I don't care who the woman is, how old she may be or what she looks like, if you ask her what she desires most on the beauty tip, I'm pretty sure that flawless skin will top the list. Not only is a beautiful complexion completely mesmerizing, it's also—how, do I put it? Cost effective. I'm tellin' y'all, ever since I've gotten my skin together, I can relate to actor Meagan Good when she said that she can't remember the last time that she used foundation. Whew! No more spending moments I'll never get back trying to find the perfect shade. No more worrying about hugging someone and my face rubbing off on their clothing. No more getting pimples because my pores are sick of me putting foundation on it all of the time. Freedom! Clear skin is precious freedom.
The cool thing about this article is, many of the things on this list, I can personally vouch for. They are the very items that got my skin back to being tight and right. The really awesome thing about them is they are all-natural. So if you want to use the next few weeks to get your own complexion back together, here are 10 things that can definitely help you out.
1. MSM & Vitamin C
Something that has become my beauty BFF is sulfur. One form of it is MSM (which is short for methylsulfonylmethane) which is an organic sulfur compound. Because sulfur is something that our body naturally produces, taking it in supplement form can produce several benefits. MSM is good for soothing joint pain, treating digestive issues, reducing allergy-related symptoms, supporting hair length retention and producing bright, glowing and even-toned skin.
Since we need collagen and keratin in order to look youthful and have softer-looking skin, MSM is a great way to get our body to create more of both. MSM is especially effective if you take it with around 1000 mg of Vitamin C on an empty stomach, on a daily basis. I've been doing it for a couple of months now and I can definitely tell the difference. It's like a miracle powder. No joke.
2. Sulfur Soap
It was around this time last year when I gave sulfur soap a shout out on the site. Nothing has exfoliated my skin, prevented period pimples and gotten rid of acne scars quite like it has. From what I've read, sulfur soap is so dope because it removes excess sebum, gets rid of the dead skin that clogs up pores, plus it contains resorcinol which is a powerful acne ingredient.
I've been getting some pretty big compliments on my skin for the past several months and I'm quick to sing sulfur soap's praises whenever I do. If you're curious, the kind that I use is Grisi Sulfur Acne Soap Bar. Just make sure to always keep in mind that it is sulfur and sulfur tends to have a bit of a rotten egg smell. Honestly, washing my face with it and rinsing thoroughly (or washing with it the night before) hasn't caused much of an issue. But if you're planning on using it to treat body acne, you might want to "proceed with caution" during the summertime. Sometimes it has a way of seeping out of your pores when it's super hot outside, if you're not careful.
3. Kiwi Fruit Extract
For such a cute little fruit, kiwi (also known as Chinese gooseberries) packs a pretty powerful punch. If you or your little one has asthma, it can improve your (or their) lung function. Kiwi also reduces DNA oxidative damage, helps to keep your heart healthy and strong, improves sleep quality, fights inflammation and, because it is a low-calorie fruit, kiwi aids in weight loss too. Because kiwi has so much Vitamin C in it, it's also a fruit that is great at keeping your skin looking and feeling amazing. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps your body to produce collagen and elastin; the more of these that you have, the less sagging your skin will do and the more radiant your skin will look.
Eating kiwi is one step towards having flawless skin. Another way is to apply some kiwi fruit extract directly to your face and neck. It's a wonderful way to "trigger" your skin into producing new skin cells while fighting free radical damage in the process. However, a popular way to get the extract into your system is to take it in powder form. You can pick up some, if you'd like, by shopping here.
4. Alpha-Arbutin
If you're looking for a way to lighten dark, age or liver spots but you'd prefer something that is safer than say, hydroquinone, an effective natural alternative (that's made up of wheat, bearberry plant, cranberries, pear skins and blueberries) is Alpha-Arbutin. The way that it works is it blocks melanin production which can ultimately lead to a more even skin tone.
A lot of people like to use it as an active ingredient in a DIY face serum. You can get the powder here. You can check out a DIY Vitamin C face serum recipe here (just make sure to swap out the Hyaluronic Acid for Alpha-Arbutin).
5. Strawberry & Yogurt Face Mask
Do you like to give yourself the spa treatment from the convenience of your own home? How about spoiling your skin by making a strawberry and yogurt face mask? Strawberries contain Vitamin C, salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acid—all of which serve as the ideal exfoliants. And yogurt? Yogurt not only moisturizes your skin, it also contains properties that reduce dark circles, fades blemishes and even aids in healing minor skin infections. Just make sure that the yogurt is plain; yogurt with sugar in it could irritate your skin. You can check out a good strawberry and yogurt mask recipe here.
