In About Face, xoNecole gets the 411 on IGers who give us #skincaregoals on the daily. Here they break down their beauty routines on the inside and out, as well as the highly coveted products that grace their shelves and their skin.
Keeping your glow-on-go can feel like a full-time job, but LA-Based creative storyteller, Sammy Approved isn't about to let adult acne steal her shine. The 27-year-old digital content creator recently sat down with xoNecole and spilled the tea on the brightening skincare routine that she can't live without and we have all the details.
With adulthood comes the need for an effective beauty regimen and according to Sammy, although she's somewhat new to the skincare game, she's true to it. Sammy shared, "My view on skincare has changed significantly because as I've approached my mid-late 20's, my skin calls for different products and more attention."
With an arsenal of products discovered through trial and error, Sammy says that she has now developed an effective routine that both brightens her skin and gets her hyperpigmentation all the way together. She told xoNecole, "Adult acne is a thing. I never had serious acne breakouts until adulthood. I don't have the luxury of not 'being on' 24/7. When my job calls for lights, camera, action, I have to snap into it and my skin should be the least of my worries. So finding a skincare regimen to practice twice a day has yielded in great results for me."
In our chat, Sammy also broke down why a DIY Aztech Clay Mask, blotting papers, and a fresh set of pillowcases are all essential to leveling up your self-care game.
My earliest beauty memory...
"My earliest beauty memory was when I was 16 years old preparing for senior photos with a local photographer. This was a pretty big deal because I had signed up to be an ambassador for his company to encourage other seniors to book with him for senior photos. I remember my mom taking me to several department stores to find a few different looks to wear. We stopped by the makeup counter in the mall and suddenly it was time to make one of the hardest decisions of my young life: What brand of foundation would I choose for the first time?
"My mom had been using MAC foundation for as long as I could remember but that day she mentioned how heavy it can be on the skin and that I may not need that product as my first product in the makeup game. I agreed and we continued looking. The next encounter happened to be Lancôme. I remember being enticed by their makeup stand. It was bright and inviting. Someone matched me for the foundation and I remember my skin looking and feeling so smooth, light, and flawless. It was the perfect first foundation."
My most significant beauty lesson...
"Wash your face! No matter how lit the night was, how tired you become, or if you fall asleep at someone's home without your must-have products, find a way to wash your face. At this point, I carry makeup wipes with me just in case. That pimple will rise to the surface if you don't rid your skin of the sweat, dirt, and makeup you built up throughout the day. Also, it helps to wash your pillowcases often. I'm a natural girl so I use a number of products in my hair. If you don't think that sits on top of your pillowcases and slowly finds its way on your face, you're mistaken."
For my skincare routine in the AM...
"I wash my hands first. Then, I use Ren's Ready Steady Glow AHA Toner to get rid of that first layer of dirt. Your face will thank me for this toner! Next, I wash my face with Ancient Cosmetics Even Skin Hyperpigmentation Turmeric Face Wash. I have issues with scarring from terrible breakouts here and there so this particular face wash helps with getting that even skin tone we all want. After cleansing, I moisturize my skin with Fresh Vitamin Nectar Moisture Glow Face Cream. It's not a heavy moisturizer and you don't need to use too much. I like that it's light and does the job. If I am preparing to go out, I'll finish with Glossier's Futuredew Oil Serum Hybrid. You will glow effortlessly! I also started using these blotting films from Sephora after traveling on tour for a few months. My best friend suggested these to use throughout the day so that the oil and build up doesn't sit on your skin all day."
For my skincare routine in the PM...
"At night, I follow the same morning routine but I use one additional product under my eyes before I moisturize. The Body Shop's Drops of Youth Bouncy Eye Mask reduces puffiness under the eyes and fades dark circles which is something I struggled with from lack of sleep. It's a little on the pricier side but you don't use a lot of the product––just a small dab for both eyes."
My go-to makeup look consists of...
"I wear makeup here and there but it's definitely not a daily practice. My go-to makeup look consists of Nars Weightless Luminous Foundation, Nars Concealer, Anastasia's Dipbrow Pomade, Maybelline's Classic Great Lash, Maybelline Master Chrome Highlighter and a little Glossier lipgloss."
What self-care looks like to me...
