," he said. "Most people, they use their [hands]. Ain't nothing wrong with you using it. I'm particular about my [hair] line. I just really can't mess with this [hair] line."
Moisturizer

Vogue/ YouTube
Toward the end of the video, the "You Remind Me" songster explained some of the products he uses are beneficial for different seasons, including Acne Expert Skincare's moisturizer.
"Summertime, you do know that you are going to sweat or perspire a little bit more. So there is a difference in terms of how much product you use and what type of products you use on your skin," he stated. "Typically, I use what is called a calming moisturizing gel...It has like cooling properties inside of it that actually chills the skin out."
Usher continued the conversation by expressing how much he enjoys taking care of himself.
"I really like to take care of my face. I like to take care of myself. Can I say I'm vain? Yeah, because I care about myself. I care about my skin. I care about how I look. This thing, I'm preserving for you," he said.
After applying the moisturizer, Usher proceeds to do face exercises to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The "My Boo" crooner wraps up his skincare routine by spraying Caudalie face mist on his skin, applying La Mer and Jack Black lip balm on his lips, and Chanel La Créme Main on his hands before heading out to the venue where he performs his residency.
Usher's Pre-Show Skin Care and Wellness Routine | Beauty Secrets | Vogue
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Feature image by Vogue/ YouTube
Exclusive: Viral It Girl Kayla Nicole Is Reclaiming The Mic—And The Narrative
It’s nice to have a podcast when you’re constantly trending online. One week after setting timelines ablaze on Halloween, Kayla Nicole released an episode of her Dear Media pop culture podcast, The Pre-Game, where she took listeners behind the scenes of her viral costume.
The 34-year-old had been torn between dressing up as Beyoncé or Toni Braxton, she says in the episode. She couldn’t decide which version of Bey she’d be, though. Two days before the holiday, she locked in her choice, filming a short recreation of Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough for Me” music video that has since garnered nearly 6.5M views on TikTok.
Kayla Nicole says she wore a dress that was once worn by Braxton herself for the Halloween costume. “It’s not a secret Toni is more on the petite side. I’m obsessed with all 5’2” of her,” she tells xoNecole via email. “But I’m 5’10'' and not missing any meals, honey, so to my surprise, when I got the dress and it actually fit, I knew it was destiny.”
The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."

Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
“I just knew I was going to end up on a local news network at the head anchor table, breaking high speed chases, and tossing it to the weather girl,” she says. Instead, she ended up working as an assistant at TMZ before covering sports as a freelance reporter. (She’s said she didn’t work for ESPN, despite previous reports saying otherwise.) The Pre-Game combines her love for pop culture and sports in a way that once felt inaccessible to her in traditional media.
She’s not just a podcaster, though. When she’s not behind the mic, taking acting classes or making her New York Fashion Week debut, Kayla Nicole is also busy elevating her wellness brand Tribe Therepē, where she shares her workouts and the workout equipment that helps her look chic while staying fit. She says the brand will add apparel to its line up in early 2026.
“Tribe Therepē has evolved into exactly what I have always envisioned. A community of women who care about being fit not just for the aesthetic, but for their mental and emotional well-being too. It’s grounded. It’s feminine. It’s strong,” she says. “And honestly, it's a reflection of where I am in my life right now. I feel so damn good - mentally, emotionally, and physically. And I am grateful to be in a space where I can pour that love and light back into the community that continues to pour into me.”
Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
Jon B. Talks New Album, 18-Year Marriage & Being A Girl Dad
Since 1995, Jon B. has been entertaining us with his soulful voice, belting out R&B classics like “They Don’t Know” and “Someone to Love.” Despite his immense success, Jon decided to prioritize his family and take a step back from the music scene. He got married, and together, he and his wife had daughters. While he didn’t release any new music during this period, Jon remained dedicated to his fans by touring and maintaining his connection with them.
"I'm raising two daughters," he tells xoNecole exclusively. "One is 11 now, and one is 18, and both need their dad. Besides being a father, a rock star on the weekends, and a husband of 18 years, the real thing that kept me the busiest over the last 10 years was the road, keeping the bread on the table, and staying with my fans. Nevertheless, connecting with the fans and keeping that relationship alive. Regardless of whether I was on the radio every five minutes or whatnot. I just wanted to keep that relationship alive, and the best way to do that is just go and perform."
A decade later, Jon B. dropped a new album, WAITING on YOU. The album title alone is a nod to fans who have been waiting on him to release new music. The "Are You Still Down" singer collaborated with Rick Ross, Alex Isley, Tank, and Donell Jones on the album, giving fans a little bit of everything.
"Compiling this album was a labor of love because it was me sort of picking the gems. I wrote so many songs over the last 30 years. I wanted to go back and dust some old gems off and see if I can rework these records," he says. "Some of them are kind of reworks from back in the day, from back in the late '90s. I just kind of love the beat. One of the songs on my album is a vintage cut. I'll call it a vintage cut because I did it in '98. It's a song called "Pick Me Up."
"There's a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new, but WAITING on YOU, I felt was an appropriate name for the album, being that it was 10 years and it's really about my relationship that I have with my fans. Not only is it the relationship I have with my wife and my children, it's the extended relationship I have with with you guys, the listeners."
"There's a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new, but WAITING on YOU, I felt was an appropriate name for the album, being that it was 10 years and it's really about my relationship that I have with my fans."
His wife and kids are his biggest supporters and he shared that they sometimes give their opinion on his music. When it comes to his relationship with his wife, he says communication and patience are the keys to lasting. "I don't mean to sound like Dr. Phil up in here, but 18 years, going on 19, and it's like, I'm not counting, but I guess we're doing something right because we're very happy people," he says.
"I'm making music that reflects what I feel in my heart, which is pretty cool to share with the world now as a grown ass man instead of a guy who was growing up and had an old soul and I was figuring stuff out. I'm grateful for those records, but I really feel like these records are like a guy celebrating everything that I've been blessed to experience so far."
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