Ep. 118: What is UK Black Girl Makeup? With Uche Natori, Funmi Monet and more

04/08/22 • 39 min

This week’s episode has been a while in the making and it all started with a voice note. My friend, beauty editor Ava Welsing-Kitcher, who recently moved to the US, told me how popular the UK Black Girl makeup look was becoming on TikTok and that I needed to take a look. A few hours later and I was hooked; not just on the makeup style itself, which we'll go into in this episode, but I loved the supportive comments shared between the US and UK creators.

The two key names that came up over and over again when I started researching the trend that's racked up 38million views on TikTok, were that of Uche Natori and Melachild. Both creators are based in the UK and have been called the originators of the look that's centred on a highlighted under-eye and seamless blending. I invited both of them onto the pod and I'm happy to say that Uche said yes and our ensuing conversation felt so refreshing and real. At no point did Uche take credit for anything; in fact she paid homage to the makeup artists of the '90s, to drag makeup techniques, makeup artists such as Makeup By Mario and Melachild herself and also commented that American women like makeup artist King Mali Magic are the ones who have long been influencing the trends.

Also in this episode, I speak with Funmi Monet, a Dallas, Texas-based creator and therapist, about why she thinks American women are falling in love with UK Black Girl makeup and there are also some clips from the inimitable Melachild and I share UK makeup artist @v

A note: When I commented on social media that I was putting the episode together and that Uche was part of it, someone sent a screenshot of a 'post and delete' that the UK version of The Shade Room had shared (The Shade Room is like the online black version of a gossip magazine you might find in a supermarket - I think that's the best way I can describe it). In it Uche had commented that the 'clean girl look is low key anti-black' and said black women need 'coverage and structure'. As she deleted it, I'm guessing she realised it was a bit off, because when we spoke, she was very detailed about why black women might prefer fuller coverage for reasons such as hyperpigmentation. I'm mentioning it here in case any listeners thought I wasn't aware. I'm definitely aware but I feel what Uche has to say in this episode has more importance than what she posted. If you disagree then my DMs are always open @beautymepodcast or you can email me at [email protected].

Stay tuned to @beautymepodcast on Instagram and my TikTok @charissek because I'll be sharing some iconic video content too! If you enjoyed this episode please rate and review and be sure to tag me when you're listening. See you next time.

Previous Episode

Ep. 117: What's on my mind? Feeling guilty, feeling tired, Byoma skincare, beauty events, SPF and more...

This week it’s the episode that almost didn’t happen! I’ve been working on an episode that I think is going to be amazing, but when the time came to record it I was in bed with the worst period-related exhaustion. However, I still really wanted to check in with you, so this episode is kind of a catch up with my week.

Leading on from that feeling of exhaustion, I start by discussing how women are often the ones who grin and bear it in the work environment, and the burden of guilt we feel if we take any time out. In the episode I mention an article I'd read on why single and childless women are the ones feeling the brunt of the always-on post-pandemic culture the most. I couldn't remember the name of the article so here's a link to it: https://www.elle.com/life-love/a38988964/childless-women-toxic-jobs-overwork-pandemic-workaholics-2022/

From there I move on to Byoma skincare, which has actually been my Holy Grail in a week where my hormones were wreaking havoc all over my face and share my excitement at heading to beauty industry event Professional Beauty this weekend. Pro Beauty started out as a beauty industry magazine that turned into a 3-day annual event that sees global leaders host live events and seminars. If you're a beauty pro you can find out more information here: https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/site/newsdetails/get-pb-london-ready

Finally I share some new products I've bought and that I'll be bringing you another SPF special soon. As always, I'd love to hear more from you. Let me know if you don't mind this more relaxed kind of episode and who you'd like to see on the show next. Feel free to email [email protected] or head to my DMs @beautymepodcast on Instagram or Twitter. Do please rate and review if you enjoy the show! See you next time. Oh and don't forget to sign up for my newsletter: https://beautymenotes.substack.com

Next Episode

Ep. 119: Talking identity, Americanisms, the Metaverse and beauty culture with London author Navaz Batliwalla

This week’s guest is someone I’ve admired from afar for a very long time. While I can’t remember when or how I first discovered Navaz Batliwalla’s writing, I’ll always remember how much I love/d the name of her blog – Disneyrollergirl.

London-based Navaz is a writer who’s serious about her research (thank goodness!) and she loves to dive into a subject and write about the culture behind specific industries. Thus far she has written two successful books; one on fashion, the other is all about beauty. In 2016 she wrote The New Garconne; How to be a Modern Gentlewoman and last year, during the pandemic she wrote Face Values: The New Beauty Rituals and Skincare Secrets; featuring beautiful imagery and meaningful conversations, it’s a book I truly adore.

During my chat with Navaz, themes that come up include identity, Americanisms, the Metaverse, her writing process, social media and of course how beauty influenced her earlier years – I loved hearing her share about the time she and her sister dressed up as ‘80s British icon Boy George to go to the local greasy spoon café at a time when social media didn’t exist.

Enjoy this one; because I did! Be sure to tag myself and Navaz when you listen; you can find me @beautymepodcast and Navaz @disneyrollergirl. Let us know what you think and if you enjoyed, do please rate, review and/or subscribe. Also, have you checked out my newsletter yet? This week it’s all about that Rihanna cover shoot for US Vogue. You can sign up for free here: https://beautymenotes.substack.com See you next week!