Unpretty Podcast

We're back with our final episode for season 2, another edition of Unpretty & Unfiltered, where we have unfiltered chats with trailblazers from our community: talking about their personal journeys and experiences as people of colour.

We're joined by author, digital creator, and presenter, Megan Crabbe (formerly known as BodyPosiPanda) for our fifth edition. We get Megan's take on a few of the topics we've discussed on the podcast so far, such as mental health, lockdown hair, and body hair, as well as Olympic-gate and BLM.

Megan Crabbe

www.instagram.com/meganjaynecrabbe

www.instagram.com/meganjcrabbe

Listen to Megan on the Mixed-Up Podcast:: https://mixeduppodcast.libsyn.com/on-acceptance-with-megan-jayne-crabbe-aka-bodyposipanda

Chi

Lush Curl Power Cream: https://www.lush.com/uk/en/p/curl-power-hair-cream/450g

The Cut: Black Olympian's are set up to fail: https://www.thecut.com/2021/07/black-olympians-are-set-up-to-fail.html

Basma

Shea moisture stretch curl pudding: https://www.afrohairboutique.com/brand/Shea-Moisture/Shea-Moisture/Shea-Moisture-Red-Palm-Oil-And-Cocoa-Butter-Curl-Stretch-Pudding.html

Aloe vera extraction: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CMkm-RZAwr1/

Zadie Smith, Intimations: https://www.waterstones.com/book/intimations/zadie-smith/9780241492383

Kaydine

I Am app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/i-am-daily-affirmations/id874656917

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No doubt, over the past 15 months, we've all been exploring new beauty rituals and products. The Unpretty Podcast team (Basma, Chi, and Kaydine) catch up to talk about the products that we've recently been trying out, as well as some of our staple beauty items, all of which we recommend you try for yourselves.

Chi

• Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo: https://www.boots.com/shea-moisture-jamaican-black-castor-oil-strengthen-and-restore-shampoo-10203997
• Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil: https://www.boots.com/Fable-Mane-HoliRoots-Hair-Oil-55ml-10290294
• Lush Power Conditioner: https://www.lush.com/uk/en/p/power-conditioner
• Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Pomade: https://www.charlottemensah.com/shop-online/manketti-oil-pomade
• Ivy Wild Chebe Growth Cream: https://www.ivywild.co.uk/collections/products/products/chebe-growth-cream-1
• Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer: https://www.dyson.co.uk/hair-care/dyson-supersonic/dyson-supersonic-shop-all and Wide Tooth Comb Attachment https://www.dyson.co.uk/support/journey/tools/969748-01

• Glossier Exfoliating Skin Perfector: https://www.glossier.com/products/solution
• REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask: https://www.renskincare.com/products/glycolactic-radiance-renewal-mask
• Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate: https://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/category/facial-oils-serums/midnight-recovery-concentrate/819.html
• Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate: https://www.boots.com/liz-earle-superskin-concentrate-for-night-10246087
• Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/supergoop-supersize-unseen-sunscreen-spf-30-.html
• Hello Sunday SPF Serum: https://www.hellosundayspf.com/collections/face/products/the-one-thats-a-serum-face-drops-spf-45
• Glossier Skywash Sheer Matte Lid Tint in Sienna https://www.glossier.com/products/skywash
• Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint (Chi wears G3 in the winter months and G2 in the summer): https://www.glossier.com/products/perfecting-skin-tint
• Bobbi Brown Blush in Flame has been discontinued (!!!) but the lipstick can be used as a creamy blush: https://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/2342/37182/makeup/lips/lipsticks/luxe-lip-color#/shade/Flame
• Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm: https://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/14007/55025/skincare/moisturiser/extra-illuminating-moisture-balm#/shade/Bare_Glow

