Naked Beauty

In this special year-end episode of the Naked Beauty Podcast, I’m the guest! My producer, Mbiye Kasonga, interviewed me, and we reflected on the challenges and triumphs of 2025, including my return from maternity leave, the impact of the LA fires, and the balance between my corporate and creative responsibilities. We also touched on the major beauty trends of 2025, the wonderful range of guests we’ve had, and my thoughts on the evolving podcasting landscape. Mbiye asked some great questions, and I really dug deep in this episode to share my insights on the joys of community, creativity, and the pressures of constant innovation. The episode ends with our personal reflections on beauty and exciting predictions for 2026.Tune in as we discuss:(00:00) Introduction and Year-End Tradition(01:21) Reflecting on 2025: Fires, Maternity Leave, and Podcasting(04:37 Balancing Work, Creativity, and Personal Life(12:58) The Evolution of Podcasting and Industry Insights(27:00) London Trip and Memorable Experiences(32:04) Meeting Sabrina Elba: A Class Act(32:51) Impact of Naked Beauty Podcast(34:22) Balancing Work and Motherhood(37:55) Influence of Patriarchy on Beauty Standards(42:40) Personal Beauty Trends and Discoveries(47:56) Reflections on Beauty and Future Trends(01:01:03) Concluding Thoughts and 2026 Beauty Trend Predictions Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Mbiye @mbiye_k Products Mentioned:The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Shark Beauty Cryo Mask Neat Crowns Wigs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Candice Brathwaite, a celebrated author and public speaker, shares her journey of self-discipline and personal reinvention. She discusses her childhood experiences with colorism and how they shaped her confidence. Candice emphasizes the importance of allowing her children to express themselves freely in style, reflecting lessons she missed growing up. She dives into her past relationship mistakes, encouraging others to seek kind partners. Fitness as a foundation for discipline and authenticity in her brand are also central topics in her inspiring narrative.

Content Warning: This conversation contains themes of disordered eating and child abuseJameela Jamil is among the most beautiful public figures who hold some of the strongest anti-beauty sentiments. She was scouted for television while walking down the street and later hired to host a series on Channel 4. As she shares in the episode, this role reinforced many of the harmful patriarchal standards about women’s beauty and bodies that she learned as a child. Jameela shares that she didn’t feel beautiful growing up, and despite her early beauty icons being voluptuous women of color, she held herself to an unnatural standard of thinness and battled anorexia to achieve it. Her ascent into the public eye only exacerbated her struggles with her weight. By her late twenties, she began to question why she was being held to such rigid expectations by fashion media execs who couldn’t meet them; ultimately, she decided to fight back.Since then, Jameela has made a name for herself as an actress, public figure, and outspoken advocate for women’s rights. During our conversation, we discussed personal growth and why women must meet their own high standards, whether men like it or not, including her partner. Jameela doesn’t hold back when it comes to ageism in fashion and politics, and the detrimental impact of AI on our ability to distinguish reality from virtual reality. We talk about her time on The Good Place and how Ted Danson helped make her debut performance so strong. Jameela lays out why she believes public figures have a role in advocating for transparency in costs and recovery of major cosmetic procedures. She also makes it clear that she is comfortable learning and growing publicly, so long as she leads with care and facts.  Tune in as we discuss:(1:58) Her Not Feeling Beautiful Growing Up(3:17) Her Beauty Icons (Including Whoopi Goldberg & Sophia Loren)(4:35) How Whiteness Informs Body Standards In The Global South(5:50) She Was Introduced To Body Shame At School & Forced Into Dieting(10:03) How Being On Television Reinforced Anorexia( 11:25) Women Who Internalize & Uphold Patriarchy(12:15) The Irony That Unattractive People Set Beauty Standards In Fashion(13:15) Designers Prove Their Talent By Designing for Diverse Bodies (16:25) Obsession With Childlike Bodies In Fashion & Politics(19:20) Why Men Are Terrified By Powerful Women(21:08) On Living With Her Partner & Their Friends(21:35) She & Her Partner Have Strong Individual Identities(24:00) Men Are Naturally More Submissive Than Women(28:25) Uniform Cosmetic Dentistry in LA Was Shocking(29:48) The Dangers of AI Diminishing Our Ability to Distinguish Real From Fake (31:25) On Pretty Privilege While Being An Advocate for Safe Beauty(36:00) A Detailed Run-Down of The Dangers Of Plastic Surgery(42:45) The Good Place & How Ted Danson Helped Her Performance (43:24) Why She Created The IWeigh Platform(45:00) Shuttering IWeigh Because People Were No Longer Receptive(50:32) What Roles Public Figures Have In Activism  (53:05) On Growing Publicly & Without Shame(57:45) How She Maintains Her Well-BeingRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Jameela @jameelajamilProducts Mentioned:K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair MaskStila Stay All Day Liquid LipstickCharlotte Tillbury Long-Lasting Eyeliner PencilCharlotte Tillbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shani Darden just might be your favorite celebrity’s esthetician. From her Beverly Hills Studio, she cares for a roster of A-List celebrities and creates products for many more through Sephora. Before she began working with stars like Jessica