BeautyMe with Charisse Kenion

TW: the subject of suicide comes up briefly in this episode. This week’s guest is Melissa Geczy, a freelance editor and student, living in Puglia, Italy, who also lives with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). Very simply put, it means that on a daily basis Melissa deals with excruciating pain. Anything from a slight breeze touching her face, to chewing food to putting on her makeup is incredibly painful. I first came across Melissa after LA-based aesthetician @labeautyologist, Nayamka Roberts-Smith, had shared one of her Stories. If you follow Nayamka you’ll know she is the creator of the #60secondrule - meaning you must wash your face for minimum 60 seconds morning and night. Melissa had posted about it saying that she’s a major fan of the #60secondrule and in this episode she says it has actually changed her life, because her skincare routine has become a luxury. We also talk about the changes her career has gone through due to TN and how no-one should have to give up on their dreams because of disability - and she also lets me know that she doesn’t plan on giving up chewing any time soon. If you know someone who might be dealing with TN or something similar and could benefit from listening, please share this episode with them. And please do rate, subscribe and review - it really helps BM be seen ♥️ TW: we discuss suicide briefly in this episode. For more information on TN and other chronic conditions, see below, and you can follow Melissa @melissagatesee. Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK: https://www.tna.org.uk Facial Pain Association: https://fpa-support.org Some Instagram accounts dedicated to chronic illness: @dialecticdee - sickle cell/chronic illness advocate @crutches_and_spice - Comms Director and disability blogger a digital space for chronic illness @youlookokaytome a digital space for chronic illness @natashalipman - chronic illness journalist @asickmagazine @ablezine disability without stereotypes @sicksadgirlz #telluswhereithurts

Today's guest was a real impulse invitation. I spotted Sonia Valencia on Naked Beauty’s Instagram feed and was instantly attracted to Sonia’s no BS approach to makeup tips for the over 40s. It really resonated with my tagline for this show – beauty beyond the BS.  In this conversation I  wanted to find out what made Sonia get into skincare at the relatively late age of 36, and why she took to TikTok to share her own findings. While we of course discuss her content creation schedule, which runs parallel to her day job as a Processing Manager on a Cannabis farm, I  wanted to find out how her earlier years shaped her approach to beauty and what she thinks of celeb beauty brands. Be sure to check Sonia out on TikTok and Instagram @soniavalencia0303 and let me know what you think! As always your reviews, shares and subscriptions really help, so thank you for listening. Oh and if you want something a little extra, I've launched a newsletter! It's called BeautyMe Notes and you can sign up here Products mentioned: Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner Silk Naturals Calm Down 5% Niacinamide Hydrating Serum Silk Naturals Vitamin C Peptide Serum La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Cream Black Girl Sunscreen SPF30 Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

This week’s episode is all about my makeup essentials. In the past I’ve shared my Holy Grail skincare but I think, as someone who deals with hormonal acne that also likes to wear makeup, it makes sense to share some makeup favourites. None of the products I mention were created with acne in mind; instead this is a round-up of products that help me care for my skin while also decorating it - and I also talk about some techniques I’ve picked up from some of favourite makeup artists. This is definitely an episode for the truly makeup obsessed; there are a lot of products in there - so many that I couldn't actually link them all below. Instead I have provided links to the 22 brands mentioned. I'd love to know what you think of this episode, and I'd also love to know who your go-to makeup brands are! BeautyMe is a community so I'm all for sharing those must-haves, so feel free to slide into my DMs over @beautymepodcast or on my personal account @charisse.kenion. When you have a minute do please like, review and subscribe to the podcast. Until next week, stay safe. Brands mentioned: Byredo Chanel Charlotte Tilbury Colour Pop Danessa Myricks Dior Makeup Emolyne Estée Lauder Fenty Beauty Glossier Gloss My Heart Kiko Milano Laura Mercier Lisa Eldridge L’Oréal Paris MAC Cosmetics Makeup Forever Milk Makeup Nars Nudestix OPV Beauty Revlon Surratt

Paris-based hairdresser Ciara Costenoble, grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and once we delve into her morning routine, we take it right back to those early days. Ciara shares some beautiful memories of being inspired by her grandmother, Hope, who loved to dress up at any opportunity, even if she was just picking up the mail or going to the pharmacy. Ciara watched her grandmother do her skincare and apply her Mary Kay makeup and, later on, realised that it was about more than expression - in fact it was more in an effort to form some kind of resilience around the colourism that was prevalent within society. We talk about how colourism can show up and about Ciara's first hair experiments - at the age of 7. Pretty much a tomboy when she was younger, it was only once Ciara began working in a salon at 14 that she gained an insight into what other girls and women were doing with their hair, and also how boys would look at girls who dressed in a more feminine style. We also discuss the controversial Netflix show Emily in Paris, and Ciara talks about how it’s really not a true example of exactly who is moving to Paris from the States, as in: it’s not just white people who choose to travel and explore, duh. She’s also very vocal about her views on being an American in Paris. Of course we touch on the cult of the French pharmacy and Ciara shares that she’s learned to embrace a more simple beauty routine since moving to France.  We also talk about how Ciara has learned to take time to romance herself during lockdown. Honestly, I couldn't have chosen a better way to close 2020. I am so grateful for the fact that you choose to listen to BeautyMe, and can't wait to see you in 2021. Take care of yourselves and see you on the other side. Follow Ciara @ciaracoiffure and you can find me @beautymepodcast P.S. If you could rate, review and subscribe the podcast, it will help BeautyMe be seen. Products mentioned: Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/sunday-riley-tidal-brightening-enzyme-water-cream.html La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50 Face Mist: https://www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-anthelios-sunscreen-face-mist-spf-50-75ml-10217616 La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Soothing Repairing Balm: https://www.lookfantastic.com/la-roche-posay-cicaplast-baume-b5-soothing-repairing-balm-40ml/11091816.html

