BeautyMe with Charisse Kenion

Something a bit different this week! All throughout the pandemic lockdowns I kept hearing more and more about various types of personality tests. Everyone seemed to be talking about INFJs and ENTJs or whether they were a number 4 with a Bear wing and I had NO clue what was going on! More recently, one of my favourite YouTubers, Hindz did a personality test on his channel and I started to think that it could be an intriguing way to perhaps learn something new about myself. I’ve left a link to Hindz’s one below if you want to check it out. Personality tests date back to the 1920s and the one that’s most often used lately seems to be the Enneagram. It’s based on a typology system that describes a human personality as a number of interconnected personality types, with 9 types, 27 subtypes and 3 basic centres. So that’s the test I’ll be taking, and I used a website called Truity, linked below. Feel free to take the test along with me via the link and definitely let me know if you do! Hindz Personality Test on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00uXFeYru0&t=24s Take an Enneagram Test: https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test As always thank you so much for listening; do please rate, review, follow and subscribe wherever you can. See you next time. Follow me on Instagram @beautymepodcast and Twitter @beautymepodcast/@charissekenion and check out my newsletter beautymenotes.substack.com

Few people have made as much of an impact on the beauty industry, at just 21 years old, as Hannah Harris. The Florida-born creative launched a ground-breaking Instagram account in the summer of 2020 and nothing was the same again when it came to diversity in the beauty industry. The account @browngirlhands showed brands what they hadn't been showing and since that moment, Hannah has become known as the go-to creator for brands who truly want to serve all communities. Recently graduated with a degree in The Business of Beauty and Fragrance, Hannah has just started working for cult beauty brand Summer Fridays, so in this episode we talk about how she got to where she is and what she's excited for next.  Hannah also opens my eyes to the sheer cost of education in America and shares how she had to follow her gut when it came to choosing the right college for her. Don’t forget to check out @browngirlhands on Instagram and you can follow Hannah’s personal journey @hannahharris__ Thanks so much for listening – let me know what you think, send me a DM @beautymepodcast. Visit https://www.charissekenion.co/podcast to check out all previous podcasts and sign up for my newsletter at beautymenotes.substack.com. Products mentioned: Lesse Refining Cleanser: https://lesseofficial.com/products/refining-cleanser Lesse Bioactive Mask: https://lesseofficial.com/products/bioactive-mask Lesse Ritual Serum: https://lesseofficial.com/products/face-serum Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturiser: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/summer-fridays-cloud-dew-oil-free-gel-cream-moisturizer/13322274.html Glossier Boy Brow: https://www.glossier.com/products/boy-brow Glossier Brow Flick: https://www.glossier.com/products/brow-flick Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/summer-fridays-lip-butter-balm/13322271.html

This week’s guest is someone I’ve wanted to have on for a while now and Ashley Nelson, AKA Restroom Rituals was worth the wait. Ashley has built up a 13k Instagram following since launching her irreverent and honest profile just two years ago; a fact that I find unbelievable as Ashley was so clearly destined to be very public-facing, but I've also learned that she likes to keep her social and personal separate. In this episode I find out more about LA-based Ashley’s entertaining persona, how she developed a passion for beauty at a very young age and I also put her through a really quickfire product round so be sure to wait for that at the end. I hope you love this episode; if you do, please go ahead and rate or review the show anywhere you like to listen. Let me know if you already follow Ashley by the way, and if you don’t go check her out @restroomrituals. You can also find me @beautymepodcast on Instagram and Twitter. In our conversation Ashley mentions my episode with fellow content creator Gina Knight; check it out here  Products mentioned: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer: https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/airbrush-matte-bronzer-medium Phytosurgence Skin Spark Blush Balms: https://www.phytosurgence.com/product-page/skin-spark-blush-balms Bodyography Glitter Pigments: https://www.bodyography.com/products/glitter-pigments Kosas Air Brow: https://kosas.com/products/air-brow-tinted Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara: https://www.rarebeauty.com/products/perfect-strokes-universal-volumizing-mascara L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara: https://www.boots.com/loreal-paris-volume-million-lashes-volumizing-mascara-10103016 Half Magic Liptrik Kit in Magic Brownie: https://halfmagicbeauty.com/products/liptrik-kit Danessa Myricks Dewy Cheek & Lip Palette: https://danessamyricksbeauty.com/products/dewy-cheek-038-lip-palette-dew-it-flirty Rose Inc Softlight Luminous and Hydrating Full Coverage Concealer: https://www.roseinc.com/products/softlight-concealer

