Naked Beauty

“What I was cleaning my house with was cleaner than what I was putting on my face. I had my head in the sand like a lot of people.” — my guest, April Gargiulo, on the genesis of her natural, performance-driven skincare line: Vintner’s Daughter//April and I discuss how her background in Napa Valley’s wine making process, allowed her to see this gap in the skincare market – she took this knowledge and molded it into a product to help people around the world achieve their best skin. The coveted Vintner's Daughter serum and essence transforms skin and hearing the backstory behind the 22 natural ingredients, it's all clear why this works as well as it does. April never compromises quality for profit, which is what makes her totally unique in today's beauty industry.April’s journey with skincare dates back to developing cystic acne in high school and giving every luxury product a try. After some time she started to develop her first product (the process was rocky pitching one SKU) but she stuck to her North Star and successfully created products that continue to sell out within days of being restocked. I LOVED talking to April and getting to know what has inspired this game-changing, plant-powered skincare and I know you will too.Products/Resources Mentioned: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence, Alpyn Creamy Bubbling Cleanser, NuFace (electrical stimulation of facial muscles), Face Gym , Endermologie Body Treatment (Spa Radiance) Infiorie solid fragrance, Brother Vellies (April's shoe obsession), CAP Beauty , Onda BeautyStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow April & Vintner's Daughter Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanetRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :)Shop my Amazon faves: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Try colors you wouldn’t normally wear. It’s not permanent, it’s not a tattoo. And you might realize that actually, that green or that yellow goes with your clothes so much better than the red or nude does.” - Sylvie Macmillan on how to step out of comfort zones & try new colors for your nails. I had to share some extras from my conversation in London with super-talented nail technician Sylvie Macmillan. We talk about the debilitating effect of too many options at the nail salon, SNS dipping powder (and how hygienic it may or may not be), holographic nails, matte nails, and choosing a color and sticking to it with conviction! Does your mani have to match your pedi? And what’s breathable polish anyway?Shop all of the recommended products on my Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brookedevardCND Negligee (Sylvie’s go to color for manicures) Orly Nail Bonder (for strengthening) Clambake by Essie (perfect red) You’re Not Glistening to Me (Sylvie’s favorite universally flattering warm bronze polish)Follow Sylvie on IG: @sylviemacmillan.nails // Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard // Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet // Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple & check out the full episode with Sylvie if you missed it ‘Hyper-Creative Nails’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I'm a size 16 black woman with natural hair who's big and broad and takes up a lot of space. And I'm unapologetic about it. I'm dope." - my guest, Julee Wilson, Global Beauty Director of EssenceWhen it comes to beauty, Julee Wilson is all about showing up with authenticity and confidence. Her unique childhood within the Mormon community at home, and within the Quaker community at boarding school, inspired her progressive, open-minded and creative approach to beauty. Wilson continuously advocates for the representation of black women in the beauty industry, all while being a kick-ass mom! Links to Products/Resources Mentioned: BODY: Tata Harper Rejuvenating Body Oil, Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Baby Foot Mask, Spa Castle SKINCARE: SKII Essence, Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, Drunk Elephant: Marula Oil, Retinol Cream, Baby Facial, Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tone Collection, Beneath Your Mask by Dana Jackson: Nourish Skin & Hair Serum (Hemp Seed Oil), Illuminate Clarifying Face Mask, Tata Harper Vitae Elixir Serum MAKEUP: Pat McGrath Foundation, Fenty Vivid Liquid Eyeliner Trio , Mented Cosmetics OTHER: The Color Files, Camara Aunique- Julee Lash , My DMX ChallengeFollow Julee on IG: @missjulee Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Jones treats newborns to 100 year olds, celebrities (like Pharell *gag*) & regulars like yours truly – in fact I’ve been seeing Dr.Jones at her UES practice for over 15 years. I couldn’t be more excited to