Naked Beauty

Jameela Jamil is among the most beautiful pubic figures who hold some of the strongest anti-beauty sentiments. She was scouted for television while walking down the street and later hired to host a series on Channel 4. As she shares in the episode, this role reinforced many of the harmful patriarchal standards about women’s beauty and bodies that she learned as a child. Jameela shares that she didn’t feel beautiful growing up, and despite her early beauty icons being voluptuous women of color, she held herself to an unnatural standard of thinness and battled anorexia to achieve it. Her...

Shani Darden just might be your favorite celebrity’s esthetician. From her Beverly Hills Studio, she cares for a roster of A-List celebrities and creates products for many more through Sephora. Before she began working with stars like Jessica Alba and Kelly Rowland, Shani was a mixed-race teenager in upstate New York who didn’t fit neatly into any community. Her family ensured that she had connections to Black hairstylists and introduced her to Mary Kay Beauty and DIY face masks. So, while she grew up feeling beautiful, she didn’t always fit in. During our chat, she explained that s...

Content warning: this episode contains discussions of disordered eating and body image issues 

Jayme Cyk is no stranger to vulnerability. On today’s episode of Naked Beauty, the former beauty director at Violet Gray and co-founder of the brand And Repeat shares her extensive background in the beauty industry, her experiences with ADHD medication, and the creation of her focus supplement, And Focus. Our discussion covers the emotional complexities of motherhood as it relates to body image, the interplay between beauty rituals and mental health, and Jamie’s favorite beauty and fashion products. Jamie also opens up ab...

Kim Baker has lived an iconic life. From her first photoshoot at 13 years old to being managed by Bethann Hardisson, she divided her time between breaking down barriers and partying with fashion legends. In this episode, Kim walks us through the beginning of her fashion career and how her mother instilled unshakeable confidence in her by detailing the beauty of Black history. Kim offers us a peek into the highs and lows of the modeling industry in the 1980s, namely, early sexual harassment and stringent expectations about her body and weight. Kim doesn’t hold back when it comes to...

[Originally run in 2022]

Strategic Advisor Zara Rahim knows that whether it’s one's career or relationship to beauty, giving yourself grace can ultimately become your greatest strength. Tune in as we discuss her career working at The White House, Vogue, and for THE Mariah Carey, as well as her journey to falling in love with her features as a South Asian woman, the best SPF for melanin-rich skin tones, and so much more.

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Sharing an episode from IMO’s limited series The Look. In the series, Michelle Obama opens up for the first time about her journey as a defining force in style—both within and beyond the White House. Through candid, intimate conversations with the creative minds behind her hair, makeup, and wardrobe, she reveals how she and her team transformed the scrutiny of her public image into a celebration of self-expression, inclusion, and impact. For many Black women, caring about their hair isn’t a choice – it’s a cultural inheritance, a political statement, and a lifelong journey. In this episode, J...

Since Charlotte Palermino’s initial visit to Naked Beauty, she has launched her brand, Dieux, and maintained her commitment to transparency with customers about costs, ingredients, and how policy influences both. On today’s episode, we discuss specific business decisions, such as why Dieux focuses on core products versus developing new launch products, and why customers should understand how pricing is determined. Charlotte takes us back to the beginning of her founder journey and details how the rise in misinformation about clean beauty and anti-science rhetoric in 2016 inspired her interest in research-backed beauty. 

Charlotte’s online transpa...

Legendary makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes is back with more to share than ever. Since her first visit in 2020, she has returned with a larger celebrity clientele, an acclaimed portfolio, and her own cosmetics line, KJH.Brand. During this conversation, we talked about how she created a portfolio of her skills by using her own face as a canvas and sharing her work on Instagram. Despite this practice being frowned upon in the industry, the risk paid off. Katie’s social media posts became the lookbook that drew in celebrity clients like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, and Ashley Graham.

This week we're sharing a very special episode, and I'm actually the one being interviewed! I was a guest on Nayeema’s show, Smart Girl Dumb Questions, where we talked through all her big beauty questions like: “Is preventative botox real?” or “What is salmon sperm and why is it in my skincare?” Tune in for a fun conversation between Nayeem and me, and follow Smart Girl Dumb Questions on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

I’ll be back next week with a brand new episode! 

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Norma Kamali is a fashion innovator and true icon, and today, she’s sharing lessons from her remarkable life with the Naked Beauty audience. Norma and I discussed her early days of bringing vintage clothing from London to New York, the creation of innovative designs like the Sleeping Bag Coat and high-heeled sneaker, and her philosophy of making women feel great through fashion. We also into Norma's upbringing, her path-defining experiences, and her wellness routines that keep her vibrant at 80. Norma’s story underscores the importance of purpose, creativity, and self-care in navigating life’s challenges, and she provides such w...

Dr. Sharon Malone believes that every single person is their own primary caregiver and that we all need to take agency of our healthcare journey. In today’s episode, we unpack the key actions women need to be taking to safeguard their health. In our conversation, Dr. Malone discusses the historical context of healthcare and segregation, her inspirational journey to becoming a doctor, and her dedication to empowering women through accessible medical knowledge. Dr. Malone and I also discussed her book 'Grown Woman Talk,' which serves as a comprehensive guide for women navigating various health issues from their th...

In this episode of Naked Beauty, we’re unpacking a macro trend in the industry: experts are back in the spotlight. My producer, Mbiye Kasonga, joins me to discuss the trend of consumers seeking guidance from experienced professionals online, and how that’s reflected in recent beauty launches led by expert makeup artists and dermatologists. Sephora is particularly invested in expert-led brands, with brands like Danessa Myricks, Charlotte Tilbury. Brooke shares her personal experience with professional makeup artists, and Mbiye discusses the trends that preceded this moment in beauty culture and the environmental factors that might be contributing to it...