This week’s guest is one of the UK’s original hair bloggers and award-winning wig maker, Gina Knight – you might know her as Gina The Wig Witch, and if you’ve been on the internet for a while, you might have known her as Naturalbelle. Based in Reading, UK, Gina has been blogging since 2008 and launched her wig design company in 2016 as a way to support her love for creating content built on community. I've met Gina in real life; she has the most amazing smile, is quick to laugh but will always keep it very real. She's also very open with her experiences, from growing up with white parents, to motherhood to accepting and embracing hair loss. Believe me there are so many things I want to talk with Gina about, and we'll get to that, but for this episode we're specifically focusing on the future of content. It all started with a conversation in the DMs that started with a British Beauty Council webinar held in partnership with Meta (owner of Facebook, WhatsApp etc).  The webinar focused on how businesses could use influencers in the future, and often the subject of virtual influencers came up. For Gina and a few others who came into my DMs that morning, some of the subject matter felt disconcerting and disheartening. So I invited Gina on for a chat and this what happened! Let me know what you think; if you're listening on Spotify I've posted a poll for you to get involved in. Or you can DM me while you're listening @beautymepodcast or feel free to email beautymepodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening and if you enjoyed this episode please give it a rating or review! More information on the British Beauty Council webinar here: https://britishbeautycouncil.com/event-details/beyond-beauty-get-future-ready-with-creators/ Follow Gina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginaatinukeknight/ Gina's website: https://www.ginabeyondthegrid.com Find out more about Gina's wig making: https://www.ginaknightwigdesign.co.uk Read about Gina's Alopecia experience: https://www.thecut.com/2022/03/my-alopecia-is-not-your-punchline.html Sign up for my newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com

Note: I know I shared on social that this week's episode was going to be with a guest but the audio came out really poor. So, I’ve been thinking about the concept of retouching lately and I’ve been wondering, as a photographer, beauty writer and consumer, do we really need it?  When Photoshop was first launched by Adobe in 1990, the founders thought it might sell a few hundred copies a month but today it would be challenging to find un-retouched beauty imagery, whether that's in a brand campaign or on the cover of a magazine.  In this episode I question our motives for relying on retouching software; I wonder if it's making us pretty, or just pretty boring? I bring up the fact that activist Sasha Pallari has had a huge effect on the advertising industry with her #FILTERDROP hashtag, resulting in brands being encouraged to work with influencers who don't use filters in ads. If this can happen with social media, why hasn't it happened with the publishing industry? CORRECTION: in the episode I incorrectly label Sasha's hashtag as #NoFilter. I really apologise for this and I am so annoyed with myself! Throughout the episode I focus on three different cover shoots that have looked super retouched to me, featuring Rihanna, Naomi Campbell and most recently, Beyonce. I'd love to know what you think; do you think retouching is just part of beauty and media? Do you want to see real skin? Do you think I'm over-reacting?  Let me know over in the DMs @beautymepodcast or email me beautymepodcast@gmail.com. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to rate and review it and share it with a friend! You can find out more about what I'm up to via my weekly newsletter; sign up for free at https://beautymenotes.substack.com. See you next time! Artwork image: https://www.charissekenionphoto.co

Jennifer G. Sullivan, co-host of Fat Mascara, discusses her beauty experiences, favorite products, and how the pandemic affected her family. Topics include foreskins in her favorite serum, travel, eighties influences, and the balance of discussing the beauty industry on their podcast. The speakers also talk about difficult podcast guests and the importance of authentic marketing in the beauty industry.