Rebecca Munroe is a film maker who works with all your favourite beauty brands and definitely has an approach that will have you reaching for your credit card after seeing her work. In this episode we talk about Rebecca’s nocturnal work hours and how they affect her skincare and selfcare moments. Rebecca also shares how a car crash helped her appreciate her body and says that it's a completely different concept to body acceptance or positivity.  We start our conversation discussing her sensual approach to film-making and as we go on, it’s clear Rebecca has a sensual take on selfcare too. She also shares her first interaction with makeup and honestly, it's one of the most entertaining answers I've heard yet! Thank you so much for listening. If you want to see more of Rebecca's work, visit her Instagram @Rebecca.munroe, and you can find me @beautymepodcast. Do please subscribe and leave a review - it really helps BeautyMe be seen! Products mentioned: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm: https://www.feelunique.com/p/Elemis-Pro-Collagen-Cleansing-Balm Fresh Face Masks: https://www.fresh.com/uk/skincare/categories/masks Votary Intense Night Oil - Rosehip and Retinoid: https://www.votary.co.uk/product/intense-night-oil-rosehip-retinoid-votary/ Pat McGrath Rose Rebellion Eyeshadow is out of stock but you can check out similar shades here: https://www.patmcgrath.com/products/eyedols-eye-shadow-trios-ritual-rebellion?variant=19429267570757 Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara: https://www.lancome.co.uk/makeup/eyes/mascara/monsieur-big-mascara/A00354-LAC.html May Lindstrom The Honey Mud: https://www.maylindstrom.com/products/the-honey-mud

Since 2019, we’ve seen a huge rise in celebrities launching brands and products. For me, I like to think of celebrity beauty and skincare in the same way I think of entry level designer fashion. If you can’t afford the four or five figure bag then the perfume is way more affordable, and for some, it can give you the same feeling of ‘yeah, I’m expensive’. Back in 1987 Elizabeth Taylor, AKA Hollywood royalty, launched the first celebrity perfume. Just yesterday rapper and producer Pharrell Williams launched his skincare line Human Race and in early 2021 singer Alicia Keys will release Keys Soul Care. Excitement is strong and in this episode I wanted to focus on these two brands in particular, (as well as the likes of Kylie Jenner, Fenty Skin and even Keanu Reeves), to ask why we need more skincare and what buying from a celebrity gives us.  Thanks so much for listening. I appreciate every DM and every comment and I would love it if you could help me round out 2020 with a few more reviews! See you next week. In the meantime you can find me @beautymepodcast

This week's guest is Deborah Johnson. With over 14 years experience as a beauty PR for the likes of some amazing brands - including makeup of the moment, Emolyne Cosmetics - Deborah also heads up PR of the family-run salon Simply Gorgeous, owned by her mum. I was really looking forward to this conversation with Deborah; as a black woman with tattoos, she clearly stands out and holds her own when it comes to the UK beauty PR industry, but also, she doesn't do small talk. I can still remember the first time we met, a couple of years ago, and how I left that meeting thinking how cool she was - yep, probably a touch of a girl crush there!  In this episode, we of course discuss her skincare - she refers to her skin as ashy so if you're feeling the same, you'll love hearing her glowing skin recommendations for face and body. But, I really wanted to see if I could get to what makes Deborah, Deborah, and I have to admit, there's a bit of a revelation in this chat. I certainly wasn't expecting Deborah's honesty to extend to her own personal experiences of finding herself and also how she has learned to deal with addiction.  As Deborah herself quotes: "to err is human, to forgive, divine," and I am both humbled and grateful that she chose to open up with me. If you're an introvert who needs to get comfortable with reaching out to others when you need help - this one's for you! REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum: https://www.renskincare.com/products/aha-smart-renewal-body-serum The Afro Hair & Skin Co. Awaken Reviving Body Treatment Oil: https://www.theafrohairandskincompany.co.uk/collections/our-skincare-essentials/products/awaken-reviving-body-oil-treatment-100ml Emolyne Metamorphosis Velvet Semi-Matte Lipstick in Abuja https://www.emolyne.com/product/metamorphosis-velvet-semi-matte-lipstick-red/?attribute_pa_shade-reds=abuja As always, do please like, subscribe, review and/or share this episode. Thank you so much for listening! You can find Deborah on Instagram @deborah_t_johnson, and feel free to  come and say hey over @beautymepodcast. See you next week.

If you’re a regular listener to the BeautyMe podcast then you’ll know that in the past few weeks I’ve put out two episodes featuring beauty writer Jessica DeFino. Also, if you know me at all, you’ll know that I’ve been a major fan and sharer of her work. I fully appreciate the effort and time that Jessica puts into her articles, which have been seen in the likes of Harper’s Bazaar, The Zoe Report, Allure, and most recently, the New York Times… Jessica has written some amazing pieces when it comes to skincare, the skin microbiome, even glitter – but I think it’s the New York Times article that’s going to be her most talked about piece, and for all the wrong reasons. Entitled Is This the End of the Manicure? the ensuing response from the nail industry in the States but also here in the UK, has set the internet ablaze. In this episode, I want to look at what Jessica wrote, and also provide a rebuttal that I think the nail industry wants and needs. The reason I felt compelled to create an episode focused solely on the article was because it just felt weird not to address it. I’m not a writer or podcaster that’s supported by brands to keep food on the table, and I’m really glad about that. At the heart of it, I am someone who is fascinated by people and their stories, particularly when they pertain to the beauty industry. It didn’t feel right to one day be promoting a podcast all about Jessica’s skincare routine and not address what’s really going on with her most recent work. Thank you to everyone who sent me voice notes or allowed me to incorporate their own content into this episode. I really hope this shows some balance and would love to know what you think. Feel free to let me know in the DMs over on Instagram @beautymepodcast or email me beautymepodcast@gmail.com. 

Today’s guest is Rohma Ejaz, a London-based beauty PR who also loves to play with makeup on the side. In this episode Rohma discusses her skincare routine in detail (info below), why she’s seen more evidence of dark circles since working from home and how to be unapologetic when it comes to feeling your feelings and wearing your resting bitch face (RBF).  You can find Rohma's makeup account on Instagram @rohmaejaz.mu to see her experiments! As always thanks so much for listening and do please like, subscribe or leave a review for BeautyMe! You can find me over on Instagram @beautymepodcast or check out my personal account @charisse.kenion. See you next time! PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: https://www.glossier.com/products/milky-jelly-cleanser Temple Spa In The Beginning Deep Cleansing Melt: https://www.templespa.com/in-the-beginning-cleanser Eve Lom Cleanser: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/eve-lom-cleanser.html Decorté Phytotune Toning Lotion: https://www.decortecosmetics.co.uk/products/phytotune-toning-lotion?_pos=3&_sid=d5b0c03fc&_ss=r Decorté Vi Fusion Essence Micro-Treatment Fluid Serum: https://www.decortecosmetics.co.uk/collections/serums/products/vi-fusion-essence Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint: https://www.johnlewis.com/chanel-les-beiges-water-fresh-tint/p4071381 Nars Soft Matte Complete Foundation: https://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/en/new/soft-matte-collection Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint: https://www.glossier.com/products/perfecting-skin-tint It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer: https://www.itcosmetics.co.uk/face/concealer/bye-bye-under-eye-concealer/ITC_0005.html

Although Jessica DeFino’s Instagram bio says she’s the ‘beauty reporter who doesn’t use beauty products’, she actually does have a few favourites, mainly due to her search for a natural solution to her Dermatitis. In this #BeautyBuzz episode she shares the products that she truly loves, why she loves a bit of DIY and explains how Jojoba Oil has saved her Accutane-damaged sebaceous glands. Be sure to check out Jessica’s work at https://www.jessica-defino.com and find her on Instagram at @jessicadefino_ You can find me @beautymepodcast or check out my personal Instagram @charisse.kenion. Please do share, subscribe and/or leave a review and help BeautyMe be seen! Thanks so much for listening and see you next week. One Love Organic Vitamin B Cleanser: https://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/one-love-organics-vitamin-b-enzyme-cleansing-oil-elizabeth-dehn Flora Manuka Honey: https://www.florahealth.com/us/products/manuka-honey-mgo-515-15-umf/ Cortas Rose Water: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cortas-Rose-Water-300ml/dp/B00V8TRZG4 Kari Gran Essential SPF: https://karigran.com/collections/organic-skin-care/products/essential-spf-28-50 Goat Milk Powder: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Delamere-Dairy-Goats-Powder-400g/dp/B084G7NGLH/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=powdered+goat+milk&qid=1604666867&s=grocery&sr=1-6 Wildflower and the Rose: https://wildflowerandtherose.com/blogs/flower-lessons/hibiscus-blonde-hair-rinse Uma Absolute Anti-Aging Body Balm: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/uma-absolute-anti-aging-body-balm.html