Alicia Keys Cleansing Swizz Beatz's Face Is A New Level Of Intimacy We Need From Bae
With the month winding down and Valentine's Day coming and going, there's still quite a bit of love lingering in the air. After all, everyone's love story is different, and since we're huge lovers of love around here, we can never get enough of the ways that people express their appreciation for their partners.
Well, one of our favorite couples, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, are showing off their love with a new level of intimacy that we stan; one that has nothing to do with sex. It was all about how she was looking at him for me!
Alicia Keys officially entered the beauty business when she partnered with drugstore favorite E.l.f Beauty to create a lifestyle beauty brand called Keys Soulcare. The brand focuses on wellness and self-care with products that include a face cream, face roller, and candle, all cruelty-free. Keys decided to test her products on her boo, which brings us to a video titled, 'Making Love To Your Face.' And listen, the two mega-stars get busy without ever even taking their clothes off.
The video opens up with the two discussing what Valentine's Day means in their relationship, as Keys lights her Sage + Oak Milk Candle:
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"OK, we're going to light the candle, and I like to light the candle to set an intention," she says, which Swizz agrees.
"You know, what do we want out of this moment? What I want out of this moment, is I just want a deeper connection and like some fun."
Swizz adds:
"I want out of this moment...cleansing."
Swizz then reads the mantra on the candle which states the powerful, "I shine at full wattage." #comethru
Up next, Alicia uses the first product on Swizz, the Golden Cleanser:
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"I love how light it is. It has turmeric in it, it has chamomile. And it has Manuka honey."
According to the website, the Golden Cleanser is peak cleaning goals as its primary skincare benefit is each ingredient (Manuka honey from New Zealand, turmeric and chamomile) soothes and calms as they cleanse. The activated charcoal helps purify and balance the look of skin. The scent of sandalwood soothes and encourages stillness, purifying both the skin and your spirit, giving you the clarity and power to turn everything in your life into gold.
The affirmation instructed for you to cite when using is: "I am devoted to this moment."
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As Alicia washes his face, she says:
"See I'm trying to give you like a sweet experience because we don't have to always go ballistic, although, we love having a great time, but there's so many different ways to have a great time. This is a good one. I recommend this as a good love moment. Good love moment tip."
She then sprays him up with some Reviving Aura Mist. Meanwhile, Swizz is loving it!
Next, they begin to exfoliate his skin, using Be Luminous Exfoliator:
YouTube
The Be Luminous Exfoliator has antioxidant-rich Hojicha powder, which provides non-stripping exfoliation for a softer, smoother-looking texture. Lactic acid for skin is a hardworking multitasker that gently exfoliates for a brighter appearance. The exfoliator also polishes the skin and your spirit to leave you shining from the inside out. The affirmation instructed for you to cite when using is: "I am layered, complex and divine."
Alicia applies the product and as she wipes his face, Swizz explains:
"Guys always wait until they break out or something happens and then they want to try to figure it out, when it should be the opposite."
He then exclaims:
"It feels so good, feels like a baby's ass, you feel that!?"
That man really loves him some Alicia!
Watch the super cute video in its entirety below:
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Featured image by Alicia Keys/Instagram
Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Solo, But Never Alone: How Solo Travel Empowers Women To Rediscover Themselves
I wear many hats: mom, daughter, older sister, mentor, friend, and founder of HERide, Atlanta’s #1 female-friendly rideshare company. But above all these roles, I am a Black woman navigating life with resilience and grace.
Embracing Self-Love After Heartbreak
Let’s be honest: breakups suck, and no matter how long ago you went through one, the lingering effects can sometimes last for what feels like a lifetime. Embracing self-love after a breakup is a crucial step toward healing, and solo travel can be a powerful catalyst for this journey.
At one point, I thought being in love meant adapting to my partner's needs, but in the process, I shrunk myself until I was no longer recognizable.
Traveling alone gave me the space and freedom to rediscover who I am outside of a relationship. It allowed me to appreciate my own company, fall in love with myself all over again, and rewrite my story on my terms.
Through solo adventures, I found strength, joy, and a renewed sense of self-worth that prepared me to re-enter the dating world with confidence and a deep appreciation for my own happiness.
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The Transformative Power of Solo Travel
I recently returned from my first major solo travel adventure, celebrating my 30th birthday in Asia. Over the course of two weeks, I explored Bali, Thailand, and Seoul, Korea. This trip was more than just a vacation; it was a celebration of my growth, independence, and resilience.
Solo travel has taught me numerous valuable lessons. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to discover new cultures, meet incredible people, and, most importantly, reconnect with myself.
Each destination presented unique challenges and joys, from navigating language barriers in Thailand to experiencing the serene beauty of Bali's rice terraces. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the world and my place within it.
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Traveling alone as a Black woman can sometimes feel daunting, but it has also been empowering. It has reminded me of my strength and capability. In moments of solitude, I have found clarity and peace, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This freedom has been instrumental in my journey toward self-discoveryand personal growth. Here are a few ways solo travel has been transformative for me and why I believe it can be for you too:
- Rediscovering Yourself: Traveling alone allows you to step away from your daily routine and the roles you play in other people's lives. It's a chance to listen to your own thoughts and desires without external influences. This space can lead to profound self-discovery and personal growth.
- Building Confidence: Navigating new countries, cultures, and languages on your own can significantly boost your confidence. Each challenge you overcome is a testament to your strength and resilience.
- Making Uncompromised Choices: When you travel solo, you make all the decisions. You don't have to cater to anyone else's preferences or schedules. This autonomy can be incredibly liberating and empowering.
- Meeting New People: Solo travel often opens doors to meeting new people. Without the safety net of a travel companion, you're more likely to strike up conversations with locals and fellow travelers, leading to enriching interactions and friendships.
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Breaking Free from Hustle Culture
In today’s society, there is a pervasive culture of hustle and constant productivity. We are often made to feel that our worth is tied to how busy we are and how much we achieve. However, this mindset can be detrimental to our mental health and overall well-being. It’s important to remember that rest and self-care are just as valuable as hard work.
Solo travel is a powerful antidote to hustle culture. It allows us to step back from our daily routines, disconnect from work, and focus on our personal growth. Traveling alone gives us the space to recharge, reflect, and realign our priorities. It reminds us that life is not just about work and achievements but also about joy, adventure, and self-discovery.
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Practical Tips for Solo Female Travelers
To make the most of your solo travel experience, here are some practical tips:
- Plan Ahead: Research your destination thoroughly. Know the safest neighborhoods, the local customs, and any potential risks. Having a solid plan can alleviate a lot of anxiety.
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with family or friends back home. Share your itinerary and check in regularly. This not only keeps you safe but also provides peace of mind to your loved ones.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Whether it’s avoiding certain areas or turning down offers that seem too good to be true, your intuition is a powerful tool.
- Pack Light: Traveling light can make your journey more comfortable and less stressful. It also makes it easier to move around and stay mobile.
- Embrace Technology: Use travel apps to navigate, book accommodations, and find local attractions. Technology can be a great ally in ensuring a smooth travel experience.
- Stay Aware: Be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like excessive phone use in public places, and always stay alert.
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Conclusion: Take the Leap
As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the importance of taking the leap. Solo travel has taught me that the world is full of possibilities and that the most important journey is the one we take within ourselves. Whether you are seeking adventure, self-discovery, or simply a break from the routine, solo travel can be a powerful catalyst for change.
So, to all my sisters out there: take the leap. Embrace the unknown. Rediscover yourself one solo journey at a time. Travel safely, travel confidently, and never forget that you are enough.
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