BEAUTY IRL is Coming Back — With A New Name

What I’ve been up to, why I stopped, why I’m starting again

Aug 09, 2023

Let’s dive in. If you’ve been here for a while, you know we try to keep it as real as humanly possible around here.

So, where have I been?

I wrote a book! Black Icons in Herstory: 50 Legendary Women published in November of 2022. This is the main reason. Research, writing, not psyching myself out, building up the confidence to write it, leaning in when I scribbled a little bit of a brilliant thing. All takes internal work. Honestly, I should have sent a newsletter to promote the book, but I was so overwhelmed. So overwhelmed. I did continue to write, but not as often. Working on the book and numerous projects at once left me burnt out (again), and I wanted to learn if there were other ways I could go about life; not being tired, irritated, and putting a standard of perfection on my work that is actually more destructive than positive. Writing this book really made me come to terms with my ADHD. The mechanisms I was using to bypass my inability to focus were no longer effective. I had to create new ways to do everything differently. It took a lot of work. A lot of staying on the sidelines with patience because my health means more to me than anything. I want to put out amazing work, but I want to take care of myself. Is it possible? This pursuit, I have embarked on with true sincerity.

I don’t imagine a world in which I’ll have my ADHD “figured out” — I just have new tools. I decided that I’m ready to start up my newsletter again because I’ve built a new foundation for myself, and I have a much better idea of what I need to continue creating great work. I mean, there is so much I’ve learned — I’m almost keeping it a little too buttoned up. It’s something I definitely want to be in conversation about, but I’m not interested in creating free labor around the topic in the form of more writing or creating (another) independent podcast, and I think that’s fair. Plus, I’ve spoken on this briefly while at California African American Arts Museum, Los Angeles Public Library, and other places I cannot think of right now. I look forward to writing my next book (I’m curious about what I’ll land on) with even clearer eyes. You can order Black Icons in Herstory through my website.

What else?!

I started Studio Symoné. One lesson related to this newsletter that I will share: the work in beauty and media I seek to do is not work I seek to do alone. I wish to do it with others, to collaborate with other storytellers across all mediums. Social media has bred us to seek attention as individuals. It has taught us that the individual, the influencer, the creator (if you will) is who we should aspire to be. I’ve realized that I would be less tired, less disappointed in “the culture,” less resentful, if I was in community and in collaboration with people whose work spoke to me. It’s one of the reasons I started Studio Symoné. I want to shape an ecosystem of talking about culture and current events through the lens of beauty that involves my work, but also extends beyond me. So when I (re)started this newsletter, I wanted to make sure I had support in doing so — through the editing process, finding stories — things of that nature. Now that I have that, I’m feeling good y’all!

I view Studio Symoné — and therefore newsletter — as an extension of the work I’ve already been doing. This is not “The Studio Symoné “Substack”” (although that sounds cute.) It is simply Studio Symoné. You can still expect beauty news and my POV. Basically, I have given myself my own studio, my own house, my own world, and it’s where I’ll be coming to you from each time you hear from me. I also needed to give myself time to think through a better, long-term strategy for how I’d like to get paid for my work — and this actually involves not having my payment system connected to any social media platform, including Substack. (In fact, Studio Symoné has a live music and beauty series starting August 17 in NYC! More ticket info below).

I know that I was just talking about how I want to keep this newsletter to beauty and do no more free labor, but I have SO many thoughts, and SO much tea for y’all on the “creator economy” and the media industry. This is NOT what this newsletter is about, and I think I will likely publish short thoughts on threads or Substack Notes or publish posts but not send them to inboxes (I truly do not desire to be an annoying presence in your life, but let me know). However, I have some things I need to say — that should be witnessed, written down, read, and on the mf internet. It is so unfortunate that our internet is currently run by such greedy, incompetent people, mediocre brands, and peddled by people who talk to no end, never know when to stfu, just because they have a mouth. But there is still something we can do about it. As artists, we would be more successful if we sought to collaborate more often with one another, pooled some of that brand money together to create things that these conglomerates wish they were part of. We have to figure something out.

So, I will be talking about that. And I will definitely be talking about Studio Symoné as I’m in the process of shaping it. I will certainly be sharing my thoughts on subscription and payment, so if this is something you want to be tapped into, make sure your notifications are on, or you download the Substack app.

What else?

