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https://www.essence.com/beauty/best-niacinamide-serum-picks/

Jonathan Knowles / Getty Images By Larry Stansbury ·Updated January 30, 2024

Whether you’re preparing for the day or night, it’s crucial to have a serum that gives you a natural finish. Additionally, for those with acne and hyperpigmentation-prone skin, large pores, and excessive oil, it’s worth considering investing in a serum infused with niacinamide. 

Niacinamide is an essential ingredient that helps remove and reduce hyperpigmentation, pore size, and inflammation in your skin. Fortunately, if you’re always seeking the best skincare products, we’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find the best niacinamide serums to help you achieve your skincare goals in the new year.

01 01 Topicals Faded Skin Serum Their faded skin serum is a cult-favorite for its ability to eliminate hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and scars. Available at www.sephora.com 38Shop Now 02 02 Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops Serum This serum watermelon and hyaluronic acid-infused serum is formulated for all skin types and visibly brightens and hydrates while delivering essential vitamins and amino acids to the skin. Available at www.sephora.com 35Shop Now 03 03 Saint Jane Star Flower Niacinamide Serum If you have dry or dull skin, this serum– with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and starflower– can help you achieve great results. It also contains sparkling micro pearls that are rich in nutrients, providing deep hydration to your skin. Available at saintjanebeauty.com 95Shop Now 04 04 Cosrx The Niacinamide 15 Serum This serum contains N-acetylglucosamine and allantoin that work well with niacinamide to fade hyperpigmentation and promote collagen. Available at www.cosrx.com 35Shop Now 05 05 Olay Super Serum Night Repair Give your skin a hydration boost while gently exfoliating with salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, and peptides. Available at www.target.com 35Shop Now 06 06 Glossier Super Pure Serum For individuals experiencing occasional breakouts, this serum can help soothe irritation, balance skin oils, and improve texture with Zinc PCA. Available at www.glossier.com 32Shop Now 07 07 Dr. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum Dr. Sturm’s serum evens complexion, strengthens skin layers, and boosts hydration with marine plankton extract and panthenol. Available at www.drsturm.com 60Shop Now 08 08 Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 5.0% Niacinamide Serum This cult-favorite serum is vegan and helps reduce oil production and redness on your skin. Available at www.ulta.com 35Shop Now 09 09 La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum This serum helps with fine lines, wrinkles, and sunburns, making it ideal for those dealing with sun damage. Available at www.amazon.com 45Shop Now 10 10 Urban Skin RX PHA + 10% Niacinamide Smaller Pores Serum This serum is beneficial for redness and blotchy skin, thanks to its key ingredients niacinamide and polyhydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates to remove dead skin and tightens your pores. Available at urbanskinrx.com 24Shop Now TOPICS:  face serums glowing skin

The post The Best Niacinamide Serums to Give You An Instant Glow appeared first on Essence.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/africa-is-moving-toward-more-visa-free-travel-and-what-that-means-for-tourists/

Tourism in Africa has been steadily growing. According to Statista, around 5.1 million tourists came from overseas to visit the motherland, which equaled their highest monthly count of international tourists. 

In 2024, more African countries aim to capitalize on this influx of tourism by eliminating their visa requirements. Here is what traveling can mean for tourists planning a trip to some of these current and soon-to-be visa-free countries. 

What Are Typical Visa Restrictions When Traveling to African Countries?

Out of the 54 sovereign countries in Africa, U.S. passport holders can visit around 13 countries without a visa. If you were born in the United States, you can typically stay in certain parts of Africa for anywhere between 14 to 90 days.

Some of these countries include

• Seychelles
• Botswana
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Equatorial Guinea
• South Africa
• Senegal
• Cape Verde
• Morocco
• Namibia

Visa requirements, even for short-term stays, are a way of getting permission to enter a country. Typically, you must apply for a visa in advance and cannot apply on arrival. Additionally, visitors often have to pay a fee, show an outbound ticket, and sometimes show financial stability. 

Some visas require a visit to the country’s embassy. 

These restrictions are in place for many different reasons. Visa requirements help the country control the number of people coming in. They can also prevent foreigners from taking advantage of a country’s resources. 

However, visa restrictions can sometimes deter tourists. When tourism makes up a large percentage of a country’s income, strict visitor restrictions can negatively affect the economy. With this in mind, many African countries are making their visa requirements and processing more accessible for travelers.

Here are a few countries that are making these changes. 

Benin

The birthplace of Vodou (Voodoo) and a place with a rich history, Benin is a small West African country slowly rising in tourism. Besides the Voodoo Festival, one of the country’s biggest attractions is the Pendjari National Park, which holds 90% of West Africa’s lions. 

With a magical history and stunning wildlife, Benin also offers multicultural cuisines. Sauces are a staple part of the French-influenced cuisine that takes advantage of seafood on the Atlantic coast. 

There is also so much to learn from the people of Benin. To the north of Benin are the Batammariba people, whose unique fortress-like architecture is something visitors can marvel at. 

In Lac Ahémé, you can learn about the traditional Beninese farming methods. 

A visa is required to visit Benin. Fortunately, the process of getting one is relatively simple. Visitors can apply online for an e-visa from anywhere in the world. The main requirements include:

• A valid passport.
• A current email address.
• A debit or credit card to pay for the processing fee.

Eliminating complicated visa processes encourages more people to visit Benin. 

Gambia 

Gambia is the smiling coast of Africa. The country is known for its friendly people and great hospitality.

