BeautyMe with Charisse Kenion

This episode is all about my love/hate relationship with the final print cover of Allure magazine. I’m sharing what I truly love about the shoot with Friends and Along Came Polly actress Jennifer Aniston, and I’m sharing why I’m still annoyed with magazines for their excessive reliance on Photoshop and retouching in general. I’d really love to know what you think if you’ve seen the Jennifer Aniston Allure cover and if you think that retouching is just par for the course when it comes to celebrities and beauty media. If you haven’t seen the cover, head to my TikTok to see what I’m talking about @charissekenion. Let me know your thoughts on Twitter or Instagram @beautymepodcast or feel free to share them via email at beautymepodcast@gmail.com. Don’t forget there’s also the newsletter which you can subscribe to for free at beautymenotes.substack.com. Thank you so much for listening; if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star rating on Spotify or write a review over on Apple Podcasts – it really helps! Links mentioned: Ep 129: Why do we still use Photoshop to retouch beauty images? https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cMMB7u0I4AQTh0Q9GxMgI?si=JWpDdSmXRmO_MXM06lzJmw  Ep 137: A conflicted breakdown of Linda Evangelista’s British Vogue September issue cover: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5y7Fhvg0cIl3llWCSdgfHT?si=9846560859bf4865 Ep 146: The future of Allure magazine as it goes digital-only; why Brits aren’t bothered about Sephora, yet and Taylor Swift: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Nfn6GDY9WtjG2Jlu0bCdg?si=4bff03a6357c4385 Jennifer on Allure’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNQ37AE_sRM&t=6s Jennifer Aniston TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion/video/7167015236279569669?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 James Welsh - CGI Beauty in Reality TV. Fake age, fake skin, fake tears? Instagram Vs Reality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1PSu3qnCec

It’s the first of 25 '90s Beauty Moments and I’m starting with George Michael’s 1990 video for Freedom! 90. In this mini episode I break down just why this music video was so iconic – and still is, 30+ years later. I’ll be back with 24 more similar mini episodes as part of my alternative Advent Calendar. I’ve also created a TikTok to go with each of the 25 episodes so head to my account  @charissekenion to see how I bring each one to life with images and video from the ‘90s. Do let me know if you’ve enjoyed this episode and feel free to give us the gift of a 5-star rating over on Spotify, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. Thank you so much for listening. BeautyMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautymepodcast BeautyMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymepodcast/ BeautyMe newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com BeautyMe on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion BeautyMe on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautyme

This episode is all about the products that I always go back to. They might not have anything to do with a specific concern – they are simply the products that make my skin feel good or better – the kind of products about which I only have good things to say. If you’re a regular listener to BeautyMe you might have heard me mention a couple of them in the past so this episode will be further proof of just why I love them. Do let me know if you’ve used any of these products over @beautymepodcast on Instagram or Twitter, or DM me over on TikTok @charissekenion. You can also now shop my shelf! From now on any product-focused episodes will feature a link to ShopMy where I can earn a small commission if you use my link: https://shopmy.us/beautyme I’ve also got a newsletter for you over at beautymenotes.substack.com so be sure to subscribe and read for free. And if you’ve enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you could leave BeautyMe a 5 star review over on Spotify, or write up a review at Apple Podcasts. Thanks so much for listening.  Products mentioned:  Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm: https://go.shopmy.us/p-821354 La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 Face Mist: https://go.shopmy.us/p-821346 Clinisoothe Skin Purifier: https://clinisoothe.com/ Dr. Jart Ceramidin Cream: https://go.shopmy.us/p-821344 CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-821349 CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser: https://go.shopmy.us/p-821351 Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant: https://go.shopmy.us/p-821353 BeautyMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautymepodcast BeautyMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymepodcast/ BeautyMe newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com BeautyMe on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion BeautyMe on ShopMy: https://shopmy.us/beautyme

This episode is all about about what I liked and loved about the Savage X Fenty Volume 4 show and I’ll share some of the looks and how they were created and just my thoughts in general. For me this was a heavily produced and edited take on the show and I totally get it's likely that that's what Rihanna and the team wanted to achieve with this fourth show. I just prefer the rhythm of the previous shows, a little less done. But I think I'm in a minority when it comes to that criticism and of course I have a ton of positive things to say too. The main focus is the makeup, again headed up by the brilliant Fenty Beauty Global Makeup Artists Hector Espinal and Priscilla Ono, and I loved their metallic theme in particular  - such a major trend right now! I'd love to know what you thought of the show so feel free to DM me @beautymepodcast on Twitter or Instagram and you can also check out my Volume 4 TikTok @charissekenion too. If you want a little more context then be sure to check out episode 149 where I break down the importance of the Savage X Fenty show and share my favourite makeup looks from the first three shows. You can also find my writing at beautymenotes.substack.com and if you liked this episode do please give it a 5-star review on Spotify and share your thoughts on Apple Podcasts. Thanks so much for listening! BeautyMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautymepodcast BeautyMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymepodcast/ BeautyMe newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com BeautyMe on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion

This episode is all about the magic of the annual Savage X Fenty show that Rihanna and her team have been producing since 2019. I thought it could be fun to look back at its history and share some of the beauty looks from the first three shows as volume 4 is happening this week. By the way, at the time of recording, I didn’t know that Johnny Depp might be featured in the show and even if I did, I wouldn’t really have gone into that story, purely because it just seems very murky as to who was in the right. How could we ever know? So instead this episode focuses on key beauty looks and why the Savage Fenty show does more for body positivity than any other brand. I also predict the looks we might expect from Volume 4 so stay tuned and let me know what you’re looking forward to. If you’re already a fan of Savage Fenty you’ll love this episode, but if you’ve never checked it out before, you’ll find out why you should. The show airs in over 240 countries, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video from Wednesday November 9th.  Let me know how watching the Savage Fenty show makes you feel over at @beautymepodcast on Twitter and Instagram and check out my TikToks at @charissekenion. Don’t forget you can also subscribe to my newsletter for free at beautymenotes.substack.com, and if you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you could leave a 5-star review over on Spotify or share a review on Apple Podcasts – it really helps! See you next time. Shop the Savage Fenty Volume 4 show here: https://www.savagex.com/show BeautyMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautymepodcast BeautyMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymepodcast/ BeautyMe newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com BeautyMe on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion

In today's episode I sit down with Ata-Owaji Victor, a London-based beauty and lifestyle writer of Nigerian descent who writes for the likes of Black Ballad, Elle and Vogue and is on a mission to encourage discussions around the politics of beauty. Ata briefly touches on her ADHD experience and brings up so many thoughtful subjects, such as why we work the way we do; why work and labour are so prized and praised in society and why she chooses to nurture a neutral view of her body. Her mother comes up a lot in this conversation, and it’s clear to see she not only influences how Ata sees her own body but she’s also the one who taught her how to choose the right foundation. We discuss how makeup is all about expression and why it might be time to reclaim the word ‘beautiful’. Finally, if you’re a budding beauty writer, listen out for Ata’s offer of advice – you can find her email address on her Instagram profile @ataowaji if you want to reach out. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow BeautyMe so you never miss an episode, and you can also find me on Instagram @beautymepodcast. I’m also sharing videos at @charissekenion and there’s a newsletter too if you want even more; sign up at beautymenotes.substack.com. See you next time! Products mentioned: Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palettes: https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/products/makeup/eyes/eyeshadow/eyeshadow-palette Pat McGrath Eyeshadows: https://www.patmcgrath.com/collections/eyes Laura Mercier Caviar Stick: https://www.lauramercier.com/makeup/eyes-eyebrows/eye-shadow/caviar-stick-eye-color-prod450002.html Isamaya Beauty Industrial Palette: https://isamaya.co.uk/products/industrial-color-pigments Kiss Falscara Individual Lashes: https://www.superdrug.com/make-up/eye-makeup/false-eyelashes/individual-eyelashes/kiss-falscara-individual-lashes-starter-kit/p/792699

This episode sees the return of my friend and former guest Ava Welsing-Kitcher. She moved from London to Los Angeles earlier this year and I really wanted to catch up with her to find out what, if anything, was different when it came to beauty trends between the two cities. During our chat we touch upon trends in makeup and plastic surgery and Ava shares how she's enjoying certain aspects of the wellness culture that LA is well-known for, but not loving some of the less than friendly vibes from certain 'tribes' of gym-goers and grocery shoppers. Ava also shares her musings over how LA is different to California as a state, and we discuss how the LA sun does so much for her mind and morning routine. Be sure to check out Ava's Instagram @avawelsingk and give her newsletter a read over at facetsbyava.substack.com. Don't forget to subscribe to and follow BeautyMe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss another episode and be sure to check out my newsletter over at beautymenotes.substack.com. Find me on TikTok to check out the Sza video I mentioned in the intro!   BeautyMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautymepodcast BeautyMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymepodcast/ My TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion BeautyMe newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com/ BeautyMe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A3yloKnIQ6wagUxLxBuaT?si=4d36f5f9c91e499f BeautyMe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beautyme-with-charisse-kenion/id1466941875

