The Charisse Report

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

This week’s episode marks a kind of return to some good old lockdown content. I really wanted to reach out to someone who has tried to keep themselves busy during this time so I chose London-based makeup artist Rachael Todd. We’ve been chatting in the DMs for a while now and I really wanted to have Rachael on for a relaxed conversation about how lockdown has us feeling as creatives and makeup lovers. I wanted to find out what Rachael misses most about not being able to take on her usual makeup bookings, how she’s adjusted to being at home a lot more and how she copes with those not so great days. I also wanted to find out how she first got into beauty and how she pivoted to creating beauty content during this time. If you want to know know about Rachael be sure to follow her @rtmkup and @makeupyourmood and you can check out the video snippets of our chat over at @beautymepodcast. Thanks so much for listening! Do please rate, review and subscribe and don't forget to share any episodes that you love! Products mentioned: CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser: https://www.cerave.com/skincare/cleansers/hydrating-cream-to-foam-cleanser Caudalie Grape Water: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/caudalie-grape-water.html La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream SPF50: https://www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-anthelios-shaka-ultra-light-facial-sun-cream-spf50-50ml-10259635 La Roche Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Cream Gel SPF50: https://www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-anthelios-anti-shine-sun-cream-gel-spf-50-plus-50-ml-10155052 Black Girl Sunscreen SPF30: https://www.comprisbeauty.com/products/https-comprisbeauty-com-products-black-girl-sunscreen-spf-30-by-blackgirlsunscreen Danessa Myricks Illuminating Veil: https://www.danessamyricksbeauty.com/product/illuminating-veil-2 Danessa Myricks Balm Contour: https://algorithum.co.uk/collections/makeup/products/balm-contour

I felt like I had to do an episode on Malcolm & Marie. Not just because it’s likely the most talked about project we’ve seen in a while, but also because I’ve been wanting to launch new content that’s all about the hair and beauty we see in TV and movies. So I feel like this is a good barometer to see if you like it, and if there’s an audience for it. While I’m talking about the hair and beauty (because this is a beauty podcast!), I will also be giving you my review of the film – so if you haven’t seen it already you might well hear a spoiler or two.  A very simple outline of the film: Malcolm (played by John David Washington) is a filmmaker who’s just had the biggest night of his career. Marie (played by Zendaya) is his girlfriend, who we later find out is also an actress and had assumed she would be in his movie. As it progresses we learn that that the lead character in the movie is based on Marie’s own life experiences of drug addiction and getting clean, and that she resents that Malcolm only used her story, not her acting skills. Oh, and he also forgets to thank her in his acceptance speech.  This is my opinion; I am not a film reviewer but I am interested in opinions.  As always thank you for listening. Do please rate, review and subscribe as it really helps BeautyMe be seen. And definitely let me know if you think this episode was a good fit for the show, or if you think I should set up a new show focused on TV and movies. If you want to check out the video version of this episode – which is packed with imagery – head to my YouTube and be sure to subscribe! You can also find me on Instagram @beautymepodcast  Articles mentioned: Fashionista.com: https://fashionista.com/2021/02/netflix-malcolm-and-marie-zendaya-costumes-outfits-dress Thecut.com: https://www.thecut.com/2021/02/law-roach-on-zendayas-timeless-malcolm-and-marie-costumes.html Early movie makeup: https://www.cosmeticsandskin.com/cdc/early-movie.php Official Malcolm & Marie trailer: https://youtube.com/Netflix​

This is kind of a newsy episode; kind of an update on what’s changed since my last few episodes, where I’ve discussed trends with my guests or on my solo shows. It's pretty short and sweet and focuses on: The new trend for drawing on dark circles underneath the eyes, something that recent guest Sonia Valencia and I quickly dismissed in episode 61; how more makeup artists are choosing to work solely with concealer, even challenging themselves to use it to create a full face. And I also express my discomfort in receiving so many compliments when I got deep faked as Sophia Loren and Kim Kardashian, but also discuss why the developers of apps such as Reface don't consider a variety of skin tones when it comes to their 'innovations'.  As always I would love if you could subscribe, review and rate the podcast - your support means so much. Also, I would love to know which brands and individuals you would like to see when it comes to beauty and wellness? I feel that, more and more the two industries are becoming intertwined, and to me it makes a lot of sense. Let me know at beautymepodcast@gmail.com or say hi in my DMs at @beautymepodcast on Instagram or Twitter. See you next time.

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