6. Jasmine Essential Oil
It is my personal opinion that everyone on the planet should have, at least one bottle, of jasmine essential oil in their possession. It works as an aphrodisiac, antidepressant and antiseptic. Jasmine oil also supports in relieving menopause-related symptoms, reducing stress and, it's even been proven to slow down the growth of certain strains of candida (which can lead to yeast infections and oral thrush). Your skin will love you applying some jasmine to it (mixed with some sweet almond oil) because it will moisturize soft skin, balance hormonal imbalances and reduce scars that are related to acne and even eczema.
7. Coriander Essential Oil
An essential oil that doesn't come up as much as a lot of the others do is coriander. Long story short, it derives from the same plant that cilantro essential oil does. As far as its benefits, internally, it aids in the digestive process. Also, when you mix it with lavender oil, it provides an unbelievable calming effect. Coriander essential oil makes the flawless skin list because it has potent cleansing properties to prevent breakouts. If you add it to organic coconut oil and apply it right after you get out of the shower, coriander can also improve the appearance of your skin and give you a relaxed feeling at the same time.
8. Honey & Chamomile Skin Toner
If a part of you has always wondered why skin toner is even necessary, the gist is this—applying a toner, right after you wash your face, can remove any excess residue. Something else that toner does is balance the pH level of your skin and prevent breakouts. Understandably, many people shy away from commercial brand toners because of the drying alcohol that's in them.
A homemade alternative is to make the kind that consists of honey (to moisturize), chamomile (to soothe) and apple cider vinegar (to tighten the skin and balance its pH levels). If you'd like to give this toner a shot, you can check out an easy-to-make recipe here.
9. Green Tea Ice Cubes
If mild inflammation or pimples are what's driving you nuts, something that you can do to significantly reduce any swelling is to rub some green ice cubes onto your skin. Aside from the fact that green tea has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in it, it also contains the antioxidant EGCG; that is what helps to prevent skin cells from dying. Another benefit that green tea has is it contains Vitamin E; that is a vitamin that hydrates the skin, reduces the appearance of scars and will make your skin soft and smooth. Just boil some green tea, let it get to room temperature, pour the tea into some ice molds and freeze them overnight. Then rub the cubes wherever and whenever a zit or swelling underneath your eyes pops up.
10. “Add-In” Water
How irresponsible would I be to be out here talking about natural ways to get flawless skin without mentioning water? Water detoxifies, hydrates and keeps our skin moisturized throughout the day, so the more that we drink, the better. You can do your skin an extra solid by adding in a few things that will provide it the nutrients that it needs to remain beautiful. Cinnamon sticks will stop acne-causing bacteria. Mint leaves will tone and brighten your complexion. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon and lime slices are a good way to receive an extra dose of antioxidants. And, basil leaves will help to unclog your pores. So yeah, don't hesitate to put a little "extra" in your water. Not only will it keep it from tasting so "blah", it will be a treat for your skin as well. Drink up, sis. Your skin will absolutely love you for it!
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RELATED
The seeds for these entrepreneurs were planted during their time as students at schools like Spelman, North Carolina A&T, and more, which is why xoNecole caught up with Look Good Live Well’s Ariane Turner, HBCU Buzz’s Luke Lawal and Morehouse Senior Director of Marketing and Comms and Press Secretary Jasmine Gurley to highlight the role their HBCU roots play in their work as entrepreneurs, the legacy they aim to leave behind through the work that they do, and more as a part of Hyundai’s Best In Class initiative.
On Honoring HBCU Roots To Create Something That Is For Us, By Us
Ariane Turner
Courtesy
When Ariane Turner launched Look Good, Live Well, she created it with Black and brown people in mind, especially those with sensitive skin more prone to dryness and skin conditions like acne and eczema.
The Florida A&M University graduate launched her business to create something that addressed topical skin care needs and was intentional about its approach without negative terminology.
Turner shared that it is important to steer clear of language often adopted by more prominent brands, such as “banishing breakouts” or “correcting the skin,” because, in reality, Turner says there is nothing wrong with the way that our skin and bodies react to various life changes.
“I think what I have taken with me regarding my HBCU experience and translated to my entrepreneurial experience is the importance of not just networking,” Turner, the founder and CEO of Look Good, Live Well, tellls xoNecole.
