

Still looking for your go-to, glo-up makeup palette for the summer? It's handled.
Shonda Rhimes recently announced that Scandal would end after the seventh season and I am in tears. Kerry Washington effortlessly sashayed through those White House doors, on to our television screens and into our hearts. But, thanks to her newest collaboration with Neutrogena, we'll be able to channel our inner-Olivia Pope long after the series comes to an end.
It's a first for the actress and Neutrogena spokesperson - and we couldn't be more excited about it!
Neutrogena
Kerry Washington recently teamed up Neutrogena to release a new collection that will debut in Ulta Beauty stores on April 22. The ultra-talented actress/director was creative director on the joint project and hopes that the launch will assist in the execution of our summer slay by highlighting the characteristics that make us naturally beautiful. Kerry said:
"Beauty — for me — is not just about how we look, it really is about who we are. So I wanted the names in both palettes to reflect who we are on the inside, the qualities that make us shine bright. Because our makeup should do that. It should reveal those inner qualities."
The Kerry x Neutrogena collab is proof that the beauty industry has taken the hint that inclusivity is lit.
Washington began working with Neutrogena in 2016 and was an ambassador for women of color. She took part in collaborating to create a more diverse selection of foundations for women of color - work that the actress is still diligently hard at work at diversifying. In an interview with PeopleStyle, she said:
"Inclusivity is a value that is core to my beliefs and a passion of mine, so to be able to be hands-on making this technology available to everybody and also coming up with lip colors that look good on everybody … There's no reason why women of all ethnicities should be like 'Oh, I love this technology but there is no color for me.'"
She told Allure:
"I think it's exciting that we're living in a world where we're beginning to be in touch with the idea that beauty comes in a lot of different packages. I think the more that we can honor that, the [truer] we're being to who we are as human beings. Beauty comes in so many different shapes, sizes, and color ranges."
The new collection features a cheek palette and eye palette inspired by natural beauty. The Essential Cheek Palette will enhance your glow, and comes in three versatile shades: Grateful (bronze), Captivating (blush), and Elegant (highlight). The Essential Eye Palette includes 5 satin neutral shades with a built-in primer designed to enhance and highlight your natural features. Both the Essential Cheek Palette and the Essential Eye Palette will be available at a retail value of $9.99 and 12.99 respectively - yas!
Neutrogena
The collection consists of shades that Washington rocks on a regular basis. She said that she can rock these shades anywhere from the red carpet to on-set as Olivia Pope. Washington told Allure:
"On a busy day, if I keep these two essential palettes in my purse at all times — I can have other products that I toss in and out — but if I have these two, I'm armed with everything I need, no matter who I am, no matter where I'm going. I wanted it to work for everybody, for every situation, to take the complexity out of it and just have your essential kit."
Even though Scandal is ending soon, I still plan to live vicariously through Olivia Pope with the new products from the Kerry x Neutrogena collection.
Kerry said that the line is inspired by both simplicity and extravagance and her belief that beauty shouldn't be hard.
"It should feel like a bit of luxury in your life, but it shouldn't be hard. That's where the idea of the Essential palettes comes from: It's something that you can put in your purse and know that you've got what you need."
Featured image via Neutrogena
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
'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!
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There’s caviar, and then there’s Black-owned caviar. With the recent explosion of #CaviarTikTok, this luxury delicacy seems to be everywhere these days. I can’t scroll through my feed without seeing our favorite celebs and influencers diving headfirst into extravagant caviar spreads.
From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
@caviardreamkendra so you’ve got your Caviar Dream…now what to eat it with? i’ve probably had cavi with just about anything you can imagine at this point {topped some fried cheese curds with my California White a few months ago and it was 💥} but i gotta say that i have some on my scrambled eggs every week 😌 no need to get fancy — just scramble your eggs however you usually do and scoop that cavi right on top 🤤 you can upgrade from there in a few ways: ✨ add a dollop of crème frâiche {see my previous video for a 30 second make-at-home recipe} ✨ sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top ✨ put the whole caviar / scrambled egg situation on a toasted + buttered bagel, croissant or onion bun! p.s.: i love our Smoked Trout Roe with scrambled eggs too 💖 if you try any of these combos, let me know what you think! 🩵💭✨👩🏽🍳 #CaviarDream #caviarforthepeople #putsomecaviaronit #caviar #caviartok #fyp #caviarparty #caviarnight #affordableluxury #chicagotiktok #homecooking #galentines #valentinesday #tiktokuniversity #cooking #easyrecipe #caviar101
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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Feature image by Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images