

As humans, we tend to spend a lot of time taking care of our skin, mostly our face. Why don't we give more consideration to the skin all over our bodies in not-so-traditional places? There are parts of our body that go unnoticed, and it's time for us to give them some extra attention. We are glad that society is moving in the direction of body awareness because our bodies are designed to be loved.
First up: underarms. They can be sweaty and a pain to maintain, but they do so much for us. For one, they hold 20 lymph nodes in each crevice, an essential part of your body's immune system as it filters toxins. While societal expectations say that women should shave their pits, we believe that's between you and your body. Do you, sis! Just make sure you're keeping your underarms happy.
Below, we've rounded up some must-haves guaranteed to do just that. And let's just say, they aren't best-selling products for no reason. Keep scrolling for the deets!
1.Bella Skin Beauty Watermelon Probiotic Underarm Toner
Bella Skin Beauty
I didn't know underarm toner was a thing until I tried this product from Bella Skin Beauty. According to the brand, it eliminates bacteria, gently cleanses the skin, protects against environmental aggressors, and maintains its pH. Best of all, it reduces body odor. My favorite part is the plant-based ingredients: pure watermelon extract, ylang-ylang, lemon balm, aloe, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A, making for a divine smell and soothing feel.
2.Glossier Body Hero Cleanse + Exfoliate Duo
Glossier
We don't exfoliate enough, and we definitely don't exfoliate under our arms enough. This duo by Glossier was designed to give your skin the one-two punch you need. The daily oil wash gathers the dirt and grime that don't belong and washes it away like Jesus washes away our sins while the exfoliating bar combats dryness and dead skin like your fairy godmother. Using this under your arms will create the soft, silky skin you deserve.
3.Oui The People PHA Ingrown Relief Toner
Oui The People
Of all of the acids, polyhydroxy acid (PHA) is said to be the least aggressive compared to alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. Don't get it twisted, PHAs hold their own, especially when it comes to fighting glycation; that's when digested sugar attaches to the collagen in your skin, won't let go, and makes it weak. By using The Big Reveal, you'll notice brighter and smoother skin with less irritation in weeks.
4.PiperWai Underarm Oil
PiperWai
Say hello to the new spa treatment for your pits, sis. Between the essential oils and antibacterial ingredients, your natural pH balance will be supported like never before. PiperWai suggests you "massage 1-2 drops per armpit before bed, or daily followed by deodorant if desired. If you are using the oil with the deodorant, use sparingly as a little bit goes a long way."
5.Native Natural Deodorant
Native
Native Deodorant is a firm believer that we have to take care of our bodies because it's the only place we have to live. This antiperspirant glides on like butter and keeps you dry throughout the day. Most importantly, it is aluminum-free which means it's natural enough not to harm you but strong enough to tackle your stress sweat.
6.Pacifica Coconut & Charcoal Underarm Detox Scrub
Pacifica
Keeping it 100% vegan and cruelty-free, Pacifica wants you to free your pits. And you can do so with this holy grail of a product because it unclogs your pores and makes them like new. If you're thinking of transitioning to natural deodorant, you'll want to use this detox scrub. The thickness is just right and isn't too harsh like other similar products.
7.Athena Club Smooth Skin Trio
Athena Club
You know what they say, "Good things come in threes!" The Smooth Skin Trio is made up of Cloud Shave Foam, Dewy Body Lotion, and Creamy Body Wash — all determined to keep you soft, smooth, and dewy. The shaving cream supports moisture, the lotion serves as a multivitamin, and the body wash cleanses and protects.
8.Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Paula's Choice
I've recently become a superfan of Paula's Choice products because they give what they need to give. You can count on their products to provide you with all-over smoothing. "Ongoing use banishes dullness and promotes resilient skin that's touchably soft and ultimately smooth. This is a customer favorite, suitable even for skin prone to keratosis pilaris." Keratosis pilaris is a common yet harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps.
9.Thrive Market Baking Soda
Thrive Market
"I'm in love with the CoCo." If you're not, you should be because this natural remedy contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Not only does it tighten pores, but it also fights body odor. Baking soda and lemon juice even lighten your underarms.
Using one tablespoon of baking soda and juice of half a lemon, you can combine both the ingredients in a bowl to create a paste. Once you have achieved your desired consistency, apply the paste to your armpits and massage for a minute, then let it dry for 20 minutes. Finally, wash off with cold water. Complete this application 2-3 times a week to see results.
10.Meow Meow Tweet Grapefruit Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream
Meow Meow Tweet
We love that this natural deodorant comes in a glass jar and can be refilled. Mama Earth would be proud! Both gentle and productive, this cream nourishes your underarm like a conditioner. Essential oils are always a vibe, and when you mix the various butters and plant oils included in this product, you are sure to have a frosting that your pits will adore.
