Naked Beauty

Lucie Zhang, who oversees social @voguemagazine, has a signature look that I totally envy — perfectly cut bangs, blonde tips and a dramatic winged liner, every.single.day. On this episode, I learn that her signature haircut was the result of a happy accident in Poland and die over her period-free life (it’s been six years thanks to Lo Loestrin, #jealous). We discuss asian beauty standards, eyelid surgery, getting fetishized on dating apps, the first black bachelorette, wearing sweatpants to Vogue, body FOMO from Instagram scrolling, the genius of Pat McGrath, the eyelash extension addiction spiral, and this amazing new app, Hello Ava, that’s basically a free dermatologist on call. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recho is a young, NY-based, fashion designer who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, no matter who’s listening. Growing up between the midwest and Nairobi, she nurtured a love of fashion early by creating collages, explaining “any black girl I could get my hands on, I was going to cling on to for dear life". She now casts beautiful black models for her brand Omondi. We talk about the importance of being yourself, her serious beef with American Vogue, and how growing up the subtleties of not being able to find beauty products for you, or having platforms to learn about yourself, can impact the relationship we have with our own beauty routines, especially our hair. I get to hear about how she went platinum blonde and we reflect on Atlanta’s weave culture. She’s got love for the Glossier products but likes to keep her beauty routine simple. Recho makes everything seem effortless(from her career, to getting press attention and speaking out when no one else will) and her approach to beauty is no different. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chrissy, senior fashion editor at Bazaar.com, has some advice for hopefuls wanting to work in fashion: "If you don’t love it, you won’t last a week". Chrissy tells me what it’s like being a digital editor in today’s hyper-connected world and why her perspective as a woman of color is important right now. We discuss tokenism in casting, the early days of fashion fandom, nailing the perfect work outfit (it involves denim), and of course all things beauty: foundation (who is it really for?),miracle cures for cystic acne, her relationship with her hair dresser and love for Badgal Riri. My favorite part of the interview? Just in time for summer, Chrissy gives me her candid POV on posting bikini pics and it’s an attitude more women could learn from. Links: Chrissy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissyford/ Renee Rouleau Skincare: https://www.reneerouleau.com/ DIM Supplement: http://bit.ly/2orQvtu Her Work @Bazaar: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/author/1644/chrissy-rutherford/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"I’m starting to pay attention to who’s getting promoted, who’s literally making more money and it is people who are well dressed, well carried and present well period.” - Joymarie Parker Joymarie and I discuss how to be corporate chic: investment pieces, determining your true size and learning what to wear to work by studying your idols(like the beautiful Bozama Saint John). We also delve into cultural appropriation, changing your hair up in the workplace, how to rock a head wrap and designing the living space of your dreams. Please check out Joymarie's podcast Joblogues (it's fantastic) & get into her highly recommended Afro Beats playlist, 'African Heat' over @ Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Having a website or being an influencer, there’s a constant figuring out of how can I make money from this?" Claire Sulmers's vision, fearlessness and commitment to excellence has made The Fashion Bomb a global brand to be reckoned with.We talk about her experience as an entrepreneur, hear excerpts from her new book, 'The Bomb Life', and learn the art of the celebrity approach. We also talk all things beauty & style - the trends she hates (sheer dresses), the best celeb encounter (Beyonce of course) and he products she loves (Palmer's Cocoa Butter!)Claire explains that in in fashion image is everything and that's why she cherishes a good make-up artists and designer labels. ‘It's not just fashion – it effects the way you feel, the way that you take on the world and your confidence. It’s important!' - @clairesulmers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Having lived with hundreds of models in my life, I can tell you that everyone has issues and the most important thing is to give yourself a break and be generous and kind. If you can’t get everything done in one day, that’s OK. That goes for beauty too, not everything is perfect — be gracious to yourself.’ Wise words from my guest Alessandra Balazs, an actress, world traveller and woman in transition. She travels non-stop (hasn't been in the same place for more than 5 days in years) and so she has some wisdom on how to survive long flights: compression socks, lavender eye masks and magnesium. We also get deep and discuss learning to laugh through your mistakes, being a strong woman(not letting Trump drag you down), lessons from DVF, and how sometimes struggle makes you stronger. Stay in touch with Alessandra's travels & inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/alessandrabalazs/?hl=en More from Alessandra via Something Curated: http://somethingcurated.com/tag/alessandra-ford-balazs/ Image sourced from Something Curated Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where is the red carpet glamour? The innovation?! Who's taking risks? Ahead of the Grammy’s Marquis and I discuss the musicians we love & their style. From the beloved Beyonce and Kanye West to Lady Gaga and Janelle Monae, we deconstruct their style statements..... but not before paying homage to Cardi B, a rising NYC #icon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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

