Whether glammed up or a natural beat, a good makeup look always has a way of brightening up an outfit and an attitude. And thanks to YouTube University, I must say my subpar skills are starting to increase a bit. The most recent lesson came from Atlanta actress Zazie Beetz in the latest Vogue Beauty Secrets video, where in addition to mentioning that production for the FX series has started filming again, also shared a how-to on one of her artistic daytime makeup looks.
Zazie shared that for years she wasn't allowed to wear makeup and didn't start until she was encouraged to by casting agents. However, after hours in Sephora and a lot of trial and error, she seems to have her style down-packed. And as always, we've recapped it, so you can give it a try!
Zazie begins her beauty routine with one of the most important elements, skincare.
She starts by washing her face with Soy Fresh cleanser. "The only thing that is actually a routine in my life is brushing my teeth and washing my face, every morning and every night. I don't care how late it is, I don't care how tired I am. I'm going to wash my face."
Next, she exfoliates with a lip scrub from Fresh and moisturizes her face with True Botanicals Clear Pure Radiance Oil. She explains how this is supposed to help with acne and managing breakouts. Then she moves to sunscreen, which she confesses to having a love/hate relationship with.
"I just find it's really hard to find one that doesn't turn me blue, that doesn't break me out. A lot of them even make my eyes sting." She continues, "Right now La Roche-Posay is the one that I'm enjoying."
Next, she applies caramel lip gloss, again by Fresh, before lathering her face and arms in good old-fashioned Palmer's cocoa butter.
Now, the makeup process begins.
Zazie is big on simplicity and artistic expression and it shows through her makeup routine. "I feel like, 'Choose a thing, accentuate it, and then let everything lie in a way.'" She begins that method by applying Fenty Beauty primer to her face before lightly adding a small amount of Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation.
Then, she adds Fenty Beauty's Cool Berry Blush to her cheeks, nose, and the corners of her eyes to create a "fresh and springy look." Now, here's where things get fun, with a purple liquid wet and wild eyeliner she lines the top of her eyelids before tracing it with a Fenty beauty eyeshadow.
"It makes it stick better, and I do it a couple of times. This line I'm creating won't melt off."
Afterward, she uses a Wet n Wild eyebrow pencil to tight line and elongate her eyes and mascara to extend her lashes. Zazie likes to keep her furry brows natural, only adding brow gel to shape them.
Finally, she uses her favorite lip liner, Yves Saint-Laurent, making sure to cover her cupid bow before going over it with Fenty Beauty Goji Gang.
At this point, it looks like everything is complete, but there's one more important step.
Add personality.
"It sounds cliche but makeup feels like a canvas. Like, I like to draw; I draw a lot. So for me, makeup is like – I get to draw my face. I do stars or all kinds of stuff."
And with that, she picks back up the Wet n Wild purple liquid eyeliner, and uses her natural beauty mark as a starting spot to draw a small heart on her face. She completes the look with a smile, "It feels friendly to me, and I feel friendly."
For more on Zazie's makeup routine check out Vogue's Beauty Secret here.
Zazie Beetz’s Guide to Artful Eyeliner & Three-Step Skin Care Routine | Beauty Secrets | Vogue
Featured image by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Kirby Carroll grew up in VA but now calls Atlanta, GA home. She has a passion for creating content and helping brands grow through storytelling and public relations. When not immersed in work, you can find her sipping a mimosa at brunch or bingeing a new TV drama on Netflix. Keep up with her on social media at @askKirbyCarroll.
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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Feature image screenshot/YouTube