

Black History Month is still in full effect and while we celebrate our Black brothas and sistas year-round, there's nothing wrong with showing some extra love to the culture this month. From fashion to tech, we are the movers and shakers and the innovators, influencing many industries.
Although we don't always get the credit, we at xoNecole continue to use our platform to celebrate underrepresented individuals. For this month, xoNecole staff is highlighting our favorite Black-owned beauty & skincare products. See the list below.
Sheriden Garrett, Managing Editor
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Skincare Favorite:
Hanahana Beauty's Amber Vanilla Shea Body Butter- I always think of "Shea Butter Baby" whenever I apply this to my skin. The formula is so luxurious, has the perfect amount of thickness, and the scent makes me feel like a snack in all the best ways.
London Alexaundria, Contributing Editor
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Beauty Favorite:
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Hot Chocolit- It's my go-to lip gloss. I especially like to pair it with a lip liner for a sultry, evening look.
Skincare Favorites:
Buttah Vitamin C Serum- I've used a lot of vitamin C serums, but I love how this one feels on my skin and it helps clear dark spots for a healthy glow.
Dreka Jardin Facial Mist- I'm obsessed with the rosewater scent and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed.
Urban Hydration Bright & Balanced Aloe Vera Face & Body Soap-I love the mild scent and the clean, tingling feeling it leaves my skin after using it.
Kayla Walker, Talent/ Influencer Consultant
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Beauty Favorites:
Fenty hella thick mascara
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb
Cay Skin Lip Balm
Skincare Favorites:
Fenty Skin Body Cream
Topicals Slick Salve
Chantal Gainous, Client Services & Campaign Manager
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Beauty Favorites:
Danessa Myricks Beauty - Her shadows are so pigmented and colorful! An easy way to pump up a makeup look
Juvia's Place - Best affordable makeup in the game for darker skin tones. Her Culture palettes are unmatched.
Skincare Favorites:
Range Beauty - recently dropped in Sephora (Alicia, CEO was one of our 2024 ItGirls) and is approved by the National Eczema Association. Clean & gentle on skin!
Topicals - haven't used a Topicals product that hasn't significantly improved my skin! And it just feels like while it's calming your skin, its calming your spirit lol! Definitely want to try their new Clearly Clarifying products soon.
Rosen Skin Care - started me on the best skin care journey I could ask for. Simple routines and great for teenagers and girlies who want to stick to natural-based remedies
Bianca Garwood, Senior Social Media Manager
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Beauty Favorite: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Feature image by Delmaine Donson/ Getty Images
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
Everybody wants generational wealth, but are we really talking about what it takes to keep it? In this special series of Making Cents, filmed at A Weekend for Love, four power couples are pulling back the curtain on the real work behind financial freedom—because, let’s be real, to achieve the soft life, you gotta put some work in first.
Each couple has a different story about how they became financially independent, but it wasn't without its challenges. From being in debt to breaking bad money habits, see how each couple made it to the sunny side of financial freedom.
The Ring Formula: Love, Legacy & Financial Freedom
Dr. Alduan Tart & Mecca Tart know that money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset, strategy, and teamwork. Because it's not about how you can build generational wealth, but rather how can you become financially free. In this episode, they’re breaking down their seven-figure game plan for couples looking to secure the bag together. From smart money management and debt-free living to spiritual guidance and the power of a wealthy network, they show that financial success starts at home.
Ben & Marie Ward: Debt-Free & Thriving
Nine years of marriage taught Ben & Marie Ward that financial freedom is the ultimate flex. They tackled debt head-on, invested wisely, and built a future they once thought was impossible. And guess what? That car you’re still making payments on? It’s not an asset until the title has your name on it. The Wards knew this all too well—so they eliminated car payments, decluttered their home, and turned financial discipline into wealth-building power.
Lee & Martika Jenkins: From Crisis To Comeback
When the 2008 financial crisis hit, Lee & Martika Jenkins lost 70% of their net worth overnight. It wiped out their savings and slashed their credit score in half. But instead of crumbling, they got strategic. In this episode, they share how they rebuilt their wealth from the ground up, avoided debt, and created multiple income streams—all while keeping their marriage strong.
Sherry & Markiel Singley: Lessons They Wish They Knew Sooner
For years, Sherry & Markiel Singley were just trying to make ends meet—until they realized that financial literacy was the missing piece. Markiel grew up hearing, “Don’t worry ‘bout them bills,” until that mindset left him $12K in debt over a car that wasn’t even running. In this episode, they get real about shifting their financial habits, rebuilding their credit, and creating stability for their family.
Catch all the gems in the Making Cents series.
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