Naked Beauty

Aala is a very special person who's been able to self-heal and overcome a lot. Only 26, she's deeply aware of her purpose and it's so inpspring - I got a little emotional during this one. She's Sudanese-American and grew up in between cultures. We talk about how Sudanese women approach beauty, her relationship with her hair and how it changed when she got sick. Women's health and chronic illness is something that's not discussed often and so Aala is willing to talk about her private experience in detail – from the moment her hair kept falling out, getting rashes on her skin, experiencing chronic fatigue, migraines, muscle pain, etc. and then slowly rebuilding from there. We discuss the role of doctors verses a holistic approach, how her illness made her feel ugly for the first time in her life and how to handle a serious diagnosis. She discovered Dr. Sebi and began implementing these holistic principles to create a cleanse. An elimination diet addressed her gut/digestive issues. We also get into accessible beauty - you don't have to have a $75 jade roller to practice self-car (but she's got nothing against jade rollers, so get your roll on if it suits you). Aala explains how she compliments herself to feel empowered and how minding your business, drinking water are her top beauty tips! -----Things/Products Mentioned:Dr. Sebi (big proponent of self-healing through natural remedies): https://drsebiscellfood.com/Aala's Book 'I am The Cleanse' https://aalacleanse.com/cleansematerials/iamthecureMacrobiotic bowl - my go to healthy dinner: https://www.brit.co/macro-bowls/Almond oil, Jojoba oil after she exfoliates: https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Essence-Organic-Jojoba-Oil/dp/B0000C0XL8?th=1https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Solutions-Sweet-Almond-16-Ounce/dp/B0019LVFSUGround coffee beans to exfoliate DIY recipes at the link:https://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/diy-beauty-projects-you-can-mix-up-with-used-coffee-grounds/Raw honey and avocado blueberry mask - your skin is your biggest organ so she does natural masks to nourish her skinhttps://www.stylecraze.com/articles/8-amazing-blueberry-face-masks-for-radiant-skin/#grefManuka honey - next level honey https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/manuka-honey-medicinal-uses-----Follow Aala https://www.instagram.com/aalaofficial/Follow the cleanse https://www.instagram.com/aalacleanse/Follow the cleanse at @aalacleanseStay in touch with the #nakedbeautypodcast community: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/Follow me @Brookedevard https://www.instagram.com/brookedevard/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I’ve learned to love my body because I’ve accepted it as my home. This is where I live - where me - the person I love the most lives, I have to make the best of it.” - Tolly sharing gems on body acceptance on this episode that I love so much-------Tolani Shoneye (known by her fans as Tolly) is the host of one of my favorite podcasts ‘The Receipts’. I was able to interview her while in London and we talked about everything from her Nigerian upbringing to the type of men she wants to attract. We get into her experience as one of the popular girls in school, racism her family faced in the UK, and how she adopted the role of the ‘strong black girl’. Listen to hear her take on “instabaddies”, why she loves and accepts her body, getting sleep,David Beckham, Naomi Campbell, and her love for a glossy face (RIP matte).-------Products/Things Mentioned:The Receipts Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/thereceiptspodcastRuby Woo, her favorite redBlotting papers for shine (my suggestion): https://www.fentybeauty.com/invisimatte/blotting-paper/22322.htmlBenefit Pore minimizer primer - her fave primer with a velvety finish: https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ca/en-gb/product/the-porefessionalTom Ford Traceless foundation (my suggestion)https://www.tomford.com/traceless-foundation-spf-15/T0T5.htmlCharlotte Tillbury (her winter foundation)https://www.charlottetilbury.com/us/new-magic-foundation------Follow Tolly: https://www.instagram.com/tolly_t/Follow me: @brookedevard https://www.instagram.com/brookedevard/Join the community @Nakedbeautyplanet https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/-----Subscribe, Rate and Review the podcast & share the love with someone you care about :) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Logo update (yay!), a quick word on overeating & Thanksgiving indulgence, and