The Charisse Report

This week's guest is Los Angeles-based makeup artist Gabrielle Alvarez. Makeup was initially a creative outlet for Gabrielle; an escape from what she calls the 'everyday drudgery' of studying for her BA in Communications. Two months after she graduated she packed up her car and headed to LA, sharing a room with someone she found on Craig’s List. It’s that determination and conviction that drives Gabrielle in her work; she’s someone who makes space for herself and doesn’t entertain labels put upon her by others. In this episode I wanted to find out how she found her own makeup style – what she calls ‘soft grunge’ – why she moved to LA from Charleston, South Carolina and where she finds inspiration. We talk about skincare a lot and she shares some of her hometown ‘bridezilla’ experiences. Oh and she’s a HUGE SPF fan; she’s currently using three. You can follow Gabi on Instagram @thegabriellealvarez and check her out on beauty streaming site newness.com. You’ll find me on newness soon too, but for now check me out @beautymepodcast and thanks for listening! Youth To The People 15% Vitamin C Clean Caffeine Energy Serum: https://www.youthtothepeople.com/products/15-vitamin-c-clean-caffeine-energy-serum Phytosurgence Verdant Forcefield Moisturiser: https://www.phytosurgence.com/product-page/verdant-forcefield-restorative-moisturizer Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF50: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/supergoop-play-everyday-lotion-spf-50-with-sunflower-extract.html Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel: https://www.yesstyle.com/en/isntree-hyaluronic-acid-watery-sun-gel-50ml/info.html/pid.1094424964 Cocokind Daily SPF: https://www.cocokind.com/products/physical-sunscreen Glisten Wet Liners: https://www.glistencosmetics.com/collections/wet-liners

It's hard to believe that prior to 2020, maskne really wasn't a thing - at least not for the masses. But for me personally, it's become a daily issue, which is why this is one of those episodes that had to happen. If you know me at all, you’ll know that hormonal acne is part of my life. Like it or not, each month my hormones show me they’re working (perhaps not in the way I’d like) by showing up along my jawline and slightly further up my cheeks in the form of bumps, spots, pimples - whatever you want to call them. Over the years I’ve got used to dealing with them, and slowly but surely I've got to know just how my skin works, and more importantly, how I can support it. In this episode I break down my own skin concerns, explore what maskne actually is and share the products that I was advised to use to deal with the maskne - as well as the scarring that ensued.  Thanks so much for listening. Do please share this episode if you think it could help someone dealing with maskne right now. See you next week!  Products mentioned: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin: https://www.boots.com/cerave-hydrating-cleanser-236ml-10246701- Neostrata Restore PHA Facial Cleanser: https://www.neostrata.com/products/pha-facial-cleanser/F30135XA.html Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: https://www.glossier.com/products/milky-jelly-cleanser Living Libations Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn: https://algorithum.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/seabuckthorn-best-skin-ever Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner with Niacinamide: https://www.paulaschoice.co.uk/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner-m1350.html?dwvar_m1350_size=fullsize&cgid=#q=toner&lang=en_GB&start=0&top=282 La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 Daily Soothing Concentrate: https://www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-toleriane-ultra-8-face-moisturiser-mist-sensitive-skin-100ml--10263619 The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics: https://theordinary.deciem.com/gb/rdn-marine-hyaluronics-30ml.html Dermatica: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster: https://www.paulaschoice.co.uk/aa-booster-m7750.html?dwvar_m7750_size=fullsize Bioderma Sensibio Light Soothing Cream: https://www.bioderma.co.uk/our-products/sensibio/light Bioderma Hydrabio Gel Créme: https://www.bioderma.co.uk/our-products/hydrabio/gel-creme Acnecide Face 5% w/w Gel: https://www.boots.com/acnecide-gel-30g-10187571

Born in Brooklyn New York, to a Cuban mum and Puerto Rican dad, Isabel Rosado knew that makeup was in her future from childhood. I've wanted to invite Isabel onto the podcast for a while, because her often daily makeup creations have always been a source of enjoyment and inspiration for me. She's definitely someone I can watch and minutes later I'll be Googling the products she's used. I wanted to find out more about her daily life, especially as we segue into some kind of new-ish normal after being on lockdown for a year. In this episode Isabel talks about the magic of her morning coffee ritual and explains how growing up with a hairstylist for a mum meant countless hours at the salon, watching women transform before her eyes. We of course talk about skincare - turns out Isabel loves her Elemis products - and she talks me through how she went from waking her sister up in the middle of the night to do her makeup, to working at MAC, to being Katie Jane Hughes' first assistant at New York Fashion Week. We also discuss some of the positives of lockdown as well as the industry stigma of making content for social media platforms and YouTube.  Be sure to check out Isabel's Makeup & Cocktails on a Friday night over on Instagram @isabelyrosado and you can find me @beautymepodcast. Thanks so much for listening. Do please like, share, subscribe; all that good stuff really helps with getting BeautyMe out there. Products mentioned: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water: https://www.boots.com/bioderma-sensibio-h2o-250ml-10202361 Elemis Marine Cream: https://uk.elemis.com/pro-collagen-marine-cream.html?bottle_size=333 Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30: https://uk.elemis.com/pro-collagen-marine-cream-spf-30.html Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads: https://uk.elemis.com/dynamic-resurfacing-facial-pads.html?bottle_size=337 Elemis Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment: https://uk.elemis.com/pro-collagen-advanced-eye-treatment.html Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream: https://uk.elemis.com/pro-collagen-oxygenating-night-cream.html?bottle_size=333 Retrouvé Revitalizing Eye Concentrate: https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/retrouve/revitalizing-eye-concentrate-30ml/1063313

Brinsley Edwards is a talented, inspiring and inspired New York-based photographer and director who works mostly in fashion and beauty. Born and raised in North Carolina, she moved to New York to pursue her photography career back in 2017. Of course, like many of us, her creative career ground to a halt as we entered the pandemic in early 2020.  I first came across Brinsley's work, including her #unretouchedselfportraits, on Instagram, and fell in love with her amazing and varied art pieces, sometimes co-created with her fiancé James Conkle. In this episode I find out how makeup became Brinsley's go-to when it came to just getting through lockdown. She shares that journaling, writing morning pages and reading The Artist’s Way (a favourite of mine also) have helped with motivation and just being kinder to herself. Brinsley admits that: ‘everything I know about skincare is from TikTok’ and shares early memories of playing with her grandmother’s red lipstick and why she's taken up embroidery again. This episode is for the creatives and for those who are still too nervous to claim that label as their own. Oh, and a special thank you to Brinsley's cat Bestie, for making an entrance. I hope you love this one! You can follow Brinsley on Instagram and check me out @beautymepodcast. Thank you for listening. Products mentioned: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser: https://www.boots.com/cerave-sa-smoothing-cleanser-236ml-10272454 The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23%: https://theordinary.deciem.com/gb/rdn-vitamin-c-suspension-23pct-ha-spheres-2pct-30ml.html Cerave Moisturising Lotion: https://www.boots.com/cerave-moisturising-lotion-236ml-10246703 The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: https://theordinary.deciem.com/gb/rdn-aha-30pct-bha-2pct-peeling-solution-30ml.html Weleda Skin Food: https://www.weleda.co.uk/skinfood The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path To Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-artists-way/julia-cameron/9781788164290

This week's guest is New York-based makeup artist Jonet Williamson. I've been a fan of hers for a while now and love her approach to makeup. Watching her apply makeup on her Instagram Lives is often like watching a scientist or perhaps an architect, as she's clearly viewing her face - her canvas - with an analytical mind. In this episode I wanted to find out how Jonet's hometown of New Orleans informed her career choices and set her on the path to artistry - even though she had already decided on studying pre-med. Jonet shares advice for budding makeup artists trying to hone in on their style and breaks down what a Southern ‘beat face’ really is. She also discusses the differences between makeup in the South and makeup in New York. Be sure to head to my Instagram @beautymepodcast to see some outtake videos and follow Jonet @jonetwmakeup to see all of her amazing looks and regular Lives on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Products mentioned: Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daily-Rituals-How-Artists-Work/dp/0307273601 Rosen Skincare Earth Mask: https://www.rosenskincare.com/products/earth-mask Weleda Skin Food Light: https://www.boots.com/weleda-skin-food-light-30ml-10262723 Eve Lom Cleanser: https://www.evelom.co.uk/collections/cleanser/products/cleanser-50ml MAC Cosmetics Lipglass in Oyster Girl: https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13853/309/products/makeup/lips/lipgloss/lipglass#!/shade/Oyster_Girl MAC Cosmetics Lipglass in Oh Baby: https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13853/309/products/makeup/lips/lipgloss/lipglass#!/shade/Oh_Baby Lancôme Juicy Tubes: https://www.lancome.co.uk/makeup/lips/lip-gloss/juicy-tubes/115012-LAC.html Alex Wolf Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pXc7mMC0L3wpvzmUHhLNV?si=9K_N5gslR4ePbZXwE4lWjw

This week’s guest is Anastasia Goron also known as @allyoucanface. I first followed Anastasia after makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes told me she was a must-follow due to her extensive content on facial massage, or what she likes to call ‘face yoga’. In just under a year Anastasia has amassed almost 600,000 followers on TikTok and I fully believe that is down to her dedication to sharing information as well as consistency. In this episode I find out just how she did that, from the comfort of her couch during lockdown. I really wanted to invite Anastasia on as part of my Beauty X Wellness series because I love how she is constantly reiterating the fact that how we feel affects how we look. She is extremely passionate about the concept of us having the power to change how we look in the palm of our hands and really wants us to rediscover why we don’t need lotions or fillers. More importantly, she truly values the potential of touch; how touching our skin can tell us how we’re really feeling inside. In this episode Anastasia shares just why she is so dedicated to sharing her knowledge of facial massage, and why she believes in the concept of mind over matter. You can find Anastasia anywhere @allyoucanface and find out more about her facial massage program at  https://www.allyoucanface.com You can find me @beautymepodcast on Instagram and in the meantime do please like, review and subscribe as it really helps BeautyMe be seen. Thanks so much for listening! Products mentioned: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: https://www.boots.com/cerave-hydrating-cleanser-236ml-10246701- Had Labo Anti-Ageing Super Hydrator: https://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face-Skin-Care/Anti-Ageing-Face-Cream/Hada-Labo-Tokyo-Anti-Ageing-Super-Hydrator-150ml/p/795470 Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum: https://alliesofskin.com/products/20-vitamin-c-brighten-firm-serum Skinceuticals C E Ferulic: https://www.skinceuticals.co.uk/en_GB/c-e-ferulic/635494363210.html CeraVe Moisturising Lotion: https://www.boots.com/cerave-moisturising-lotion-236ml-10246703 Allie of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment Moisturiser: https://alliesofskin.com/products/peptides-antioxidants-firming-daily-treatment-50-ml Elta MD Sun Care: https://eltamd.com/collections/sun-care Biossance 100% Squalane Oil: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/biossance-100-squalane-oil.html

Hanahana Beauty is a consciously clean brand that creates beautiful products often centred around Shea, sourced directly from the Katariga Women's Shea Cooperative, in Ghana. I've wanted to invite the brand's founder Abena, onto the podcast for a long time. Over that time I have loved watching her build her brand, often while travelling between Chicago and Ghana. Abena is a former algebra teacher and therapist who says that both of her prior careers were about the concept of sharing, and that she feels the same way now, as a founder of a skincare and wellness brand. In this episode I wanted to find out how Abena has managed to find that balance between having to nurture and grow a brand during a pandemic while also taking care of herself. Of course I had to ask all about the morning routine, and it turns out that Abena takes her mornings pretty seriously. She says that time is purely for her: whether that means meditation, cleaning, movement or simply catching up on social. Oh and she's definitely a fan of having multiple cleansers on deck. We talk about being ‘skin vain’ – how the only way we will give up something food-wise, is if it affects our skin, and how Abena believes that skincare isn’t just about AM and PM; it’s about curating a routine for your body, your period – even  the seasons. A key theme from this conversation is 'being intentional' - in what we do to our skin, what we put into our bodies, and how we take care of ourselves. We discuss the difference between intuition and anxiety and beauty and wellness overlap. I hope you enjoy, because I definitely did! You can follow Abena @beanieboamah and follow her brand @hanahana_beauty. You can find video snippets of this chat over on @beautymepodcast or feel free to say 'hi' over on my personal account @charisse.kenion. As always, if you loved the show, it would be amazing if you could post a review; it really means a lot. hanahanabeauty.com Products mentioned: Alaffia Cucumber Good Soap Bar: https://products.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/alaffia-cucumber-good-soap-bar-8fe322 Hanahana Beauty Exfoliating Body Bar: https://hanahanabeauty.com/products/exfoliating-body-bar Klur Cleanser Gentle Matter Daily Moisture Cleanser: https://klur.co/products/gentle-matter Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser: https://www.youthtothepeople.com/products/superfood-face-cleanser Hanahana Beauty Black + Brown Exfoliating Cleanser: https://hanahanabeauty.com/products/black-brown-scrub-1 Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray: https://www.tower28beauty.com/products/sos-daily-facial-rescue-spray?variant=13413450186807 My Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Gel: https://mytopicals.com/collections/skincare/products/faded My Topicals Like Butter Hydrating Mask: https://mytopicals.com/collections/skincare/products/like-butter

My second guest in the Beauty X Wellness series is Ashley Griffin. Based in Dallas, Texas, Ashley works in corporate marketing but is also the owner of one of my favourite style accounts, @theinspiredi on Instagram. I've always admired Ashley's approach to style but also how she seems to be so in tune with her body; whether that's by working out, drinking her favourite protein smoothie (literally the same recipe every day!) or taking on a detox fast. In this episode I wanted to find out more about Ashley's approach to work and we end up talking about the microaggressions that black and brown women encounter in the workplace.  Ashley shares how she loves to start her day as slowly as possible, why she loves to work out and why she's happy to be a homebody with an old soul. She also shares the sweetest memories of her first style icon, her school teacher. You can follow Ashley on Instagram @theinspiredi and you can find me @beautymepodcast. Over on Instagram I'll be sharing video snippets of this chat, so be sure to drop a comment! Products mentioned: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask - currently out of stock worldwide due to recall on 'bad' batch. Summer Fridays R+R Mask: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/summer-fridays-rr-mask.html CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin: https://www.boots.com/cerave-hydrating-cleanser-236ml-10246701- Cetaphil: https://www.boots.com/cetaphil- Mario Badescu Rosewater Facial Spray: https://www.beautybay.com/p/mario-badescu/facial-spray-with-aloe-herbs-and-rosewater/ Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/drunk-elephant-c-firma-day-serum.html CeraVe Sunscreen: https://www.cerave.com/sunscreen Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick: https://www.meritbeauty.com/products/the-minimalist Glossier Cloud Paint in Beam: https://www.glossier.com/products/cloud-paint Glossier Future Dew: https://www.glossier.com/products/futuredew

For the next month I'm fully focused on guests who want to discuss how the worlds of beauty and wellness are forever intertwined. First up it's London-based freelance beauty writer and editor Ava Welsing-Kitcher.  In this eye-opening chat I wanted to find out how Ava made her start in beauty media but more importantly, how her mind and body has adjusted to lockdown life. While we start off with the usual talk of morning routines - for Ava that's Child's Pose and ice cold water - we quickly move on to the subject of burnout, and how busy-ness had almost become a badge of honour before the pandemic hit. We discuss how we've seemingly become more in tune with our bodies over the past 12 months; we can no longer ignore any little niggles within the body, and we also discuss the emotional ups and downs of living in a different kind of normal. Ava shares how she has moved home a staggering 27 times and we discuss how that is what has very likely prepared her to be more comfortable with change. This is a great episode for anyone who needs to hear that it's okay not to share everything on social media, and that you're more resilient than you know.  You can follow Ava on Instagram @avawelsingk and you can find me @beautymepodcast. Over on Instagram I'll be sharing video snippets of this chat, so be sure to drop a comment!  Products mentioned: S’well Water Bottle: https://www.swell.com CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: https://www.boots.com/cerave-hydrating-cleanser-236ml-10246701- Cosmedix Pure C Vitamin C Mixing Crystals: https://www.cosmedix.com/pure-c-vitamin-c Cosmedix Simply Brightening Serum: https://www.medicobeauty.com/products/copy-of-simply-brilliant-brightening-serum-30-ml-cosmedix Cosmedix Peptide-Rich Defense SPF50: https://www.cosmedix.com/peptide-rich-defense-50-ml Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint SPF30: https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/milk-makeup-sunshine-skin-tint-spf-30-sunscreen-16ml_R03735145/ MAC Cosmetics Powder Kiss Lipstick in Mull It Over: https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13854/60284/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/powder-kiss-lipstick#!/shade/Mull_It_Over Elaine Welteroth: More Than Enough: Claiming Space For Who You Are (No Matter What They Say): https://www.amazon.co.uk/More-Than-Enough-Elaine-Welteroth/dp/0525561587

This week’s episode is long overdue. While I’ve often spoken about skincare and might single out a favourite cleanser here and there, it’s only recently that I’ve realised that I’ve actually curated a cleanser wardrobe, almost like a cleanser for every occasion - especially when my skin is going through some ups and downs - so I thought it was time to share my top five. By the way, you don't need to have 'problem' skin to appreciate any of these cleansers - from the iconic Eve Lom Balm Cleanser to the cult fave CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser - you might well need one of these in your arsenal at some point. As always thank you so much for listening! When you get a moment, do please rate, review and subscribe to help BeautyMe be seen, and don't hesitate to let me know what you're using over in the DMs on Instagram @beautymepodcast. You can also watch this episode over on YouTube so be sure to drop a comment over there! You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKuq1As9ifCJOxvPOv6w3wQ Products mentioned: Eve Lom Cleanser: https://www.evelom.com/products/cleanser-100ml Eve Lom Begin & End Dual Pack: https://www.harveynichols.com/brand/eve-lom/845823-begin-and-end-dual-pack/p3990322/ The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter: https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/face/cleansers-and-toners/camomile-sumptuous-cleansing-butter/p/p000186 Living Libations Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn Cleanser and Moisturiser: https://algorithum.co.uk/collections/frontpage/products/seabuckthorn-best-skin-ever CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid: https://www.boots.com/cerave-sa-smoothing-cleanser-236ml-10272454 Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: https://www.glossier.com/picks/milky-jelly-cleanser Neostrata Restore PHA Facial Cleanser: https://www.neostrata.com/product/pha-facial-cleanser/F30135XA