“We hear that in business all the time, your network is your net worth, but family, there’s a thing at FAMU that we call FAMU-lee instead of family, and it’s very much a thing. What that taught me is the importance of not just making relationships and not just making that connection, but truly working on deepening them, and so being intentional about connecting with people initially, but staying connected and building and deepening those relationships, and that has served me tremendously in business, whether it’s being able to reach back to other classmates who I went to school with, or just networking in general.”
She adds, “I don’t come from a business background. As soon as I finished school, I continued with my entrepreneurial journey, and so there’s a lot of that traditional business act and the networking, those soft skills that I just don’t have, but I will say that just understanding how to leverage and network community and to build intentional relationships is something that has taken me far and I definitely got those roots while attending FAMU.”
On Solving A Very Specific Need For The Community
Luke Lawal Jr.
Courtesy
When Luke Lawal Jr. launched HBCU Buzz, his main focus was to represent his community, using the platform to lift as they climbed by creating an outlet dedicated to celebrating the achievements and positive news affecting the 107 historically HBCUs nationwide.
By spotlighting the wonderful things that come from the HBCU community and coupling it with what he learned during his time at Bowie State University, Lawal used that knowledge to propel himself as an entrepreneur while also providing his people with accurate representation across the internet.
“The specific problem in 2011 when I started HBCU Buzz was more so around the fact that mainstream media always depict HBCUs as negative,” Lawal says. “You would only see HBCUs in the mainstream media when someone died, or the university president or someone was stepping down. It was always bad news, but they never shed light on all the wonderful things from our community."
So, I started HBCU Buzz to ensure the world saw the good things that come from our space. And they knew that HBCUs grew some of the brightest people in the world, and just trying to figure out ways to make sure our platform was a pedestal for all the students that come through our institutions.”
“The biggest goal is to continue to solve problems, continue to create brands that solve the problems of our communities, and make sure that our products, our brands, our companies, and institutions are of value and they’re helping our community,” he continues. “That they’re solving problems that propel our space forward.”
On How Being An HBCU Alum Impacts The Way One Shows Up In The World
Jasmine Gurley
Courtesy
Jasmine Gurley is a proud North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University alum. She is even more delighted with her current role, which enables her to give back to current HBCU students as the Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Communications and official press secretary at Morehouse College.
“It was a formative experience where I really was able to come into my own and say yes to all the opportunities that were presented to me, and because of that, it’s been able to open the doors later in life too,” says Gurley of her experience at North Carolina A&T. “One thing I love about many HBCUs is that we are required to learn way more about African American history than you do in your typical K through 12 or even at the higher ed level."
She adds, “It allowed us to have a better understanding of where we came from, and so for me, because I’m a storyteller, I’m a history person, I’m very sensitive to life in general, being able to listen to the stories and the trials that our ancestors overcame, put the battery pack in my back to say, ‘Oh nothing can stop me. Absolutely nothing can stop me. I know where I came from, so I can overcome something and try anything. And I have an obligation to be my ancestors’ wildest dreams. Simultaneously, I also have a responsibility to help others realize that greatness.
Gurley does not take her position at an HBCU, now as a leader, lightly.
“People think I’m joking when I say I’m living the dream, but I really am,” she notes. “So I wake up every day and know that the work that I do matters, no matter how hard it might be, how frustrating it may be, and challenging it. I know the ripple effect of my work, my team, and what this institution does also matter. The trajectory of Black male experiences, community, history, and then just American advancement just in general.”
On the other hand, through her business, Sankofa Public Relations, Gurley is also on a mission to uplift brands in their quest to help their respective communities. Since its inception in 2017, Sankofa PR has been on a mission to “reach back and reclaim local, national, and global communities by helping those actively working to move” various areas of the world, focusing on pushing things forward for the better.
“Through Sankofa, we’ve worked with all different types of organizational brands and individuals in several different industries, but I would think of them as mission-based,” says Gurley.
“So with that, it’s an opportunity to help people who are trying to do good in the world, and they are passionate about what they’re doing. They just need help with marketing issues, storytelling, and branding, and that’s when my expertise can come into play. Help them get to that moment where they can tell their story through me or another platform, and that’s been super fulfilling.”
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
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Some folks are saying that October is now “uncuffing season” as partners won’t have to deal with the weight and expectations that come with this time of year. From matching Halloween costumes to voting to Thanksgiving and Christmas, it seems the new cuffing season has moved to January.
