The Naked Truth About Postpartum: Insights and Advice from Erica Chidi

What makes Vanessa Lee one of the most sought-after medical aesthetics practitioners is her commitment to teaching and learning about all things beauty and science. During our conversation, Vanessa details her hands-on experience learning from beauty practitioners in Korea, including standing in for a model and receiving a treatment during a demonstration. Before her foray into the world of natural beauty aesthetics, Vanessa grew up bonding with her peers over beauty and skincare. Bonding over beauty carried into her professional life as she blended art and science to help her patients meet their beauty goals, while always looking like themselves. We regularly see her seamless work on our screens and feel her impact without knowing. In 2017, Vanessa coined the phrase “facial balancing” and began providing her clients the now wildly popular services before the rest of the public caught up. She teaches Beauty Theory courses to other professionals to help prevent cookie-cutter treatments that don’t complement all face shapes. Our discussion is a mini-Beauty Theory course because Vanessa teaches us about procedures, her practice, and global industry norms. We learn about how facial shapes can determine how our skin will age, why K-Beauty is always light years ahead of the U.S., and how she supports clients in need of therapeutic support.Tune in as we discuss:Whether or not people should have micro-cosmetic treatments done or wait for a facelift in the futureThe best laser treatments for melasma and hyperpigmentation on dark skin and what they costAdvice on traveling to Korea for cosmetic procedures, including what Vanessa spent on her most recent tripRate, 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 Vanessa Lee @vanessalee_rnProducts Mentioned: Things We Do Acid Buff Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing PowderBabua Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen LotionEssential Defense Everyday Clear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are bring in a new era of Naked Beauty with this episode! As you may have seen, I am stepping into a new role as Chief Content Officer at Refinery29. This new role provides a great opportunity for reflection. In this episode, I discuss the four key lessons I’ve learned in my career thus far. I touch on the value of manifesting dreams, tactics for getting closer to your dream career in your current job, and the power we all have to choose how we show up in professional spaces. Listen for a reminder to trust your path, create with intention, and stay true to yourself. Thank you so much to the Naked Beauty community, as always, for your support! 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: @brookedevard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Ron Robinson became social media’s favorite cosmetic chemist, he had already built a varied career in beauty. In 1989, he was hired on the spot to formulate and develop products for Clinique and La Mer, under Estée Lauder. He formulated new SKUs and innovated products like Clinique’s Turn Around Cream, which was one of the first products to use salicylic acid as a topical treatment gel. Despite his obvious aptitude for beauty science, he was on track to become a doctor like his brothers. To his parents' dismay, he dropped out of medical school but quickly found his footing in some of the most successful beauty labs. This experience is precisely why Hailey Bieber asked him to help lead RHODE, the billion-dollar brand, to success. His experience in the lab and engaging with consumers 1-1 also informed his decision to launch Beauty STAT. Ron holds a rare position as CEO, founder, and cosmetic chemist in Beauty STAT, and he’s excited to continue innovating for a more knowledgeable consumer base.Tune in as we discuss:Tips on how to determine if luxury products are worth itHow he approaches developing products for melanated skinRecommendations on topical treatments for fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circlesWhy owning your beauty technologies is a big dealHow he is interested in taking on the 50+ beauty consumer marketRate, 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 Ron @ronrobinsoncosmeticchemistProducts Mentioned: BeautyStat C Lip Serum SPF 30BeautyStat Probiotic 24HR Moisture Boost Cream MoisturizerBeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner 20% Vitamin C Brightening SerumRHODE Peptide Lip Treatment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Nina Westbrook, a licensed marriage and family therapist, helps us understand the connection between routine and mental health. We dive into the importance of routines, especially postpartum routines, and I share my experiences with strength training and magnesium supplements for better sleep. Our conversation covers mental health, de-stigmatizing therapy, and the benefits of routine for overall mental well-being. Nina also talks about her app, Nebbi, designed to help users reflect on their emotions and improve their mood with small, actionable tasks. Tune in as we discuss:Maintaining friendships while balancing busy schedulesNina’s tips for organized parentingNina’s insights on how self-reflection and structure contribute to a balanced life.