

There are a plethora of beauty tips on the World Wide Web. It's a utopia for women like me who are always looking to try something new. But when it comes to my skin, I have to stick with the pros. Things like yes, even though I'm a Black woman I still need to wear sunscreen, and no, my skin doesn't have to be oily in the summer and dry in the winter, are just a couple of reasons why I love following beauty and skin experts on social media.
When it comes to the growing trend of TikTok, some of my faves provide tips that are quick, but mind-blowing. They just drop gems as if they're not life-changing at all. But because they're pros, I know I can trust what they have to say when it comes to caring for and improving my skin. If you want to bless your TikTok timeline with a few skin experts, follow these ladies.
1.Brittany Oliver, MD @dr.dermatic
@dr.dermatic #stitch with @skincarebyhyram Just say no to DIY citrus scrubs. 🤦🏽♀️ #dermatologist #skincare #diy #fyp #foryou #skincarebyhyram
From solutions for eczema to breaking some of the not-so-great habits we don't even know we have, Dr. Brittany Oliver (@dr.dermatic) reveals the good, bad, and ugly of skincare that we can all relate to on her TikTok. Even though she's an expert, she shares her own journey too, including the worst thing she's ever done to her skin. (Let's just say it was a DIY citrus scrub gone wrong. I think we've been there a time or two.)
2.DrDeeMD @drdeemd
@drdeemd Say goodbye to razor bumps #shaving #shavingtips #razor #razorbumps #ingrown #ingrownhair #ingrownhairremoval
Dr. Dee (@drdeemd) is all about preserving your health and beauty, and I'm here for it. If you want to see how certain procedures like laser hair removal look, she deserves a follow because she's showing it all. Dr. Dee also answers questions I know I've asked Google (i.e. how to find the best razor for shaving) and reminding us that certain household items like olive oil should not be used on our faces. Plus, she gives an affirmation here and there, which is always a good thing.
3.Dr. Paul, Dermatologist @derm4brownskin
@derm4brownskin Reply to @lrkkfam sunscreen for brown skin #sunscreen #spf #brownskin #antiaging #darkspots #indianskincare #indianskin #derm4brownskin @larocheposay
It's the name for me! Dr. Paul (@derm4brownskin) is giving all kinds of insight on how we can care for our skin as women of color. She doesn't miss a beat and provides skincare tips for women in their 20s, 30s, and even ladies who are pregnant. What I love about her page is that she explains what causes certain skin conditions like dark circles, and gives strategies for how to tackle them. And her budget-friendly product features don't hurt.
4.Samantha Gentry @youmebeautyy
@youmebeautyy #esthetician #mask #tumeric #skinscrubber #tutorial #browngirl #youngma #hyperpigmentation #skintherapy #natural #selfcaresunday
This has proven to be the perfect time to try something new from the comfort of your own home, and Samantha Gentry (@youmebeautyy) is showing us how on TikTok. Whether it's a DIY turmeric mask or sharing foods that do amazing wonders for our skin, her page has a wealth of much-needed information.
5.Dr. Howard @dermbeautydoc
@dermbeautydoc Visit TikTok to discover videos!
Confession. One of the things that drew me to this page was a recent video where Dr. Howard (@dermbeautydoc) addresses crusty heels. Good to know I'm not the only one struggling. Her breakdown is always super practical and she never hesitates to remind us to love the skin we're in right now. Her beauty hacks and do's and don'ts of skincare are also a win.
6.Dr. Alexis @dralexisstephens
@dralexisstephens Shop with a dermatologist to help fade dark marks #hyperpigmentation #herstory
Dr. Alexis brings us along for her trips to Target, Walmart, Ulta, and more, and I love the adventure. And when it comes to her videos of the top mistakes we're making in skincare, signs we're using the wrong cleanser, and how to properly pluck your eyebrows, I can't click fast enough.
7.Marielle Juan @mariellejuan
@mariellejuan SPF is super important to use, even if it’s not sunny 😩☝️#spf #sunscreen #skintok #skincare
Marielle Juan doesn't hold back when she lets us know our "skincare routine is trash without sunscreen" and calling out problematic beauty brands that she refuses to support. She even exposes the truth about our beloved makeup remover wipes.
8.Funmi Monet @funmimonet
@funmimonet Vitamin C is a staple in my AM routine 🍊 @bliss #skincareroutine #skincaretips #skincaretiktok #fyp #glowingskin
Funmi Monet (@funmimonet) specializes in all things beauty, fragrance, and skincare. She tries all kinds of products I never knew were even a thing (like a Vitamin C serum to achieve glowing skin first thing in the morning). She fearlessly applies them and shows us her results, no matter what they might be. I can be behind this movement.
9.wendyskin @wendyskin
@wendyskin who else goes to zoom university? 🥲#learnontiktok #tiktokpartner #skintok #skincaretips #zoomuniversity
We can all benefit from her video of how to look awake on Zoom meetings (because those early morning calls are… a lot). And wendyskin (@wendyskin) has much more to offer. Her nighttime routines are always a mood and she's doesn't shy away from spilling skincare secrets (i.e. how to double cleanse).
10.Sunny Tsao @sunny.tsao
@sunny.tsao Reply to @hannajay8 ive had reactive skin since childhood. Very annoying!! #skin #skincare @kravebeauty @larocheposay @mondaymuse @innisfreeusa 🥰
Get ready to get lost scrolling on Sunny Tsao's (@sunny.tsao) TikTok. The content is seemingly endless and she doesn't recommend just any product. The girl has standards, which is exactly what we need to care for our skin. So have at it!