In August 2021, Zoë and Channing were first rumored to be romantically involved after being photographed riding together through the streets of New York City on a BMX bike. The following month, they were seen leaving the Met Gala together, and Tatum confirmed their relationship on Halloween by posting a picture of them wearing a couples costume from Martin Scorsese's iconic 1976 film Taxi Driver on Instagram.
Instagram/@channingtatum
After collaborating on Zoë's directorial debut, Blink Twice, where Channing played a starring role, their relationship blossomed into a full-out romance. Approximately a year later, the Step Up star popped the question.
Because the streets are always watching, PEOPLE reported that Channing joined Zoë in seeing a production of a play by Blink Twice costar Levon Hawke in New York City's Red Hook neighborhood on Oct. 6. Most recently, Kravitz has been seen in public without her engagement ring, notably during an outing with her Big Little Lies co-star Shailene Woodley.
So the news of the split kinda comes as a surprise as we were just oozing over the couple’s undeniable chemistry during their Blink Twice press run in August. Channing and Zoë openly discussed their relationship and collaborated on multiple videos that went viral.
Even proud papa Lenny Kravitz gave his approval. During an interview with BBC’s Radio 2, he said, "He was raised well. So, you know, he’s got manners. He’s charming. He’s a soulful human being. And so, he’s become part of the family quite quickly. He fits and they're in love. We’re going to have a wedding next year."
As we mourn this breakup, let’s run back some memorable moments from the possibly uncoupled pair.
"Art is our love language."
When asked about future collaborations with her boo during the premiere of Blink Twice on Aug. 23, Zoë shared, "I think it's what we love, and we love talking about it, and experiencing it, and supporting each other.” Channing chimed in saying, “This is what I'll say about creating with someone that you are with or love: I suggest it. If you are thinking about having a kid or if you're thinking about getting married, go find the hardest possible creative project with your partner.”
“I got you forever.”
Channing took to Instagram to share an adoring photo of him holding Zoë. He captioned the photo, “This little sweet. She So tired bro. Every time I wondered if she’d break…. She just kept going and going and going. Always on the dig for truth. She pour’d every single ounce of her into this film. I’m so proud to stand ten toes down for her, this film and everyone in it. forever. Knowing what it took to make it. No one will ever know.”
The last line took us out: “Thank you for finding me and seeing me. I got you forever. Me and you back to back against it all. I’ll never blink. Let’s go. #blinktwice”
GOAT Talk
On Complex’s GOAT Talk, a show where stars are prompted to reveal their favorites of all time, Channing and Zoë disclosed their go-to song for singing in the shower, their beloved ad-lib line from Blink Twice, and their stance on conspiracy theories and their favorite rapper. The moment Channing challenged Zoë’s answer that Catwoman is the best superhero of all time was just too cute.
“The Lie Detector determined…”
The cast of Blink Twice underwent Vanity Fair's well-known lie detector test, facing a barrage of probing questions. Among the inquiries were: Did Channing Tatum and Naomi Watts ever irritate Zoë Kravitz during the filming of Blink Twice? Did Naomi ever pilfer anything from the set? Did Channing's portrayal of Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine surpass his personal expectations?
Best of all were the moments you saw Zoë and Channing look at each other adoringly and when they would finish each other sentences. “We are equally cool,” Zoë beamed.
Puppy Love
The pair hung out with BuzzFeed and a slew of adorable puppies while chatting about their favorite improvised moment on set, who has the best rizz — which is apparently Channing according to Zoë — and their first impressions of each other. Not only did they binge-watch Love Island together but they also boasted they would win Love Is Blind if they were on the show.
The Pressure
Zoë Kravitz recently sat down with Esquirefor an interview and got real about her thoughts on becoming a parent. She shared that she's always kinda thought motherhood might not be her thing. “For a long time, I felt like there was something wrong with me. I was waiting for this light to go off in my head, and it never did. When you’re younger, you’re like, ‘Well, I can’t have kids. I’m too young! It’d be crazy.’”
Her viewpoint on childbirth and parenthood has evolved as she has matured and witnessed the societal pressure placed on women to reproduce. While she recognizes the immense strength and courage required to carry and raise a child, Kravitz believes that women should not be made to feel obligated to do so.
Zoë continued, “For a lot of people that have children, it is this giant, life-changing event – and I do think there is a certain amount of focus and respect that they should get from their community. There’s a lot of pressure on women to have children, and there’s a feeling that if you don’t, you don’t have purpose here.” The director feels a special connection to her new movie akin to giving birth.
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Featured image by Dave Benett/WireImage