Naked Beauty

“Creativity and being around creative people has been my drive” — my amazing guest Saidah Blount, on her career journey and finding herself in music where she always wanted to be :) Saidah tells me about moving to NYC in the 90s and making a career out of seeing bands. Originally from Kansas City, we talk about how she grew up and her early memories of visiting the Clinique counter for makeovers. We ponder whether or not artists of today have the same knack for style that musicians used to but we both think Rihanna, The Migos & Miguel are doing interesting things. We get into hair dye, expensive deep conditioning masks we enjoy wasting money on, the magic of a good skincare routine, whether or not vitamins really do anything, how working out and knowing her own personal strength can change everything, and how the right lipstick can be a form of personal empowerment. ———Follow @nakedbeautyplanet on Instagram for all things beauty & join the #nakedbeautypodcast community :) Follow Saidah on IG: @SaidahB TW @Saibellanyc——Products & Things MentionedIlleisha who did my color I mention in the intro: @thehairartisteSiouxsie Sioux - the artist with the distinctive eyeliner look that inspired SaidahAztec clay to cleanse skin Biologique P50 < apparently worth all the hypeTumeric mask for hyper pigmentationEvening primrose oil from Mountain Rose Herbs Shu Emura Deep Conditioner Queen Helene Cholesterol deep conditioner - a classicShea Moisture Strengthening Mask - one of my fave deep conditioners & not too expensiveMorrocan Oil Deep ConditionerScalp Massager from Amazon I use 2x a month to stimulate hair folliclesThe Buffet Serum from the Ordinary Moisturizer with sunscreen Saidah lovesHeyday - Saidah’s go-to facial spot in NYThe impact of sun (image to scare you straight into wearing SPF)Rihanna RiriWoo - her ultimate red (sorry sold-out) BITE in soho where you can create your own lipstick L’Oreal boy brow dupe Fenty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte FoundationYoutube from dermatologists she loves (Dr.Dray)--------Stay in touch! I'm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Sometimes therapy can be a lot…you’re unpacking things you didn’t even know were there. Therapy allowed me to realize how my anxieties were manifesting and also to realize that I have the authority and I’m worthy of not being in this space at all times. Sometimes when you’re an anxious person or you’re depressed you think….'this is how it ishis is always going to be how it is and I just have to work in this bubble of anxiety or sadness'….but now I have different tools to move out of it.” - my guest incredible guest Abena, on her experience with therapyAbena Boamah M.Ed, creator of Hanahana beauty, is on a mission to disrupt the global beauty industry. I’m amazed by Abena’s boldness, point of view and ambition — all while remaining entirely down to earth & SO FUN! Abena is committed to creating transparency, accessibility and sustainability with her 100% handcrafted shea butter sourced from the Katariga Women's Cooperative in Tamale, Ghana. She describes growing up in a Ghanian household in the suburbs of Ohio, teaching on the westside of Chicago and being a Pisces. She convinces me to open my mind to therapy (and makes a very compelling case I want everyone to hear)! Other topics discussed: -dancing to shake it off hitting a whine to get a workout -Adding dried lavender and rosemary to joints (THAT YOU CAN SMOKE - who knew?)-Marijuana shaming -Beyonce inspiring us to be our best selves-Hoteps-Choosing celibacy & more! Products & Things MentionedShea Balm from Hanahana — Abena’s Go-To for Lips https://www.hanahanabeauty.com/shop-online/shea-balmGlossier Lip Gloss for Extra-shiny lips https://www.glossier.com/products/lip-glossApple Cider Vinegar to clarify hair http://coconutsandkettlebells.com/apple-cider-vinegar-hair-rinse/Peppermint, Hemp & Jojoba Oil to massage her edges where she experienced alopecia https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/essential-oils-for-hair-growth/Her stylist Capricehttps://www.instagram.com/capricedominiquehairstylist/Follow Abena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanieboamah/Learn more about Hanahana Beauty & Their Mission: https://www.instagram.com/hanahana_beauty/Shop Hanahana Products: http://hanahanabeauty.comStay in touch & join the community @nakedbeautyplanet Reach me @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29 probably isn't the perfect age but we explore...Rachel, my long-time friend a former Soul Cycle instructor, and I discuss things we've mastered by 29: feeding ourselves, prioritizing the morning, learning about fragrance, how to shave our legs, dressing for the occasion, what beauty treatments are worth splurging it, office makeup etc. And then there are the things we haven’t mastered: ironing boards, washing instructions, the color wheel, when to get rid of old clothes, how to wrap a present, etc.We discuss