Umut and I took our first child-free vacation to Ibiza to celebrate our ten-year anniversary, and it was just the escape we needed. In this episode, Umut joins me to reminisce on the best parts of our trip, including beauty and wellness lessons from Ibiza, reviews of our favorite stays and meals, reflections on our parenthood journey, a few lessons we’ve learned about maintaining a healthy marriage. 

Tune in as we discuss:

When she was a baby, Deepica Mutyala was exposed to the cultural significance of eyeliner. While the eyeliner was swiped behind her ear for spiritual protection, this and other cultural beauty rituals would shape her future in beauty. Growing up in an immigrant family, Deepica felt the pressure to pursue a stable career that would help her achieve the American Dream. She explains why she is so grateful for her parents' support when she decided to take an unconventional approach, even when they didn’t fully understand how vlogging would pay the bills. Eventually, she built Live Tinted, a bu...

Shani Hillian’s holistic skincare journey began in her grandmother’s garden, where fresh-cut aloe was the go-to balm for skin issues. Now, with over 17 years of experience as an esthetician, she leverages her roots in holistic skincare to create rituals that restore balance for herself and her clients. Shani shared her experience of transitioning from hair styling to skincare, influenced by her modeling career, and discussed the importance of simple, effective skincare routines. Our conversation also covered Shani’s experience with pregnancy-related hair loss and her tips for skin-friendly nutrition, emphasizing balance rather than strict restrictions. And I couldn...

Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs knows that the power of women’s activism can change the course of history. In Three Women she explored how Berdis Baldwin, Alberta King, and Louise Little’s motherly love prepared their sons to become renowned activists. This week, we’re chatting about her new book, Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us. In it, Dr. Tubbs explores how our Founding Fathers enshrined patriarchy into law, with the intention of building a nation for men. During our conversation, we discussed how American patriarchy extends into every part of our lives, including our beauty choices. 

When Chriselle Lim started blogging 18 years ago, she didn’t know she was building a career in what would become the most powerful industry today. During our conversation, Chriselle talks about watching the influencer industry develop from within, and how it led her to the most unexpected places. Growing up in Northern California and Korea, Chriselle felt pressured by national beauty standards, neither of which she thought she quite met. With limited Asian American representation in popular culture, she turned to fashion to project an air of confidence. She became the representation she always wanted as her digital audience gr...

Ms. Tina has been infusing bold and beautiful Texas style into global pop culture for decades. Sir John and I talked to Ms. Tina about her successful career as a stylist, her beauty regimen, building Cécred, and the significance of early exposure to images of Black beauty and power. We learned how she carries her mother's lessons about honoring creativity in yourself and your children. She told us about how her decision to enter beauty school in her 30s led her to build Headliners, a successful salon that cultivated beauty in Houston’s most powerful women. Of course, we...

Sofie Pavitt’s pivot from a 15-year career as a fashion designer to becoming NYC’s Acne Whisperer was in the works well before her official career change. While she was traveling to Seoul for her fashion job, she was introduced to innovative skincare products and treatments. This exposure planted a seed that would eventually lead her onto the shelves of every Sephora in the U.S.

After spending a year becoming a certified facialist while working full-time, Sofie left her career in fashion to do facials for her friends and industry contacts. As her client list...

After 350-plus episodes of Naked Beauty, it’s time to reflect on the key truths I’ve learned from our wonderful guests. In this episode, I share three vital beauty lessons I've learned from extensive conversations with makeup artists, dermatologists, celebrities, and scientists. These lessons include the power of intentional self-presentation, the significance of a consistent skincare routine, and the connection between beauty and meaningful interactions. Join me in this heartfelt reflection on beauty and self-expression.

What have you learned from 350+ episodes of Naked Beauty? Let us know at nakedbeautypodcast@gmail.com! 

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We're revisiting one of our favorite episodes this week. As the Senior Research & Education Manager at Paula’s Choice, Desiree Stordahl believes that skincare is nothing without the ingredients that define it. After growing up with a harsh-is-better approach to acne, Storedahl decided to abandon the SeaBreeze pads and take on a more thoughtful approach to beauty. She picked up a copy of Paula Begoun’s Beauty Bible, and the rest is history! Today, Storedahl not only understands her own skin, but is able to help so many others through her extensive dermatological research. Tune in for an extremely infor...

In this episode of the Naked Beauty Podcast, Nikki Ogunnaike, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire, dives deep into her impressive career in fashion editing, her unique personal style, and her experiences within the fashion industry. During our conversation, Nikki shares how her family shaped her shopping habits and the details of her high-powered job, including how she manages and mentors a diverse team. She also outlines her fitness routines, beauty regimen, and how she believes personal style comes from lived experiences. Together, we explore Nikki’s inspiring journey and practical advice for those looking to break into the fashion and be...

Today’s episode with Bea Dixon, the visionary founder of the Honey Pot Company, is rooted in ancestral wisdom. Bea and I discussed her journey from battling bacterial vaginosis to founding the first black-owned plant-derived feminine care brand. We also discuss the recent uptick in acquisitions among black beauty founders, the impact of stress and environmental factors on vaginal health, and Beatrice's holistic self-care practices. Beat also shared insight into navigating business partnerships and maintaining product integrity while scaling a company. This conversation is a masterclass in the importance of perseverance, self-care, and community.