Along with a sense of welcome and peace, Gambia offers visitors beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast. After relaxing on the beach, you can take the self-care a little further by treating yourself to one of Gambia’s many spas and hair salons for braiding. You can also get a massage.

For more adventurous travel, you can cruise down the Gambia River, explore the local market, and learn to make Gambian cuisine through a cooking class. 

You can apply for a visa at the Gambian Embassy in the United States. Still, it’s typically an easier route than applying upon arrival. This visa costs around $108. Visitors must have at least one blank page in their passport. After approval, you can stay in the country for 30 days, and if you go over that time limit, there’s a fine of $15 per month, which must be paid in cash at the airport when you leave. 

Kenya

Kenya’s president, William Ruto, announced in December 2023 that Kenya would become visa-free in January 2024. However, in recent news, that timetable has been delayed to an unknown date in 2024.

Kenya’s visa-free travel will require that all travelers register for electronic travel authorization before traveling. More information on the new system has yet to be released. However, the process will likely be simple, and visitors will receive approval shortly after submitting their information. 

Like Europeans and Americans who can travel freely with the countries in the Schengen Area, Kenya aims to have that same level of openness. The government is hoping that without the hassle of needing to apply in advance or supply certain documents, more travelers will be encouraged to visit Kenya.

The East African country’s most sought-after attractions are the safaris. Additionally, the country allows visitors to have a more immersive experience with wildlife, including visiting elephant sanctuaries such as Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Off the southern coast of Kenya, you can experience the white sand beaches of Diani. You can swim, snorkel, or kitesurf in the jade-colored waters. 

As these three countries continue to make traveling to Africa more accessible, will other countries do the same and welcome more visitors to the continent? 

https://blackgirlnerds.com/the-cast-and-crew-of-lisa-frankenstein-bask-in-80s-nostalgia/

BGN interviews the cast and crew of the new film Lisa Frankenstein.

Featured in the interviews are: Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, Writer Diablo Cody and Director Zelda Williams.

A misunderstood teenager and a reanimated corpse embark on a murderous journey to find love, happiness and a few missing body parts.

Interviewer: Jamie Broadnax

Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax

Lisa Frankenstein premieres in theaters Feb 9th.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/la-la-land-airbnb-ft-lauderdale/

Entertainment industry veteran La La Anthony is adding to her ever-growing résumé and serving as creative adviser at Airbnb.

The “BMF” star has joined forces with Airbnb to aid in the expansion and development of the company’s talent and entertainment collaborations.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Airbnb and their mission and what they’re doing to bring people together, bring communities together,” she tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. 

“Because at the essence, that’s what Airbnb is about. You’re hosting your home for someone else. You’re bringing someone into your home. So I was always a fan of what they did. And when I had the opportunity to become creative adviser, I was super excited about it because now I get to use all of my relationships and my resources to really plant some great experiences and activations with Airbnb that we all can be a part of.” 

For her inaugural project with Airbnb, La La invites guests to experience La La Land, a curated accommodation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that’s influenced by her dynamic persona. La La carefully designed the lavish, Instagram-worthy pad to host her favorite kind of trip: a getaway with besties.

To kick off Black History Month in February, La La beckons guests to escape the winter blues by visiting the Sunshine State. A warm haven awaits, complete with palm trees and vacation vibes, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique travel experience that is La La Land. 

“From a diversity standpoint, it’s important to me too to also drive home things that are important to us, that are important to our communities, and things that we want to see,” La La says of the décor, adding that she curated everything from “sheets to the soap.”

While available all year, the first three one-night stays (accommodating up to 5 guests each) in La La Land are scheduled for Feb. 2, 3, and 4 at a special price of $7! This price holds significance as it pays homage to La La’s lucky number and her son Kiyan’s birthdate.

“I wanted it to be accessible to everyone and for everyone to be able to experience La La Land…I wanted to do something that was affordable and fun for everyone,” she said of the price.

Following those initial stays, the residence will be available for additional bookings throughout 2024. Whether marking a significant birthday, enjoying a weekend retreat for moms, embarking on a girls’ getaway, or simply indulging in a spontaneous escape, all visitors will relish the following amenities during their stay:

• La La-inspired artwork and modern décor that bring her fun, vibrant personality to life
• Plenty of bright, snappable spaces that have been perfectly curated for social media-worthy moments 
• Full, private access to the entire 2,491-square-foot property, including five customized bedrooms, four bedrooms, and an outdoor patio and pool for lounging
• All the amenities for a luxurious stay, including high-quality linens, a fully stocked kitchen, and haircare products from La La’s own brand, Inala 
• Guests who book the initial three one-night stays on Feb. 2, 3, or 4 will also meet La La in person, including a tour of the space—and maybe even some selfies!

For those who adore the beach, cherish friendships, and everyone falling in between, booking requests open on Jan. 24 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT at airbnb.com/lalaland.

Guests are accountable for their own transportation to and from Fort Lauderdale. Press play below to learn more about La La’s plans with Airbnb—and what fans can expect from the new season of “BMF” on Starz.

RELATED CONTENT: La La Announces $7 ‘La La Land’ Stay With Airbnb In Ft. Lauderdale

The post La La Announces $7 ‘La La Land’ Stay With Airbnb In Ft. Lauderdale: ‘I Wanted To Do Something That Was Affordable And Fun For Everyone’ first appeared on Black Enterprise.