

Summer makeup is synonymous with clean, glowing, sun-kissed, and healthy skin. We are here to remind you that you can still make a statement out in the sun, all while combating the summer heat.
If you're looking to spice up your makeup routine, start with these 3 fresh summer beauty looks to rock all season long.
Golden Girl
McKenzie Renae for xoNecole
(pictured: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter in "Trophy Wife", NARS Blush in "Orgasm", Becca Glow Gloss in "Metamorphic Gold")
One way to create a fresh twist on a barely-there makeup look is to add a dash of gold in all the right places. Lightly dust and highlight the areas of the face where the sunlight naturally hits. This includes your temple and high cheekbone, bridge of the nose, under the arch of your brow, and cupids bow. If your skin is on the oilier side, use a mattifying primer prior to applying foundation. Another tip is to lightly apply a translucent powder on the areas of your face that are prone to oil buildup before applying your gold highlight.
Don't forget the rest of your body, sis. Take a body brush and sweep gold highlighter on the tops of your shoulders and décolletage straight from the palette or mix it in with your favorite lotion for a more subdued effect.
Juicy Lips
McKenzie Renae for xoNecole
(pictured: Maybelline ColorSensational Vivid Lipstick in "885 Vibrant Mandarin", and Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lipgloss in "Snitch")
I think we can all agree that ultra-glossy lips have made a comeback this summer. Give your mattes a rest and reach for a bold juicy hue instead. Orange, melons, and pinks are always a great place to start for your pout. But if you care to reach for a shade of lilac to liven things up, go for it girl. The key to a juicy pout is exfoliated, moisturized lips. Take the time to gently exfoliate, then apply a light balm.
Take your fingers and gently press the balm into the lip so your lipstick doesn't slide around and swipes on effortlessly. Top your pout with a glossy gloss and get ready to hit the town with your favorite summer drink in tow.
Electric Liner
McKenzie Renae for xoNecole
(pictured: BlackUp Matte Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in "ELM05", NARS Satin Lip Pencil in "Giusti, NARS Oil Infused Lip Tint in "Orgasm")
A cat eye has always been a classic beauty look. Turn things up a few notches by lining your lids in an electric-colored hue. Cobalt blue, neon green, vibrant yellow, electric orange and stark white are all hot options to rock this summer. If you've got a steady hand, pick up a liquid liner pen; but if you need a little more help with precision, opt for an angled brush to dip into your pigment and take your time. Finish the look off with a soft pink or nude glossy lip that doesn't take the attention away from your colorful wing.
Tell us below, which look are you planning to try this summer?
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'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
Swipe Right For Sisterhood: Reginae Carter Talks Teaming Up With BLK To Make Friendships Front & Center
You know the vibes: dating apps aren’t just for finding romance anymore—at least not for Gen Z! As young people continue to redefine connection, BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, is shaking things up with the launch of Social Mode. The new feature allows users to toggle between dating and platonic connections. Yep, you read that right—friendship is now just as easy to find as love.
To kick off this game-changing launch, BLK teamed up with TV personality and socialite Reginae Carter for the ultimate Girls’ Night In, proving that sisterhood is just as important as romance. The exclusive event was a celebration of the new feature and the power of Black women coming together to uplift one another.
“Your circle is everything,” Reginae shares with a smile, and she’s not wrong. She’s all about creating spaces where we can come together, let our hair down, and vibe with like-minded women. “We deserve spaces to meet, uplift, and vibe with each other. BLK is making that happen,” she adds.
A New Era for Friendships—Social Mode Is Here!
Gen Z is all about building meaningful connections, whether it’s with a date or a new brunch buddy. That’s why Social Mode is such a big deal. Research shows that 65% of Gen Z values friendships just as much as romantic relationships. With BLK’s new feature, users can easily toggle between “Dating” and “Social,” opening up a world of platonic connections—no swiping right required.
Bahja Rodriguez, Reginae Carter, Breaunna Womack, Lourdes Rodriguez and Zonnique Pullins attend OMG Girlz "Make A Scene" Single Release & Video Viewing Party at Trap City Cafe on March 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia
Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage
Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
What better way to show Social Mode in action than with an exclusive Girls’ Night In, hosted by Reginae? The event brought together top influencers, tastemakers, and press for a night of luxury, self-care, and real talk about love, sex, and relationships. From tarot readings to perfume-making and signature cocktails, the evening embodied the “soft life” vibe that many Black women are embracing in 2025—peaceful, intentional, and full of joy.
Guests mingled, laughed, and bonded over the importance of finding a tribe that supports you. It wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that!)—it was about creating a circle of inspiring, strong women. “We need to stick together. We need to be each other’s village,” Reginae says, emphasizing the power of community over competition.
Sisterhood: The Real MVP
For Reginae, it’s all about friendship—and not just the surface-level kind. “We need friends who keep it real with us. The ones who can tell us when we’re right, when we’re wrong, and when we need to calm down,” she says. As someone who navigates the spotlight, she’s got the best of both worlds: friends who understand the grind and those who can give her an honest, grounded perspective.
Her advice for building strong, intentional friendships? “Be confident in yourself and know your worth,” she explains. “Also, hurt people hurt people, so make sure you’re coming from a good place when you’re building relationships. It’s not always about being nice—sometimes it’s about being real.”
Reginae couldn’t have summed it up better: “When you have the right circle, the right tribe, everything just feels easier. And that’s exactly what BLK is giving us—space to connect, laugh, and grow with each other.”
To learn more about BLK’s Social Mode, download or update the BLK app in the App Store or Google Play Store today. Who knows? You might just find your new bestie or your next brunch crew.
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Feature image by Prince Williams/WireImage