Yacine Diallo is someone I've been trying to get on the podcast for months, and it's not for lack of trying. We talk regularly via Instagram DMs, and have probably been talking for years. At the beginning of the episode we make a joke that it only took a pandemic to make this happen - just to lighten the mood, not make light of the current situation. This is the third in my #lockdown series and I think it's my favourite so far.

If you follow makeup artist Yacine, you’ll know she has a serious glow going on, so of course we talk about the skincare regime. We discuss the level of judgement that sometimes goes with changing your hair, in particular from the #teamnatural gang. We also explore the notion of ‘the French Girl’ as being someone who is so chic, so effortless and naturally beautiful, and how Yacine feels she doesn’t quite fit the label and in fact, that's it's a media fantasy. She also explains how she’s missing connecting with people through her work.

Let me know what you think of this episode via Instagram or Twitter and in the meantime, be sure to check out Yacine on Instagram @yacinediallo. You can also find me @beautymepodcast, or check out my personal account @charisse.kenion

Look out for future #lockdown episodes and I hope they provide comfort and inspiration. Until then, do let me know when you're listening and tag me over on social! Thanks so much for each and every review and like. Stay safe, and sane and be kind to yourself.x

Ep. 26: Being a black French woman in America and why lockdown convinced her to go natural, with makeup artist Yacine Diallo