

I don’t know if it’s because of the milestone birthday that transpired in my life this past June or what, but the fact that we’re about to be 25 freakin’ years into 2000 is damn near blowing my mind. Y’all, when Alice Walker once said, “Time moves slowly but passes quickly,” she ain’t neva lied.
And since we are literally just a few weeks away from a brand spanking new calendar year, I figured that now would be a good a time as any to share some of the popular skin-related trends that you can get in on before everybody and their grandmama does.
So, as you’re out doing your semi-last-minute holiday shopping, keep a browser open on your phone with this article in it. A few of these things could be great stocking stuffers for others — and definitely some ways to pamper your own skin before the new year officially begins.
2025 Skincare Trends
Getty Images
1. Satin Skin
Another word for satin skin is demi-matte. Why? Because it’s a nice “marriage” of having dewy skin without excess shine. Although this trend is technically a type of make-up technique, I thought it was important to lead with it for two reasons: one, if you are someone who likes to wear cosmetics on a regular basis, it can help you to achieve a pretty natural look and two, there’s no way that satin skin can happen without applying a rich moisturizer as your base — and since well-moisturized skin makes any skin type look amazing, well…there ya go. (By the way, it appears that a lot of us Black folks like Elf’s Soft Glam Satin Foundation in order to achieve satin skin; a video here can show you why.)
2. LED Light Therapy Masks
Whether you’re looking to speed up the healing process of pimples, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, treat hyperpigmentation, soothe the symptoms that are associated with eczema, or even address excessive hair shedding (check out “We Shed More Hair During The Fall. Here's What To Do About It.”), LED light therapy can help you out. The way that it works is that different colors come with different wavelengths that can penetrate your skin (and scalp) and improve it (with consistent treatment).
For instance, while red light therapy helps to reduce inflammation, blue light therapy helps to fight bacteria. The easiest (and fastest) way to get these benefits as far as your face is concerned is to invest in an LED light therapy mask. If you’d like to read some reviews on some popular ones, Glamour has you covered right here.
Getty Images
3. Focusing on the Neck
IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW YOUNG YOUR FACE LOOKS IF YOUR NECK LOOKS OLD AS HELL. I’m yelling it because it seems like this is a fact of life that so many people continue to ignore. SMDH. I can’t tell you how many celebrities I see online, pretty much on a daily basis, who look great from the chin up — oh, but their neck immediately gives their age away (if it doesn’t cause them to look older).
And although genetics do indeed play somewhat of a role, the reality is that if folks did things like exfoliate their neck on a weekly basis, hydrate it with a moisturizer that contains ceramides (check out “So, What Does Menopausal Skincare Consist Of Exactly?”) and got some additional vitamin A into their system (it helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, so that skin has more flexibility and youth), it would cease to be as much of an issue. So yes, I’m thrilled that neck care is a peak skincare trend for 2025.
4. Ectoin
Something that you are definitely going to hear about more and more in the new year is an amino acid derivative known as ectoin. What’s dope about it is ecotin is a natural compound that has the ability to protect your skin from dehydration, increase your skin’s elasticity, and improve its overall texture too; it does this by keeping your skin’s layers hydrated while protecting them from environmental damage. For a list of some skincare products that have ecotin in them, check out Harper's BAZAAR’s article on the topichere.
Getty Images
5. Microbiome-Infuse Skincare
It’s kind of wild, just how much the word “microbiome” has come into my space lately. For instance, I recently penned, “What Is Your Vaginal Microbiome? How Does It Affect Your Overall Health?” for the platform. Anyway, as one of my friends says, the “longer story less long” is microbiome is a collection of things like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are naturally in and on our body. When it comes to your skin, specifically, there are more companies that are creating things that are touted as “microbiome-infused products.” What does that actually mean?
Basically, they are items that will help to keep the good bacteria in and on you in check, so that the bad doesn’t overtake it. What that means is these products will contain probiotics, prebiotics, and live cultures that will work to balance out your skin’s pH and flora. You can check out some of these products by going to your favorite search engine and putting “microbiome” or “probiotic” lotion or serum in the search field.
6. Tinted Moisturizer
Back before I figured out a skincare regimen that would get my skin to the close-to-flawless state that it is in now (hallelujah!), I used tinted moisturizer. To this day, I’m a fan because it’s a way to provide natural coverage to your skin, so you don’t have to look like you have a ton of makeup on. Not only that, but tinted moisturizer deeply hydrates, can smooth out the texture of your skin, and it’s versatile enough that you can use it all year round. So, are there any downsides? Eh.
I guess the main thing to remember is it’s not designed to provide full coverage (if that’s what you are after). Oh, and many of them don’t contain as much SPF protection as they probably should, so you may want to apply a thin coat of (facial) sunscreen before using it. The Cut has a list of tinted moisturizers for our (Black) skin here.
