There are two types of people in the world: those who do everything in their power to prevent breakouts and still manage to get them, and those who can do just about any damnable things in the book of skin care and still manage to wake up with baby smooth skin. Trust me, I know how frustrating it can be, but you can't help the hand we've been dealt if you have acne-prone skin.
The reason behind why certain skin types are more genetically predisposed to inflammation and breakout than others is still unclear in the world of dermatology, but specialists have narrowed it down to one theory: TLR's (toll-like receptors). Their job is to alert your body of any proposed threats and how to handle them, which means that night you fell asleep in your makeup might just cause your body to fight back by producing a pesky pimple the next morning.
Thankfully, brands all over the beauty world are formulating products just for blemish-prone babes to rid their skin of impurities from the inside out. Special ingredients in the newest skin care lines unclog pores, correct dull complexions, and leave the skin glowing. Get your hands on the latest and greatest products just for your acne-prone skin from these Black woman-owned and woman-owned businesses, here:
Beija Flor Naturals Honey Cinnamon Detox Cleansing Bar, $9.
This facial cleanser is overflowing with natural and organically derived ingredients like olive oil, cocoa butter, and coconut oil. The cinnamon and honey add anti-fungal/anti-bacterial properties to soothe inflammation due to acne or skin blemishes.
Kaike Green Tea Mask + Scrub, $20.
This all-natural detoxifying mask is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin by absorbing oils and impurities from the skin. With key ingredients like French green clay and matcha, this cleanser is sure to reduce blemished and tone the skin.
Base Butter Radiate Face Jelly, $21.
Try this lightweight moisturizer to rejuvenate, restore, and protect your skin. The lavender, tea tree oil, and Aloe Vera in the formula are key players in keeping the skin fresh, balanced, and glowing!
Bolden Skin Clarifying Cleanser, $16.50.
This cleanser is a gentle PH-balanced formulation that addresses all key issues that contribute to congested and breakout-prone skin. The cleanser's anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties fight breakouts, while powerful antioxidants renew and protect skin from free radical damage and premature aging.
Specific Beauty Daily Gentle Cleanser, $24.
In need of a product that removes dirt and pore-clogging impurities? This cleaner is formulated to do just that, leaving skin radiantly renewed. Perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
Three Notes Charcoal & Tea Tree Cleanser, $25.95.
This Black woman-owned business provides deep-cleansing products with all natural ingredients leaving skin moisturized and refreshed.
Elements of Aliel Joy Cleanser, $29.
This organic African Black soap based cleanser is packed with the anti-bacterial and antifungal properties, lavender and infused with green tea to clear and prevent breakouts.
JACQ’s Plantain & Activated Charcoal Cleansing Bar, $6.
This Black woman-owned business believes in following nature's lead. This cleansing bar is formulated with plantain peel and activated bamboo charcoal, perfect for rejuvenating oily and acne-prone skin.
Urban Skin Rx Clean and Glow Cleanser, $32.
Urban Skin Rx is all about providing solutions for ethnic skin. Their Clean and Glow Cleanser is a gel-based formula infused with papaya enzymes and salicylic acid that gently exfoliates dead skin while unclogging pores; leaving your skin vibrant and fresh.
SDOT Beauty DETOX Charcoal + Seaweed Cleansing Bar, $12.
Detoxify your skin with this mixture of magnetizing, powerful activated bamboo charcoal and purifying essence of seaweed. This cleansing bar draws out impurities and heals blemishes, nourishing the skin with tea tree, grapefruit, and avocado oil that's sure to leave your skin with a healthy glow!
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Featured image via Getty Images.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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Feature image screenshot/YouTube