11.Dr. Adeline @brownskinderm
@brownskinderm #bcgdramaeffect #blackcreators #suncreen #blackdontcrack #blacktiktokcommunity #dermatologist #brownskinderm #skincare #skincaremyth #bcgdrama #tik
Dr. Adeline (@brownskinderm) is always answering questions from her followers and reminding us that just because "black don't crack" doesn't mean we can skip sunscreen. #BlackGirlMagic doesn't protect us from those harsh rays. But let's not stop there. She's shutting down myths and educating us on the products and ingredients our skin should embrace in 2021. It's time to get into it.
Featured image via Dr. Adeline (@brownskinderm)/TikTok
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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
'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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Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
Love Is The Muse: How Skylar And Temi Built A Creative Life Together
When Temitope Ibisanmi DM’d the word “muse” to Skylar Marshai, he knew he was shooting his romantic shot. He didn’t realize, however, that he was connecting with his future business and creative partner, too.
“I was the boyfriend,” Temi says. “Everybody out there knows, you’re the cameraman at that point.”
Skylar sees things differently. At the time, she was shooting content on her iPhone. Temi came into the picture with a new perspective, an understanding of tech, and, eventually, a camera. “He doesn't give himself enough credit,” Skylar says. “He wasn't just my tripod. He wasn't just standing behind the camera and going ‘click.’ He was giving advice. He was giving me insight to how I could look at things from a different perspective. And I was like, 'Oh, he’s an artist.' I think it was maybe a heartbeat of that kind of energy of like, ‘Baby, can you take this picture?’ And it turned so quickly into, we're partners. We can work together in a way where we're advancing each other's creative thinking.”
The pair often says they’re two sides of the same coin. Skylar is an Aquarius. She attended art school, paints, and loves poetry. She’s more than happy to let the couple’s management firm and agency, Kensington Grey, handle their admin work. And, she loves to sleep in. Temi, on the other hand, wakes up early. He’s a Virgo. He loves a to-do list and regularly checks in on the couple’s brand partnerships spreadsheet to make sure everything is on track.
Because his storytelling was steeped in his love of technology, he didn’t always think of himself as a creative person. “Where I [am] the dreamer who wants to pluck things out of the sky and spend all day with my head in the clouds, Temi [is] so good at grounding me and helping me figure out how to make things make sense on paper. We just work together in such a complimentary way,” Skylar says.
It’s been more than six years since Brooklyn-based couple Temi and Skylar started dating, and nearly four since they cemented their working relationship. On TikTok and Instagram, the couple’s travel, fashion, and home content regularly rack up hundreds of thousands of views. They’ve worked with brands such as Coach, Aesop, Away, and Liquid IV, bringing their vibrant perspectives to every campaign they execute. Still, nearly two years since both Temi and Skylar committed to full-time content creation and creative directing, the couple says their romantic connection remains their priority.
“We told each other we would much rather go back to full-time jobs and preserve our relationship than to be full-time freelancers, barely getting a night's rest [and] barely kissing each other because we're so busy shooting,” Skylar says.
Working from home can make it hard to separate work from personal life for any entrepreneur. It can be even more challenging when your business partner is also your lover. Temi and Skylar had already used couples therapy as a tool to help them effectively communicate with one another. When they ran into challenges while working together, their therapist helped them set physical boundaries to help combat the issues.
"We told each other we would much rather go back to full-time jobs and preserve our relationship than to be full-time freelancers, barely getting a night's rest [and] barely kissing each other because we're so busy shooting."
“It actually took us doing very specific physical things to create boundaries between work and play in our relationship,” Skylar says. “So, for instance, we will only have conversations about work when we're out of bed or we're at the table or in the office. Initially, when we started, we had to light a candle to say that, 'Okay, this is a space where we're connecting, we’re not talking about work.' We needed really hard boundaries at the top. And then it became a little bit more organic.”
The boundaries have been crucial to implement, especially because the couple began working together so naturally. When the pair first met, Skylar was NY-based a social strategist for BuzzFeed and was using content creation to drive business to her lingerie company. She was shooting her own content. Temi was working for Microsoft in D.C. He’d recently traded in his DJing equipment for a camera. “I've always loved taking pictures,” he says. “Even when I was a kid, my African mother would wake me up at 3:00 a.m. [during a] party, and be like, 'Come take the family picture.'”
Growing up, Temi says he watched his parents support each other and be the true definition of partners. He knew he wanted the same for his own relationship. But, the couple also wanted to make sure they were being financially responsible. The pair didn’t quit their traditional jobs until they’d saved up two years' worth of their cost of living. And, Temi received his Master of Business Administration from New York University with the knowledge that it could either help him advance in his corporate career or be applicable to his business with Skylar.
Today, they say their working relationship is more of a “quiet dance.” They still implement some of the boundaries they learned in therapy, but they also lean into their natural strengths and deep love for one another. When we speak, Temi has planned a date for the couple to see Princess Mononoke in 4K IMAX and added it to their Notion so they can factor it into their busy schedules. “I fully plan to date for the rest of my life,” he says.
Skylar says the couple doesn’t just wait for date nights to check in with one another, though. This often happens in the mornings, after Temi has made her peppermint tea and poured himself a cup of coffee. When they ask each other how they slept, she says, it’s not just a “nicety.” It’s a genuine question meant to foster connection.
“A lot of it happens during the day in the midst of work. We'll stop and we'll hug. Or we’ll slow dance in the kitchen,” she says. “Sometimes it's hard to set a whole date night when you have 7,000 things going on. So, we must grasp these moments and check in when we can. And I think it's become so organic to us that I actually didn't even realize how often we do it. But all day long, we're like, 'Are you good? I felt like your energy shifted,' because we're best friends, we just know. We just feel it happen.”
What’s better than being in love? Building wealth while doing it. Watch Making Cents here for real stories of couples who make money moves together.
Featured image by Cj Hart @hartbreak