This week it’s a beauty news round-up; I’m talking about the latest print issue - the penultimate print -  of Allure and dipping into the history of the magazine, and I’ll be talking about the early reactions to Sephora’s online store here in the UK and briefly wondering what Taylor Swift’s visuals for her new album Midnights could look like.  I had to dedicate much of this episode to Allure because I'm a longterm fan who's seen it change hands from founder Linda Wells, to former Nylon editor Michelle Lee, to the current editor in chief, Jessica Cruel. Discussing print and people of colour comes up and I'd love to know your thoughts on the conclusions I make. Sometimes it feels like the major magazines bring in people of colour way too late, which leaves them in a vulnerable position, as if they alone have to save the title. Let me know what you think! Tag me when you're listening over on Instagram @beautymepodcast or reach out to me on Twitter @beautymepodcast. I also give my thoughts on the latest print cover over on my TikTok, @charissekenion. I also touch on Sephora's arrival in the UK - for now it's online only and it's getting a lot of criticism, but I'm intrigued to see if they're going to bring in same-day delivery for us as well as the States - and I wonder what kind of visuals we can expect as Taylor Swift's album Midnights takes over the internet and makes Spotify history. At the point of recording Taylor had only released several lyric videos and one video for Anti-Hero, but this morning I've seen she's released a video for Bejeweled. Ciara breaks down her most iconic music videos for Allure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IFrVucSv6g Black Icons in Herstory by Darian Symoné Harvin: https://bookshop.org/p/books/black-icons-in-herstory-50-legendary-women-darian-symone-harvin/17359104 BeautyMe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautymepodcast/ BeautyMe on Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautymepodcast Find me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charissekenion Sign up for my newsletter: beautymenotes.substack.com

This episode is going to be a timeline of the life, impact and death of Donyale Luna, the first black supermodel. We’ll be touching on her life growing up in an abusive household in the 1940s, becoming a model during a time when racism was alive and well within the fashion industry and 1960s America as a whole, and we’ll be looking at how her rise to the top led to an inevitable drug addiction and a lonely death at the age of 33. If you’ve been following my Tiktoks you’ll know that I’ve been talking a lot about the concept of the supermodel lately and really trying to break down what makes a supermodel. Despite labelling the concept as a ‘90s phenomenon, I think there were early signs of this phenomenon, and that Donyale was actually the first black supermodel, particularly because of how she impacted the fashion industry as a whole. That’s just one of the reasons I wanted to dedicate an episode to her; I feel like she’s often a footnote in the history books and there are so many inaccuracies in much of the content that’s created around her life. So, this is kind of my love letter to Donyale, an audio memorial that hopefully fills in any gaps for her fans and brings her to life for a whole new audience. This episode probably wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been for the work of journalist and author Ben Arogundade. His book: Beauty’s Enigma; the story of Donyale Luna – The First Black Supermodel – was hard to track down but was one of the few solid accounts that I could rely on for real facts. I’ve left a link to it for you below if you’re interested. I’d love to know what you think of this episode? Had you heard of Donyale before? Do you like these historical look backs at beauty? Let me know over @beautymepodcast on Instagram or Twitter and definitely look out for some Donyale-themed TikToks over at @charissekenion. I’ll also be saving a Donyale highlight on my Instagram so you can see much more of her looks and style. I’ve also written about the research process for this episode at beautymenotes.substack.com. Thank you so much for listening – don’t forget to follow and subscribe and please do leave a 5-star review if you liked this episode! See you next time. Links: The Tragic Tale of Donyale Luna, by Ben Arogundade for the Telegraph: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG9658276/The-tragic-tale-of-Donyale-Luna.html Beauty’s Enigma; the story of Donyale Luna – The First Black Supermodel: https://sites.fastspring.com/arogundade/product/donyaleluna Supreme Models series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObeHmWsyshM&t=268s Remembering Donyale Luna, by her daughter Dream Cazzaniga: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/donyale-luna-model-vogue The Luna Year, Time magazine 1966: http://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,840625-1,00.html

Today’s guest is Brooklyn, New York-based writer, trend forecaster, analyst and content creator Mandy Lee. If you’re a regular TikTok user, then you’ll likely know her as @oldloserinbrooklyn. Since focusing on fashion content in February 2021, Mandy has built up a 400,000 following in a bid to bring real research and context to her trend critiques. I really wanted to get her on the pod to basically be nosy about what life is like for a trend forecaster, so of course we're talking about her morning routine and skincare - turns out she's a major Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 fan. We also get into the murky world of plagiarism and Mandy shares her prediction for the next IT model. Clue: her mother is on one of the Real Housewives shows... Please note: there are a couple of expletives in there, and we briefly mention eating disorders.   Thank you so much for listening. I would love to know what you think; do you think trends still matter? Did our chat get you thinking about whether you’re the cute girl, the hot girl or something entirely different? Be sure to check Mandy out on Instagram and TikTok @oldloserinbrooklyn and don’t forget there’s a beautyme newsletter too, you can sign up for free at beautymenotes.substack.com. See you next time. Products mentioned: Banilo Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm: https://banilausa.com/products/clean-it-zero-cleansing-balm-original#:~:text=What%20it%20is,impurities%20in%20just%20one%20step. Biologique Recherche Lotion P50: https://biologiquerechercheuk.co.uk/skincare/face/lotions/lotion-p50