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During a conversation at The Reparations Club, I spoke to Victoria Monét about her debut children’s book, motherhood, and chasing her dreams. Victoria discussed the difficult moments of separation that inspired “Everywhere You Are.” From her daughter's stay in the NICU to her first day of school, Victoria realized there wasn't a market for explaining similar periods of distance to children. She drew on her incredible songwriting ability and childhood memories of living in a starlit neighborhood to write the book she and her daughter needed. The pair collaborated on this project, much like their Grammy nominated “Hollywood...

What makes Vanessa Lee one of the most sought-after medical aesthetics practitioners is her commitment to teaching and learning about all things beauty and science. During our conversation, Vanessa details her hands-on experience learning from beauty practitioners in Korea, including standing in for a model and receiving a treatment during a demonstration. Before her foray into the world of natural beauty aesthetics, Vanessa grew up bonding with her peers over beauty and skincare. Bonding over beauty carried into her professional life as she blended art and science to help her patients meet their beauty goals, while always looking like...

We are bring in a new era of Naked Beauty with this episode! As you may have seen, I am stepping into a new role as Chief Content Officer at Refinery29. This new role provides a great opportunity for reflection. In this episode, I discuss the four key lessons I’ve learned in my career thus far. I touch on the value of manifesting dreams, tactics for getting closer to your dream career in your current job, and the power we all have to choose how we show up in professional spaces. Listen for a reminder to trust your pa...

Before Ron Robinson became social media’s favorite cosmetic chemist, he had already built a varied career in beauty. In 1989, he was hired on the spot to formulate and develop products for Clinique and La Mer, under Estée Lauder. He formulated new SKUs and innovated products like Clinique’s Turn Around Cream, which was one of the first products to use salicylic acid as a topical treatment gel. Despite his obvious aptitude for beauty science, he was on track to become a doctor like his brothers. To his parents' dismay, he dropped out of medical school but quickly found...

In this week’s episode, Nina Westbrook, a licensed marriage and family therapist, helps us understand the connection between routine and mental health. We dive into the importance of routines, especially postpartum routines, and I share my experiences with strength training and magnesium supplements for better sleep. Our conversation covers mental health, de-stigmatizing therapy, and the benefits of routine for overall mental well-being. Nina also talks about her app, Nebbi, designed to help users reflect on their emotions and improve their mood with small, actionable tasks. 

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Renowned esthetician Sean Garrette is back for a hyperpigmentation masterclass! Hyperpigmentation is the number one skin concern I hear about from the Naked Beauty audience, so I had to ask Sean all my burning questions about the topic. In this conversation, we discuss what hyperpigmentation is, the key causes of hyperpigmentation, how to treat it once it occurs and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Shop the products mentioned in this episode:

Eighth Day Tonic

Paula’s Choice Mandelic + Lactic Acid Toner 

Good Genes Lactic Acid...

In this special conversation, Kamie Crawford shares how she developed the self-assuredness that her fans have come to know and love. We discussed how having a mom who would get dressed up in the morning, “just in case,” influenced her childhood rebrand into a more confident version of herself. This rebrand would catapult her into Miss Teen USA, a role that led her to think critically about her race and body image. Kamie shared her current interest in body neutrality and her “stay-ready” approach to beauty and style. We couldn’t end the conversation without talking about her relationship and what b...

Former doula and postpartum expert Erica Chidi is back on the podcast to discuss all the highs, lows, and complexities of postpartum. I got a chance to reflect on my personal postpartum experiences and the challenges of advocating for my own health. Erica and I get into it all: hormonal changes, hair loss, mood fluctuations, the importance of self-care, breastfeeding challenges and the concept of being 'touched out'. Erica offers practical advice on physical and emotional recovery, essential products for new moms, and discusses the critical role of partners in supporting postpartum care. 

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Nayeema Raza brought us the same curiosity and knowledge she brings to her Smart Girl, Dumb Questions listeners. Her early life was spent globe-trotting, so hearing her firsthand perspective on the similarities in beauty standards and practices is fascinating. Nayeema proudly detailed some of her favorite aspects of Pakistani beauty culture, especially how it has been shaped by powerful Islamic women and their preference for natural beauty treatments. We ended with a great discussion about all that she’s learned about her body while freezing her eggs and dating in NYC.

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In this week’s episode, I sat down for a beauty tell-all with beauty veterans Jill and Carlene of the Breaking Beauty Podcast. During our conversation, Jill and Carlene discussed their pre-podcast careers in broadcasting and editorial, which informed their approach to Breaking Beauty. It was such a great opportunity to learn about how they developed the podcast and came together to tell behind-the-scenes beauty stories. We talked about how the role of the influencer, marketing, and even podcasting has changed since their launch in 2017. Jill and Carlene shared the truth behind manufacturing costs, the future of beauty, and wh...

In today’s episode,  I’m joined by the fabulous Sean Garrett, renowned esthetician and skincare creator, for a Met Gala recap. We talked through all the behind the scenes details of the night, from the star-studded pre-parties to the dazzling outfits and the powerful display of black excellence. We broke down our favorite and least favorite looks of the night, from Janelle Monet to Hailey Bieber. Sean also shares invaluable skincare tips, including techniques for calming inflammation and how to prepare for major events. 

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J...

This week’s guest is everyone’s favorite entertainment host, Scott Evans. During our conversation, Scott shared how his career has been in the making since high school. He discussed how his roles at major media outlets prepared him to lead a team of three to critical acclaim. From his decision to lock his hair, to advocating for his makeup finish, Scott is no stranger to speaking confidently onscreen and off.

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Achieng Agutu’s larger-than-life online presence has inspired millions to live boldly and confidently. However, few would guess that the Kenyan star struggled against expectations that she would live a humble and modest life. During our chat, we talked about how her parents encouraged her to reject these ideals and live a full life, no matter what others thought.  Achieng never misses an opportunity to describe how her village shaped her, especially her host mother, who gave her the freedom to make her own decisions. And of course, she dished on her journey to becoming everyone’s favorite internet besti...