Getty Images
7. Exosomes
If one of your biggest priorities in the new year is to repair your skin, you might want to speak with a dermatologist about exosomes. Probably the best way to explain them is they are tiny particles that are used to repair skin tissues. Typically, they are applied following a microneedling or laser treatment in order to reduce inflammation, speed up the healing process, and also to give your skin a significant boost of collagen and elastin.
While we’re here, you may also want to speak with a dermatologist about whether there are exosome serums that may be good for your skin even without these types of treatments.
8. Natural Lashes
Listen y’all, “to each their own” has never rang more true than when it comes to eyelashes. That said, though, I doubt any of you would be shocked that I am BEYOND THRILLED that these extremely thick-and-long-how-do-you-even-see-anything eyelashes are starting to take a backseat. In 2025, natural lashes will be getting more attention, along with tips on how to get the most out of the ones that you were actually born with. If you’d like to get a head start, check out “Bat An Eye: 10 Ways To Naturally Grow Your Lashes.”
Getty Images
9. Overnight Masks
Although it might seem kind of drastic to put a product on your skin or in your hair overnight — hey, don’t knock it until you have tried it. Take batana oil, for example (check out “Batana Oil Is What Your Skin & Hair Have Been Needing Since...Yesterday”). If you Google it, a lot of articles will say that you should only leave it in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Chile, please. I happily bathe my skin and hair in that stuff a few times a week and leave it there — and I’ve been flourishing since. Same goes for overnight face masks.
Although it might seem a bit excessive to have pseudo-heavy products on your face and neck (and, more specifically, your pores) for hours on end, overnight masks are made up of ingredients that are specifically designed to penetrate your skin’s top layers in order to provide hydration, healing, and glowing skin. Wanna learn which ones would (probably) be best for you? Elle has a list here and Byrdie has a list here.
10. “Less Is More”
If there is one way to tie all of this in together, it’s the fact that pretty much all of these upcoming skincare trends are about bringing out the most in your natural beauty so that you truly can take the “less is more” approach to cosmetics. Not that make-up is bad or anything because, I have said several times before, there are folks out here who take make-up application to new levels and truly turn it into an art form.
All I’m saying is I’m happy that these popular treatments are making their way to the forefront because that will hopefully encourage people to run out to the store (more) without worrying about putting make-up on and caring for their skin instead of hiding behind layers of foundation. Yeah, if 2025 is going to be about “traveling light,” even when it comes to beauty…I am all for it!
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 by Anastasiia Krivenok/Getty Images
It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
'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!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
Celebrate International Women's Day With Wellness, Empowerment & More
International Women’s Day, celebrated on Saturday, March 8th, presents an excellent opportunity to honor and celebrate women. As March marks Women’s History Month, there are numerous chances throughout the month to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of women.
Both International Women's Day and Women's History Month serve as reminders of the progress made toward gender equality and the work still left to do.
They inspire ongoing advocacy for women's rights, fostering discussions on issues such as workplace discrimination, healthcare access, and representation in leadership. By celebrating women's contributions and amplifying their voices, these observances help pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Here are four ways to celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month.
Attend a Women History Month Event
This month, there are numerous events happening, particularly for International Women’s Day. One such event is organized by Media Girls Network, which will be held over a multi-day period starting on Thursday. The entire event is dedicated to celebrating women.
On Friday, the organization will honor prominent women in business and entertainment, including the OMG Girlz, celebrity restauranteur Gocha Hawkins, and more.
On Saturday, guests can indulge in a day of wellness and self-care, featuring a fitness class, massages, a journaling workshop, and other activities. For more information about these events, visit www.mediagirlsontour.com.
Support a Woman-Owned Business
Harbucks/ Getty Images
Reports indicate that women constitute 39.1% of business owners, and this percentage is steadily rising. In light of this, let’s celebrate and support women-owned businesses this month.
Here are a few ways to do so: shop at their establishments, leave positive reviews, follow and engage with them on social media, collaborate with them, or contribute to their crowdfunding efforts.
Support Women's Rights Groups
Carlos Barquero/ Getty Images
Since President Trump took office, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented number of rights being reversed, including DEI programs. Women have been particularly concerned about his decision regarding abortion and reproductive rights. Recently, he dismissed the Idaho Emergency Abortion case, which was a legal battle to ensure Idahoans had access to emergency abortion care.
Writing in her Substack blog, Abortion, Everyday, journalist and abortion rights advocate, Jessica Valenti, said, “By dropping this case, the Trump administration is sending a clear message that anti-abortion states don’t have to adhere to [the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act] by giving pregnant patients life-saving care.”
Instead of waiting on Trump's next move regarding women's rights, support women's rights organizations and charities like In Our Own Voice Action Fund and Planned Parenthood.
Empower Others
Xavier Lorenzo/ Getty Images
Use your voice to raise awareness about the challenges women encounter. This can be achieved through social media platforms or by speaking at local rallies and events. By leading by example, you can inspire others to get involved and contribute to the support.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by izusek/ Getty Images