hormones and facial hair, cosmetic surgery on the eve of our 30s, lip fillers for Rachel’s LA life, and her experience going from being a soul cycle instructor to doing absolutely nothing – she shares what changed & what stayed absolutely the same (very surprising insights here on what sweating does for skin). Rachel is so much fun, you guys will love this episode (slightly NSFW towards the end) Enjoy!Products/Resources MentionedGuardian article on being 29: hereTo learn about fragrances: base notes lucky scent Truth about nail salons in NYC: via the NyTimesAyurvedic Facial in NYC: PratimaSephora Facial Machine Korean Nose Strips - use at your own riskMarie Kondo to learn how to packPoshmark to sell clothesSelling to The RealReal Makeup Brush CleanerFirst Aid Moisturizer Maybeline Full N Soft the mascara Rachel has sworn by her whole life Telescopic Lancome MascaraDrybar Dry Shampoo - great volume but according to Rachel also makes hair look like you dandruff so you need to wash outOuia products for hair (wave spray, volumizing spray, hair oil) - amazing smell Rachel loves ********Follow @NakedBeautyPlanet on InstagramStay in touch @Brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I feel like it is the root of my work to create opportunities for women who look different” — my amazing guest, A-Lan HoltA-lan is a filmmaker, writer, all around creator, mother and dear friend. You guys are in for a treat with this episode because A-lan is thinking through her experience as a woman and a creative on a higher level than most — but also doing so in a totally humble, down-to-earth, lovable wayShe is Stanford’s Interim Executive Director of the Institute for Diversity in the Arts and so we talk about how she’s able to create institutional change with her role. A-lan explains the beauty lessons she inherited growing up in LA — from her Aunt who wore sisterlocs and Grandma who was a ‘silver fox’.We talk about her experience as a curvy woman, her self-confidence, and how she thinks about perception and representation when she’s casting roles for her film projects. The part of the conversation that really blew my mind: A-lan’s experience with natural childbirth and why she decided to opt-out of the hospital/ ‘business of birth’ to bring her daughter into the world. She was a young mother and she goes into how that impacted her experience of pregnancy too. We also talk about what actually goes down post-birth and alllll the things they don’t quite tell you. Best quote: "The best way I can describe giving birth without drugs, is like being on shrooms kind of. It’s very much like this trip. Your body at different moments during the pregnancy releases different chemicals, in your brain and in your body, that support you on this journey, and it feels like you’re literally having a trip” >>> mind.blown. So much packed into this beautiful hour but here are some of the things we cover:Thickness & if there’s a right way to be curvyHer experience growing locs & how wrapping her hair cost her a job Our Stanford experience How she’s thinking about the visual representation of women during her creative processThe natural beauty look and clear skin privilege Aztec clay & oil cleansing Essential oils Sephora getting more into natural makeup The time and money women invest in beauty & choosing not to invest The impact of nature on your psyche & living in the wilderness*******Products/Things Discussed: A-lan’s Short Film Inamorata: http://www.inamoratafilm.comSabina Karllsson who stars in the film: https://www.instagram.com/thesabinakarlsson/?hl=enThe Thicc Gram (IG account dedicated to curvy women): https://www.instagram.com/thethiccgram/The Brooklyn Birthing Center where she did her natural childbirth: http://www.brooklynbirthingcenter.comThe Business of Being Born documentary: http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com (also on Netflix)Hard Knock Wife — hysterical stand-up comedy from my girl Ali Wong on the post-birth experience https://www.netflix.com/title/80186940Guide to oil cleansing: https://crunchybetty.com/oil-cleansing-method/Hazelnut Oil (A-lan’s oil of choice for cleansing): https://bit.ly/2MIQFgCRandom Acts of Flyness (new HBO show A-lan recommended): https://www.hbo.com/random-acts-of-flynessAztec Clay for a... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m joined by Tam Watkins, founder of Loza Tam, where she’s been creating beautiful satin-lined turbans and headbands for the past two years. Before becoming the entrepreneur she is today, Tam was growing up in rural Florida or as she calls it ‘Trump Country’ and talks to me about that experience & growing up with a black Republican parent & Grandparent (rare indeed)! One of the things I love about Tam is her passion for travel and learning other cultures… she shares how the idea to create Loza Tam came to her in a yoga class & how that idea led her to Ghana where she now produces her product. We talk about her ‘Britney Spears’ moment when she cut off all her hair because it became too matted while transitioning, feeling boyish post big-chop & how one kindergarten boy made her cry. She tells me about the positive affirmations she practices each day: “I am loved”, “I have marketable skills”, etc. and how that’s changed her outlook. We discuss social media & mental health but also have to acknowledge how much YouTube helped us in our natural journey! We also cover Botox as a preventative measure, pedicures being more mandatory than manicures, Tristian Walker and her experience working on Bevel and Form, Turkish women’s approach to beauty, traveling solo and her experience in China, the importance of reading reviews, wig life and we bond over our love of Wendy Williams. Our Fave YouTube Channels for Natural Hair Tutorials:Kimmay Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/kimmaytube < super thorough scientific approach Naptural85 by Whitney (arguably the natural hair YT GOAT) https://www.youtube.com/user/Naptural85The OG Cherry Lola Treatment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAafaJWWKUwProducts/Things Mentioned:Watch Tam’s fave show African City (described as the African Sex & The City): Acure- natural skincare products with proven resultshttps://www.acure.comR+CO Cleansing Conditioner for a product that never dries out hair but it still feels cleansed https://bit.ly/2AQqeAV— Fenty Beauty Everything Really but these are Standouts — Universal Gloss Bomb - best lipgloss of all time & looks great on everyone https://seph.me/2Oc2FnGGold Highlighter - Killiwat/Trophy Wifehttps://seph.me/2gSJ8twNew Fenty Silver Highlighter Review https://www.refinery29.com/rihanna-fenty-beauty-silver-highlighter-reviewHeat Free Hair Clip-ins https://heatfreehair.com/collections/clip-insKinky straight half wig can be found HERELancome Teint Indole 24 Hour Long Wear Foundation HEREGet Yourself Some Loza Tam Products!I love my turban <3Free shipping on your first purchase (no minimum) when you enter promo code "NAKED" or just go to lozatam.com/nakedbeautyJoin the #nakedbeautypodcast community://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve been spending time learning about Ayurvedic Beauty — an ancient Indian approach to wellness and beauty that I’ve really connected with. Everything in Ayurveda comes back to your specific dosha type. The three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha and they’re each associated with different energies which I go through in this episode. I also share some knowledge on maintaining Ojas. In Ayurveda, Ojas is believed to be responsible for vitality, strength, health, long life, immunity and mental/emotional wellness. Thank you to everyone who’s subscribed, rated and reviewed the #nakedbeautypodcast. I truly appreciate the support!Stay in touch and join the community @NAKEDBEAUTYPLANET: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/——Products/Things Mentioned on the Episode:Best book I’ve read on Ayurvedic Beauty:Ayurvedic Beauty Care: Ageless Techniques to Invoke Natural Beauty by Melanie Sachs https://www.amazon.com/Ayurvedic-Beauty-Care-Ageless-Techniques/dp/091495511XOnline quiz to find your Dosha type: https://bit.ly/2v9Yz7IResource for Ayurvedic Recipes: https://www.ayurveda.com/resources/recipes/all Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Easily one of the most stylish women in NY — Crystal Anderson is a grounded, deep thinker but she also doesn’t believe in taking yourself too seriously which I LOVE. She has practical tips about mental health & truly expresses herself through her unique personal style. She’s currently Man Repeller’s COO (chief operations officer) and before joining MR, she launched Refinery 29’s insanely popular experiential event 29Rooms.Crystal’s style ethos: “Getting dressed is an intentional thing that you have to do each day. But it’s for you. It’s not something for work or something you have to do with your partner — it’s just for you”Listen to hear us discuss:- Not taking yourself too seriously when it comes to self-presentation- How to maintain sanity in today’s crazy news cycle- Seeing herself in Leandra Medine’s content for ManRepeller and embracing an anti-sexy/anti-approval aesthetic- Her experience at Howard University and HBCU fashions- Growing up mixed race and what her Italian father taught her and her siblings about how they’ll be perceived- Coping with OCD and nurturing her Mental Health- Dealing with panic attacks and having perspective about taking medication and getting therapy- Sad desk lunches- Why she loves the dewy look & clumpy mascara- Baby hairs & why black women can’t seem to have ANYTHING of our own- White women in braids- Is Kim Kardashian the ultimate troll? Taylor Swift for that matter too…- Wig Culture & Tokyo Stylez- Why crystal wants to be Lukka Sabbat and Yara Shahidi’s aunty- Crystal’s skincare routine (I was shocked to hear her age!)