In this special 'Ask Brooke' episode of Naked Beauty, I answer beauty questions from the Naked Beauty community! Tune in to hear my top tips for dealing with breakouts, pregnancy skincare, and covering the appearance of pores under makeup. 

Listen for… 

The best skincare tips to treat and prevent breakouts (2:09)

Pregnancy Skincare Routine & Natural Skincare (8:50)

You may know Weezy for her wild stories on her podcast Decisions, Decisions, but there’s so much more to the serial entrepreneur than meets the eye. Since the last time Weezy was on the show, she’s opened a Pilates business, grown her podcast production company, written a book, and fallen in love, so we had a lot to talk about. Tune in for a conversation about self-love, Weezy’s experience as a mixed race woman, and how healthy relationships affect our self-perception. Note: The episode includes explicit and adult conversations.

Check out TrapHaus in NYC <...

In this episode of The Naked Beauty Podcast, we explore the world of nails and nail art, tracing its evolution from a trend seen primarily in the black community during the 90s to a global phenomenon today. I spoke with Tembe Denton Hurst, author of 'Fresh Sets,' a coffee table book showcasing nail art from around the world. We discuss the history of nail salons, the impact of Vietnamese immigrants on the industry, and the gendered aspects of nail art. You'll also hear from UK nail artist Sylvie McMillan about her artistry, and members of the Naked Beauty...

“I couldn’t compare myself, so there was no way for me to diminish my own beauty against somebody else’s” - Bozoma Saint John 

When it comes to tapping into your most authentic self, Bozoma Saint John is unmatched. With an exceptionally fruitful career at companies like PepsiCo, Beats, Uber, and now Netflix, one might think that Saint John has always played by the corporate rulebook. That couldn’t be further from the truth. With an endless array of bold lipsticks, hairdos, and fits, she is living proof that a Black woman's right to self-expression and beauty...

If Doechii’s Paris Fashion Week looks had you obsessed, this episode is for you! I had the pleasure of talking with her makeup artist Chelsea Uchenna and hairstylist Malcolm Marquez about their collaboration with the icon in the making. Despite growing up on opposite sides of the world, both artists had innate creative sensibilities, decided early on that they would have careers in beauty, and were inspired by iconic queer and trans communities. In their respective interviews, Chelsea and Malcolm discuss how they came to be part of Doechii’s team and how they help one another push thei...

It’s official, Naked Beauty is the winner of the iHeartMedia’s Best Fashion and Beauty Podcast Award! Join my producer Mbiye and me for a recap of the night we found out that we won, from the looks we wore to the after-parties we went to. Thank you so much to the Naked Beauty family for all the support you’ve shown me over the years – this award would not have been possible without you! 

Thank you so much for listening! 

Send your burning beauty questions to nakedbeautypodcast@gmail.com subject line ‘ask Brooke’...

Hi beauties! This week, Naked Beauty is headed to Austin as a nominee for Best Beauty Podcast at the iHeartMedia Podcast awards. I can’t wait to share more updates from Austin, but today we have an incredible conversation for you with Annie Jackson, co-founder of Credo Beauty. We discuss the importance of transparency in beauty products, the harmful impacts of certain ingredients, and how Credo Beauty's stringent standards ensure safer, environmentally-friendly products. Annie also shares insights into her career journey from Estee Lauder to Sephora and eventually Credo Beauty, along with tangible steps we can take as consumers to...

In this episode of Naked Beauty, I dive into the ongoing battle for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as it relates to beauty. This conversation is multifaceted, so I knew we had to talk with some industry experts who have been championing inclusion throughout their whole careers. I talked with my mother, Jerry Devard, to gain her insights from a corporate viewpoint, as well as Sir John, global artist and advocate for multicultural beauty, and Kendra Bracken Ferguson, a venture capitalist committed to supporting black founders. Together, we explore the rollback of DEI initiatives, the significance of mental health...

Hi beauties! It feels so good to be back from maternity leave. So much has changed since our last episode of 2024 – my daughter Jade has made her arrival and we’re all adjusting to being a family of four. When I went on maternity leave, I chose to take a 6-week break from social media so I could really soak in this chapter in our family’s life. I learned so much in my time away from social media, and I wanted to kick off the first episode of 2025 on the six biggest benefits I experienced from being offline. After...

In the last episode of the year, I was the Naked Beauty interviewee. Our incredibly talented producer, Mbiye Kasonga, and I sat down to reflect on the previous two years we’ve spent working together. She asked me about my interest in storytelling and my experiences after a full year of working for myself and taking creative risks. It gave me a chance to talk about my early interests in audio storytelling and the inspiration I drew listening to Wendy Williams after school every day. We also talked about our professional partnership and how committing to decisiveness and rejecting pe...

“For me, my flaws are what make me and I've learned through years to embrace that, and I like them now.”

Issa Rae, actress, producer, and serial entrepreneur talked about all things beauty and self care on this week’s episode. Issa shared what it was like growing in L.A. and how a trip to Senegal reaffirmed her beauty when she was still in high school. We talked about her iconic looks on Insecure and she underscored how exciting it was to have collaborated with the talented crew who built the worlds so many of us lov...

In today’s episode of Naked Beauty, I spoke to three writers from top beauty brands: Glossier, Dieux, and Sol de Janeiro for a deep dive into all things beauty copywriting. In the crowded landscape of beauty, tone, and voice are key ways for brands to break through the noise. I’ve been wanting to do an episode on this topic for so long - tune in for conversations with Laura Casciola of Dieux Skin, Hardeep Gill, formerly a copywriter for Glossier, and Janell Hickman of Sol de Janeiro for an in-depth discussion of what it takes to translate brand...

