#ciara costenoble

[charissekenion]

Paris-based hairstylist Ciara Costenoble talks about her experiences and says Emily got it right - kinda

EPISODE 59

Paris-based hairdresser Ciara Costenoble, grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and once we delve into her morning routine, we take it right back to those early days.

Ciara shares some beautiful memories of being inspired by her grandmother, Hope, who loved to dress up at any opportunity, even if she was just picking up the mail or going to the pharmacy. Ciara watched her grandmother do her skincare and apply her Mary Kay makeup and, later on, realised that it was about more than expression - in fact it was more in an effort to form some kind of resilience around the colourism that was prevalent within society. We talk about how colourism can show up and about Ciara's first hair experiments - at the age of 7.

Pretty much a tomboy when she was younger, it was only once Ciara began working in a salon at 14 that she gained an insight into what other girls and women were doing with their hair, and also how boys would look at girls who dressed in a more feminine style.

We also discuss the controversial Netflix show Emily in Paris, and Ciara talks about how it’s really not a true example of exactly who is moving to Paris from the States, as in: it’s not just white people who choose to travel and explore, duh. She’s also very vocal about her views on being an American in Paris. Of course we touch on the cult of the French pharmacy and Ciara shares that she’s learned to embrace a more simple beauty routine since moving to France. 

We also talk about how Ciara has learned to take time to romance herself during lockdown. Honestly, I couldn't have chosen a better way to close 2020. I am so grateful for the fact that you choose to listen to BeautyMe, and can't wait to see you in 2021. Take care of yourselves and see you on the other side. Follow Ciara @ciaracoiffure and you can find me @beautymepodcast

P.S. If you could rate, review and subscribe the podcast, it will help BeautyMe be seen.

Products mentioned:

Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream: https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/sunday-riley-tidal-brightening-enzyme-water-cream.html

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50 Face Mist: https://www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-anthelios-sunscreen-face-mist-spf-50-75ml-10217616

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Soothing Repairing Balm: https://www.lookfantastic.com/la-roche-posay-cicaplast-baume-b5-soothing-repairing-balm-40ml/11091816.html

[andrearodway]

Our Sunrise Engagement Session Along the Seine in Paris | Paris, France | Andrea Rodway Photography

Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined that I would get engaged in Paris and have our engagement session in the City of Light. I can't even begin to express the emotions of this entire trip. We spent the first part of our vacation exploring Loire Valley, exquisite Châteaus such as Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chambord. And of course we ate and drank the most amazing food and wine. I also can't believe that it's taken me over a year to post about our trip, engagement photos, and wedding. But if you're a bride to be or a former bride that's working a full time job and another full time job such as myself, then you know that the struggle is real. Matthew and I have had so many amazing adventures together and we're really just getting started. Our passion for love, travel, the best food and wine is something that we really cherish as a couple. My advice to anyone is to find your passion as a couple, share it and cherish it forever. 

Let's get down to the good stuff! If you've been following along, I posted about our actual engagement yesterday! Today I'm going to take you on a sunrise tour of our beautiful and romantic engagement session along The River Seine in Paris. When doing research for our trip I knew I would need hair and makeup, but here was the challenge. I don't speak any French. Google and Instagram are my best friends when it comes to searching and poof! I was able to find English speaking stylists that were beyond amazing. Charles and Ciara are basically a dream team to work with, I can't speak highly enough of them. I got up around 4am to get hair and makeup and they had me gorgeous and out the door in perfect timing! Matthew on the other hand, got to stay in bed and relax. 

We grabbed an Uber and headed over to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel to meet Michael and Carina and we spent the entire morning walking along The River Seine from the Jardin des Tuileries to the Pont Alexandre III.  Fall was the absolute perfect time to visit France. Even though some places were closed for the season, to see the leaves changing and to snuggle up in sweaters while walking around in this beautiful city was such a wonderful experience. Here are some of my favorites from our stunning session and here's our feature on Wedding Sparrow, one of my absolute favorite wedding blogs.

Photography: Michael and Carina Photography | Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab | Makeup: Charles Gillman | Hair: Ciara Costenoble | Ring: Beverly K | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Dress: Xscape | Groom's Attire: Perry Ellis | Groom's Shoes: Cole Haan

[charissekenion]

What Mental Health Means to Me

Episode 78

This week’s episode is my contribution to Mental Health Awareness month. It goes without saying that our mental health should be a priority every day, but for many people, it’s simply not the case. Life is full of ups and downs, and the roles we play, however enjoyable, often take away from the time that we could be dedicating to checking in with ourselves.

To ensure a wide range of opinions I reached out to former guests and friends online, asking them to send me voice notes about what mental health means to them. The resulting answers featured advice and tips but also real experiences. Themes that came up included how rituals of selfcare and makeup helped some of my guests find peace. And quite a few mentioned how important music is to them. I truly hope at least one voice resonates with you, and lets you know that you are never alone. All my guests’ info is below and I want to thank every single one of them for taking time out to make this happen. You will also see some resources for the UK and US below.

Kat Sloan, @katthemakeupmum https://www.instagram.com/katthemakeupmum/

Rachael Todd @rtmkup https://www.instagram.com/rtmkup/

Jonet Williamson @jonetwmakeup https://www.instagram.com/jonetwmakeup/

Clayton Reid @butchqueenbeaute https://www.instagram.com/butchqueenbeaute/

Ciara Costenoble @ciaracoiffure https://www.instagram.com/ciaracoiffure/

Gabrielle Alvarez @thegabriellealvarez https://www.instagram.com/thegabriellealvarez/

Jess Young @jessyoung__ https://www.instagram.com/jessyoung__/

Katie Jane Hughes @katiejanehughes https://www.instagram.com/katiejanehughes/

Paris Omar @itsparischanel https://www.instagram.com/itsparischanel/

Ryan Roberts @ryan_lee_makeup https://www.instagram.com/ryan_lee_makeup/

Sonia Valencia @soniavalencia0303 https://www.instagram.com/soniavalencia0303/

UK resources

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/

US resources

US National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/Top-HelpLine-Resources

Mental Help: https://www.mentalhelp.net/depression/hotline/

National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/

French resources

Fondation de France: https://www.fondationdefrance.org/en/mental-illness

France La Croix Rouge Écoute: https://www.croix-rouge.fr/Nos-actions/Action-sociale/Ecoute-acces-aux-droits/Croix-Rouge-Ecoute-service-de-soutien-psychologique-par-telephone