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 Nina @ninawestbrookProducts mentioned:Augustinus BaderVitners Daughter Serum Biologique Recherche maskMaed lip ritual Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Renowned esthetician Sean Garrette is back for a hyperpigmentation masterclass! Hyperpigmentation is the number one skin concern I hear about from the Naked Beauty audience, so I had to ask Sean all my burning questions about the topic. In this conversation, we discuss what hyperpigmentation is, the key causes of hyperpigmentation, how to treat it once it occurs and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Shop the products mentioned in this episode:Eighth Day TonicPaula’s Choice Mandelic + Lactic Acid Toner Good Genes Lactic Acid SerumEadem Cashmere Tonic Prequel Multi Acid Milk Peel Ultra Violette Sunscreen Summer Fridays Mineral SPF Prequel Solar Shade Naturium SPF 50 SunscreenRate, 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 Sean @seangarette Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special conversation, Kamie Crawford shares how she developed the self-assuredness that her fans have come to know and love. We discussed how having a mom who would get dressed up in the morning, “just in case,” influenced her childhood rebrand into a more confident version of herself. This rebrand would catapult her into Miss Teen USA, a role that led her to think critically about her race and body image. Kamie shared her current interest in body neutrality and her “stay-ready” approach to beauty and style. We couldn’t end the conversation without talking about her relationship and what being loved well revealed to her. Tune in as we discuss:What makes red carpet glam a full-day eventWhy she chooses to keep her relationship private Where you can get her signature lash map, “The Kamie,” in LA Her very specific advice to those who are single and lookingRate, 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 Kamie @kamiecrawfordShop this episode:ANUA Heartleaf Pore Cleansing OilRhode Pineapple RefreshRhode Glazing Milk DMK Skincare Beta Gel MakeupMakeup Forever Artist Pencil Limitless Brown Charlotte Tillbury Foxy Brown Liner MAC Cork Lip PencilMAC Chestnut Lip Pencil Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former doula and postpartum expert Erica Chidi is back on the podcast to discuss all the highs, lows, and complexities of postpartum. I got a chance to reflect on my personal postpartum experiences and the challenges of advocating for my own health. Erica and I get into it all: hormonal changes, hair loss, mood fluctuations, the importance of self-care, breastfeeding challenges and the concept of being 'touched out'. Erica offers practical advice on physical and emotional recovery, essential products for new moms, and discusses the critical role of partners in supporting postpartum care. Tune in as we discuss:The importance of having a clear postpartum planHow partners and loved ones can provide support during postpartum How intimacy might change after giving birth Developing and enforcing boundaries during the postpartum period 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 Erica @ericachidiProducts Mentioned: Haka Breast PumpStanley CupBrumate Era Perelel Health SupplementsMagnesiomErgo Baby CarrierBaby Bjorn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nayeema Raza brought us the same curiosity and knowledge she brings to her Smart Girl, Dumb Questions listeners. Her early life was spent globe-trotting, so hearing her firsthand perspective on the similarities in beauty standards and practices is fascinating. Nayeema proudly detailed some of her favorite aspects of Pakistani beauty culture, especially how it has been shaped by powerful Islamic women and their preference for natural beauty treatments. We ended with a great discussion about all that she’s learned about her body while freezing her eggs and dating in NYC.Tune in as we discuss:Pakistani Beauty Culture’s unique history and strong cultural rootsThe difference between anti-ageing and longevity cultureWhat we should be asking about perimenopause and menopauseWhy freezing her eggs made her feel powerfulStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Nayeema @nayeemaraza and listen to Smart Girl, Dumb QuestionsShop this episode: Oribe - Shampoo, Conditioner, Mirror Rinse, Foundation Mist, HairsprayGiorgio Armani FoundationChanel Liquid Lip RMS Eye PolishHourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, I sat down for a beauty tell-all with beauty veterans Jill and Carlene of the Breaking Beauty Podcast. During our conversation, Jill and Carlene discussed their pre-podcast careers in broadcasting and editorial, which informed their approach to Breaking Beauty. It was such a great opportunity to learn about how they developed the podcast and came together to tell behind-the-scenes beauty stories. We talked about how the role of the influencer, marketing, and even podcasting has changed since their launch in 2017. Jill and Carlene shared the truth behind manufacturing costs, the future of beauty, and why marketing founders is almost as important as marketing the product. Tune in as we discuss:The realities of the cost of manufacturing beauty productsWhich beauty biotech innovations are worth the costThe immense power of beauty influencers and cosmetic scientists What beauty products they’re most excited aboutWhy it's so hard for brands and consumers to move away from “anti-aging” language 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 Breaking Beauty @breakingbeautypodcastProducts Mentioned: essie To The Rescue UV Gel Damage Nail Repair TreatmentPrequel Facial Gleanser Cleanser(plated) INTENSE SerumK18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair MaskEighth Day Regenerative SerumiNNBEAUTY Extreme Cream Refillable Moisturizer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode,  I’m joined by the fabulous Sean Garrett, renowned esthetician and skincare creator, for a Met Gala recap. We talked through all the behind the scenes details of the night, from the star-studded pre-parties to the dazzling outfits and the powerful display of black excellence. We broke down our favorite and least favorite looks of the night, from Janelle Monet to Hailey Bieber. Sean also shares invaluable skincare tips, including techniques for calming inflammation and how to prepare for major events. 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 Sean @seangarette Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.