Sir John and I had a fascinating conversation with Dita Von Teese, the Queen of Burlesque. We talked about her childhood and the Hollywood starlets that inspired her to transform into the pinup girl of her dreams. Dita shared with us how her start dancing in the rave and strip club scene empowered her to always be her unique self. We also got the inside scoop on her Vegas show, a compilation of her life's work that includes original and iconic Bob Mackie costumes and of course her incredible beauty and skincare routine. Our chat illuminates Dita Von Teese’s...

Welcome to another Beauty Rant/Beauty Rave, and this time I had to dedicate an entire episode to the beauty cycle I’m currently in the grips of: lash extensions. What started as a simple birthday set of lashes has turned into a whole lash journey and I unpack it all, lash blindness included. I go over some practical advice on maintaining extensions, discuss the importance of communicating effectively with lash techs, and suggest alternatives like lash serums and my favorite strip lashes.

Shop all of the products mentioned in today's episode here: https://shopmy.us/co...

In our follow-up conversation Elaine and our mothers discuss the many lessons that motherhood teaches us about ourselves before and after giving birth. Elaine talked about the Birth Fund, and what spurred her to provide midwifery care to families across the U.S. She explained some of the differences between the traditional medical model and midwifery, which can provide lifesaving care that mends our maternal health crisis. This conversation illuminates how birth choice is critical for expecting mothers.

Tune in as we discuss:

Episode Description: In this heartfelt episode of Naked Beauty, I sat down with Elaine Welteroth, an acclaimed journalist and founder of Birthfund, along with our iconic mothers for an intimate conversation about motherhood. Elaine and I are deep into our second pregnancies, a time that sparks a lot of reflection, so we thought it’d be great to reflect with the women who influenced us the most: our mothers. We explore the profound wisdom and self-care habits passed down from their mothers and hear their perspectives on what it takes to build a decades-long marriage. This episode is full of...

“I think self-love and happiness are habits” - Law Roach

In this episode of the Naked Beauty podcast, Sir John and I spoke with the one and only Image Architect Law Roach. We explore his remarkable journey in transforming celebrities into fashion icons, delving into his path from the south side of Chicago to styling stars like Zendaya, Celine Dion, and Megan Thee Stallion. We also discuss his new book, 'How to Build a Fashion Icon,' and emphasize the pivotal role of confidence. Law opens up about his creative process, the importance of building a pers...

Author, journalist, TV presenter, fellow podcaster and creator Candice Brathwaite-Aboderin is here on the pod and ready to talk through the evolution of her relationship with beauty. From her tomboy phase where she was completely uninterested in appearances, to her dancehall girl phase battling breakouts for the first time, to life as a mom helping her kids navigate anti-black beauty standards, Candice has seen and felt it all. Tune in as we discuss her beauty icons, favorite products, that signature shaved head, fighting fatphobic narratives, what to do when you’ve outgrown your social circle, and more. Enjoy! 

Brigette Romanek is an Architectural Digest-recognized interior designer who has furnished the homes you’ve likely drooled over on Instagram. Given my recent move and renovation journey, I’ve been dying to get her on the show, and just as I expected our conversation was spectacular. We delve into her self-taught journey, collaborations with high-profile clients like Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyoncé, and her philosophy of creating Livable Luxe. Brigette opens up about how her nomadic childhood influenced her aesthetic, the blend of functionality and beauty in her designs, and her signature use of layering and greenery. 

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Sir John and I had an incredible conversation with Robert Meyer, a skincare expert, and top Shiseido training executive. Robert talked with us about what his decades-long career, at some of the most influential beauty companies, has taught him about beauty and the consumer experience. Specifically, how Shiseido successfully translates 150 years of Japanese beauty history to consumers around the globe. We discussed how the brand meets the needs of more educated consumers, remains aware of specific generational interests, and meets rapidly changing sun protection needs. Our chat also focused heavily on Shiseido’s innovative cosmetic technologies, including 2500 patents, and ho...

I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Zambia with my husband, son, and growing baby, and I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by all the beauty I saw. In this beauty dispatch from Zambia, you'll hear about the beauty insights I gained, from marveling at the local wildlife and skincare traditions to making Mongongo oil with the Booma Women’s Cooperative and of course, shopping in the local market.

Tune in as I discuss:

Trigger warning: We discuss emotional and physical abuse in this episode. 

In Part Two of our conversation with Jackie Aina, Sir John and I learned even more about what drives her. Jackie shared how she learned to enforce boundaries with her huge online community of supporters and how to engage with difficult topics. This led to an incredible discussion of her survival story, how her experiences inform her approach to helping others escape abusive environments, and her relationship non-negotiables. We also talked about her entrepreneurship journey, her management style and how she developed her fragrance business. A...

Sir John and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jackie Aina, the original YouTube It Girl turned entrepreneur and advocate. For the past 15 years Jackie has shaped conversations about Black women in beauty on every major social media platform. In part one of our conversation we talked to Jackie about what inspired her to create content initially and how having a presence online has changed over time. Jackie also talked about her relationship to beauty as a child, the strategy behind transitioning from beauty to lifestyle content, and how she sustains loving friendships IRL.

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I had the incredible opportunity to partner with Shiseido for a live conversation with everyone’s favorite triple threat, Kelly Rowland and Face Architect Joomee Song. During Shiseido’s inaugural Benefiance retreat, we talked everything beauty, business, travel, and motherhood. We had such a great time talking about our respective visits to Japan, our approaches to aging, and of course our first impressions of the Benefiance eye cream. We even got some great beauty tips from the live audience!