Alba and Kelly Rowland, Shani was a mixed-race teenager in upstate New York who didn’t fit neatly into any community. Her family ensured that she had connections to Black hairstylists and introduced her to Mary Kay Beauty and DIY face masks. So, while she grew up feeling beautiful, she didn’t always fit in. During our chat, she explained that she always had plans to move to a big city and build her dream life, even when she didn’t know exactly what her path would be.Shani’s life is a testament to taking opportunities to move and grow, especially when you feel uncomfortable. When a modeling opportunity in LA arose, she jumped at the chance and moved across the country. When she became disillusioned with the industry, she pivoted and sought out a new dream. Upon discovering esthetician school, Shani’s childhood interest in beauty and her professional experience in spas aligned. With Jessica Alba’s encouragement, she leapt into her own home-based studio and welcomed in a swell of new clients. Shani gives us an insider’s look at her skincare philosophy and what she recommends for any beauty enthusiast over 25. She also gets real about the limits of skincare and non-surgical treatment, offering us refreshingly realistic expectations for our beauty treatments. Tune in as we discuss:(2:30) Growing Up With Mary Kay Beauty(6:25) Growing Up Feeling Out of Place(8:20) Her First Sew-In and Emulating Lisa Bonet(13:30) Jessica Alba’s Encouragement To Open Her Own Space (17:45) Shani’s Skincare Philosophy(22:50) Her Take On Lymphatic Drainage Massages(26:45) Filler, Botox, and The Limits of Skincare(28:45) PRFM Takes Multiple Rounds(30:10) Why Lasers Give Her Anxiety(32:53) Why She Formulated Over-The-Counter Retinol(41:57) Her Daily Skincare Routine(44:18) Skincare Rules She Despises(55:05) Advice On Launching A Brand Right Now Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Shani @shanidardenProducts Mentioned:NARS Tinted SPFKelly Baker Brow Defining PencilTower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing MascaraChanel Rouge Coco Gloss Moisturizing GlossimerCarnal Flower by Frederic Malle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content warning: this episode contains discussions of disordered eating and body image issues Jayme Cyk is no stranger to vulnerability. On today’s episode of Naked Beauty, the former beauty director at Violet Gray and co-founder of the brand And Repeat shares her extensive background in the beauty industry, her experiences with ADHD medication, and the creation of her focus supplement, And Focus. Our discussion covers the emotional complexities of motherhood as it relates to body image, the interplay between beauty rituals and mental health, and Jamie’s favorite beauty and fashion products. Jamie also opens up about her ongoing challenges with self-acceptance and body dysmorphia, highlighting the importance of grounding practices and vulnerability in personal growth.Tune in as we discuss:(01:52) Guest Introduction: Jamie Syke(02:20) Jamie's Career Journey(04:11) Mental Health and Openness(05:29) Early Beauty Experiences(15:00) Body Image and Pregnancy(40:32) Personal Experiences with Medication(44:08) Impact of Parental Influence on Body Image(48:34) Beauty and Skincare Favorites(54:37) Balancing Beauty and Mental Health(58:04) Hair Care and Fashion Finds(01:02:56) Finding Grounding PracticesCheck out Jayme’s Substack, I’m On An AntidepressantRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Jayme: @jaycykProducts Mentioned:Sophie Pavitt Cleanser, Moisturizer, SerumGood Weather Skin Mineral SunscreenFarah Homidi Concealer, Lipgloss Maed Lip Balm Eadem Lip Balm Crown Affair  Roz Shampoo and Conditioner Dehanche BeltsRLT White t-shirt And Repeat Supplements  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kim Baker has lived an iconic life. From her first photoshoot at 13 years old to being managed by Bethann Hardisson, she divided her time between breaking down barriers and partying with fashion legends. In this episode, Kim walks us through the beginning of her fashion career and how her mother instilled unshakeable confidence in her by detailing the beauty of Black history. Kim offers us a peek into the highs and lows of the modeling industry in the 1980s, namely, early sexual harassment and stringent expectations about her body and weight. Kim doesn’t hold back when it comes to sharing her experiences with other iconic cultural figures, including meeting Jean Michel Basquiat and going into labor at Grace Jones’ birthday party at Studio 54. Kim doesn’t hold back when it comes to other difficult experiences, like how a whirlwind romance led to her facing a 65-year prison sentence. But Kim is no stranger to reinvention. She pioneered plus-size modeling in the 1990s, stepped behind the camera and became a makeup artist, and worked with Bobbi Brown for 14 years as one of her earliest employees. Kim’s career leveled up again when she accepted an opportunity to do glam for Tom Cruise and Laurence Fishburne. She realized a prediction she made at the age of nine and launched her own makeup line, Glamazon Beauty, in 2016. Kim’s transparency about her career, motherhood, and her faith illuminates why she has remained a staple in the beauty and fashion scene. Tune in as we discuss:(1:44)  Kim’s Beauty and Fashion Background(2:55)  Learning About Beauty From Her Mother(5:55)  Being Managed By Bethann Hardisson(7:45)  Working With Legendary Photographers Bill King Arthur Elgort(9:05) Meeting Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Andy Warhol at Studio 54(10:25) Going Into Labor at Grace Jones’ Party(21:20) Pioneering The Plus-Size Modeling Industry(26:26) Joining Bobbi Brown And Staying For 14 Years(30:45) Working with Tom Cruise and Laurence Fishburne (40:25) Her Simple and Effective Skincare Routine (48:23) Kim’s Daughter Natasha Talks About Growing Up With Kim(52:13) When She Feels The Most Beautiful Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Charlotte @makeupbykimbakerProducts Mentioned:Glamazon Opulent DuoGlamazon Perfect Pressed Setting PowderGlamazon Trophy Cheek-N-Lip Bundle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[Originally run in 2022]Strategic Advisor Zara Rahim knows that whether it’s one's career or relationship to beauty, giving yourself grace can ultimately become your greatest strength. Tune in as we discuss her career working at The White House, Vogue, and for THE Mariah Carey, as well as her journey to falling in love with her features as a South Asian woman, the best SPF for melanin-rich skin tones, and so much more.Rate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicStay in touch with me: @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle Obama, former First Lady and author, opens up about her transformative hair journey and its role in representation. Yene Damtew, her stylist, shares insights on salon culture and the significance of protective styling. Marsai Martin, actress and producer, recalls her childhood hair experiences and the influence of public figures on personal style. Together, they discuss the impact of strategic hair choices in public life, the freedom to embrace cultural identity, and the ongoing fight for representation and autonomy in beauty.

Since Charlotte Palermino’s initial visit to Naked Beauty, she has launched her brand, Dieux, and maintained her commitment to transparency with customers about costs, ingredients, and how policy influences both. On today’s episode, we discuss specific business decisions, such as why Dieux focuses on core products versus developing new launch products, and why customers should understand how pricing is determined. Charlotte takes us back to the beginning of her founder journey and details how the rise in misinformation about clean beauty and anti-science rhetoric in 2016 inspired her interest in research-backed beauty. Charlotte’s online transparency extends to our conversation; she talks openly about getting Botox and her complicated relationship with the beauty standards we are all enmeshed with. Our conversion wouldn’t be complete without her helpful advice on building sustainable beauty routines, understanding how brands source products, and that not all synthetic materials are harmful. We also take time to explore AI’s role in the beauty industry and how we can adopt ethical and critical approaches to its use. Charlotte remains an informed advocate for beauty safety; she teaches us so much in this episode.  Tune in as we discuss:(01:33) Charlotte's Background and Skincare Philosophy(18:58) Sustainability and Product Development(35:37) Debunking Myths About Petroleum in Skincare(36:50) The Environmental Impact of Microplastics(38:00) Forever Chemicals and Their Dangers(44:43) DIY Skincare: What's Safe and What's Not(47:34) Preventive Botox and Sunscreen MythsRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Charlotte @charlotteparlerProducts Mentioned:EADEM Le Chouchou Lip BalmShark Beauty Mask CurrentBody LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 1Jordan Samuel  Skin FragranceTamburins Perfume Danessa Myricks ColorFix StixKulfi Lassi Lips Staining Long-Lasting Moisturizing Lip OilViolette FR Hydrating Lip StainCLIO Kill Lash Superproof Mascara Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legendary makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes is back with more to share than ever. Since her first visit in 2020, she has returned with a larger celebrity clientele, an acclaimed portfolio, and her own cosmetics line, KJH.Brand. During this conversation, we talked about how she created a portfolio of her skills by using her own face as a canvas and sharing her work on Instagram. Despite this practice being frowned upon in the industry, the risk paid off. Katie’s social media posts became the lookbook that drew in celebrity clients like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, and Ashley Graham. Katie walked us through her decision to take another risk and launch the self-funded KJH.Brand. It’s no surprise that KJH.Brand is already a success, as it was built with the intention of educating users of all skill levels, and is inherently shade-inclusive. Katie’s transparency in this interview mirrors her openness on social media about her business and personal matters, like her family’s IVF journey. Of course, our conversation wouldn’t be complete without her providing a few pro tips to correct common beauty mistakes and an impromptu try on of the Precision Sculpture Stylo multi-use pencil.Tune in as we discuss:(02:05) Katie's Thoughts on LA(04:48) Building a Community and Brand(05:52) The Power of Social Media for Makeup Artists(10:41) Katie’s Top Makeup Techniques and Tips(18:28) Creating Inclusive Beauty Products(21:55) The Inspiration Behind KJH Brand(24:44) Katie’s Female Founder Group Chat (26:32) Katie’s Most Innovative Beauty Products (37:30) How Katie Balances Work and Personal LifeRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Thanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you’re listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :) Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Katie @katiejanehughesProducts Mentioned:Precision Sculpture StyloGlossier Boy Brow Arch PencilFara Homidi Essential Face Compact Refillable ConcealeriS Clinical Reparative Moisture EmulsionMajor Fade Disco Block Discoloration Treatment SPF 50Freaks of Nature Peak Performance Sun Stick Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.