
From Fresh Face To Glam: Keke Palmer’s Skincare And Makeup Must-Haves Are Here

If it’s Keke Palmer, baby, we are locked in.
The multi-faceted star showed Vogue her beauty routine, and we can’t get enough. It reflects her love for self-care and natural beauty. Her skincare emphasizes hydration and brightening, using products like La Roche-Posay cleanser, Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant for hyperpigmentation, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost serum.
Of course, our cousin does her research before recommending any products. Keke said, “When I do any kind of product, I do check and see what kind of people have reviewed the product, particularly Black people, to know that somebody with obviously Black skin uses the product.”
Skincare
Screenshot/ Vogue
- Cleanse: Uses La Roche-Posay Gel Cleanser for a gentle, effective cleanse, ensuring it’s reviewed for Black skin compatibility.
- Exfoliate: Applies Paula’s Choice BHA to target hyperpigmentation and improve texture.
- Mask: Treats herself with Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C+ masks for fun and nourishment.
- Hydrate: Sprays Avène Thermal Spring Water, followed by Neutrogena Hydro Boost serum.
- Moisturize: Locks in hydration with La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer and Aquaphor for dry areas.
- Protect: Applies Cay Skin SPF to prepare for makeup.
Screenshot/ Vogue
"The real reason why my routine has changed as a mom is because I’m tired. Sometimes I have to really like pull myself to do the routine." More than anything, time with her son, Leo, is what matters most. “Personally, during my pregnancy, my skin was absolutely amazing, and when I had my son... the excess amount of progesterone helped level my skin out.”
Hair
Screenshot/ Vogue
Keke shared,"When I started doing my natural hair... I realized that I really loved flexi rod sets. It’s not too much; I just try to keep it in its form." She went on to say, “It took me a long time to get to the place of being able to really appreciate my hair and all its uniqueness and what it can do.”
- Style: Sets her natural hair with flexi rods for defined, voluminous curls.
- Shine: Uses Creme of Nature Argan Oil Shine Mist to maintain luster.
- Separate & Shape: Carefully separates curls and picks them out for volume.
- Protective Styles: Wears wigs occasionally, embracing them as a choice, not a necessity.
Makeup
Screenshot/ Vogue
Her makeup style is casual yet polished, featuring staples like Anastasia Brow Wiz and Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, creating a radiant, natural glow. "I’m going for a very casual makeup look... oh my gosh, did she do her makeup? Maybe she did. She’s such a fab girl naturally."
The routine highlights self-love and artistry while staying relatable to her audience.
- Base: Applies Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation and NARS concealer for a light, highlighted finish.
- Set: Uses Charlotte Tilbury spray and bronzing powder for a flawless glow.
- Blush: Adds Patrick Ta Creme Blush for a soft, youthful flush.
- Eyes & Lashes: Uses mascara to refresh false lashes, adding a pop of drama.
- Lips: Lines with Make Up For Ever pencil and applies Huda Beauty matte lipstick.
- Final Touch: Sets everything with Hourglass powder and Chanel blush for a blurred, seamless finish.
Screenshot/ Vogue
Keke finishes her beauty routine with Kilian Angels’ Share perfume, adding a touch of luxury.
One gem the Nope actress dropped was also the fact that Brandy gave her her first journal. In it, she left a note that said, "I am who I am because you are who you are.” Representation matters in every way.
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/ Vogue
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
'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