Tune in as we discuss: 

The Naked Beauty fragrance is finally here! Over the course of the last 10 years, I’ve been experimenting with creating my own fragrances, mixing essential oils until I found blends that I loved. Now, many years later, my very first fragrance, Naked Beauty has finally launched, and I wanted to give you an in-depth look at what it took to make the fragrance. From smelling over 15 different iterations of the fragrance to creative directing my own campaign in the canyon behind my home, this was a true labor of love. Listen for more details on the making of the fr...

"If you're not getting nos, you're not challenging yourself to your full potential."

Last month, Sir John and I had a great live show in Beverly Hills. As a Cancer and a Leo, this time of year naturally brings reflection for both of us, and we went deep during the live show! The energy in the room was amazing, and the conversation was so incredible that Sir John and I knew we had to bring these topics to the larger Naked Beauty audience. We had a beautiful discussion on personal growth, building an authentic personal brand...

In my follow-up conversation with Amy Koberling PA, The Skinthusiast, we talked about all things pregnancy skincare. The conversation covered our experiences with pregnancy myths about products, skincare treatments, and even food. Amy shared her professional opinions about why expecting moms don’t need brand new skincare routines, dietary books she recommends for those who are trying or expecting, gestational diabetes, and what current research says about retinoids, sunscreen, and more. The information in this episode is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for personalized and professional medical advice. 

Tune in as we discuss: 

Over the course of 18 packed hours, I shadowed the ambitious and energetic Sabrina Elba for 54 Magazine. When 54 reached out and asked me to write the cover story on Sabrina and her award-winning S'ABLE Labs brand I knew I had to do it, despite having never written a cover story before. In less than 24 hours, Sabrina and I did pilates, tested lab samples, met with her woman-led team, and danced the night away at a party hosted by Naomi Campbell. Our time together illuminated exactly why Sabrina is the perfect person to lead the charge on ethical A-Beauty’s global ta...

When I met Amy Koberling aka The Skinthusiast, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to talk about what we should really be paying attention to when buying skincare. During our conversation, Amy dispelled some common beauty myths and misunderstandings about popular ingredients from benzoyl peroxide to vitamin C. Our conversation covered trends in skincare marketing, overhyped and underhyped products, and how we ensure credibility with our audiences.

Tune in as we discuss: 

In this week’s episode, Sir John and I sat down to chat about what it means to be Summertime Fine mentally and physically. Our conversation included a very special announcement from Brooke, thoughts on how we recharge after major events, and our favorite eye looks on Black women. Sir John shared some tips on elevating any look with custom grills and gave details on his innovative guide to contouring in the sun. Brooke talked about how her ideal summer looks will accentuate her changing body and why we need to keep making the effort to look good. No co...

In this rerun of one of my favorite episodes, I sat down with TikTok queen herself, Tefi. Estefania Pessoa AKA Tefi is the best friend, cultural commentator, and skinfluencer we all needed during COVID-19, and if you have yet to come across her name on TikTok you are truly missing out. Tune in as we discuss her takes on both the toxicity and joy of Y2K beauty culture, growing up as a half-Colombian, half-Brazilian girl in Miami, working through unhealthy relationships, establishing a career as an influencer, botox, and so much more. Enjoy! 

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“At the top of the list of what you need to know about Tanner Adell is she is glam country, it's definitely a defining feature for me.”

For our second episode together, Sir John and I sat down with someone we feel is truly blazing her own trail and looking incredible doing it: Tanner Adell. This year alone she's walked her first red carpet, presented an award at the CMT’s, and had her first-ever televised performance - not to mention being on a Beyonce album. During our conversation, Tanner talked to Sir John and I about...

Tune in for a LIVE conversation with the one and only Jenna Lyons. From her trendsetting tenure at J. Crew to her candid conversations about her relationship to beauty on Real Housewives of New York  Jenna’s authenticity is undeniable. During our conversation, we discussed her commitment to fostering diversity in the fashion industry and what she’s learned about herself since founding Loveseen. We also talked about how she prepared for the high level of scrutiny housewives face, successful queer representation in the media, and interesting generational differences in the workplace. Thank you to @prose for partnering with Naked...

After spending the past year developing my own fragrance, I’ve become obsessed with learning more about the process of developing fragrance. Maya Njie, an artist and self-taught perfumer, was the perfect person to dive deep on fragrance with. During our conversation Maya and I explored the scent composition of some of her top perfumes while discussing how significant her family history has been in building her business. We also talked about the unique experience of trying to capture feelings and translate them into scents that can be experienced by people internationally, the nuances of building an ethical business, an...

While speaking with Charlotte Mensah, she shared her expertise in caring for Afro-textured hair, with products, tools, and styling recommendations. Charlotte also revealed how significant it was for her to grow up surrounded by family, having her hair done and styling it for others. Our conversation illuminated her decision to develop the Curl Power Workshop, an annual haircare and hairstyling event where adults learn to care for the Afro-textured hair of the children they love. For the second year, the workshop focuses on teaching fathers and grandfathers the skills they need to master hair care.

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Charlotte Mensah, the first Black woman inducted into the British Hairdressing Hall of Fame, once turned her kitchen into a laboratory to develop products for her clients. Raised in her grandparent's Ghanian compound, Charlotte was exposed to her grandmother’s boundless creativity and her grandfather’s corporate acumen. Unsurprisingly, she harnessed their wisdom and built an award-winning career in beauty that spans decades. In our conversation, Charlotte talked about her path to opening Hair Lounge, London’s premier afro texture-focused salon since 1999. From defending herself against racist bullies to using hair styling to grieve the loss of her mother, Charlo...