Basma

• Glossier Future Dew: https://www.glossier.com/products/futuredew
• Glossier Cloud Paint in Dawn: https://www.glossier.com/products/cloud-paint
• Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer: https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-gb/product/hoola-matte-bronzer?product=HOOLAIB74-FULL&sku=IB74
• Origins Clean Origins Cleansing Oil : https://www.origins.co.uk/product/15342/12191/skincare/cleanse/face-wash-and-cleanser/clean-energy/gentle-cleansing-oil?gclsrc=aw.ds&#/shade/Clean_Energy_w/o_pump
• LUSH Renee Shea Souffle Hair: https://www.lush.com/uk/en/p/renees-shea-souffle-hair-and-scalp-oil
• Refy Brow Sculpt: https://refybeauty.com/collections/refy-brow/products/brow-sculpt
• Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow: https://uk.sundayriley.com/products/ceo-glow
• By Jess D Rum Cake Velvet Lipstick: https://www.byjessd.com/collections/liquid-velvet-lipstick/products/rum-cake-liquid-velvet-lipstick
• Il Makiage Longwear Matte Lip Cream: https://www.ilmakiage.com/uk/lips/212-18014-infinity

Kaydine

• Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Mask: https://www.naturalisticproducts.co.uk/collections/camille-rose-naturals/products/camille-rose-naturals-algae-renew-deep-conditioner-8oz
• Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse: https://www.naturalisticproducts.co.uk/collections/camille-rose-naturals/products/camille-rose-naturals-sweet-ginger-cleansing-rinse-12oz
• Shea Moisture Red Palm Oil & Cocoa Butter Hi-Slip Detangling Shampoo: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shea-Moisture-Butter-Detangling-Shampoo/dp/B07BD413ZS
• Shea Moisture Red Palm Oil & Cocoa Butter Curl Stretch Pudding: https://www.naturalisticproducts.co.uk/products/shea-moisture-red-palm-oil-cocoa-butter-curl-stretch-pudding-12oz
• Skin & Tonic Exfoliating Water: https://skinandtoniclondon.com/products/fresh-face-exfoliation-water
• SwearBy Skin Looklit LED mask: www.swearbyskin.com
• REN Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream: https://www.renskincare.com/products/radiance-brightening-dark-circle-eye-cream
• Simple Micellar Cleansing Water: https://www.boots.com/simple-water-boost-micellar-cleansing-water-400ml-10233099
• Nivea MicellAIR Micellar Water: https://www.boots.com/nivea-daily-essentials-sensitive-carling-micellar-water-400ml-10226290
• Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Power (in Bali): https://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/14020/8020/makeup/face-and-cheek/bronzer/illuminating-bronzing-powder#/shade/Bali_Brown
• Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Concealer: https://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/14358/49695/best-sellers/instant-full-cover-concealer#/shade/Warm_Natural
• Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow Contour Palette: https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/filmstar-bronze-and-glow
• By Jess D Embrace Lipgloss: https://www.byjessd.com/products/embrace-lipgloss
• Primark My Perfect Nude Toffee Dip Lipgloss (Discontinued)

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Body hair is something that as, as women of colour growing up in the global north, are taught to be ashamed of. From early introductions to hair removal (brow threading, sugaring, bleaching) to adolescent shaming in the changing rooms at school; our darker, often thicker hair can be more visible on the skin leading to insecurities about our perceptions of our own beauty, particularly in the South Asian communities. Body hair positivity is on the rise, but with the erasure of the Black trans femmes who lead the movement, and South Asian & Latinx femmes from the conversation, there is clearly more progress to be made.

We are joined by Henna Amin and Marissa Mailk to chat about the biology and cultural history of body hair for Women of Colour, and if / how we can embrace our natural growths.