then Rachel and I discuss clearing your closet & our Moms :) ----Listen to the full episode with Rachel if you missed it: 'Is 29 The Perfect Age? Probably Not' https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/is-29-the-perfect-age-probably-not-ft-rachel-goldman/id1131628553?i=1000419118104&mt=2Shoutout to the community for helping me with the logo! Join on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/Design by the super talented Hannah Kunkle: https://www.instagram.com/__hannahrose____/Stay in touch:https://www.instagram.com/brookedevard/If you need motivation to clear your closet, check out this book 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing'https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering-Organizing/dp/1607747308 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“It’s no accident I do what I do. I come from a long line of people making culture, considering how we live and responding either sonically or aesthetically to that.” - my inspiring guest, Lotte Anderson, who was described as ‘emblematic of the city of London’Lotte, an artist living and working in London, creates work that explores the politics of taking up space, community, pleasure seeking and human behavior. Lotte tells me how growing up in West London amongst families of ‘creative dynasties’ inspired who she is today and how through the creation of her party series, MAXILLA, she realized she was making art the whole time. From there, she’s found herself in museums like the Tate Modern and we discuss how she’s able to recognize her own accomplishments.We discuss how she navigates the art world as a woman of color and how her racial ambiguity weighs on her at times and how she explores it in her work. We talk about Scary Spice, how Mel B’s blackness was treated, and re-evaluating GIRL POWER. After attending fashion school and working for Alexander McQueen, Lotte tells me why fashion ultimately wasn’t for her. We discuss Supreme, the CFDA, casting in fashion and Fenty.Although she’s often cited as one of the coolest girls in london, I’m shocked to learn that she felt awkward growing up. We talk about building community, the healing properties of water, CHANEL beauty, being a Gucci ambassador & lots more!Products/Things Mentioned@nakedbeautyplanet where you can find a lot of my natural beauty recipesMore info on Lotte’s latest show: How Do You Feel About Lying?Shy Girl, the artist she collaborated withhttps://www.coeval-magazine.com/coeval/shygirlKelis - Caught Out There (Iconic)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3JFwd1bk4Q111 Cryo where Lotte tried Cryotherapyhttps://www.111cryo.com/REN Rose Body Oilhttps://www.sephora.com/product/morroccan-rose-otto-ultra-moisture-body-oil-P378013Women’s Balance Essential Oil Blend from Neal Yardhttps://www.nealsyardremedies.com/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-oils-and-blends/essential-oil-blends/2715.htmlAesop Facial Tonerhttps://www.aesop.com/nz/p/skin/tone/parsley-seed-anti-oxidant-facial-toner/Chanel beauty compact cream essential palette (comes in a range of 6 shades)https://www.chanel.com/us/makeup/p/149150/palette-essentielle-conceal-highlight-color/Dazed Beauty on IG - Constructed beauty at workThe Cleremont twins - for anyone unfamiliar------Follow Lotte: https://www.instagram.com/_lotte_andersen_/-----Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe, rate, review & tell a friend about the #nakedbeautypodcast :) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Annya Santana, who grew up in the Bronx and was born in the Dominican Republic, bought a one way ticket to Paris 4 years ago after heartbreak and started her clean beauty line Menos Mas (which means Less is More). Before finding herself in Paris, we talk about her experience growing up in NY and working in the early days of streetwear after finding herself in fashion PR. She explains that Paris is surprisingly afro-centric and we discuss the benefits of letting the day unfold — the Parisian way. We get into the moment the Bronx seems to be having (from Cardi B, to the Bodega Boys) and how people of color are now taking ownership for their contributions to culture.Annya is majorly into health and fitness — an awakening that happened over time. She tells me about how she changed her entire approach to eating (first to clear her skin) but then realized how much better she felt after eating clean. In addition to fixing her skin issues, her cleanse eased the pain of menstrual cramps. We also get into: running the NY Marathon, wellness for free, creating her