her skincare wisdom with all of you! We talk about everything from how to find a great dermatologist (& more specifically a black dermatologist), haircare, cosmetic surgery and how to simplify your skincare routine for maximum effectiveness.Growing up, Elena Jones always knew that she wanted to be a doctor. But it wasn’t until the second year of her residency at NYU that she discovered a passion for dermatology. She has gone on to become one of the few board-certified, black dermatologists in New York City. Outside of her 20-year old private practice, Dr. Jones has served as an integral faculty member at the St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital’s Skin of Color Center, and as a director of their Dermatology Center. With all of this experience and so much passion for her community, Dr. Jones is THE dermatologist to talk to when it comes to treating and protected darker complexions.She also answers all of your questions sourced from @nakedbeautyplanet about treating hyperpigmentation, perioral dermatitis, birth control, hormonal acne & more!Links to Products/Resources Mentioned: Black Dermatologists.orgAmerican Academy of DermatologyCleansers: Bioderma Micellar Cleanser, Sunflower Seed Oil (double cleanser), Glytone Mild Gel CleanserSerums/Treatments: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum, Esthederm Intensive Hyaluronic Serum, Isdinceutics Flavo-C Anti-Aging Serum, Hydroquinione, Altreno Retinol,Moisturizers: Ambi Fade Cream (SPF 30), Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Every great brand has something in it that’s very unique and distinctive and belongs on this planet, and the best brands are the ones that know how to take that and constantly evolve it. Those brands stand the test of time.” - my guest, Amanda BaldwinOver the past three years, UV protection brand Supergoop! (est. 2007) has rapidly become a household name, and it’s no surprise that President Amanda Baldwin is behind the effort. Having received degrees from both Harvard and Wharton, experience as a private equity investor and marketing director at Dior and Clinique, Baldwin has an unparalleled understanding of both beauty technology and narrative. Now, as her work with Supergoop! founder Holly Thaggard continues to grow, the duo’s number one mission is to build an education and love around a product that so many people tend to avoid: sunscreen! Listen to hear us discuss:How to stand out when trying to start a career in beautyBrand DNA and origin story of Supergoop The business of beauty and how it’s changedWhat she learned working at LVMHWhat every great brand has The story behind the famous (& my fave) Unseen SunscreenWhat clean beauty really even means?& so much moreStay in touch with me: @brookedevardJoin the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanetRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) For information regarding your data privacy, visit Links:Blue Ocean StrategySupergoop! Superscreen Daily MoisturizerSupergoop! Defense Refresh Setting SprayPat McGrath FetishEyes MascaraSupergoop! Shimmershade EyeshadowSupergoop! Sun-Defying Body OilSupergoop! Glow Stick Sunscreen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harlem-born, LA-based artist Mandy Harris Williams is thinking about beauty on a *much deeper* level. This was the intellectual beauty I conversation I've been chasing all 2019. Mandy’s ultimate aesthetic: summering on Martha’s Vineyard with a strong no-makeup skin flex. Listen to hear Mandy & I discuss the mythology behind the ‘ideal’ black woman, being ‘uglied’, fitting into cultural norms, high heels as a manifestation of the patriarchy and how we feel about white women wearing braids. We also get into: How beauty privilege manifests itself Hyper-pigmentation & acne scarring Tattoos & her art careerHair identity politics How institutions like Jack & Jill, Trinity & Harvard can shape your self-perception& so much more. This is one of my favorite episodes, please enjoy! And if you love it please take the time to give the show a rating & review on the Apple Podcast app. Tag me @NakedBeautyPlanet with a screenshot as you’re listening to support. Products Mentioned:Thayers Witch Hazel TonerStridex Daily Pads with Aloe VeraAMBI Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30Clinique Pore Mattifying Lotion Honey Dew Me up serum from NYX—Follow Mandy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idealblackfemale/Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/brookedevard/Join the Naked Beauty Community: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Nails can be just as important as jewelry” - my guest Sylvie Macmillan. Sylvie's journey to becoming a talented nail technician was anything but direct. After receiving a degree in technical arts and special effects, and working as a graphic designer and model maker, the Bath local could have done anything. Yet her lifelong love for nails was an affection that couldn't be ignored. With clients like Vogue, Dazed, and Fashion East designer Asai under her belt, it’s clear that Macmillan is well on her way to becoming one of the best nail techs in the industry. Listen to hear us discuss:How Sylvie works to a brief when creating nail looks whether it’s for runway, editorial or a private clientNail art and having a relationship with your manicurist How to make your nails healthy, cuticle care & why the same nails always breakAnti-aging & getting hotter as she gets olderCalluses on feet, dead skin & regular exfoliationGetting used to acrylic nails, nail appropriation & cultural appropriation Having a bath & wearing fragrance & orgasm Follow Sylvie on IG: @sylviemacmillan.nails, Stay in touch with me: @brookedevard, Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Products Mentioned:CND Shellac Gel (her favorite), Weleda Skinfood, Weleda Foot Balm, Pumice for Feet, Baby Foot, Cerave SA Renewing Cream, Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Hand & Nail Cream, Orly Nail Bonder Treatment, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all need to be reminded to have a sense of humor when it comes to beauty. Mandi & I talk skincare obsession, how the team at the Baalm crafts brilliant beauty memes, the joy of your boyfriend adopting a skincare routine & more on this leftovers episode of Naked Beauty.And stay tuned if you want to hear a snippet of my stand up comedy routine from Caroline's on Broadway [can't believe I'm releasing this but YOLO, enjoy]---Listen to the full episode with Mandi Nyambi, author, co-founder and CEO of the Baalm on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyJoin the Naked Beauty Community: @nakedbeautyplanetTag me while you’re listening or share any thoughts with me :)Follow me: @brookedevardSubscribe, Rate & Review the #nakedbeautypodcast on Apple Podcasts so more people can find the show! Thanks all and back next week with a new interview from my travels in London, can't wait to share! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I work backstage and it teaches you so much. The models are getting so many photos taken of them, so you have to be perfect.” - my guest makeup artists & model, Raisa FlowersRaisa is an icon in the beauty game and I’ve been wanting to interview her for so long! She’s done everything from hit the runway as a model for Rihanna’s most recent Savage x Fenty show to working with musicians to working at fashion week’s top shows. The NY native continuously serves some of the most eccentric looks within the beauty industry, earning her a seat on the Dazed 100, and features in publications such as Vogue and The Cut. We talk black punks, makeup brushes, family & more!Links to Products Mentioned:Pat Mcgrath Lip Pencil, Fenty Gloss Bomb, Glossier Invisible Shield, MAC Pro Palette Skin Corrector, MAC 24-Hour Studio Fix Concealer, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, A.J. Crimson Universal Finishing Powder (Bamboo), Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, Danessa Myricks Evolution Powder #3, Fenty Pro Filt’r Setting Powder, Glossier Milk Jelly Cleanser, Caudalie Cleansing Exfoliator, Glossier Haloscope, Glossier Skin Tint, Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Foundation, Pat McGrath Mothership Palettes, Glossier Brow Flick, Nars Creamy ConcealerFollow Raisa on IG:  @raisaflowersStay in touch with me: @brookedevard Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With degrees in Regenerative Biology & Nutrition from Harvard, Mandi Nyambi truly has skincare down to a science. Which is why the skincare consultation network she co-founded, the baalm (formerly Le Culture Club) is set to become such a trust-worthy name among beauty enthusiasts. I loved talking with Mandi and getting all my burning skincare questions answered, hearing about her Cameroonian background, ingredients to look for & skincare that’s worth paying for!Links to products/resources mentioned: Biologique Lait U, French Girl Fleur De Rose Wash , Mizon Snail Repair Cream, Hyaluronic Lotion, Algenist Prebiotic Mask, Drunk Elephant Protini, Clinique Charcoal Mask, Carter + Jane The Everything Oil Get Mandi's Book: Fresh Face simple routines for beautiful glowing skin, every dayFollow me: @brookedevardJoin the Naked Beauty Community: @nakedbeautyplanetTag me while you’re listening or share any thoughts with me :)Subscribe, Rate & Review the #nakedbeautypodcast on Apple Podcasts, grateful for your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.