Naked Beauty

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 s...

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...

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 behi...

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...

Fresh from my trip back in New York, I reflect on all that’s happened this week. My very first Naked Beauty product has launched! I designed the ultimate cashmere robe for self-care with Garin . Designing this robe with my good friend Negarin has been many months in the making and every little detail was considered to make this piece a true luxury. I’m happy to share we’re offering international s...

After seven years of telling incredible beauty stories and building a passionate community of beauty fanatics, I’ve watched this show evolve beyond my wildest dreams. P.S. As I recorded this episode, I was wearing my new Naked Beauty cashmere robe that I designed with Garin. The first 20 orders will get 15% off with Brooke15! With such brand evolution comes the need for innovation. Which is e...

Episode Description: Camille Darby, Global Vice President of Brand Marketing at Condé Nast, is the woman responsible for bringing all of your favorite editorial brands to life! Whether it’s Architectural Digest, Allure, Glamour, or Self, Camille’s north star is storytelling. Tune in as we discuss her background as a playwright, growing up as a Jamaican in New York, grounding brand events in Black...

Underpainting, pressed powder, color correction, contour, setting spray oh my! The full beat is alive and well and Blake Newby is here to walk you through all of the steps of her camera-ready routine. Tune in for her favorite makeup products, tips, tricks and more.  Link to Resources/Products: Shop Blake’s Episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writer, content creator and longtime beauty industry expert Blake Newby is here on Naked Beauty, ready to discuss her journey to and beyond the world of editorial. Tune in as Newby reflects on growing up with distorted standards of beauty, falling in love with her identity at an HBCU, becoming Essence’s beauty and style editor, navigating the “pay to play” side of publishing, body dysmorphia and s...

Tune in for a LIVE episode of Naked Beauty, coming straight from the annual EveryStylishGirl Sip N’ Slay event in LA! This year, as Nana Agyemang ’s platform continued to bring together a vibrant community of Black women, I had the privilege of interviewing Television Host Kamie Crawford and Beauty Reporter Darian Harvin . Check out our discussion on getting copied without the credit, dealing with...

Tune in for an extension of my interview with Ourside founder Keta Burke-Williams, who sat down to discuss tips and tricks for finding your next signature scent. From sampler kits, to researching top notes, to approaching good smelling strangers on the street, there was so much to take away from this conversation!  Products/Resources: Nishane (Ani) , Ourside Fragrances , Fragrantica , Fragran...

Episode Description: Makeup artist Danessa Myricks makes products that simply cannot be ignored. And as a Black makeup artist who was self-taught and launched her career at 30, reinvention and innovation always bound to be at the center of her brand. Tune in for this unforgettable conversation on her pathway to success, advocating for the inclusion of darker skin tones in makeup, using independent...

After eight years of working in beauty editorial, Maya Allen has become one of THE coolest girls in the industry. But that hasn’t been without tons of hard work. On this episode of Naked Beauty, Marie Claire ’s Digital Beauty Editor not only broke down her extensive skincare routine, but her continuous journey to dominating the beauty sphere as well. Tune in for an incredible discussion on travel,...

Paula’s Choice Director of Applied Research & Education Desiree Stordahl is back for a deep dive on vitamin C - a skincare ingredient that has been proven to protect and enhance the skin barrier time and time again. Tune in as she explains what vitamin C actually is, its role in preventing free radical damage, the most effective ways to store it, how it interacts with other skincare actives an...

Tune in as I sit down with friend of the pod Desiree Stordahl, Director of Applied Research & Education at Paula's Choice, to demystify the world skincare. As this industry becomes increasingly more complicated (and even intimidating), Stordahl helps to break down the power behind simple, yet effective holy skincare ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, collagen, and more! Link to Products/Reso...

Like me, Jamie Morse Heidegger’s appreciation for a good sunscreen runs  deep . And as the founder of anti-aging skincare brand Retrouvé, her knowledge of the very best tips, tricks, and products for sun protection is expansive. Tune in as as we discuss why sun protection is now more important than ever, her preference for physical vs. chemical sunscreen, UFP clothing, and more.  Links t...

My recent trip to Tokyo was a strong reminder of why Japanese beauty and culture continues to be such a dominate force in the market. Tune in for a beauty dispatch from Japan, where I break down the beauty products I found at local drugstore Don Quijote, the treatments I got, historical background on Shiseido's innovative marketing and products I'm desperate to see in the US and more!  Links...

While the WNBA has been around for over two decades, the extremely talented athletes and women who make up the league are just now being recognized on a global scale, particularly within the world of beauty. Tune in as I sit down with Washington Mystics’ Ariel Atkins ( @iamarielatkins ) and the Minnesota Lynx’s Natalie Achonwa ( @natachon11 ) to break down “hitting the majors” within their beauty...

Born into the family that once owned cult classic brand Kiehl’s, Jami Morse Heidegger is nothing short of skincare royalty. Today, Jami and her husband Klaus have launched Retrouvé, their own new family venture, that continues to focus on just that. Tune in as I sit down with Jami to discuss her childhood, her decision to sell the brand after becoming a mother and launching Retrouvé with a deep fo...

Fashion expert and Queer Eye, and Next in Fashion host, Tan France, is truly one of a kind. I got to collaborate with my dear friend and host of Driven Minds, Gillian Sagansky, on this special episode where we talk to Tan about everything from struggling with depression to the power of the clothes we wear. You don't want to miss this episode! Stay in touch with the Naked Beauty community on Instag...

One of the ultimate acts of self love is taking care of yourself when no one is around. Tune in for a fantastic extension of my interview with Candice Brathwaite, where she breaks down how she uses elevated products to make even the most casual moments feel special. Links to Products: SLEEPER loungewear , Byredo Bal D’Afrique , Fenty fragrance , Chanel No.5 , L:A Bruket Lip Balm , Visiting Le Labo...

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, Ca...

Keta Burke-Williams, founder of “unconventional yet intimate” fragrance brand Ourside was just what the industry of traditionally Eurocentric fragrance needed to shake things up. As the daughter of a Jamaican mother and African American father growing up in Dayton, Ohio, Keta never quite felt like she fit in and was always looking for ways to escape into new experiences, particularly through scent...

With the creator economy projected to be worth $200 billion by the year 2026 , many (including myself) are seeking to pivot out of the traditional 9-5 and into a career of entrepreneurship, centered around media and content. Which is why this episode featuring three of my incredible peer mentors and friends who have transitioned into full-time creators couldn’t be more timely. Tune in as I sit dow...

Episode Description: These days, celebrities, influencers, and brand partnerships seem to be inextricably linked - but not always for the most intentional reasons. Tune in for this bonus episode where artist KESH, a highly experienced brand collaborator, reflects on how she would like to see creators go beyond the cash grab and “mismash of ‘release, release, release,” and instead opting in for mor...