How 8 Black Girls Stay Lit When The World Gets Too Dark

No matter how dreary the weather or news cycle, these black girls stay lit from the inside-out with the help of self-care and makeup!

Unlike plucking a rabbit from a hat or making a quarter appear out of thin air, #BlackGirlMagic is actually and factually real. No tricks, no illusions. When our bright, melanated lights have every reason to burn out (police brutality, wage gaps, cultural appropriation, the usual), they only shine brighter. In celebration of that glorious #BlackGirlMagic, I asked some of my fave women at BuzzFeed to share how they stay lit on the inside with their go-to self-care rituals, and how they stay lit on the outside with one of their fave highlighters. Whether you’re a black girl looking to feel seen, or an ally who likes seeing black girls thrive, scroll on and get your life — and some highlighter recommendations to keep you glowing this fall/winter and beyond!

Prayer, twerking, and Fenty Beauty's Moscow Mule keep Essence centered and turnt!

Ellie Sunakawa / Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed

"In the midst of chaos, I constantly listen to gospel music and pray because it really helps me to center myself and find peace. And in general — whether life is good, bad, or indifferent — I find joy in the simple things, like twerking to Cardi B, drinking at happy hour with my girls, and taking time to invest back into me via a good workout or a full-face beat. Life is tough and navigating the world as a black girl is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But there’s more magic than there is struggle in being a black girl, and knowing that keeps my heart and spirit full." —Essence Gant | @TheEssenceOf_, Beauty Director

Essence is wearing Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Moscow Mule. Get it from Sephora for $36.

You can thank Shanice's friends, family and Becca's Prosecco Pop for her radiant and picture-perfect smile.

Ellie Sunakawa / Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed

"I stay lit on the inside by constantly surrounding myself with a strong, reliable and honest support system. They lift me up yet keep me grounded. My constant smile 100% comes from the love of my friends and family, and I am blessed to have them in my life!" —Shanice Bland | @Shaniccce, News Production Coordinator

Shanice is wearing BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter
in Prosecco Pop. Get it from Sephora for $38.

Patrice finds her beauty in failure and self-compassion, and she expresses it with wigs and The Crayon Case's Anglowla.

Ellie Sunakawa / Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed

"Therapy is lit! Failure is lit! Self-compassion is lit! Confidence is lit! Healthy relationships are lit! Boundaries are lit! Twerking is lit! Beauty supply store wigs are lit! The Homecoming live album is lit! 90’s/early 00’s R&B is lit! Being a black girl is hella lit! These are a few of the things that fuel me and help me stay lit, especially in dark times." —Patrice Peck | @speakpatrice, Host of BuzzFeed's BTW

Patrice is wearing The Crayon Case Highlighter Powder in Anglowla. Get it from The Crayon Case for $15.

Tiffany is all about that mantra life with some Yoncé and Danessa Myricks Goddess thrown in for good measure.

Ellie Sunakawa / Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed

"My self-care tips are easy. I start every morning by saying mantras in my head (or sometimes out loud) like, 'I lack nothing,' 'I'm blessed,' 'I won't be shaken,' 'I'm protected.' Prayer, being around friends and family, and listening to Beyoncé keeps me lit!" —Tiffany Bey | @tiff_bey, Community Editor

Tiffany is wearing Danessa Myricks Illuminating Veil in Goddess. Get it from Danessa Myricks for $22.

KiaraDiana leans on breakfast, tarot and Afternoon Snack by Fenty Beauty to keep her glowing like so.

Ellie Sunakawa / Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed

"Carving out time to honor myself has become my self-care love language. Every day, I make sure I have an hour and a half to myself to eat breakfast, read my tarot/journal, and listen to a new Super Soul Conversation or catch up on the news. I also really love the Do Not Disturb/Bedtime feature on my phone to keep me in my own little world when I just need to be with me." —KiaraDiana Butler | @lvzykatkey, Headquarters Receptionist

KiaraDiana is wearing Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Afternoon Snack. Get it from Sephora for $36.

Shania makes music, lights candles, and sweeps on a little MAC Dazzlepink to set a positive and litty vibe.

Ellie Sunakawa / Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed

"Protecting my energy and peace of mind is my number one rule. I only do things that feed my spirit. I listen to music (all the Black genres), I make my own music, I binge watch dope Netflix shows, I dance — contemporary and twerking because duality is key, and I hang out with my tribe who truly loves me. When I need a pick-me-up, I pray, light a scented candle and use my LED lights to set a mood. I couldn’t imagine not being a Black Girl, and knowing how AMAZING we are keeps me lit!" —Shania Jackson | @s.jaee, Production Coordinator

Shania is wearing MAC Dazzle Highlighter in Dazzlepink. Get it from MAC for $21 (originally $35).

Chantal's cheekbones are plenty proof that putting yourself first, nurturing your spirit, and rocking Anastasia Beverly Hills Sun Dipped Glow Kit will have you out here beaming!

Ellie Sunakawa / Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed

"I stay lit on the inside by giving myself permission to replenish my spirit and enjoy time with myself. I used to feel that I needed to be around other people all the time and be at every event to feel connected. But that wasn’t serving me, It was only depleting me. I surround myself with people and experiences that feed my spirit. I show up for myself first and foremost in order for me to be a vessel to others. It’s the only way I know how to survive in this world." —Chantal Follins | @chantalrochelle, Cocoa Butter Content Lead

Chantal is wearing Anastasia Beverly Hills Sun Dipped Glow Kit in combination of all four shades. Get it from Sephora for $40.

For Ignacia's glow, Just say "NO!" ... and go to therapy, and then get you a Milk Makeup Holographic Stick in Supernova.

Ellie Sunakawa / Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed

"The way I keep my peace of mind is finding the strength in saying no. So many times women feel guilt in not being everything for everybody, but when you focus all that extra energy on yourself and self-growth, amazing things can blossom. Also, great music because it's everything. I’ve grown up being exposed to music, so I have a song for every mood I’m in and a song to take me out of a funk. Lastly, and I know this is gonna sound like a cliché, but love. It doesn’t have to be romantic. Hell, most times it’s not since dating in NYC is a joke. But love from friends and family is everything. When you feel that love and support from folks who *get* you, you’ll be able to do anything. Also therapy. God is Good, but he alone can’t get rid of anxiety and depression." —Ignacia Fulcher | @ignaciaismay, Staff Writer

Ignacia is wearing Milk Makeup Holographic Stick in Supernova. Get it from Sephora for $18 (Originally $28).

Don't let anybody, or anything, steal your magic! Tell us in the comments below how you stay lit from the inside-out with self-care and your fave beauty product ✨.