dual-gender, all-natural skincare, her Mom’s DIY remedies inspiring her, making hand cream for her Dad, acne scarring, changing your face via FaceTune, stretch marks, moisturizing as meditation, hormones, acupuncture, Dominican salons and embracing her natural hair texture, the body pos movement and its implications & much more!Products/Things Mentioned:Annya’s amazing line Menos Mas: https://www.menos-mas.com/The China Project — the book that opened Annya’s eyes to the dangers of processed foods:https://nutritionstudies.org/the-china-study/Superfood Probiotic Powders - she put a scoop of this in her water every day & treated her acne in a monthhttps://www.orgain.com/protein/organic-nutrition-powder/Organic-Superfoods-Powder.htmlVitamin E oil - also used to naturally heal her acnePink Cream from Dr. Jart Annya uses as Essencehttps://www.sephora.com/brand/dr-jartMy essence from Tatcha - I actually really like this producthttps://www.sephora.com/product/the-essence-plumping-skin-softener-P415771?icid2=products%20grid:p415771:productRoyal Jelly Menos Mas for scarringhttps://www.menos-mas.com/shop/honey-royal-jelly-miracle-body-butterLearn more about microblading:https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/a31566/microblading-eyebrows/Where I got my Miicroblading done in NY (highly recommend):http://nylasheyeland.com/Bantu Knot Out how I sleep with my natural hairhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulqtwgglHc8Pineapple Method how Annya sleeps with her natural hairhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS_qO6zMgu8Ashley Graham Weight Loss Backlash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Creativity and being around creative people has been my drive” — my amazing guest Saidah Blount, on her career journey and finding herself in music where she always wanted to be :) Saidah tells me about moving to NYC in the 90s and making a career out of seeing bands. Originally from Kansas City, we talk about how she grew up and her early memories of visiting the Clinique counter for makeovers. We ponder whether or not artists of today have the same knack for style that musicians used to but we both think Rihanna, The Migos & Miguel are doing interesting things. We get into hair dye, expensive deep conditioning masks we enjoy wasting money on, the magic of a good skincare routine, whether or not vitamins really do anything, how working out and knowing her own personal strength can change everything, and how the right lipstick can be a form of personal empowerment. ———Follow @nakedbeautyplanet on Instagram for all things beauty & join the #nakedbeautypodcast community :) Follow Saidah on IG: @SaidahB TW @Saibellanyc——Products & Things MentionedIlleisha who did my color I mention in the intro: @thehairartisteSiouxsie Sioux - the artist with the distinctive eyeliner look that inspired SaidahAztec clay to cleanse skin Biologique P50 < apparently worth all the hypeTumeric mask for hyper pigmentationEvening primrose oil from Mountain Rose Herbs Shu Emura Deep Conditioner Queen Helene Cholesterol deep conditioner - a classicShea Moisture Strengthening Mask - one of my fave deep conditioners & not too expensiveMorrocan Oil Deep ConditionerScalp Massager from Amazon I use 2x a month to stimulate hair folliclesThe Buffet Serum from the Ordinary Moisturizer with sunscreen Saidah lovesHeyday - Saidah’s go-to facial spot in NYThe impact of sun (image to scare you straight into wearing SPF)Rihanna RiriWoo - her ultimate red (sorry sold-out) BITE in soho where you can create your own lipstick L’Oreal boy brow dupe Fenty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte FoundationYoutube from dermatologists she loves (Dr.Dray)--------Stay in touch! I'm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Sometimes therapy can be a lot…you’re unpacking things you didn’t even know were there. Therapy allowed me to realize how my anxieties were manifesting and also to realize that I have the authority and I’m worthy of not being in this space at all times. Sometimes when you’re an anxious person or you’re depressed you think….'this is how it ishis is always going to be how it is and I just have to work in this bubble of anxiety or sadness'….but now I have different tools to move out of it.” - my guest incredible guest Abena, on her experience with therapyAbena Boamah M.Ed, creator of Hanahana beauty, is on a mission to disrupt the global beauty industry. I’m amazed by Abena’s boldness, point of view and ambition — all while remaining entirely down to earth & SO FUN! Abena is committed to creating transparency, accessibility and sustainability with her 100% handcrafted shea butter sourced from the Katariga Women's Cooperative in Tamale, Ghana. She describes growing up in a Ghanian household in the suburbs of Ohio, teaching on the westside of Chicago and being a Pisces. She convinces me to open my mind to therapy (and makes a very compelling case I want everyone to hear)! Other topics discussed: -dancing to shake it off hitting a whine to get a workout -Adding dried lavender and rosemary to joints (THAT YOU CAN SMOKE - who knew?)-Marijuana shaming -Beyonce inspiring us to be our best selves-Hoteps-Choosing celibacy & more! Products & Things MentionedShea Balm from Hanahana — Abena’s Go-To for Lips https://www.hanahanabeauty.com/shop-online/shea-balmGlossier Lip Gloss for Extra-shiny lips https://www.glossier.com/products/lip-glossApple Cider Vinegar to clarify hair http://coconutsandkettlebells.com/apple-cider-vinegar-hair-rinse/Peppermint, Hemp & Jojoba Oil to massage her edges where she experienced alopecia https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/essential-oils-for-hair-growth/Her stylist Capricehttps://www.instagram.com/capricedominiquehairstylist/Follow Abena on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beanieboamah/Learn more about Hanahana Beauty & Their Mission: https://www.instagram.com/hanahana_beauty/Shop Hanahana Products: http://hanahanabeauty.comStay in touch & join the community @nakedbeautyplanet Reach me @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29 probably isn't the perfect age but we explore...Rachel, my long-time friend a former Soul Cycle instructor, and I discuss things we've mastered by 29: feeding ourselves, prioritizing the morning, learning about fragrance, how to shave our legs, dressing for the occasion, what beauty treatments are worth splurging it, office makeup etc. And then there are the things we haven’t mastered: ironing boards, washing instructions, the color wheel, when to get rid of old clothes, how to wrap a present, etc.We discuss hormones and facial hair, cosmetic surgery on the eve of our 30s, lip fillers for Rachel’s LA life, and her experience going from being a soul cycle instructor to doing absolutely nothing – she shares what changed & what stayed absolutely the same (very surprising insights here on what sweating does for skin). Rachel is so much fun, you guys will love this episode (slightly NSFW towards the end) Enjoy!Products/Resources MentionedGuardian article on being 29: hereTo learn about fragrances: base notes lucky scent Truth about nail salons in NYC: via the NyTimesAyurvedic Facial in NYC: PratimaSephora Facial Machine Korean Nose Strips - use at your own riskMarie Kondo to learn how to packPoshmark to sell clothesSelling to The RealReal Makeup Brush CleanerFirst Aid Moisturizer Maybeline Full N Soft the mascara Rachel has sworn by her whole life Telescopic Lancome MascaraDrybar Dry Shampoo - great volume but according to Rachel also makes hair look like you dandruff so you need to wash outOuia products for hair (wave spray, volumizing spray, hair oil) - amazing smell Rachel loves ********Follow @NakedBeautyPlanet on InstagramStay in touch @Brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I feel like it is the root of my work to create opportunities for women who look different” — my amazing guest, A-Lan HoltA-lan is a filmmaker, writer, all around creator, mother and dear friend. You guys are in for a treat with this episode because A-lan is thinking through her experience as a woman and a creative on a higher level than most — but also doing so in a totally humble, down-to-earth, lovable wayShe is Stanford’s Interim Executive Director of the Institute for Diversity in the Arts and so we talk about how she’s able to create institutional change with her role. A-lan explains the beauty lessons she inherited growing up in LA — from her Aunt who wore sisterlocs and Grandma who was a ‘silver fox’.We talk about her experience as a curvy woman, her self-confidence, and how she thinks about perception and representation when she’s casting roles for her film projects. The part of the conversation that really blew my mind: A-lan’s experience with natural childbirth and why she decided to opt-out of the hospital/ ‘business of birth’ to bring her daughter into the world. She was a young mother and she goes into how that impacted her experience of pregnancy too. We also talk about what actually goes down post-birth and alllll the things they don’t quite tell you. Best quote: "The best way I can describe giving birth without drugs, is like being on shrooms kind of. It’s very much like this trip. Your body at different moments during the pregnancy releases different chemicals, in your brain and in your body, that support you on this journey, and it feels like you’re literally having a trip” >>> mind.blown. So much packed into this beautiful hour but here are some of the things we cover:Thickness & if there’s a right way to be curvyHer experience growing locs & how wrapping her hair cost her a job Our Stanford experience How she’s thinking about the visual representation of women during her creative processThe natural beauty look and clear skin privilege Aztec clay & oil cleansing Essential oils Sephora getting more into natural makeup The time and money women invest in beauty & choosing not to invest The impact of nature on your psyche & living in the wilderness*******Products/Things Discussed: A-lan’s Short Film Inamorata: http://www.inamoratafilm.comSabina Karllsson who stars in the film: https://www.instagram.com/thesabinakarlsson/?hl=enThe Thicc Gram (IG account dedicated to curvy women): https://www.instagram.com/thethiccgram/The Brooklyn Birthing Center where she did her natural childbirth: http://www.brooklynbirthingcenter.comThe Business of Being Born documentary: http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com (also on Netflix)Hard Knock Wife — hysterical stand-up comedy from my girl Ali Wong on the post-birth experience https://www.netflix.com/title/80186940Guide to oil cleansing: https://crunchybetty.com/oil-cleansing-method/Hazelnut Oil (A-lan’s oil of choice for cleansing): https://bit.ly/2MIQFgCRandom Acts of Flyness (new HBO show A-lan recommended): https://www.hbo.com/random-acts-of-flynessAztec Clay for a... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m joined by Tam Watkins, founder of Loza Tam, where she’s been creating beautiful satin-lined turbans and headbands for the past two years. Before becoming the entrepreneur she is today, Tam was growing up in rural Florida or as she calls it ‘Trump Country’ and talks to me about that experience & growing up with a black Republican parent & Grandparent (rare indeed)! One of the things I love about Tam is her passion for travel and learning other cultures… she shares how the idea to create Loza Tam came to her in a yoga class & how that idea led her to Ghana where she now produces her product. We talk about her ‘Britney Spears’ moment when she cut off all her hair because it became too matted while transitioning, feeling boyish post big-chop & how one kindergarten boy made her cry. She tells me about the positive affirmations she practices each day: “I am loved”, “I have marketable skills”, etc. and how that’s changed her outlook. We discuss social media & mental health but also have to acknowledge how much YouTube helped us in our natural journey! We also cover Botox as a preventative measure, pedicures being more mandatory than manicures, Tristian Walker and her experience working on Bevel and Form, Turkish women’s approach to beauty, traveling solo and her experience in China, the importance of reading reviews, wig life and we bond over our love of Wendy Williams. Our Fave YouTube Channels for Natural Hair Tutorials:Kimmay Tube https://www.youtube.com/user/kimmaytube < super thorough scientific approach Naptural85 by Whitney (arguably the natural hair YT GOAT) https://www.youtube.com/user/Naptural85The OG Cherry Lola Treatment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAafaJWWKUwProducts/Things Mentioned:Watch Tam’s fave show African City (described as the African Sex & The City): Acure- natural skincare products with proven resultshttps://www.acure.comR+CO Cleansing Conditioner for a product that never dries out hair but it still feels cleansed https://bit.ly/2AQqeAV— Fenty Beauty Everything Really but these are Standouts — Universal Gloss Bomb - best lipgloss of all time & looks great on everyone https://seph.me/2Oc2FnGGold Highlighter - Killiwat/Trophy Wifehttps://seph.me/2gSJ8twNew Fenty Silver Highlighter Review https://www.refinery29.com/rihanna-fenty-beauty-silver-highlighter-reviewHeat Free Hair Clip-ins https://heatfreehair.com/collections/clip-insKinky straight half wig can be found HERELancome Teint Indole 24 Hour Long Wear Foundation HEREGet Yourself Some Loza Tam Products!I love my turban <3Free shipping on your first purchase (no minimum) when you enter promo code "NAKED" or just go to lozatam.com/nakedbeautyJoin the #nakedbeautypodcast community://www.instagram.com/nakedbeautyplanet/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.