Another edition of beauty rant and beauty rave, including a hot take about luxury skincare and my recently acquired membership to LA's Erewhon and why I was so reluctant to join the cult of this hyped upscale grocer. Tune in to hear my thoughts on:

Affordable productions mentioned: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid, T...

Tune in for a rerun of one of my favorite Naked Beauty episodes with Charlotte Palermino, co-founder of Dieux Skin and self-proclaimed skincare fairy godmother. This episode was all about unpacking and debunking ALL of the beauty rules that so many of us subscribe to. From daily exfoliation, to DIY skincare, to beauty regulations, there’s a lot to get into! 

Link to Products Mentioned: Ep.29: Esme Brown, Chemist Confessions Balm Voyage, SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3, CeraVe Retinol, BeautyStat Vitamin C, L’Oreal Revitalift Vitamin C, hanahana beauty Exfoliating Body Bar, CVS Clear Zinc SPF 50, Dr. Loretta Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF...

We need to process together! Last week, we all heard the iconic Ms. Tina Knowles bless the Naked Beauty podcast with her wisdom, wit, life, and beauty knowledge. On this episode, Sir John and I sit back and unpack our takeaways from that intimate conversation. Tune in to hear all of the behind-the-scenes details, what resonated with us most, how Ms. Tina inspires both of us, and how it felt to interview such a pioneer for the culture.

Tune in to our recap as we discuss:

Ms. Tina has been infusing bold and beautiful Texas style into global pop culture for decades. Sir John and I talked to Ms. Tina about her successful career as a stylist, her beauty regimen, building Cécred, and the significance of early exposure to images of Black beauty and power. We learned how she carries her mother's lessons about honoring creativity in yourself and your children. She told us about how her decision to enter beauty school in her 30s led her to build Headliners, a successful salon that cultivated beauty in Houston’s most powerful women. Of course, we...

Excited to share that the multi-talented Sir John will be joining me as our new Naked Beauty co-host. We’ll be doing a limited six-episode series in which we interview guests who are impacting the culture and delve into their life stories and POV on beauty and self-expression. Please join us in giving Sir John a warm welcome to the Naked Beauty Community!

See me Live in NY 5/20  (limited tickets here)

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It is almost time for the most iconic Monday of the year, the Met Gala. This week I spoke with several talented people in the beauty industry about their Met Gala prep, red carpet predictions, and what happens behind the scenes to make the magical event happen. Master hairstylists Nikki Nelms and Jawara Wauchope gave insight into how they build trust with clients like Janelle Monae, Solange, and Paloma Elsesser to create iconic looks. Chloe Malle and Kristie Dash discussed how social media has reshaped our access to the event and the celebrities who attend. Sir John and I...

Cyndia Harvey is the force behind some of the most iconic hairstyles in luxury runway and editorial campaigns. From lace baby hair at Mugler to screen-filling curls for Jacquemus, Cyndia takes creative risks because she knows that trusting the process always leads to success. During our conversation, Cyndia talked about cultivating this radical sense of self and trust by giving herself exactly what she needs. Whether it be a silent retreat at a secluded monastery or an escape from a turbulent home life, Cyndia has let her intuition lead her toward challenges and peace. 

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Tarek Ali is no stranger to sharing his healing and trauma with the world. Tarek has been creating content online for over a decade as a YouTuber, advocate, author, writer, and healer. In a radically vulnerable approach to engaging online, Tarek’s audience has journeyed with him as he healed relationships with others and himself. This week we sat down to discuss how his initial goal of being seen, heard, and loved online blossomed into a career of healing and artistic expression.

Tune in to learn what Tarek thinks about:

Kendra Bracken-Ferguson knows that Black beauty brands and their founders need capital and community to circumvent systemic racism at the heart of venture capital funding. As the Founder and CEO of Braintrust Founders Studio Kendra uses her experience identifying talent and innovation to provide companies the support they require to succeed. In this episode, Karen and I explore how her legacy of building digital communities guided her toward her professional “North Star” and how we might do the same.

Tune in to learn what Kendra thinks about:

During our initial conversation, Erica Chidi shared so much knowledge about intimacy, wellness, and how to develop positive sexual experiences with our partners and ourselves. That conversation led us to discuss some common myths about sex and vaginal health. Tune in as we discuss:

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“Our culture isn’t designed for intimacy or time with your partner…it’s about capitalism.”

To have positive experiences with sex and intimacy Erica Chidi knows that we have to “keep in contact” with our bodies. Erica is a Wellbeing Guide and the CEO & Founder of Loom, an app that provides reliable information about women’s reproductive health. It was so interesting to learn about how our sex education never really stops and where we can turn for more information. 

Tune in to learn more about what Erica thinks about:

Exploring beyond the limits of topical beauty treatments, and into the world of cosmetic technology can often feel daunting, or even deceptive in today’s social media landscape. So, I wanted to use this episode to break through the clutter and take you all on an audio tour of an increasingly popular treatment: PRFM or PRP. For those who may not be familiar, PRFM stands for Platelet -Rich Fibrin Matrix. It, along with PRP (Platlet-Rich Plasma) - referenced by Dr. Nanaa Boakye - have been making headlines for its ability to naturally regenerate collagen and thicken skin using one’s own...