Okay, well, I hosted events, an Instagram trend report with Gen Z, and live talks. I also had the opportunity to take part in some amazing campaigns. Shea Moisture. AT&T. The Culture Creative NYC’s Creative Class. I want to start modeling because I like the idea of being part of a creative process and also learning from everyone on set.

I had to save the best update for last: I cut my hair!

I want to take a nod to you and the gratitude I have for reading and watching my work over the years. Over the past five months, I’ve been reading old beauty trade and lifestyle magazines. It has been such a powerful reminder of the media cycles that lock us into having the same conversations, of the same static narratives that rise to the top like clockwork (kind of like floating garbage in the sea). It distracts us from finding the excellent, fulfilling work by digital journalists and editors, and it’s important to remember this, never forget it, and continue to strengthen our own media literacy versus pointing the finger. I have no issue being the one who reminds you of such.

In the midst of this, and even more so because of it, I do not take your attention for granted. Thank you for engaging with this newsletter and engaging with my work.

What’s I have slated for upcoming newsletters and why you should stick around:

I have something very specific I need to say about Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice.
I have saved sharing what it felt like to cut my hair for when I finally relaunched my newsletter.
I am positive I will have something to say about Barbie, but I am waiting until I finally digest the marketing campaign that I involuntarily yet willingly (???) took part in, without my knowledge. Does anyone else feel the same? LOL.
Definitely need to write that piece on how much booking a hair appointment has changed.
They Cloned Tyrone – there is a beauty angle in this Blaxplotation sci-fi film that has my mind running.

Want to support Studio Symoné? As a subscriber of the newsletter, you are invited to SOUND OFF: Music x Beauty Amplified, a first-of-its-kind live music and beauty conversation series. Studio Symoné & WORD Creative will take over the Sultan Room Rooftop in Brooklyn for a summer night with LADOMINI QUEEN, Dominican recording artist PAMÉ & renowned DJ Quiana Parks. Lisen to Pamé’s music here. Get your ticket.

BEAUTY NEWS

And of course, I could not send this newsletter without some beauty news and long reads to set the tone.

Industry news [brands, celebs in the industry, and corporate stuff]

Makeup artist Carmon Springs, known for her 40+ year career and work with celebrities including Beyonce and Aretha Franklin, passed away on June 18th at her home in Bahia Brazil. She was 70-years-old.
Lashes on a train: London’s public transport received a makeover with Maybelline’s Sky High Mascara in a grand, yet completely fake, digital marketing stunt. I know this was a while ago, but I feel like it’s worth noting because of how viral it became and hot real it looked!
Speaking of Maybelline… in a perfect collaboration, the brand paired Martha Stewart and Bretman Rock for the cosmetic company’s Falsies Surreal Mascara ad campaign. To me, “perfect collaborations” are like brain benders. They push you to imagine. Perfect collaborations are unexpected, but still find a way to make sense.
Following Revlon’s exit from a year-long Chapter 11 bankruptcy battle in May 2023, CEO Debra Perelman has stepped down and the beauty company has named Elizabeth Smith interim CEO.
MAC is updating its Back-to-MAC program by partnering with Close the Loop North America; which is meant to increase the percentage of returned items that get recycled.
Origins has partnered with Erewhon to create a limited-edition pressed juice infused with Origins' signature molecular mushroom complex. Tbh, I am the target audience for this drink. 😂 😵‍💫
I found this funny: Ultra-fast fashion giant Shein – in the midst of RICO charges and lawsuits – is now being targeted by another widely criticized fast-fashion company, H&M, for copyright infringement.
Fans are joining a waitlist to purchase Beyoncé’s newest Eau De Parfum dropping this November.
In a $15 million book deal, Britney Spears’ memoir, The Woman in Me, is set to release on October 24. Also, Spears is supposed to release her thirty-second fragrance since 2004, “Jungle Fantasy,” this summer.
Ms. Kim K wants to expand SKKN, starting with buying back a minority stake from beauty company Coty.
Her sister, model Kendall Jenner, joins the “L’Oreal Paris family” after the cosmetics brand named the model their new global ambassador.
After the fashion company’s co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons signed a deal with beauty company L’Oreal in 2021, Prada make-up and skincare is finally on the way and will launch online this August. Lynsey Alexander is serving as Global Creative Makeup Artist, and E-makeup artist ines.alpha is also involved on the digital side.
Tracee Ellis Ross’ hair-care brand Pattern Beauty is expanding distribution directly to stylists in professional salons.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs launched an online marketplace for Black-owned businesses called Empower Global, providing a space for beauty brands – including Marie Hunter Beauty, Beauty Stat Cosmetics, and Buttah Skin – to expand. Also, if I’m going to talk about this, I need to share with you two women who I’ve watched build retail space for Black-owned beauty brands: Leslie Roberson of Black Beauty Collective and Nyakio Grieco of Thirteen Lune. Check out who may be creating physical retail space for Black and BIPOC businesses in your town.

