The Charisse Report

Before I introduce today’s guest, I want to say: I welcome all listeners here and this podcast is a safe space for you to express yourself. But I do want my white listeners to know; the black square created awareness. It is now up to you to create action to make this world a level playing field. So, today’s guest! Born in Hertfordshire, Charlotte Williams is the founder of London-based SevenSix, a social media and influencer marketing agency focused on diversity and inclusion. Charlotte started blogging back in 2010 and then moved into marketing in 2013 and she’s also the co-host of a brilliant podcast called Sustainably Influenced, which is honestly a breath of fresh air in its approach to how we can be more sustainable in our everyday lives. If you check out Charlotte’s Instagram feed you’ll see she’s blessed with glowing skin and a curly ‘fro, but in our chat she talks about being treated like a doll amongst her Mean Girls-esque friends group at school, being able to ‘pass’ as Portuguese while living and teaching in Portugal, hormonal breakouts and how she used YouTube to master her favourite makeup looks. She also talks about business, being addicted to social media and how the road to a sustainable future isn’t going to be easy. Definitely looking forward to having Charlotte on as a face to face guest for a second chat as we had to cut a chunk of audio that just wasn’t useable! SPECIAL OFFER FOR BEAUTYME LISTENERS Throughout June Heights is donating £10 for every new Heights customer, to BAATN (The Black, African, and Asian Therapy Network), the UK's largest community of counsellors and psychotherapists for those who have Black, African, South Asian and Caribbean heritage. BAATN aims to address the inequality of access to appropriate psychological services for Black people and its website hosts a huge directory of therapists across the UK as well as free resources and services for people of minority backgrounds who are seeking help. Also, Heights has created a special 50% discount for BeautyMe listeners off their first month. Use the code ‘beautyme’ at www.yourheights.com. Products/sites mentioned: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser: https://amzn.to/2UxTL9K Balance Me Radiance Facial Oil: https://amzn.to/30BCZdU Faace Period Faace Mask: https://www.wearefaace.com/product/period-faace-face-mask/ @skndoctor: https://www.instagram.com/skndoctor/ Typology: https://uk.typology.com Boucléme: https://www.boucleme.co.uk Haeckels: https://haeckels.co.uk Don’t forget, you can find me on YouTube and over on Instagram @beautymepodcast or check out my personal account @charisse.kenion to check out my video on sighing. Until next time, stay strong, stay safe and keep your foot on the gas.

This conversation took place two weeks before the UK went into Covid-19 lockdown. There’s also a video version on my YouTube channel and I’m actually glad I waited several months so long to share it. If you’re a regular listener you’ll know that for the past few weeks or so I’ve been fully focused on lockdown content that aims to inspire and let people around the world know that we’re all in this together. But today I felt the need to share something fun, and Joy is definitely that! Joy is many things; she’s what I would call a hair architect – completely self-taught –  constantly creating, playing with products, textures and fabrics. She’s also an amazing crochet enthusiast – I keep telling her she needs to launch her own line but she insists she’s too amateur. She’s not into sharing every single aspect of her day or work on social media, but when she does share something it’s truly a work of art. In this conversation London-based Joy elaborates on the many influences on her work, and how she interprets them into projects with the likes of Converse, as well as stunning collages that have been shown back home in Nigeria. Oh and she confesses to using my skincare products when she stayed over for this recording! Honestly, watch the YouTube after you listen. In the meantime, you can follow @beautymepodcast over on Instagram, or check out my personal account @charisse.kenion, and you'll find Joy @joydarlinginnit, as well as her project @blackgirlslovepink. Photography by me. Products/brands mentioned (I had to cull a few because I ran out of space): Glossier Stretch Concealer: https://www.glossier.com/products/stretch-concealer?search=stretch Glossier You: https://www.glossier.com/products/glossier-you Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: https://www.glossier.com/products/milky-jelly-cleanser?search=milky%20jelly%20cleanser Glossier Priming Moisturizer: https://www.glossier.com/products/priming-moisturizer Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich: https://www.glossier.com/products/priming-moisturizer Glossier Super Bounce: https://www.glossier.com/products/super-bounce Glossier Futuredew: https://www.glossier.com/products/futuredew?search=future Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel: https://amzn.to/36CrlA4 Sam Fine: Fine Beauty Book: https://amzn.to/2M3jUbN Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift and Firm Mask: https://amzn.to/2X84hWR Bio Oil: https://amzn.to/3gu6a84 Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream: https://amzn.to/2XDptmy Peter Zumthor: Atmospheres: Architectural Environments, Surrounding Objects: https://amzn.to/2XyOIqd Dior Diorshow Mascara: https://amzn.to/2TL2JA1 Dabur Amla Hair Oil: https://amzn.to/2XDxHer

This week’s lockdown guest is Alyx Carolus, a freelance writer and social media manager based in Cape Town and although we’ve never met, she’s been a constant source of inspiration and laughter during the time we've worked together for alltheprettybirds.com. In this episode Alyx talks about the things she’s really missing during lockdown and how she won’t take those things for granted again. Alyx tells me how her hair has broken many a comb and talks me through her lockdown hair routine and we both discuss the BS and pressure of having laid edges, as well as the concept of hair judgement: good vs bad. Alyx also shares how she’s found that adding variety to her hair and beauty routines is one of the few ways she’s able to fight that Groundhog Day feeling that comes up so often during these lockdown days. I hope you love this one and if you do, be sure to leave a review. Find out more about Alyx at https://heyalyx.com and you can find her on Instagram @heyalyx_ - by the way, in the intro when I share her Insta info, I missed off the underscore. You'll also find @beautymepodcast there, as well as my personal account @charisse.kenion. Until next time, stay safe, and sane. Products/brands mentioned: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel: https://www.dermalogica.co.uk/special-cleansing-gel/3,en_GB,pd.html Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Toner: https://www.boots.com/eucerin-dermo-purifyer-toner-200ml-10237681 Garnish Micellar Water: https://www.boots.com/garnier-micellar-cleansing-water-400ml-10169115 Neutrogena City Shield Hydrating Lotion SPF25: https://www.neutrogena.co.uk/skin-care/hydro-boost-city-shield-hydrating-lotion-spf-25-50ml/11433781.html

This week’s lockdown guest is Elisabeth Williamson, also known as @elisa_lune over on Instagram. Elisabeth is an educator and Skin Analyst for French skincare brand Caudalie who (usually) travels around the South West of the UK, training staff on how to use the products. In this lockdown episode Elisabeth shares her lengthy morning skincare routine, which includes skincare, gua sha and an infra red mask that promotes collagen production. We find that we both have hormonal breakout issues and Elisabeth shares tips on how to take care of it while we’re spending more time indoors. We also discuss how having a French mother influenced her approach to beauty, her first job as a Saturday girl at beauty emporium Space NK and how music gets her through those lockdown sadness moments. As an added bonus, Elisabeth’s created a how-to gua sha tutorial for us! Head to BeautyMe on Instagram to watch it on IGTV. I hope you love this one and if you do, be sure to leave a review.  Products/brands mentioned: Bioderma Photoderm Max Aquafluid SPF50+: https://www.escentual.com/bioderma/bioderma028/ Bioderma Hydrabio Serum Moisturising Concentrate: https://www.feelunique.com/p/BIODERMA-Hydrabio-Serum-Moisturising-Concentrate-40ml?q=hydrabio%20serum&q_typ=a&q_cat=product&q_dep=Skincare Glossier Cloud Paint: https://www.glossier.com/products/cloud-paint?search=cloud%20paint Rouje: https://www.rouje.com/

Honestly, I've been super excited to share this week's episode with you. Today's guest is Chloe Pierre, a London-based Digital Marketing and Branding Specialist, who's also the founder of @thy.self, an online wellness platform focused on embracing self-love, self-care and diversifying the wellness industry.  I've long admired Chloe's Instagram content because she seems to have very centred approach; she knows who she is, unapologetically. In this #lockdown-focused episode we talk about a ton of things, from prepping ourselves for the changes that menopause can inflict on our bodies and skin, to never feeling like you quite fit the beauty standards that society 'expects', as well as within your own family. Chloe shares how she came to feel confident and happy in her body and we also discuss the things we're most looking forward to once we're finally allowed back 'outside'. One thing we both agree on is; we're not going 'back to normal', and we're okay with that. I hope you love this episode because we loved making it, and this isn't the last time you're going to hear Chloe on the podcast; we're cooking up something pretty special so be sure to stay tuned over on Instagram @beautymepodcast to keep informed. In the meantime, you can find Chloe @chloepierreldn, and follow @thy.self too! As always, I would love it if you could hit subscribe and leave a review. Until next time, stay safe, and sane. Products mentioned: Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Tonic: https://www.rodial.co.uk/skincare/dragon-s-blood-hyaluronic-tonic-50ml-deluxe-sample

If you're looking for a story that's all about inspiration then this chat with Beauty Scripts founder Greta Eagan is for you. Beauty Scripts is a product recommendation platform and app for beauty professionals that allows them to ‘script’ products and through an affiliate network earn commissions without stocking (or touching) inventory. I think innovation is key right now (during Covid-19 related lockdown, even more so), and decided to get Greta on the show to find out more. In this episode Greta shares just how important meditation is to her - she's a bit of a pro at it! - and shares the journey that saw her go from doing bridal makeup to being driven to create her own app.  Products mentioned: The Miracle Morning; The 6 Habits That Will Transform Your Life Before 8am, by Hal Elrod Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon Beauty Balm Concentrate Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum As always I would love if you could subscribe and review - every comment helps! In the meantime, check out beautyscripts.com, or find them on Instagram @beautyscripts. You'll also find me there @beautymepodcast, and you can check out my personal account @charisse.kenion. Thanks for listening and see you soon! Stay safe.

While it has to be said that none of us are having an easy time of living in lockdown, for creatives and freelancers things can be even tougher. While many freelancers and creators are used to working alone and might often be assumed to be introverts, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more at ease with isolation. Whatever the memes might say about how easy artists and creatives must be finding lockdown, they still need human interaction - even if that’s just a nod from the barista at their favourite coffee shop. With that in mind I picked this week’s guest specifically for her background, in the hope that she could offer some coping tips for creatives. London-based Jess Young is the founder of popular Instagram account @boysinpolish, and she’s also a nail tech, DJ and musician - who also paints - so I thought she would make the perfect person to share tips on how to cope with lockdown as a freelancer. Listen to hear Jess’ tips on meditation, mindfulness, journaling, songwriting and why she loves to watch Rowena Tsai’s YouTube channel. I’d love to know how you’re coping, so feel free to share your own tips over on my Instagram account @beautymepodcast and do please hit subscribe and leave a review. You can also follow Jess @jessyoung__ Until next week, stay safe and sane, Charisse. Jess at BeautyStack: https://www.instagram.com/beautystack/ Link to Rowena Tsai’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rowenatsai Headspace app: https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app IG:dm app: https://igdm.me Elevate Brain Training app: https://www.elevateapp.com

In my latest #lockdown episode I talk to billing analyst, photographer and filmmaker Zainab Amina. Born in Nigeria, London-based Zainab shares how her daily routine has completely changed. We talk about why Zainab loves the process of putting on makeup as part of her morning routine, how she’s changed her social media habits – ‘Twitter is the devil!’ – and why she loves following the #dontrushchallenge hashtag on Instagram. Follow Zainab on Instagram @zainabaminaaa and check out what I’m up to over at @beautymepodcast. Stay safe and sane and see you soon! Please do leave a review and let me know what you think about this extra lockdown content. Products mentioned The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: https://www.asos.com/the-ordinary/the-ordinary-glycolic-acid-7-toning-solution/prd/8206150 The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-ordinary-caffeine-solution-5-egcg.html Glycerine & Rosewater: https://www.boots.com/boots-traditional-glycerin-and-rosewater-200ml-10130117

In my latest #lockdown episode I talk to beauty photographer Karen Rosalie. Born in San Francisco, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Karen shares what it was like growing up in a very traditional Asian household but wanting to be ‘American’. Without access to US TV, Karen’s role models were very rooted in fantasy and books about ancient empresses and princesses.  She talks about not realising she had to take her makeup off when she first started experimenting (I think we’ve all been there!), and how she finally took a deep dive into beauty when she got to grips with beauty photography. Today her agency counts the likes of Summer Fridays amongst its clients, but of course, due to lockdown, there is no client work going on. Instead Karen is planning ahead, doing creative research and, like many of us, cooking a lot more. Karen also dishes on why she loves Korean beauty and how she’s found being on lockdown rewarding when it comes to her personal relationships. Follow Karen on Instagram @karen.rosalie, her agency at @rosalie.agency and check out what I’m up to over at @beautymepodcast. Stay safe and sane and see you soon! Please do leave a review and let me know what you think about this extra lockdown content. Products mentioned Skinesque Wake Up & Makeup Prep Sheet Masks: https://www.skinesque.com/products/wake-up-makeup-prep-sheet-mask IOPE: https://www.iope.com/int/en/products/skincare/concern/conditioning/conditioning.html Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/summer-fridays-jet-lag-mask.html Caudalie Beauty Elixir: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/caudalie-beauty-elixir.html Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/kate-somerville-exfolikate-cleanser.html Cle Cosmetics Melting Lip Powder: https://www.clecosmetics.com/melting-lip-powder.html#nude_blush

Yacine Diallo is someone I've been trying to get on the podcast for months, and it's not for lack of trying. We talk regularly via Instagram DMs, and have probably been talking for years. At the beginning of the episode we make a joke that it only took a pandemic to make this happen - just to lighten the mood, not make light of the current situation. This is the third in my #lockdown series and I think it's my favourite so far. If you follow makeup artist Yacine, you’ll know she has a serious glow going on, so of course we talk about the skincare regime. We discuss the level of judgement that sometimes goes with changing your hair, in particular from the #teamnatural gang. We also explore the notion of ‘the French Girl’  as being someone who is so chic, so effortless and naturally beautiful, and how Yacine feels she doesn’t quite fit the label and in fact, that's it's a media fantasy. She also explains how she’s missing connecting with people through her work. Let me know what you think of this episode via Instagram or Twitter and in the meantime, be sure to check out Yacine on Instagram @yacinediallo. You can also find me @beautymepodcast, or check out my personal account @charisse.kenion Look out for future #lockdown episodes and I hope they provide comfort and inspiration. Until then, do let me know when you're listening and tag me over on social! Thanks so much for each and every review and like. Stay safe, and sane and be kind to yourself.x