This week’s episode is all about SPF; in some ways it's kind of a follow-up to the two sunscreen episodes I did last year, which I'll share below. I'm talking about six sunscreens that are new (to me) and giving my honest, real reviews on each of them. Two of these were gifted and I bought the other four and I definitely found a couple of new favourites! So, I'm sharing my thoughts on Fenty's Hydra Vizor, Bondi Sands (super popular on TikTok), a brand new SPF from the UK's top upcycled beauty brand and more. I also share who I think would suit each of these products and I definitely think there's something for everyone, on any budget. Let me know if these sunscreens are new to you and be sure to let me know if you’ve tried any or if you think I’m missing out and you have one to recommend!  Thanks so much for listening. Please do rate and review this episode over on Spotify or Apple if you love the show – it really helps! Stay in touch over on Instagram @beautymepodcast and you can find me sharing more info on TikTok @charissek. See you next time! Products mentioned: Bondi Sands Daily Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF50: https://www.superdrug.com/skin/sun-care/sun-protection-creams/bondi-sands-sunscreen-lotion-spf-50/p/788696 Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti Age Super UV Protection Cream: https://www.boots.com/ambre-solaire-super-uv-anti-10291969 Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF50: https://www.lookfantastic.com/purito-daily-go-to-sunscreen-60ml/13455612.html UpCircle SPF25 Mineral Sunscreen: https://upcirclebeauty.com/products/mineral-spf-for-face Carbon Theory Day-Lite SPF50: https://www.boots.com/carbon-theory-day-lite-spf-50-plus-50ml-1030743 La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Invisible Fluid SPF50: https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/en_GB/anthelios-uvmune-400-ultra-light-invisible-fluid-spf50/LRPUK-164.html Fenty’s Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturiser SPF30: https://www.boots.com/fenty-skin-hydra-vizor-invisible-moisturizer-spf30-10290216 Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm: https://www.spacenk.com/uk/makeup/complexion/foundation/foundation-balm-MUK300054235.html Black Girl Sunscreen: https://www.blackgirlsunscreen.com/product/black-girl-sunscreen-spf-30/ Ultraviolette Queen Screen: https://ultraviolette.co.uk/products/queen-screen-spf50 Garnier Ambre Solaire’s UV Water Transparent Protecting Spray: https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/garnier-ambre-solaire-uv-water-sun-protection-spray-spf20-150ml/p/0469559

Back in January 2021 I invited TikTok creator Sonia Valencia onto the show. At that point Sonia was already known for creating no BS content that centred on her being over 40 and wanting to experiment with skincare and play with makeup. She became known for her very real and honest reviews on social media and occasionally, you’d hear her swear. In that episode, number 61, we spoke a lot about Sonia’s experiences of being a mum from the age of 15 and never having much time for herself as a working mum who’d also made a name for herself in the beauty space. Today, Sonia, who is of Mexican heritage, has left her family home of Washington and swapped it for a very different life, and climate in Los Angeles and she’s living and working as a full-time beauty creator. I had to get her back on the show to be a little bit nosy about how much her life and work has changed in the past year. So, in this episode I ask all the questions that Sonia’s 500,000 plus following on TikTok is no doubt dying to ask. I do ask about her marital status and I find out exactly what it means to be part of the Sephora Squad – I also ask her about being single in her 40s after spending more than half of her life taking care of a family. Be sure to check out @soniavalencia0303 on TikTok and Instagram and I hope you enjoy this conversation. Let me know your thoughts over on Instagram @beautymepodcast and please rate and review this episode if it made you laugh! In the meantime you can also find me on Twitter @beautymepodcast and I also have a newsletter at beautymenotes.substack.com. See you next time. Products mentioned: Murad City Skin Age Defense SPF Eucerin Sun range Dermalogica SPF range Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant Dermalogica Microfoliant Exfoliator Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant  Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Gel Cosrx Advanced Snail Radiance Dual Essence L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renew Midnight Serum: https://www.boots.com/loreal-paris-age-perfect-cell-renew-midnight-serum-30ml-10301413 Skin Fix Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream: https://skinfixinc.com/products/lipid-peptide-cream?variant=27960067326051

This week I’m talking about sleep hygiene and how it influences not only the quantity and quality of our sleep, but also the quality of our work, relationships and more. In this episode I'll explain what sleep hygiene is and share some advice from the experts while also acknowledging how there are some counter arguments when it comes to just how damaging lack of sleep might be. I also speak with Dorset-based wellness and nutrition expert Simone Thomas, who opens up about her own experience of becoming addicted to sleeping pills after losing her mother. Finally I also share four key tips that I've gathered through my research, all aimed at helping you have a slightly better night's sleep. I'd love to know what kind of sleep you've been getting, so please take part in the poll if you're listening to this on Spotify, and take part in the polls I'll be conducting on my Instagram Stories. Be sure to follow Simone @simonethomsawellness and if you enjoyed this episode please do rate and review! Also, did you know I have a newsletter? If you want to know more about what I'm up to day to day, head to beautymenotes.substack.com to sign up for free. Links mentioned Huberman Lab Master Your Sleep & Be More Alert When Awake https://open.spotify.com/episode/4JIM6biMG5CQDsSMQFwG3O?si=f73abaf275054a47 Bill Gates review of Why We Sleep: https://www.gatesnotes.com/Books/Why-We-Sleep Maintenance Phase The ‘Sleep Loss Epidemic’: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4r0Vawq8xAfnsnKbYVUNhc?si=0e241719aca241f6 Simone Thomas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonethomaswellness/ Oura Ring: https://ouraring.com Sleep & Glow Omnia pillow: https://sleepandglow.co.uk Artwork image by me. https://www.charissekenionphoto.co

After two weeks of being ill I’ve had a lot of time to read, to listen to podcasts and watch documentaries I’ve always wanted to see and it got me thinking about the concept of lessons. I think, since the pandemic hit, we’ve leaned way more into self help - it used to be something that people might cringe at or feel like they couldn't take about. But after living under huge amounts of stress over the past two years, it's clear we're looking for answers more than ever before. I realised that this podcast has actually provided me and my listeners with a wealth of lessons; so many guests have come on to talk about their own experiences without even realising the impact those stories have. So, in this episode, I'm sharing with you the 5 lessons I've learned on how to love myself - it's not a typical kind of 'take baths and long walks' kind of episode. It's about play, being kinder to yourself, accepting that we don't need to have it all. In this episode you'll hear from photographer Brinsley Edwards; multiple business owner and mother Jasmine Wicks-Stephens; makeup artist and artist in general, Ehlie Luna; Therapist and content creator Funmi Monet and Confidence Coach Tiwa Ogunlesi. One thing this episode has reminded me of, is how great each of these guests were, so be sure to check out their full episodes below. Ep. 72 with photographer Brinsley Edwards Ep. 42 with business owner and mother Jasmine Wicks-Stephens Ep. 77 with makeup artist Ehlie Luna Ep. 121 with therapist Funmi Monet EP. 39 with confidence coach Tiwa Ogunlesi If you enjoyed this episode please do give it a rating on Spotify or Apple and be sure to subscribe and follow so you know what's next! You can also find out a little bit more about what I'm up to by signing up to my newsletter; it's free and you can find it at beautymenotes.substack.com. Thanks for listening and feel free to say hi over on Twitter and Instagram @beautymepodcast, or check out my personal account @charisse_kenion.