Marissa Malik

https://www.instagram.com/mariimals/

https://twitter.com/mariimals

Dazed Beauty: Marissa Malik on how it feels to have your stomach hair go viral https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/body/article/48969/1/marissa-malik-on-how-it-feels-to-have-your-stomach-hair-go-viral

Henna Amin

https://www.instagram.com/henna_speaks/

https://twitter.com/henna_speaks

mxogyny: Henna on the erasure of brown women from body hair movement https://www.mxogyny.com/pieces/the-erasure-of-brown-women-from-the-body-hair-movement-is-nothing-new-but-this-time-weve-had-enough

Allure: Soy La Pelúa: Embracing My Body Hair as a Latinx Person: https://www.allure.com/story/latinx-body-hair-acceptance-soy-la-pelua

This weeks beauty recommendations:

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/supergoop--unscreen-sunscreen-spf-30.html

Cerave Moisturising Cream: https://www.lookfantastic.com/cerave-moisturising-cream-340g/11798692.html

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The year is 2021 and still, in the UK, there are no legislations outlawing hair discrimination whether it's in schools or the workplace, with groups such as Project Embrace and the Halo Collective fighting for change, how are we still here?

We are joined by MP for Brent Central, Dawn Butler, former Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities, and Kelechi Okafor, actress, director, and public speaker, to talk discuss the problems and possible ways that we can contribute to enforce longstanding positive change.

Unpretty Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/unprettypodcast/

https://twitter.com/unprettypodcast

Dawn Butler Brent

https://www.instagram.com/dawnbutlerbrent/

https://twitter.com/DawnButlerBrent

Kelechi Okafor

https://www.instagram.com/kelechnekoff/

https://twitter.com/kelechnekoff

The Halo Collective: https://halocollective.co.uk/

Stylist: Let’s discuss Naomi Osaka https://www.stylist.co.uk/fitness-health/wellbeing/naomi-osaka-upsetting-pressures-black-female-athletes/528269

Ebony, 1982: What Happened to the Afro https://tinyurl.com/48d65v7t

Glamour: Hair Discrimination is Real https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/afro-hair-bias-hair-discrimination

This week's beauty recommendations:

TK Maxx: This Works No Wrinkles Extreme Moisturiser: https://www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/womens-early-access/no-wrinkles-extreme-moisturiser-48ml/p/42362294

Estrid Eco Blades: https://estrid.com/uk/products/

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Both the fashion industry and film and tv industries came under fire post-June 2020 regarding the lack of diverse representation of the communities they claim to serve.

Conversations about representative casting in the UK span beyond even the last decade, but what progress has been made? Does the art reflect "the time now" - as Gemma Chan notably said in her 2019 Allure interview?

Almost a year following the commitments of June 2020, where are we now, and what more is there to be done?

We discuss this and more with Rae Elliman, casting director, producer, and writer, and Ola Christian, founder of Leville, the UK's leading casting agency for diverse talent and audiences.

Unpretty Podcast

www.instagram.com/unprettypodcast

www.twitter.com/unprettypodcast

Rae Elliman

www.instagram.com/raechenelliman

www.instagram.com/raeellimancasting

www.raeelliman.com

Ola Christian

www.instagram.com/olachristian

www.instagram.com/leviletv

olachristian.com

References

Gemma Chan want to end whitewashing in Hollywood and in history books: https://www.allure.com/story/gemma-chan-cover-story-2019

Leigh-Anne: Race, Pop & Power: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p09fy1qy/leighanne-race-pop-power

Nas: Time is Illmatic: https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80011844

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We're back with another edition of Unpretty & Unfiltered, where we have unfiltered chats with trailblazers from our community: talking about their personal journey and experiences as people of colour.

For this fifth edition, we're joined by global celebrity make-up artist behind many of Beyoncé's iconic beauty looks, Sir John, who shares how he has navigated the beauty industry as a black man, his collaboration with Barbie, why mental health is important to him, why you should always use a damp beauty blender, plus loads more!

Unpretty Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/unprettypodcast/

https://twitter.com/unprettypodcast

Sir John

www.instagram.com/sirjohn

The Times: Interview with Sir John: Beyoncé’s beauty guru: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/interview-with-sir-john-beyonces-beauty-guru-3pj75005m

CR Fashion Book: Beauty Secrets with We Learned from Sir John: https://www.crfashionbook.com/beauty/a31812568/beauty-secrets-sir-john-beyonce/

Allure: Makeup Artist Sir John Just Created Six Bomb Beauty Looks for Barbie: https://www.allure.com/story/barbie-style-sir-john-beauty-collaboration-interview

Make It Reign with Clara Amfo: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-10-clara-amfo/id1549676420?i=1000518770949

Pass The Mic Masterclass with Candice Braithwaite: https://www.instagram.com/p/COTDBd7BOAD/

Shut Up Ewan - Law Roach: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6SfscIaBA0vz73G7yR41jQ?si=otZk-xQTRQ6Ua65CjpOSgQ

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Gold teeth and grillz were once something most frequently seen on black hip hop artists or TV gangsters, but in more recent years are more widely worn by people from all different cultures.

We are joined by Solange Garcia and Tania Townsend from Milk and Honey London and Donnie Sunshine to discuss the history of dental adornments - from Ancient Etruscans to liberated American slaves, and why they are so popular today.

Unpretty Podcast

www.instagram/unprettypodcast

www.twitter.com/unprettypodcast

Milk & Honey London

Tania Townsend - https://www.instagram.com/tantoomuch/

Solange Garcia - https://www.instagram.com/ess.oh_/

https://www.instagram.com/milkandhoney.london/

https://milkandhoneylondon.com/

Donnie Sunshine

https://www.instagram.com/donnie_sunshine/

https://www.3000ceanhill.com/

Vice: The Ancient History of Grills: https://www.vice.com/en/article/znw9z4/the-ancient-history-of-grills-456

WePresent: Anyone who was anyone in Atlanta was a regular at Famous Eddie’s: https://wepresent.wetransfer.com/story/eddie-plein-mouth-full-of-golds/

YouTube: EDDIE'S GOLD TEETH- GEORGIA ON MY MIND SERIES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR1F06Le34c

ELLE: Black Women, Grillz, And The Reclamation Of Power: https://www.elle.com/fashion/a32378796/grillz-fashion-beyonce-lizzo-erykah-badu/

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Wigs and weaves play integral roles in the culture of black beauty. Whether as a form of visual and creative expression, a protective hairstyle or an attempt to assimilate to Eurocentric beauty standards, each person's motivations differ.

We're joined by Twiggy Jalloh, beauty and lifestyle writer at British Vogue, and award-winning wig designer, Gina Knight to explore the complexities of hair pieces and extensions, personal experiences and outward exceptions, while discussing what goes into creating the ultimate constructions. We talk lace fronts and closures, tracks and glues, styling and maintenance, and hair textures.

Unpretty Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/unprettypodcast/

https://twitter.com/unprettypodcast

Gina Knight

https://www.instagram.com/ginaatinukeknight/

https://www.instagram.com/ginaknightwigdesign/

https://twitter.com/ginaatinknight

Twiggy Jalloh

https://www.instagram.com/twiggyjalloh/

https://www.instagram.com/taketenwithtwiggy/

Black Ballad: Black Women Did It First: The True Trendsetters Of The Beauty Industry https://blackballad.co.uk/views-voices/black-women-did-it-first-the-true-trendsetters-of-the-beauty-industry

Jackie Aina on Youtube: How I Install My Lace Wigs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDLCu-8DXsE

Refinery 29: A Beginner's Guide to Wigs & Weaves https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/weaves-wigs-hair-extensions-types-differences#slide-10

RUKA: Afro textured hair ponytails and clip ins https://rukahair.com/

Radswan: Afro textured synthetic wigs https://radswan.co.uk/

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Periods are one of the many taboo subjects rarely covered in traditional African and South Asian cultures - Amika George talks about the outdated myths and superstitions surrounding the impurity of a girl who's menstruating - whether it's the prohibited entry into temples or the more extreme banishment into designated huts in rural communities in Africa and South Asia.