11.Fur Ingrown Concentrate
Fur
Au Naturale and oh, so soothing should be the tagline for Fur's Ingrown Concentrate. Name a better spot treatment that slays annoying bumps and redness while also ailing sensitive skin. It's also the mitt for us because it's the key to buffing out those stubborn ingrown hairs.
Featured image by Getty Images
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.
From '106 & Park' To Prime Time, Rocsi Diaz Is Still That Girl
Rocsi Diaz is no stranger to the camera. From her iconic run on 106 & Park to interviewing Hollywood heavyweights on Entertainment Tonight, she’s been at the center of culture for years. Now, she’s back in the hosting chair alongside none other than Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders for We Got Time Today, a fresh talk show exclusive to Tubi.
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
I Took A Three-Week Solo Trip To Portugal & Learned The Art Of Slow Traveling
As I write this, I'm sitting by the pool at the Octant Douro, a swanky hotel reminiscent of the Kanye West minimalist aesthetic. I promise I'm not saying this as a flex. I'm sharing this because I want this for you, too. Hello. #BlackGirlLuxury. This week marks the second of my three-week solo trip to Portugal.
If you're wondering: "Why Portugal?" You're not alone. Most people in my world have asked the same question. After my first trip here earlier this year, I fell in love. I only visited Lisbon then, but that was enough for me to feel affection for the country.
As my birthday approached, I wanted to plan another trip, and oddly, the prices for hotels and flights in the States were double and triple the price of even the best accommodations in Portugal. So, I booked a Premium Select ticket with Delta (which was also very reasonable) and started to plan. But on this trip, I wanted to do things differently. Not only did I want to explore additional cities, I wanted to try my hand at slow travel.
So instead of taking flights from city to city, I am traveling by train and car.
So, What is Slow Travel?
Like many things, the definition of slow travel is different for everyone. For me, slow travel means swapping out planes to travel by train, car, or any other means that requires me to slow down and has less impact on the environment.
How Am I Traveling?
My first stop was in Lisbon, where I stayed for a day before I started my journey to the north of Portugal. Before I landed, I weighed the cost of a car ride versus a train ride to Porto, which is just about a three-hour ride. The car service cost was nearly four times the cost of the train. So, I opted to take the high-speed tilting train: the Alfa Pendular. The train can travel up to 220 km/h (140 mph). I paid 51 euros for the three-hour journey.
A flight would have been just under an hour, but the environmental impact of that quick trip was at the top of my mind. Train travel is proven to emit much less carbon dioxide (CO2) than air travel. And with global warming, everything we do counts. Additionally, on my three-hour train ride, I realized there is so much you miss when flying over the cities. The scenery was gorgeous, and the ride was relaxing even when we were tilting. There was even a cafe car that offered sandwiches, coffee, and snacks.
After exploring Porto for four days, I visited wine country in the Douro Valley. I booked a car service for that trip which was just under 200 euros for the two-hour journey. What I didn't account for was the twisty, cliff-bending ride. It was beautiful but terrifying. But, like most places in Europe, the train is available, which I learned from a couple at Quinta Nova—a hotel nestled right in the middle of a UNESCO heritage site (an area legally protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and a vineyard—once I arrived.
Because I was too chicken to endure the cliffs when time to leave the mountainous terrain, I took the train from Ferrero to Penafiel, which only cost me 8 euros versus the 200 I'd spent on my trip there. Did the trip take double the time? Yep. But the ride was much less stressful and cheaper, and I got to travel like the locals. There was a little hiccup when I got to my stop. There were no Ubers. But luckily, there was a table of white-haired guys playing cards that happened to be taxi drivers.
This week, I'll take a six-hour train ride south to Algarve from Porto (a 30-minute car ride from where I am now), and then I'll take a car ride to Seville, Spain. It's a lengthy journey, but I'm still very excited about the experience.
If you're interested in traveling at a slower pace, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Give Up Scheduling Every Moment of Your Trip
I did tons of research before my trip, which set me up for success. But at the same time, things happen. For example, I missed my stop on the train and got lost. I also booked an Airbnb Experience way too far from my hotel, so I missed it. And it wasn't a cheap booking. So, unfortunately, money was wasted because I planned a little too far in advance without a full view of where things were. Sometimes you can only learn that as you travel.
2. Stay Present
Some travelers say to travel slowly, you must give up your technology. Well, that doesn't work for me because I'm still working even though I'm in Europe. But, I'm filming moments that I want to be able to reflect on, even though I'm not posting them. So, instead, I'm grabbing a little video and putting my phone down for the rest of the day.
3. Book Experiences that Support Local Makers and Artists
People always ask me how to get photos I love and plan tours as a solo traveler. Airbnb Experiences are my jam. I've used them since I planned my first solo trip to Cuba. Not only do you get a chance to make memories and learn new things, but you're supporting the local economy, which for me, is a big win.
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Featured image by Westend61/Getty Images
Originally published on September 6, 2022