The Naked Beauty Podcast

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'

“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

"Hair is politicized whether we want it to be or not” — Lindsey Day On 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

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

‘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

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

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.

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.

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/

"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.

"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

‘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

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.

Two simple things you can do (AT HOME, WITHOUT BUYING ANYTHING) to look better instantly. Conventional beauty wisdom is getting swept up with the trends so I'm bringing it back and suggesting my two favorite DIY beauty treatments that really make a difference.

3 Generations of beauty! I interview my Mom and Grandma on all things beauty & style. My Grandma preaches on the necessity of Spanx, how growing up in the 1940s have informed her standards of beauty, and the importance of having a space to feel beautiful at home. My Mom explains natural hair is nothing new, and encourages me to embrace my youth & wear those short & tight dresses while I still can!