When it comes to beauty, anyone who has been paying attention to the most sought after brands out there, especially in hair care, has heard of Briogeo and its impressive founder Nancy Twine. The ubiquitous product line of shampoos, scalp care and styling aids, speaks to a diverse audience, encompassing a range of hair types and textures. It has undeniably been the leader in “green” hair care since its launch in 2014, filling the market void for clean, efficacious products that have an inclusive approach to how they are talked about and marketed.

Hung Vanngo is easily one of the most, if not the most influential makeup artists working today. The faces he sees in his chair are in a word: ubiquitous and include Selena Gomez, Jodie Comer, Joan Smalls, Emily Ratajkowski and Laura Harrier. Hung’s work, thoughtful approach to beauty and the affinity his clients have for him is practically palpable through his own social media and prolific YouTube channel. HIs influence aside, it’s his backstory and how he came to reach this level of success in beauty that is most striking. Creative from a young age, despite relocating to a new country as a refugee and finding strength and inspiration through beauty, Hung’s story of commitment and perseverance is as illuminating as that halo of light he gives every face he paints.

It’s the first episode of The Beauty Audit-which is dedicated to spotlighting amazing and innovative beauty from Black and Brown founded brands. Nyakio and Melissa go through their top 13 must-have beauty products and fill you in on what each formula does, plus a little background on every founder’s incredible story. Sit back (or by all means keep multitasking!) and get ready to see what this beauty revolution is all about.

Ever wonder what Prince smelled like? Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter has been a beauty, Prince and fragrance fan since childhood and each has informed her beauty journey, from creating creams in her kitchen to running of the most successful personal care brands on the market today.

We created this podcast to honor the incredible way beauty can bring us together and be a true catalyst for change in our communities and beyond. In each episode, we delve beyond skin deep prioritizing culture and ethnicity as much as catching up over every must-have product. Join us each week as we look at beauty through the lens of diversity and identity and chat with the people leading the charge for a more inclusive world.

The Beauty Vanguard is a podcast exploring beauty as community, identity and a cultural celebration. Hosted by Nyakio Grieco, founder of nyakio Beauty and co-founder of inclusive beauty e-commerce platform thirteen lune and journalist and author, Melissa Magsaysay, each episode delves beyond skin deep prioritizing culture and ethnicity as much as catching up over every must-have product.