"My Skin Didn't Start To Change Until I Changed The Energy Around Me." - Alicia Keys, Grammy-award winning artist, beauty entrepreneur and today's Naked Beauty podcast guest! I could not have been more excited for this interview! With braids and makeup choices that have influenced beauty culture for decades, I had the opportunity to go deep with Alicia about her own self-care practice. Tune in as we dive deep into:

So often, what we define as “wellness” in today’s world, can end up feeling like an expensive and unnecessary set of demands that leave us drained rather than fulfilled. Fortunately, health coach Daphne Javitch is here for real talk on how to feel more (as she puts it) “resourced”. After a long and painful journey with endometriosis, Daphne was inspired to better understand her body and how to thrive in hectic conditions that are far from ideal. Tune in to hear how she navigated and continues to navigate this journey as well as her thoughts on: 

Before there was a “clean” beauty movement, there was Indigenous beauty. Before sustainability and naturally-derived ingredients were cool, there was Indigenous beauty. Jenn Harper, Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, is here to remind us that Indigenous culture’s contributions to beauty have always been and continue to be at the center of this industry. Tune in as we discuss her: 

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After months of eager anticipation, Beyoncé, Ms.Tina Knowles and a team of hardworking experts have delivered on arguably one of the most important celebrity beauty ventures that we’ve seen in a long time: Cécred (pronounced “sacred”). Having received an invite to attend the debut of this haircare line and going home with all of the products, tune in hear me break down:  

“It feels like love is being stitched into your head”

When it comes to Black beauty culture, braiding is arguably one of the most important rituals that we can participate in. Not only is it a form of wearable art, but it’s a way to build relationship and community with others. Tune in as I sit down with Naked Beauty producer Mbiye Kasonga and soon-to-be Douse founder Utibe Mbagwu to discuss their favorite braiding styles, what makes for an incredible braiding experience, braiding etiquette, braiding as a form of technology and luxury, and the value of hav...

“I had been waiting for her to 36 years…there was a lot to say.” - Crystal Anderson

The relationship between love and beauty is an inseparable one. Whether it is self-love or love for another human being, beauty is almost always the end result. Producer Crystal Anderson and her partner Kiesh Herman couldn’t be a more exemplary model of this truth. Tune in as we discuss the evolution of their relationship, from meeting on Instagram to motherhood with a newborn; learning to embrace their fundamental differences; working together; and memorializing their love.

Links to Produc...

One of my favorite things about traveling is exploring another culture or society through the lens of beauty. As founder of global and evergrowing makeup brand Violette FR, I knew that Violette would also have a rich perspective on this topic. Tune in as we discuss her favorite cities, how to protect your skin while traveling and how she derives inspiration from the countries that she visits. 

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As the beauty industry continues to overload the market with new products and new “problems”, dermatologists like Dr. Naana Boakye are becoming even more essential to the skincare conversation. Having coined the term “lifestyle dermatology”, Dr. Boakye strongly believes that stress, diet, exercise, and all of our daily habits show up on the skin. Tune in as we discuss how to optimize your nutritional and emotional habits, combatting Alopecia, serving as the chief medical officer for A-Frame Brands and more. 

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MUA, creator, and  businesswoman Violette has built a reputation as one of the most hardworking and dedicated women in the beauty industry - and for good reason. Despite having no formal training, at just 19 years old, Violette had the vision to create one-of-a-kind pigments and to build a career on her own terms. Today, the red lipsticks, blue eyeshadows, and serums found within her eponymous brand are unlike anything I have ever seen. Tune in to hear how she fell in love with color and art as a young girl, how she built her hustle as an MUA, why d...

Episode Description: As many of us jump into the new year with high hopes of reevaluating and shifting our daily habits, my relationship with alcohol has been top of mind. While drinking has always been in the background of my social and professional life, its side effects have never been particularly enjoyable. And after moving to LA, now more than ever, I’m questioning its necessity. If you find yourself in a similar boat, this conversation with three women navigating their relationship to alcohol and creating spaces and alternatives to allow us all to do the same may be ju...

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting a number of world-renowned dermatologists that can speak to the common skincare issues that we all face. From addressing hyperpigmentation to creating a solid routine with products that work for your skin type, we discuss it all. Tune in as we tune back to interviews with:

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The conversation continues with Telsha Anderson-Boone, who discusses how she manifested her perfect cool bride look. As we step into 2024, what vision of your elevated self do you want to achieve in the new year? 

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Episode Description: While many can easily identify Sir John as makeup artist to some of the most influential women in the world, few know exactly how he got there and - perhaps even more interestingly - how he’s managed to stay grounded through it all. With a name that’s fit for a king, one could argue that Sir John was destined for a career focused on highlighting the power and the beauty that surrounds him. Tune in for an incredibly intimate interview where we discuss: 

Fashion founder, owner and buyer Telsha Anderson-Boone wasn’t what the industry expected. But as it turns out, she was exactly what it needed. After seeing a lack of curated brick and mortar experiences for up-and-coming labels, Telsha opened T.a. down in New York’s Meatpacking district. Now, three years later, Telsha is a mom, wife and LA transplant ready to expand her brand in new and refreshing ways. Tune in as we discuss being one of very few Black women within her profession, how dating her husband encouraged her to take more fashion risks, the effects of moth...

Sarah Brown, Executive Director of Violet Grey and former Vogue Beauty Editor, has been a staple in the world of beauty editorial and brand curation. Even when I was an intern at Vogue, I was truly in awe of her work and sense of style. Tune in to hear us discuss growing up in New York, her journey to the beauty industry , her infamous article “What’s My Era?”, what goes into the Violet Code behind Violet Grey, what brands she’s falling in love with these days and more. 

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After falling in love with a luxurious candle on a trip to a Paris, Kudzi Chikumbu’s love for the story and thought behind candles was born. Now, through his social media persona of “Sir Candle Man”, Kudzi is considered an expert within the candle and fragrance space, sharing his tips and tricks for finding the perfect product with the world. Tune in as we discuss how he has used social media as a creative outlet how to optimize your candle’s usage, diversity within the fragrance industry, his thoughts on the upcoming Naked Beauty fragrance and more. 

Pro...