- Her 18 tattoos & her approach to getting tatted- Weight loss and macro nutrient tracking …….. & more!Products & Things Mentioned:Read about Crystal’s awesome job at Man Repeller: https://www.manrepeller.com/2018/04/crystal-anderson.htmlHer experience at an in-patient mental health facility & what she’s learned: https://www.manrepeller.com/2018/05/5-things-mental-health.html Where to buy Marula Oil: https://amzn.to/2N4f10CIf you’re dying for the $80 Version of Marula Oil: https://seph.me/2L6BQA9Drunk Elephant PolyPeptide Lotion: https://seph.me/2E1qWeVArgan Oil: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGAP3E2Milk Make-Up Facegloss for the dewy look: https://seph.me/2zpUSQG MACMineralize SkinFinish the bronzer she keeps coming back to: https://bit.ly/2xwClMcDr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pads (lots of chemicals, they kind of sting but in the best way possible): https://seph.me/2L8nu5TCamille Rose Naturals (great products for natural hair): https://www.camillerosenaturals.comShea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Milk for those edges: https://www.amazon.com/Shea-Moisture-Coconut-Hibiscus-Style/dp/B0038TYTSO?th=1 Shea Moisture Body Oil: https://amzn.to/2uiubIXStrong Mom’s Instagram that helped Crystal on her weightless journey: https://www.instagram.com/strongmomsofthedietdoc/Gucci Bloom for when she’s feeling ‘ladylike’: https://on.gucci.com/2NL8adwPalo Santo Oil (we’re both obsessed with this): https://bit.ly/2N7Xg0AFollow Crystal on IG: https://www.instagram.com/beerbottles_chainsaws/Follow Naked Beauty Planet on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/Sponsor Love: Curology, incredible customized skincare with a special offer for Naked Beauty listeners with the link: curolo.gy/nakedbeauty to get your 1st month free today, just pay $4.95 shipping Rate & review the show if you love it so other likeminded listeners can discover the #nakedbeautypodcast: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-naked-beauty-podcast/id1131628553?mt=2This episode was mixed by Laila OwedaJoin the #nakedbeautypodcast community on Instagram: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This goes out to the true beauty junkies! Siraad is a girl with a 10-step beauty routine, who lives for Korean skincare and travels with her own silk pillow-case. She’s currently a beauty editor at Essence and she has incredible product knowledge but what I find even more impressive — her general attitude and approach towards beauty. She’s really inspired me to try new things!We talk:- how she graduated with a psychology and communications degree, worked in finance and then found herself transitioning to a new career in beauty at 28- Korean skin-care & our desire to move to Japan and be teenagers- The SWAGGER level in Korea & Japan & surprising level of black culture love- Working with women of color-Brands that don’t understand the Essence reader- The ethics of being a beauty editor- Me being a kitchen beautician- Her natural hair journey- maximum hydration method (not sustainable)- the silk pillowcase & throwback memories to dominican hairdressers heating your hair- Stanning for Pat McGrath - Dying natural hair & hair shaming in the natural hair community- Oil cleanses & I finally learn what essences are (they’re huge in K-Beauty so they’ll get popular in the US in 6 months to a year)- Sunscreens and eye creams & much much moreProducts Mentioned:Tatcha Camilla Oil- https://www.sephora.com/product/pure-one-step-camellia-cleansing-oil-P392235Powder Cleanser (Siraad recommends for traveling):Tatcha Rice Powder Cleanser - https://seph.me/2N9sbKTGlossier Milky Jelly Cleanser - https://www.glossier.com/products/milky-jelly-cleanserP50 Biologique, Pricey but she swears by it - https://intothegloss.com/2017/03/biologique-recherche-p50-lotion-review/Cure Gel - cult exfoliating product I recommend - https://www.amazon.com/Cure-Natural-Aqua-Gel-250/dp/B001ABLKK2Koh Gen Do Essence - Japanese Essence (one step before primer)https://kohgendocosmetics.com Ole Hendrickson Vitamin C serum, great for hyper-pigmentationhttps://www.sephora.com/product/truth-serum-P42343SuperBerry Hydrate & Glow Oil by Youth to the People, her final step in her nightly skincare routinehttps://www.youthtothepeople.com/products/superberry-hydrate-and-glow-oilGlossier Sunscreen - https://bit.ly/2MxkxbUKjaer Weis Dazzling Bronzer - https://bit.ly/2lDy4TYArtis brushes, she says they’re good but she applies stuff by handhttps://www.artisbrush.comAmiKa hair curl defining cream and gel combo - https://loveamika.com/products/curl-corps-p-defining-creamOribe everything - https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/Oribe/Designers-A-Z/cat322602/c.catIf you want to go deeper - check out benefits of water filters for showers: https://wellnessmama.com/119128/shower-filter/—— Shoutout to the sponsor Curology, incredible customized skincare with a special offer for Naked Beauty listeners with the link: curolo.gy/nakedbeauty to get your 1st month free, just pay $4.95 shipping)Join the Instagram Community: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/ @NAKEDBEAUTYPLANETFollow Siraad: https://www.instagram.com/sdirshe/?hl=en& check out her writing: https://www.essence.com/beauty/astrologers-new-year-scorpiomystique ******** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I’ve always known that I was a female. Folks always ask ‘how did you know?’ It just was. It just is.” — Angelica Torres, NYC-native, lover of bathtubs and glitter, speaking about her experience being assigned the wrong gender at birth.We cover SO much in this episode so I’ve provided topics and time-codes below. Angelica, so much love to you for sharing your story! Also thank you to everyone who has joined NakedBeautyPlanet on Instagram, love meeting you all.Episode notes below: From Cardi B to Nicki Minaj and Azalea Banks, why we pit women against each other (4:30) Identifying as a trans woman at work (6:45) Dealing with suicide, depression and anxiety — issues that disproportionately impact the trans community (8:20) Being outed at work in her first corporate job (10:25) That time she was on Oprah (11:44) …but it didn’t go so well.How she was misgendered on national television (13:45) Her experience going to Harvey Milk high school after a suicide attempt at 13 (16:35) How she knew she was a female (19:10) The fact that there’s no right or wrong way to disclose being trans when dating (25:00) That time she was on ANTM (28:47) Being taught straight hair is better & the baffling concept of colorism (shoutout to Nyma Tang) (31:00)*Short ad break* (37:20) (shoutout to the sponsor Curology, incredible customized skincare with a special offer for Naked Beauty listeners with the link: curolo.gy/nakedbeauty to get your 1st month free today, just pay $4.95 shipping )RuPaul’s problematic comments on trans women on Drag Race & trans women being discriminated against (39:20) Why the T doesn’t really belong in LGBT & transphobia within the community (41) How angelica handles people asking inappropriate questions about surgery (44) All of her favorite beauty products (see below, 47:11) When she feels most beautiful (58:15)Angelica’s Beauty Must-Haves:MACs Liquidlast Liner - a liner that stays forever and gives you the perfect early-Christina Aguilera line https://bit.ly/2yDF88QClinique Stay Matte Hydrator - great for oily skin & Angelica uses as a primer https://bit.ly/2JGEvjfClinique Happy - Fresh & Citrusy fragrance https://bit.ly/2JGEvjfBoscia Aluminizing black mask that takes out all skin impurities https://seph.me/2t2QeliFRED.NYC (192 Orchard Street) https://www.instagram.com/fred.nyc/Lush Secret Arts Jelly Bomb - Charcoal moisturizing bath bomb https://bit.ly/2jV1DTdGlamglow Glitter Mask Firming Treatment https://bit.ly/2JBYiQTJoin the Instagram Community for Naked Beauty: @nakedbeautyplanetLinks to things discussed:An incredible resource for homeless LGBTQ youth http://aliforneycenter.orgThat time Tyra Banks revealed her real hair on her talk show lol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9TVtI6gF70Podcast by Diamond Stylez: Marsha’s Plate: Black Trans Talk: https://soundcloud.com/danella-xucNyma Tang beauty Influencer with an incredible YouTube channel: https://www.instagram.com/nymatang/?hl=enKevin Aucoin - the LEGEND https://bit.ly/2l8SUdxLearn more about Sylvia Rivera https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_RiveraMarsha P Johnson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsha_P._JohnsonIf you are having thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone. If you are in danger of acting on suicidal thoughts, call 911. For support and resources, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quick plug: join the #nakedbeautypodcast community on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/ @NAKEDBEAUTYPLANET ****** Ok so today’s leftover’s episode is from my talk with the amazing Kate Seward. In our full episode which you should definitely hear (https://apple.co/2LpWGKQ) we speak about her experience with addiction and substance abuse…which brought up this discussion around SUGAR ADDICTION - which is a very really thing that I’m currently working through.Links Below:- Proof the sugar is the worst thing ever: https://bit.ly/2sFeCKz- Alternatives to sugary dessert: my go-to is tea! I love David’s Tea: https://www.davidstea.com/us_en/bestsellers/ (forever nuts and jasmine creme brûlée are my faves)- Brain over Binge Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/brain-over-binge-podcast/id1184957849?mt=2- The new electric toothbrush of my dreams: https://bit.ly/2Hs8vxyFollow Kate’s awesome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisthepractice/Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/Please subscribe, rate and review the show: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-naked-beauty-podcast/id1131628553?mt=2Spread the love using #nakedbeautypodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.