"I'm an environment person. I need incense, candles and essential oils to create a comfortable and inviting ambiance in my space. I live for a good mask like the Aztec Clay Mask or any other sheet mask I may find in my local grocery store. I must also have my journal and bath salts to soak in."
My approach to beauty from the inside-out...
"I practice meditation. I speak daily affirmations to myself that encourage and motivate me to turn on the light within. You can shine on the outside once you glow internally. I also write often to release any emotions I may hold onto throughout the day. This is also a practice that helps you look and feel less stressed and uneasy. Having control over our emotions translates to how our skin looks and feels so it's important to have an outlet or two to maintain the internal as well."
How I do skincare when I travel...
"Most of my current daily routine I use while traveling because I was on a two-month tour across the country and many of the products I use now were purchased on the road. When traveling, I am just a lot more conscious of how often I wash my face and pillowcases. I definitely would recommend traveling with your own pillowcases. The blotting films are essential when you're moving from place to place on the road to prevent that dirt buildup in your pores throughout the day."
For more of Sammy, follow her on Instagram!
Shop Sammy's Beauty Staples:
*Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase an item from an affiliate link, xoNecole might earn a small commission.
Featured image courtesy of Instagram/@SammyApproved.
- About Face: Kaylen Zahara, Skincare Routine - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- How To Treat Hyperpigmentation, 10 Ways ›
- How I Got Rid Of My Hyperpigmentation Fast - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Adult Acne: How To Get Rid Of It Fast, Naturally - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
RELATED
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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 Leon Bennett/Getty Images
So how did the queen of dramatic roles prepare to save the world (and her family) at nearly 60? Keep reading to learn how Viola Davis entered her action star era, all while making it look so easy.
1. Viola Said Yes to the Hero Role She Didn’t See Coming
When producer Andrew Lazar first approached Viola with the G20 script, it was back in 2015 and the actress couldn’t believe they saw her as the flick's action lead. “I am seeing myself way more expansively now that I've been liberated from the definitions of the world,” she told Entertainment Weekly. Per EW, Davis shared that the role reminded her of the movies and heroes that made her fall in love with acting as a whole. “Sigourney Weaver in Alien, Harrison Ford in Air Force One, Bruce Willis in Die Hard. I wanted to be the hero in the story. I wanted to be Indiana Jones,” she added.
2. She Let Her Inner Child Come Out to Play in 'G20'
For Viola, taking on the role of President Danielle Sutton wasn’t just about proving she could do it, it was about remembering why she ever wanted to. “One thing that people don’t understand when you’ve been in the business a long time is that you can forget the fun,” she said. “You can forget the fun of play and pretend, and it reminded me of why I fell in love with it.”
3. She Kept Her Warrior Workout Going, Even After 'The Woman King'
Lucky for Viola, she was already action star-ready thanks to the training she did for The Woman King and shooting G20 shortly after. She didn't need to get back in shape because she was already there and had the reps (and the biceps) to prove it. “I shot this movie right after doing The Woman King, so I never stopped working out,” she shared in an interview with USA Today. “So yes, I can do a lot of pull-ups, let’s just say. I’m tougher than people think I am.”
She credits her trainer, Gabriela McLain, whom she jokingly calls “Lord Voldemort” for pushing her through squats, punching exercises, and heavy lifting. The physicality was real, and Viola was ready.
4. She Did (Almost) All Her Own Stunts
If you didn't know Viola did most of her own stunts in G20, now you know. “I did almost all of it, believe it or not. I’m a masochist,” she laughed. Between fight scenes and pulling off high-intensity sequences under pressure, Viola said the fight in the kitchen scene in particular was an experience that was not only fun for her inner child but freeing.
She told EW, “Little Viola had the most fun. I always wanted to play with the biggest boys and pretend to take them down.”
Anthony Anderson (as Derek), Marsai Martin (as Serena), Viola Davis (as Danielle), and Christopher Farrar (as Demetrius). Credit: Prime Video
5. Viola Brought Real Emotion to the Role of a Leader Under Pressure
While G20 isn't short on the action, Viola brought the emotional depth and nuance we’ve come to expect from her in her work. Not just as the POTUS, but also as a wife and mother. “Playing a leader requires negotiating with yourself emotionally [and] intellectually because it’s not about you,” she explained to EW. “How do you save the world and then save your children and your husband when you are saturated with fear?”
Catch G20 on Prime Video. Now streaming.
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 Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival