Naked Beauty

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

[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

Sharing an episode from IMO’s limited series The Look. In the series, Michelle Obama opens up for the first time about her journey as a defining force in style—both within and beyond the White House. Through candid, intimate conversations with the creative minds behind her hair, makeup, and wardrobe, she reveals how she and her team transformed the scrutiny of her public image into a celebration of self-expression, inclusion, and impact. For many Black women, caring about their hair isn’t a choice – it’s a cultural inheritance, a political statement, and a lifelong journey. In this episode, Julee Wilson, Beauty Editor-at-Large of Cosmopolitan, leads a candid discussion between Michelle, her hairstylist Yene Damtew, and Blackish actress Marsai Martin about their personal hair journeys, and how Michelle’s hair evolution both mirrored and, for some, even inspired their own. 

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

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

This week we're sharing a very special episode, and I'm actually the one being interviewed! I was a guest on Nayeema’s show, Smart Girl Dumb Questions, where we talked through all her big beauty questions like: “Is preventative botox real?” or “What is salmon sperm and why is it in my skincare?” Tune in for a fun conversation between Nayeem and me, and follow Smart Girl Dumb Questions on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.I’ll be back next week with a brand new episode! 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 Nayeema @nayeemaraza

Norma Kamali is a fashion innovator and true icon, and today, she’s sharing lessons from her remarkable life with the Naked Beauty audience. Norma and I discussed her early days of bringing vintage clothing from London to New York, the creation of innovative designs like the Sleeping Bag Coat and high-heeled sneaker, and her philosophy of making women feel great through fashion. We also into Norma's upbringing, her path-defining experiences, and her wellness routines that keep her vibrant at 80. Norma’s story underscores the importance of purpose, creativity, and self-care in navigating life’s challenges, and she provides such wise advice about longevity, relationships, and finding your true calling. Tune in for:(03:07) Norma’s experience growing up in Manhattan(07:50) The fashion and beauty icons Norma looked up to as a young woman(11:47) Norma’s early travels to London(22:42) Establishing her own label(27:52) Starting over after divorce(33:02) Norma’s advice for discovering purpose and clarity in life(37:43) Norma’s wellness routinesRate, 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: @brookedevardFollow Norma Kamali @NormaKamaliProducts Mentioned:Norma Kamali SKINLINE

Dr. Sharon Malone believes that every single person is their own primary caregiver and that we all need to take agency of our healthcare journey. In today’s episode, we unpack the key actions women need to be taking to safeguard their health. In our conversation, Dr. Malone discusses the historical context of healthcare and segregation, her inspirational journey to becoming a doctor, and her dedication to empowering women through accessible medical knowledge. Dr. Malone and I also discussed her book 'Grown Woman Talk,' which serves as a comprehensive guide for women navigating various health issues from their thirties to old age. Covering topics such as perimenopause, fertility, endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids, she emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. This episode is a blend of personal storytelling, professional expertise, and practical advice on maintaining and improving women's health across different life stages.Tune in as we discuss:(01:40) Dr. Malone’s upbringing in the Jim Crow South(15:19) Healthy habits we can all implement right now (27:18) Navigating Fertility and Reproductive Health(35:48) Endometriosis: Symptoms and Treatments(37:16) Heavy Periods and Anemia(41:07) PCOS: Symptoms and Misconceptions(43:06) Fibroids and their impact on Black Women(45:55) Perimenopause(51:35) Hormone TherapyCheck out Dr. Malone’s New Podcast, The Second OpinionRate, 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 topicStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Dr. Malone @smalonemdProducts Mentioned:Alloy Health Topical Estriol Face Cream Bobbi Brown Blush

In this episode of Naked Beauty, we’re unpacking a macro trend in the industry: experts are back in the spotlight. My producer, Mbiye Kasonga, joins me to discuss the trend of consumers seeking guidance from experienced professionals online, and how that’s reflected in recent beauty launches led by expert makeup artists and dermatologists. Sephora is particularly invested in expert-led brands, with brands like Danessa Myricks, Charlotte Tilbury. Brooke shares her personal experience with professional makeup artists, and Mbiye discusses the trends that preceded this moment in beauty culture and the environmental factors that might be contributing to it. Stick around to the end of the episode for our favorite Latinx-owned brands, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Discover the Refinery29 Fall LookbookDiscover Our Favorite Latinx-owned Brands:Aora MakeupMaed BeautyChillhouseShop Our Favorite Expert-Led BrandsRate, 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 topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow my producer, Mbiye: @mbiye_kFollow our favorite experts:Ehlie Luna Katie Jane Hughes Ron RobinsonYuri London