Wise words from Sarah as we discuss wellness, the importance of investing in yourself, and making change year-round. Sarah also explains how the secular principles of buddhism have informed her wellness journey and how the right gym membership can change everything (hey equinox!). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting married is stressful as hell but you better do it right and look perfect for the MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF YOUR LIFE! Is it any wonder we create Bridezillas? I talk to Stephanie and Avery (two beautiful brides-to-be) about the highs and lows of wedding planning, conspiracy theories about strapless gowns, getting botox on your feet, pre-wedding chemical peels, Korean sheet masks, and how to actually have fun on your wedding day. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline returns to discuss her ascent into internet fame with her hilarious, satirical and outlandish Instagram account: @lowcheeckbones. We also discuss fleeting fashion, shallow v-necks and low-rise jeans being unacceptable, Iris Apfel being #lifegoals, and how to get through that time of the month with your sanity in tact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#Iconic episode ft.@marquisphifer aka Prince Jr. We discuss his background in military boarding school, how he created his signature look, our time at #Spellhouse and how to get the perfect face with Restalyne & Botox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I talk to longtime friend and coolest girl I know: Gillian Sagansky, contributor at W magazine and international DJ. We discuss overcoming the intimidation factor of facials, growing up on the #UES, faux-camaraderie amongst fashion-girl DJs, watching boring documentaries to relax, sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, creating a signature look and how having a partner who cherishes you can change everything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Diouf wants you to know that Africa is NOT a country. I speak to Sarah about Parisian style, black beauty, the rise of the Kardashians, fashion tribes and the fact that Africa is a continent with 54 countries which means 54 different cultures. We talk about developing a signature look, how to keep your skin healthy while you travel and the influence that Africa is having on the fashion industry today. Links: https://www.instagram.com/dioufsarah/ http://www.tongoro.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eating for beauty is a very real thing. I talk to Dani Cohen about her super-impressive diet that revolves around natural unprocessed foods. Her diet wasn’t always perfect though, she did a complete overhaul when she realized that the carb-heavy, processed food she used to eat was making her sick. We talk about bone broths, craving nut butters, bullet proof coffee, throwing out birthday cake and horrid food trends. I also learn to say no to agave! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Motivation to get yourself to the gym. I speak to long-time friend and Soul Cycle instructor Rachel & Soul Cycle fanatic Alexis about the power of exercise! Rachel gives straight talk on accountability, how to cope with a daily sweat & spandex situation & how working out has allowed her to counter anxiety. Alexis goes deep on the cult of #SoulCycle & how a hot Turkish instructor motivated her to change her life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All things natural hair from childhood to 2016. New products, a wealth of information, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest are changing the way we feel about our hair -- it's never been better to be #teamnatural but that doesn't mean the struggle isn't real. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dalila and Aisling share their experience growing up mixed race. We also talk hair struggles, skin bleaching, the commercialization of black beauty, the genius of Pat McGrath, how to be on trend without being trendy, why all the beauty products in the world can’t fight with genes and Dalila preaches on the horror of wearing your lululemon athliesure with a full face of make-up and a Celine bag. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline and I discuss her journey from Harvard to Harper's Bazaar, the Juicy Tubes of yore, going make-up free in front of bae, natural liquid liners and her hilarious Instagram account @lowcheekbones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.