Menopause is talked about even less, but as women, we will all go through it. We want to talk about why it's such a taboo, and how the cultural taboos contribute to period poverty both in the UK and the wider world.

We are joined by Vice UK's executive editor and author Zing Tsjeng, and founder of Menopause Whilst Black, Karen Arthur, to unwrap cultural taboos about female menstrual health.

Unpretty Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/unprettypodcast/

https://twitter.com/unprettypodcast

Karen Arthur

https://www.instagram.com/thekarenarthur/

https://www.instagram.com/menopausewhilstblack/

https://twitter.com/thekarenarthur

Zing Tsjeng

https://www.instagram.com/miss_zing/

https://twitter.com/misszing

United Zingdom Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0863v08/episodes/downloads

Menstruation Reading

• Vice: Zing Tsjeng's period poverty documentary https://www.vice.com/en/article/qv4z7m/the-activists-making-sure-kids-dont-miss-school-because-of-their-periods
• Galdem: We Need to Talk About Periods More https://gal-dem.com/period-organic-company/
• Women's Health: Why Are Tampons Taboo in Some Communities of Colour? https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/a33403057/tampons-bame-communities/
• ELLE UK: Rupi Kaur And Amika George talk period shame https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a27507537/rupi-kaur-and-amika-george-two-teen-icons-taking-on-the-world/
• Two Twos Podcast: 'I didn't think Trans Men had periods' with Kenny Ethan Jones https://open.spotify.com/episode/29rdqnzR6sNt5hhyBQ1l7X?si=u4X2Ilg1TqiH9R4sh0yjBA

Menopause Reading

• British Vogue: Karen Arthur Interview: https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/karen-arthur-interview
• New York Times Menopause Stories: https://www.nytimes.com/video/opinion/100000007490980/menopause-stories.html
• Black Girls Guide to Surviving Menopause: https://blackgirlsguidetosurvivingmenopause.com
• Black Ballad: Why Black Women Should Be Talking About Menopause Earlier: https://blackballad.co.uk/views-voices/black-women-and-menopause

*Stop Asian Hate Reading and Resources*

• British Vogue: Asian Women’s Bodies Are Not Playgrounds For White People by Zing Tsjeng: https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/atlanta-shootings-racism
• Grazia: Susie Lau on the importance of the Stop Asian Hate Campaign: https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-news/stop-asian-hate-campaign-movement-susie-lau/
• Refinery29: The Stark Reality Of Racism For East and South East Asian Women In The UK: https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/asian-women-hate-racism-uk
• Besea.n: A grassroots movement shining a light on the experiences of British East and South East Asians https://www.besean.co.uk/ , https://www.instagram.com/besea.n/
• End the Virus of Racism: Ethnic Disparities and Inequality in the UK among ESEA communities https://www.endthevirusofracism.com/inequalities-report

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Natural beauty remedies have strong roots in cultures from the Global South, long before the commercialisation from the household cosmetics companies we know today. From argan and coconut oils, shea butter and ayurvedic remedies, the assorted use of these raw ingredients has often been a way for black and brown people to create their own clean products, where the big brands and retailers failed to deliver.

During the national lockdown with many of our go-to beauty retailers deemed "non-essential", postage delays, and arguably more time on our hands there is more reason for us to try and create our own treatments. We are joined by founders Akash Mehta of Fable & Mane and Leila-Jane Washington AKA "Neffy FroFro" of Wildseed Botanicals to discuss the power of ingredient storytelling, natural beauty remedies, and rituals linked to their cultural roots.

Unpretty Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/unprettypodcast/

https://twitter.com/unprettypodcast

Akash Mehta

https://www.instagram.com/mehta_a/

https://www.instagram.com/fableandmane/

Laila-Jean Washington

https://www.instagram.com/neffyfrofro/

https://www.instagram.com/wildseedbotanicals/

#StopAsianHate

#UnprettyPodcast

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