Pop culture [music, politics, voices, sports]

Adjoah B. Asomah, co-founder of the CROWN Act and lead legislative strategist, plans to reintroduce the bill federally this fall with an amendment that still upholds the foundation of the bill. I thought this quote was something to note:

"This is not about culture. This is not about hair color. This is not about wearing a headwrap. The CROWN Act specifically and explicitly amends the existing definition of race to include those traits historically associated with it, such as hair texture and protective styles like locs, braids, twists, bantu knots, et cetera," Asamoah told Fashionista. "I have to sometimes fight against misinformation because some people think that the CROWN Act is about headwraps or durags."

Natural hair stylists in Louisiana are criticizing a state law that declares braiders must undergo 500 hours of training and receive an alternative hair design permit in order to legally perform services.
Taliban-ruled Afghanistan continues its curtailment of women’s rights as beauty salons are ordered to close their doors. BBC News South Asia & Afghanistan Correspondent Yogita Limaye talks about her experience being in one of these salons. It’s easy to understand why the Taliban wants to continue to close places where women can gather, talk, exchange information, and hold on to hope together (which Limaye talks about in her video report.)
Following Mielle’s announcement of a partnership with LSU’s Angel Reese, the WNBA announced their multi-year partnership with the Black woman-owned hair care brand.
LVMH scored a major sponsorship deal for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games earning its subsidiary retailer, Sephora, a partnership for the Olympic torch relay.
Estée Lauder’s recent collaboration with British football club Manchester United aims to bring in engagement with the team’s fanbase in the Asia Pacific region.
SheaMoisture has teamed up with the Roku Channel and MACRO Television Studios to showcase the winners of the personal care brand’s Next Black Millionaires program now available on the Roku Channel: LaToya Stirrup founder of KAZMALEJE, Neil Hudson, Scotch Boyz, and Dorian Morris, founder of Undefined Beauty.
Bella Hadid, model and patron angel saint of pop culture, says she is ‘finally healthy’ after suffering silently from Lyme Disease for 15 years. Wow. Here is one of my favorite Bella Hadid videos. That girl has thoughts. Love that.

MEDIA READS

Beauty, pop culture and politics reads. This is probably the section I missed the most.

Welcome to the Golden Age of Nail Art — Arabelle Sicardi

Who Will Stand Up For The Hair Braiders? — Houreidja Tall

Have You Ever Wondered Where Spa Music Comes From? – Marci Robin

How Impressions Of Beauty Helps Turn HBCU Students Into Effective Influencers And Works With Brands – Robin Mosley

Hollywood Hairstylists & Makeup Artists Aren’t On Strike, But They’re Fighting For Change Anyway — Kirbie Johnson

In Brazil, Beauty Is A Right. Are They On To Something? — Sushma Subramanian

I Wish More People Talked About Inverted Nipples, So I’m Sharing My Corrective Surgery Story — Hannah Baxter

The Future Of Dermatology Is Intertwined With Beauty And Aesthetics — Elise Minton Tabin

How Hair And Makeup Artist Ivana Primorac Brought ‘Barbie’ To Life — Ariana Yaptangco

‘Injectable Moisturizers’ Are The Next Big Game Changers In Aesthetics — Polly Blitzer

Bra Line Back Lifts Are Blowing Up On TikTok. Here’s What Doctors Want You To Know. — Michelle Rostamian

Everything To Know About Mastectomy Scarring — Zahra Spencer

The Phenomenon of Hair-Salon “Deserts” — And How It Impacts Black Women – Natasha Marsh

Why Does Everybody Want A Lazy Girl Job? — Darshita Goyal

This Salon Works to Understand Black Hair — Jordyn Holman

The Loneliness of Living With Acne Inversa — Amanda Mitchell

TikTok Diet Culture’s Unhealthy Obsession With Protein — Laura Pitcher

How Private Equity is Remaking Beauty Manufacturing — Rachel Brown

From Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, Concerts Are Turning Into Something New

— Elamin Abdelmahmoud