As a woman who has been addicted to YouTube for the past several years, I must give credit to the amazing YouTube gurus for teaching me how to do my own box braids, faux locs, search and destroy trim method, a wide array of makeup looks and giving me a ton of vegan and vegetarian meal ideas. Not to mention teaching me how to make some bomb vegan nacho cheese!
While I've always looked to YouTube for hair and makeup styling tips, I must say there are hundreds and thousands of YouTubers out there that have amazing content, we just probably haven't heard of them. With YouTube often offering suggestions to watch beauty bloggers with well over 50K views per video, it's no wonder why so many talented, quirky, and informal beauty bloggers go unnoticed.
After realizing that I was literally watching the same people day in and out, I decided to start searching for less-known YouTube beauty gurus and I'm glad I did because I came across some gems (and some ladies who aren't quite so green, but deserve a shoutout too.) If you too have never heard of these ladies, it's time you did! Click through the gallery below to check out 20 of my new favorite black beauty gurus.
1.Chante Jackson
Ohio native, professional makeup artist and beauty vlogger Chante Jackson has been making a splash in Los Angeles with photoshoots, fashion shows, and giveaways. Though she's only been in LA for a few short years, she already has a few celebrity clients under her belt and is consistently growing her YouTube channel to include hair reviews, styling, and makeup looks.
2.Jai Marii
Beauty lover, wife, and mother Jai Marii takes us along the ride with her as she explores ways to keep her natural hair protected through styling, letting us know the best weaves and wigs for protective hair styles along with makeup looks and mommy confessions.
3.Amy Coker
This gorgeous beauty vlogger promotes being your own kind of beautiful as she shows subscribers how to slay wigs from $20 to $200, lets subbies know the best foundations for dark skin, and tries on the latest fashions from online retailers.
4.Chrissy Brown
Beauty, fashion, and wigs, wigs, wiggggssss is this gorgeous vlogger's topics of choice on her channel. With only a year in the YouTube game, Chrissy Brown (aka dizastrousbeauty), who is also a wife, mother, and nurse, has over 500,000 views and is constantly making her subbies spend their last coins on wigs to try and mimic this fashionista's effortless style.
5.Sheba
From weight loss challenges and motivation to wig and weave styling, giveaways, and reviews, xoxoSheba consistently shells out quality content to her subbies and leaves them all wanting more!
6.AshecaLee
Fellow cat hater, writing lover, makeup enthusiast, and proud Jamaican AshecaLee shares her beauty and hair secrets, gives holiday looks, reviews, and try-ons on her channel devoted to all things beauty.
7.Chagi Malith
Sudanese beauty Chagi Malith does it all! From DIY to travel blogs, to her relationship with God along with all things hair, makeup, and beauty, Chagi takes her subbies on trips across the globe during her travels and brings them back home where she discusses, life, love, and beauty!
8.Ashley Claire
New York beauty blogger/vlogger and nursing major, Ashley Claire makes beauty look easy with tons of makeup tutorials that glam up the everyday look as she teaches her subbies to enhance their natural beauty.
9.Dyan Tucker
Hair reviews, giveaways, Get Ready With Me chit chats, wig styling, and nipple piercings?! This beauty blogger is not shy when it comes to letting her subbies in on her life and teaching them how to lay their edges while doing so.
10. Slim Reshae
Model, YouTuber, and all around beauty, Slim Reshae shares her natural hair styling and maintaining tips, her secrets to making money on YouTube, does try-on hauls, and showcases her loving family, all while looking gorgeous.
11. Bri Hall
This natural hair cutie doesn't mind switching her hair up at a moment's notice and lets us all in on exactly how she colored, styled, straightened, or cut it each time. In addition to hair and makeup looks, Bri is always a talented artist who gives her viewers a firsthand look at her amazing drawings.
12. Jayla Koriyan
Weekend adventures, luxurious shopping, and exotic vacations, Jayla invites her subscribers into her glamorous life with her vlog channel dedicated to fun, beauty, and her adventures. In addition to lifestyle, Jayla also has a channel dedicated to fashion try-hauls, makeup reviews, and wig reviews.
13. Ambrosia Malbrough
From messy buns to groomed brows, Ambrosia Malbrough keeps her viewers looking just as fly as she does with tons of natural styling tips and tricks to keep your curls looking good even on day 4! In addition to hair styling, Ambrosia also lets us in on all of her skincare secrets that keep her gorgeous skin glowing.
14. Jaleesa Moses
Jaleesa Moses just seems like the type of friend you can talk to for hours with no judgement, only understanding. This beautiful spirit keeps her viewers updated with her natural hair styles, exotic trips, makeup looks, and skincare routines.
15. Laila-Jean
If you want to know how to cut and shape your natural hair, the best clay masks to try or how to unlock your full growth potential, Fusion of Cultures has got you covered. In addition to hairstyling tips, this natural beauty also takes her viewers along the ride on her exotic trips.
16. AlwaysAmeera
From reviews of HBO's insecure to gym day routines and drugstore hauls, AlwaysAmeera teaches her subbies to slay wigs while maintaining and toning their figures, and I'm all the way here for it!
17. Chamar Moore
Easily one of my favorite YouTubers, Chamar Moore gives off best friend vibes in all of her videos. From breakup stories and 90's R&B playlists, to her cutting off her gorgeous long hair and dying her short hair pink and blonde, this beauty definitely keeps things interesting in all of her videos!
18. Diamond Candy TV
Diamond Candy TV is definitely hair-crush worthy. This natural beauty gives overnight hair care tips, wash day routines, and various styling methods to her loyal subbies.
19. Miss Erin Yvette
College girl and wig, weave and braid slayer, Miss Erin Yvette gives her subbies hair and beauty advice while letting them know the best places to shop with her try-on hauls.
20. Angwi Tacho
If you live for fashion like Angwi Tacho, you will definitely get your life the moment you visit her channel. This fashion lover does tons of try-on hauls from swimsuits to clubwear and closet essentials. Angwi is definitely one to watch if you're ever looking for fashion inspo.
Who are some beauty YouTubers on your radar? Share them below.
- 9 Black Beauty Bloggers To Follow On Instagram ›
- Meet the Black beauty YouTubers redefining the industry | Revelist ›
- 10 Best Black Beauty Bloggers We're Obsessed With - theFashionSpot ›
- 9 Black Beauty Vloggers You Should Be Following On YouTube ... ›
- 5 BLACK BEAUTY BLOGGERS TO KNOW – Bronze Magazine ›
- 7 brilliant beauty blogs & vlogs for darker skin tones ›
- How These Black YouTubers Are Changing the Beauty Vlogging ... ›
- African Beauty Bloggers You Need To Know | Essence.com ›
- 14 Black Beauty Vloggers You Need to Follow Now For Major ... ›
RELATED
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert