Ep. 33: Self-Care Isn’t an Excuse Ft. Darian Symone

Digital consultant working with brands like Glossier and Into the Gloss, podcaster, news curator and passionate self-starter who’s dedicated to skincare, Darian Symone, joins me on this episode of the #nakedbeautypodcast.

We discuss moving from NY to LA, interning at Beyonce’s Parkwood, why she loves Melina Matsoukas, and the platform she’s created with her podcast, ‘Am I Allowed To Like Anything’. Darian’s skincare routine is VERY THOROUGH and involves using acids for exfoliation, controlling oil on her t-zone, minimizing her pores and finding the perfect SPF. She also lets me in on all of her haircare secrets for the perfect weave and explains the importance of finding a great stylist and buying quality hair. Growing up as the only girl of color in her class in Buffalo, NY, Darian explains how this influenced her world view. We talk about ‘white feminism’, the Women’s March (which we both didn’t attend) and dissect some of the reasons why.

Darian explains “I’m really careful not to use self-care as an excuse for the things I’m just afraid to do”, a warning we should all take into consideration because it’s just too easy to neglect responsibilities in the name of ‘self-care’. Lots of fun discussion on the highlighter trend going too far, breast reductions and why we stan for SZA and Princess Nokia.

Products/Stories/Resources Mentioned:

Essence Story on Our Beauty Resolutions: https://www.essence.com/beauty/real-women-beauty-resolutions-2018

Oil Cleansing via Minimalist Beauty http://www.minimalistbeauty.com/tag/oil-cleansing/

Darian’s Podcast Am I Allowed To Like Anything: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/am-i-allowed-to-like-anything-a-podcast/id1019767867?mt=2

Murad Sunscreen (one of my faves) http://seph.me/2EoXhcD

Chantecaille Sunscreen (expensive but worth it) http://bit.ly/2o3X2wA

Darian’s Skincare Faves: Erno Lazlo Light Controlling Lotion https://www.ernolaszlo.com/light-controlling-lotion.html

Glossier Primer http://bit.ly/2GaqtnV

Caudelie Overnight Detox Night Oil https://www.sephora.com/product/vine-activ-overnight-detox-oil-P417122

Beauty Pie - How she shops for her products (*genius*) https://www.beautypie.com/us

Darian’s Hair Faves: Jhavuanna Moody instagram.com/oak2bk

Indique Hair (for the perfect weave/blend situation) https://www.yelp.com/biz/indique-virgin-hair-extensions-new-york-2

Pravana treatment (semi-permanent smoothing treatment) http://www.pravana.com/texture/perfection-smoothout-solution.html

Follow Darian @ https://www.instagram.com/darian/

Spread love using #nakedbeautypodcast & if you like the show please review and rate in the podcast app - Thank you loves!!

Ep. 32: Beauty Secrets Vol. 4: Clear Your Beauty Clutter

We all want Into the Gloss & Pinterest-worthy beauty shelves. It’s CRITICAL that you organize your beauty space for the ultimate self-care practice. In this episode, I share my 5 essential steps to clearing beauty clutter — a process that I’m currently undergoing & not quite sure why I waited so long to do bc the results….*life-changing*

STEP 1: EVALUATE & TOSS OR FIND ANOTHER USE FOR IT - With a little help from Japanese organization expert and best-selling author Marie Kondo, I encourage you to go through all of your products and ask “Does this spark joy?” if not toss it or find another use for it (some good tips for repurposing products)

STEP 2: ORGANIZE YOUR MAKE-UP BY FREQUENCY OF USE - Now that you only have the things you love, organize your products by how often you use them

STEP 3: TRY TO FINISH WHAT YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU BUY - Make it your mission to finish products before you get new ones and join me in my pledge to STOP buying lipgloss

STEP 4: BUY SMARTER - Always sample before you buy, Sephora will forever have my heart bc you can return everything - NEVER buy foundation without testing for a full day and the same goes for fragrance

STEP 5: MAKE STORAGE CHIC - I use empty candle holders or mason jars to store my brushes and pencils

Products/Resources Mentioned In this Episode:

Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Book by Marie Kondo) https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering-Organizing-ebook/dp/B00KK0PICK

Make-up brush cleaner (So you can keep your brushes pristine) http://amzn.to/2rNSwaJ

Poshmark (To sell your unwanted make-up) https://poshmark.com/

Lucky Scent (If you want to try fragrance before you buy) https://www.luckyscent.com/samples

Make-up Travel Bags Bad & Boujee Option: https://store.prada.com/en/pradaww/man/man-travel/2NA030-064-F0002

More Sensible Options from Ricky’s: https://www.rickysnyc.com/makeup.html/tools-accessories/makeup-bags-cases.html

Other Things

We Met at Acme ft. Brooke DeVard https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/we-met-at-acme/id1300757042?mt=2&i=1000400367344 Inspiration For Your Best Beauty Space Ever http://bit.ly/2DPI47S Stay in touch https://www.instagram.com/brookedevard/

ALSO, I just launched my site :) check-it out to see more of my guests, videos and about the show: http://www.nakedbeautypodcast.com/

*****Please rate, subscribe and review in the Apple Podcast app & share the show using #nakedbeautypodcast

Ep. 31: Island Gal Vibes Ft. Eniye Kagbala

“Caribbean women are just something else” - my guest, dear friend, and artist, Eniye Kagbala aka 333niye on the unrivaled confidence of Caribbean women.

We met online years ago, spent time together in London (going to fashion week & doing the most) but Eniye hails from St.Vincent. Since moving back to to the island from London, she’s learning to be grateful for life in paradise and “just LIVE” rather than chase. We talk about what makes quintessential island girl style — which she believes is about throwing on whatever is comfortable and not overthinking your look. We discuss buying hair on AliExpress, the importance of reading reviews before you buy and how to preserve braids. Eniye has dyed her hair AND brows at home with bleach for a very striking signature look.

We talk about how her hair journey began in Nigeria, why she loves Gwen Stefani, Tom Ford and Alaia and how she approaches her music and the creative process. Eniye believes life is about perfecting the art of living and that we’re all on non-linear paths.

Products/ Sites/Books Mentioned

Shala Monroque (all over my pinterest page and our shared style crush) http://bit.ly/2D1jdhc

Ali Express Kinky Curly Ombre Hair (best hair for beach life according to Eniye) http://bit.ly/2Djtd2a

In Search of Wisdom One Philosophers Journey (book she's loving) http://amzn.to/2DlSQzg

Get more Eniye in your life: http://eniye-kagbala.tumblr.com/

https://soundcloud.com/eniyemusic

https://www.instagram.com/333niye_/

Ep. 30: Celibate, Sober & Fasting Ft. Danielle Prescod

BET Style editor, Danielle Prescod, and I talk through A LOT in this last episode of 2017. Danielle doesn’t drink, “doesn’t enjoy food like that” AND she’s celibate — clearly, she’s got some super-human willpower.

We discuss Meghan Markle, what working in fashion does to your closet, what therapy has done for her, dating in NYC, and how Danielle balances her work & downtime even though she’s a self-described ‘content monster with a pathological need for attention’. Danielle’s introduction to fasting and the cult of Dr. Charles Passler, started out as a story she was working on for ELLE but soon developed into a total body transformation and entirely new approach to eating.

We discuss her matcha latte, bone broth and tea diet, and getting your body into a ketogenic state for maximum fat burning. Listen for: Racially Screening Soul Cycle instructors (lol!) Hiring Glam Squads For Nights Out Working Out & Finding the Right Hairstyle Getting “Eyebrow Shamed” by your Facialist The Benefits of Clearing Out Your Closet What Therapy has Helped her Learn & Avoiding “Prescription Pushers” Going Blonde “Instagram Face” & a lot more

Products/Stories Mentioned

How to Get the Body of A Victoria Secret Model by Danielle Prescod: http://bit.ly/2zHZiNJ

Dr. Passler’s “Pure Change” Program: https://www.purechange.co

Beauty Sick: How the Cultural Obsession with Appearance Hurts Girls and Women http://amzn.to/2m68o1N

Closet Organization Journey of a Fashion Editor https://www.manrepeller.com/2017/10/closet-organization-with-a-former-fashion-editor.html

Roe Morgan - Naomi Campbell (and Danielle’s) hairstylist https://www.instagram.com/hairbyromorgan/

Glam Squad - On Demand Beauty Services https://www.glamsquad.com

Soul Cycle Instructors Danielle Loves Francis https://www.soul-cycle.com/instructors/10411/francis/ Mike https://www.soul-cycle.com/instructors/10347/mike+press/ Mabel https://www.soul-cycle.com/instructors/10337/mabel/

Products Danielle Loves:

DPL Teeth Whitening (swears by this) http://bit.ly/2lm7CxG

MAC’s Next to Nothing Mattifying Powder http://bit.ly/2Drbl4d

Shieheido Eyebrow Powder http://bit.ly/2C8QROg

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush (expensive but worth it) https://kjaerweis.com/product/cream-blush/above-and-beyond

Ep. 29: Rehab,The RealReal & Life in LA Ft. Esme Brown

‘Fame is a beast that can’t be tamed’ - My guest Esme, on LA culture. I was fascinated to hear from Esme, a native New Yorker and writer, on her experience living in LA for the past 8 years.

We talk about how pilates has transformed her body but also makes her feel balanced and stronger. Her experience in rehab, coping with undiagnosed PTSD, and the difference between addiction, abuse and using. She extolls the virtue of therapy (even hypnotherapy), to cope with a cutting addiction and anxiety. We discuss eating with portion control in mind and navigating weight gain as we get older. We also gush over our love for The RealReal — the best online designer consignment shop of ALL TIME. We talk about all of her amazing tattoos and their meaning, crystal healing, how to get Restalyne and other and fillers without looking crazy, the products she's loving right now and the trends she's totally over.

Esme’s Favorite Products/Services Mentioned:

Parker Pilates https://www.instagram.com/parkerpilates/

The RealReal https://www.therealreal.com/

Chanel Bags on the RealReal https://www.therealreal.com/designers/chanel/women/handbags

Dysport https://www.dysportusa.com/before-and-after

Juvaderm https://www.juvederm.com/

Restalyne Silk https://www.restylaneusa.com/restylane-silk

Natura Bisse Diamond Line https://www.naturabisse.com/en/psproduct/29-diamond-extreme

Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Dots https://www.sephora.com/product/acne-clear-invisible-dots-P399932

Kevin Aucoin Concealer https://www.sephora.com/product/the-sensual-skin-enhancer-P393953?skuId=1697440&icid2=products%20grid:p393953

Ep. 28: Beauty Secrets Vol. 3: Touch This Skin Darlingg

Supple, hydrated and flawless skin is the goal. I’m LOVING natural oils for all of my skincare needs these days and I wanted to share everything I’ve learned in this episode. I cover how to buy the right oils for your skin (beware of branded versions of natural skincare you can easily find online for 1/3 of the price). Then I go into the three ways I’m using oils for the best my skin has ever been:

Oil Cleansing my face at night - a game changer (can’t believe I ever used those drying commercial cleansers) Making homemade brown sugar scrub with olive oil or coconut oil My religious application of castor oil for my cuticles and lips to keep everything super hydrated

Products Mentioned:

Argan Oil http://amzn.to/2zsQwYC Marula Oil http://amzn.to/2jQW4oL Castor Oil http://amzn.to/2A1dA0l Microfiber Washcloth http://amzn.to/2A68ayv Some Links to Do Your Own Research: Minimalist Beauty minimalistbeauty.com/ Benefits of Oil Cleansing http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com Oil Cleaning Method Tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72ziFY3CmmY Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes https://wellnessmama.com/3628/sugar-scrub-recipe/ - Also, check out the app Think Dirty (https://www.thinkdirtyapp.com) where you can see how toxic your beauty products are & learn about natural alternatives. Skincare doesn’t have to be expensive, educate yourself and become your own skincare expert.

Ep. 27: Behind The Highlight Reel Ft. Hannah Bronfman

Hannah Bronfman is the founder of HBFIT, DJ and wellness enthusiast. On this episode we talk about it all — from the superficial e.g. what’s it like to have Nikki Nelms do you hair and the best way to lose weight (it involves eating a lot of fat) to deeper topics like how bad relationships often serve as a way to break through.

We discuss growing up in NYC, what it was like planning her fabulous wedding in Morocco, how she’s thinking about aging and potentially motherhood, what products she swears by and how she’s had to advocate for herself as a woman in business.

Beauty Treatments & Products She Loves

Monica Watters for Lymphatic Drainage http://www.sacredtouchnewyork.com/about/

Barbara Sturm Blood Cream https://intothegloss.com/2016/10/barbara-sturm-blood-cream-mc1/

Workout Classes & Clothes - Jump Rope with Amanda Kloot https://amandakloots.com

Aerospace Boxing http://www.aerospacenyc.com 305 Fitness http://305fitness.com

Tracey Anderson Method http://tracyandersonmethod.com

Spider Bands https://spiderbands.com

Adidas Woman Ultra Boost http://bit.ly/2yeB51K Stella McCartney for Adidas http://www.adidas.com/us/adidas_by_stella_mccartney Follow Hannah + HBFit - https://www.instagram.com/hannahbronfman/ https://www.instagram.com/hbfit/ http://hbfit.com

*****

Stay in touch by following me @brookedevard on all platforms

@nakedbeautyplanet to join the Instagram community

Ep. 26: Know Your Worth Ft. St. Beauty (Alex Belle and Isis Valentino)

In the wake of countless assault charges facing women in entertainment, the message of self-worth that Alex and Isis(of Wondaland's St. Beauty)brought to this interview came right on time!

We go beyond what you see on their perfect Instagram account (it’s instagram.com/stbeautyband btw and yes, it’s amazing)and speak about their wider mission to heal and inspire through their music. We talk about their style icons, how they found themselves at Issa Rae’s house party hanging out with the cast of Insecure, Atlanta, and Samuel Jackson (so surreal)and futile attempts to style the already perfectly stylish(like jidenna).

We talk natural hair politics, big chop emotions, glue-ins from high school, bad dye jobs, 70s style, cultural appropriation, and their tips on how to perfect your style (like using natural landscapes as inspiration for color palettes). We end the interview by talking about their experience learning from Janelle Monae and hear from their manager, Joy Young, about how to make it as a woman in the industry without compromising your values.

Products Mentioned

Alex

Curls shampoo & conditioner https://www.curls.biz

Vanity Planet spin brush https://www.vanityplanet.com/products/spin-for-perfect-skin

Charcoal Soap https://www.amazon.com/Activated-Detoxifying-Cleanser-Certified-Ingredients/dp/B0177DRIEI

Isis

Black Soap http://www.ulta.com/african-black-soap-bar-soap?productId=xlsImpprod6400280

Kheil’s Oil-Free Face Wash https://www.kiehls.com/ultra-facial-oil-free-cleanser/1000.html

Castor Oil for Brows http://bit.ly/2zwCj8K

****Check out all of their amazing music @stbeautyband! Intro song is 'Caught'

Ep. 25: Podcast to Red Carpet Ft. Brittany Luse of The Nod

“It’s becoming a professional imperative that I figure this shit out” - Brittany Luse, today’s guest, on determining her look now that she’s becoming an increasingly public figure. Brittany co-hosts and co-created The Nod, a Gimlet podcast that pays tribute to black culture. We discuss her recent red carpet experience at Black Girls Rock and what it’s like coming from a career where no one sees you, to suddenly being extremely visible. We touch on HBCU beauty standards, Brittany went to Howard University, and how during college she perfected ‘dressing for the club’. Brittany, who has amazing hair and skin lets me in on some of her secrets: frequent haircuts to promote growth, an AMAZING colorist who took her natural hair all the way blonde without damage, and a semi-consistent (if we’re being honest) AM/PM routine.

Links to all of her products, her show and beauty resources below:

Listen to Brittany’s Show The Nod: https://gimletmedia.com/the-nod/ ‘Chitlins at Bergdorf’s’, my *favorite* episode https://gimletmedia.com/episode/chitlins-at-bergdorfs/

Products Mentioned:

Hair - Old school DAX for edges http://amzn.to/2xme8fF

- Illeisha Lussiano - Brittany’s Colorist with the magic touch. She works at Salon Ruggeri in NYC & you can see her work on her IG @illadonna or her site: https://thehairartiste.com

- Camille Rose Naturals Twisting Butter https://www.camillerosenaturals.com/products/almond-jai-twisting-butter

Skin - Cetaphil Face Cleanser - love this stuff http://amzn.to/2p77Tse

- Heritage Rose Water Spray or Jurlique Rose Water for hydrating skin during the day http://amzn.to/2p98f0D

- Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream http://seph.me/2yyIbyL

- Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner https://www.mariobadescu.com/product/glycolic-acid-toner

- Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Serum http://seph.me/2xnlEXL

- OLEHENRICKSEN Truth Serum http://seph.me/2hlZvmm

- Korres Overnight Sleep Mask http://seph.me/2hoYF4o

- Hilary Sklar for Facials http://www.hillerysklar.com

- Caroline Hirons for skincare tutorials on YouTube/her site: https://www.carolinehirons.com

- Lucky Scent Fragrance Samples http://www.luckyscent.com/samples

Ep. 24: Moving Beyond '#BlackGirlMagic' Ft. Lindsey Day (founder of CRWN Magazine)

"Hair is politicized whether we want it to be or not” — Lindsey DayOn this episode, Lindsey, founder of CRWN magazine — a revolutionary print magazine focused on black women and natural hair, comes by to talk about why she started CRWN, her hair journey, and how her upbringing informed her approach to the content she creates today.

We get into discussion around the language that surrounds the natural hair community — the complicated grading system of 4A vs 4C, the cliche language that makes us cringe e.g. #BlackGirlMagic and even the term ‘natural’ itself.

Topics

5:08 Why Lindsey created CRWN 7:12 Her natural hair journey 11:15 Being one of two black women in her *entire* high school 16:40 Hair type politics (4a,4b,4c) and the divisions within the natural hair community by hair texture 22:30 Perception of an afro in the workplace 23:40 Why Lindsey almost didn’t start CRWN 35:15 Kylie Jenner’s negative influence on beauty & the Kardashians using blackness to stay relevant 51:40 When Lindsey feels most beautiful & benefits of a low maintenance beauty approach

Products Mentioned

Natural Lip Balm (https://www.hanahanabeauty.com)

5-Free Nail Polish (https://www.mischobeauty.com/)

Where to Find & Follow CRWN http://www.crwnmag.com

https://www.instagram.com/crwnmag/

https://twitter.com/crwnmag

Ep. 23: Aligning Your Brand with Your Talent & The Philosophy of Aesthetics Ft. Grace Gibson

Grace Gibson, the talented actress,singer,songwriter,bandleader,content creator and proud Leo — is a force to be reckoned with. She grew up watching her mother, Lynn Whitfield, build her career as an actress following films like the Josephine Baker Story (where her parents met!), and has inherited a passion and instinct for the performing arts.

In this episode we discuss everything from her experience being a musician in New Orleans, playing Faith Evans in All Eyez on Me, what it’s like auditioning in Hollywood, how she’s responded to requests for nude scenes, the importance of creating your own content and finding your authentic voice. Grace and I attended the same predominantly white middle/high school in NYC and we reflect on how that experience shapes your relationship to beauty — including being embarrassed about your hair. Grace has a minimal approach to beauty that includes drugstore make-up, a 1x week wash routine, and some natural oils and plants — like the aloe vera she sources from her backyard in Laurel Canyon for under-eye treatments.

The amazing music at the start and end of this episode? That’s Grace! The original to-be released song is called "Steampunk Blues” and it was written and arranged by Grace and she produced the track with Jordan Brown and Taylor Gordon.

Follow Grace @thegracegibson to stay updated on all of her amazing work https://www.instagram.com/thegracegibson/?hl=en

Products Mentioned in this episode with links below:

Hair Tresemme Botanical Conditioner http://bit.ly/2uA2z37

Ren Pure Conditioner http://bit.ly/2vjD6IG

Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer http://amzn.to/2uJtZE4 Make-Up

Milani waterproof eyeliner http://bit.ly/2uaSkBi

Wet n Wild Mascara http://bit.ly/2gLomPR

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick http://seph.me/2tHaS8M Skin

Weleda Evening Primrose Moisturizer http://bit.ly/2vjjTHl

Support the show using #nakedbeautypodcast & subscribe on iTunes if you haven't yet: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-naked-beauty-podcast/id1131628553?mt=2

Ep. 22: Getting Better as We Get Older, Growing up Greek & Silent Meditation Retreats Ft. Amelia Glum

‘I dress down to be taken seriously. If I want people to hear what I have to say, I try to be as a-sexual as possible’ - My guest, Amelia, on how she conforms her look for her job in data science.

Amelia, my friend of 10 years and former roommate at Stanford, gets deep on this episode of the #nakedbeautypodcast. We discuss:

- Being white vs. being greek

- Her transition from a ‘guidette’ to a more pared down look

- How she cares for her voluminous waist length hair

- Dressing the part in tech in order to command the respect she deserves I also learn about:

- Moon cycles - Tea tree oil for acne

- Collagen eye pads to overcome a hangover

- The transformational power of a 10-Day Silent Meditation Retreat - yes, 10 days! Amelia opens up about overcoming depression by tapping into an active interior life.

Describing her mood after this retreat she says, ‘I felt so light in my heart that I felt like I was floating through life. I had an abundance of energy and freedom to do whatever I wanted’. We also talk self-love coming with age, making the effort in a long-term relationship and her korean beauty faves like Peach & Lilly and snail sleep masks (still skeptical). Enjoy & stay moisturized!

Products/Experiences Mentioned:

Evian Spray Atomizer - Amelia and I highly recommended desk and airplane essential for moisturizing your face http://www.sephora.com/mineral-water-spray-P2043

10 Day Silent Retreat - Dhamma Maṇḍa, Kelseyville, California https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/schedules/schmanda

High Waisted Lingerie from Hanky Panky - For curvy girls http://www.hankypanky.com/panties/briefs-and-high-rise-panties/signature-lace-retro-v-kini.html

Headspace App - Meditation for beginners https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

Collagen Hydrating Eye Masks from Birch Box - for overcoming the hangover https://www.birchbox.com/product/1948

Peach & Lily for all things K-Beauty https://www.peachandlily.com

Ep. 21: Beauty Secrets Vol. 2: 'Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels'

When did dieting become so controversial? We're encouraged to eat whole foods, ignore the scale, and focus on health – but some people (i.e. me) still want to lose weight sometimes. The weight-loss landscape is cluttered with paleo hacks and detox teas, but I'm going to talk about what actually works. I have 5 simple tips for short-term weight-loss that anyone can do.

From intermittent fasting to swapping time at the gym for meal-prep, these tactics have never let me down. Products/Apps Mentioned: Zero, fasting app: http://apple.co/2iALpso David's Tea, Forever Nuts: http://bit.ly/2tmtGKK

Ep. 20: Creating a Signature Look Ft. Lucie Zhang

Lucie Zhang, who oversees social @voguemagazine, has a signature look that I totally envy — perfectly cut bangs, blonde tips and a dramatic winged liner, every.single.day. On this episode, I learn that her signature haircut was the result of a happy accident in Poland and die over her period-free life (it’s been six years thanks to Lo Loestrin, #jealous). We discuss asian beauty standards, eyelid surgery, getting fetishized on dating apps, the first black bachelorette, wearing sweatpants to Vogue, body FOMO from Instagram scrolling, the genius of Pat McGrath, the eyelash extension addiction spiral, and this amazing new app, Hello Ava, that’s basically a free dermatologist on call.

Ep. 19: The Scam of Being Yourself Ft. Recho Omondi

Recho is a young, NY-based, fashion designer who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, no matter who’s listening. Growing up between the midwest and Nairobi, she nurtured a love of fashion early by creating collages, explaining “any black girl I could get my hands on, I was going to cling on to for dear life". She now casts beautiful black models for her brand Omondi. We talk about the importance of being yourself, her serious beef with American Vogue, and how growing up the subtleties of not being able to find beauty products for you, or having platforms to learn about yourself, can impact the relationship we have with our own beauty routines, especially our hair. I get to hear about how she went platinum blonde and we reflect on Atlanta’s weave culture. She’s got love for the Glossier products but likes to keep her beauty routine simple. Recho makes everything seem effortless(from her career, to getting press attention and speaking out when no one else will) and her approach to beauty is no different.

Ep 18: If You've Got It, Flaunt It Ft. Chrissy Rutherford

Chrissy, senior fashion editor at Bazaar.com, has some advice for hopefuls wanting to work in fashion: "If you don’t love it, you won’t last a week".

Chrissy tells me what it’s like being a digital editor in today’s hyper-connected world and why her perspective as a woman of color is important right now. We discuss tokenism in casting, the early days of fashion fandom, nailing the perfect work outfit (it involves denim), and of course all things beauty: foundation (who is it really for?),miracle cures for cystic acne, her relationship with her hair dresser and love for Badgal Riri.

My favorite part of the interview? Just in time for summer, Chrissy gives me her candid POV on posting bikini pics and it’s an attitude more women could learn from.

Links:

Chrissy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissyford/

Renee Rouleau Skincare: https://www.reneerouleau.com/

DIM Supplement: http://bit.ly/2orQvtu

Her Work @Bazaar: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/author/1644/chrissy-rutherford/

Ep. 17: Young, Professional & Serving Ft. Joymarie Parker

"I’m starting to pay attention to who’s getting promoted, who’s literally making more money and it is people who are well dressed, well carried and present well period.” - Joymarie Parker Joymarie and I discuss how to be corporate chic: investment pieces, determining your true size and learning what to wear to work by studying your idols(like the beautiful Bozama Saint John). We also delve into cultural appropriation, changing your hair up in the workplace, how to rock a head wrap and designing the living space of your dreams. Please check out Joymarie's podcast Joblogues (it's fantastic) & get into her highly recommended Afro Beats playlist, 'African Heat' over @ Spotify.

Ep. 16 - Looking The Part & Living the 'Bomb Life' Ft. Claire Sulmers

"Having a website or being an influencer, there’s a constant figuring out of how can I make money from this?" Claire Sulmers's vision, fearlessness and commitment to excellence has made The Fashion Bomb a global brand to be reckoned with.

We talk about her experience as an entrepreneur, hear excerpts from her new book, 'The Bomb Life', and learn the art of the celebrity approach. We also talk all things beauty & style - the trends she hates (sheer dresses), the best celeb encounter (Beyonce of course) and he products she loves (Palmer's Cocoa Butter!)

Claire explains that in in fashion image is everything and that's why she cherishes a good make-up artists and designer labels. ‘It's not just fashion – it effects the way you feel, the way that you take on the world and your confidence. It’s important!' - @clairesulmers

Ep. 15: Happy Girls are the Prettiest Girls Ft. Alessandra Ford Balazs

‘Having lived with hundreds of models in my life, I can tell you that everyone has issues and the most important thing is to give yourself a break and be generous and kind. If you can’t get everything done in one day, that’s OK. That goes for beauty too, not everything is perfect — be gracious to yourself.’ Wise words from my guest Alessandra Balazs, an actress, world traveller and woman in transition. She travels non-stop (hasn't been in the same place for more than 5 days in years) and so she has some wisdom on how to survive long flights: compression socks, lavender eye masks and magnesium. We also get deep and discuss learning to laugh through your mistakes, being a strong woman(not letting Trump drag you down), lessons from DVF, and how sometimes struggle makes you stronger.

Stay in touch with Alessandra's travels & inspiration:

https://www.instagram.com/alessandrabalazs/?hl=en More from Alessandra via Something Curated: http://somethingcurated.com/tag/alessandra-ford-balazs/ Image sourced from Something Curated

Ep 14: Cardi B, Queen B, Red Carpet Style & More Ft. Marquis Phifer

Where is the red carpet glamour? The innovation?! Who's taking risks? Ahead of the Grammy’s Marquis and I discuss the musicians we love & their style. From the beloved Beyonce and Kanye West to Lady Gaga and Janelle Monae, we deconstruct their style statements..... but not before paying homage to Cardi B, a rising NYC #icon.