It’s Easier Than Ever To Make A New Face On Social Media. But Is It Killing Your Confidence?
I investigated the adverse psychological effects of using FaceTune, Filters, and other AR tools that digitally alter your face.
Women’s Health Acne Week
I edited this week-long program of daily stories exploring acne from every angle. It includes a personal essay I wrote about the mental health-stress-acne connection, practical tips on products for breakouts, a look into the skin positivity movement, etc.
Everything We Know About Beauty We Learned From Drag Queens
This is the written report accompanying a 20-minute documentary on how drag artists heavily influenced the beauty industry–without due credit.
I tapped rising magician Anna DeGuzman to model runway-inspired nail trends all while doing mind-boggling card tricks.
For New Foundation Ranges, "Fenty 40" Is The Magic Number
The much-deserved excitement and joy over Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty launch sent a clear message to the beauty industry: Do better.
Why Over 150 Million Watch These Hijabi Influencers
In this original photo and video feature, I interviewed top beauty vloggers using their platforms to reclaim narratives about Muslim women during the alarming rise of Islamophobia.
Cost Per Like Is The New Cost Per Wear
This is a business report on how Instagram has completely changed shopping habits for so many (myself included).
Meghan Markle Inspired Me To Give Myself A Makeunder
In one of my most-read stories for ELLE.com, I talk about how the royal beauty look admired ‘round the world made me to stop hiding my insecurity behind 15 steps of makeup.
I Wore ‘90s Hair Accessories for a Week
The claw clips, scrunchies, and snap barrettes of my youth were emerging as trends on social media and high fashion runways. I decided to embrace it–you know, for journalism.
15 Women Of Color-Owned Makeup Brands Made For Deeper Skintones
No one knows better than women of color what is needed from makeup to look best on medium to deep skin.
Olympic Boxer Claressa Shields Is Ready To Be Your Hero
I spent the day with the gold medalist as she taught young girls from the Lower East Side Girls' Club boxing at Gleason’s gym (casual training spot of Muhammad Ali). She opens up about the water crisis in her native Flint, Michigan and the challenges of being a woman who doesn’t play a “pretty” sport.
When To Abandon The Organic Skincare Ship
After being super strict about a “clean” beauty regimen, I faced a dilemma when a dermatologist wanted me on a Rx regimen. Here, I learned skincare is less like a religion, and more like a relationship.
I Wore Crazy Fashion-Week Eye Makeup for a Week
How practical are high-fashion editorial makeup looks, really? Not very–but nonetheless a great experiment in getting out of my comfort zone
How Five Ballerinas Get Ready for ‘The Nutcracker’
New York City Ballet stars tell me all the beauty tips they’ve picked up backstage and pose for dramatic before and after photos.
I Let Reddit Critique My Makeup and Learned How to Do It Better
“You found the best kept secret (maybe not anymore) on the web.” – Alexis Ohanian, Reddit Co-founder
What It's Like to Wear "Mermaid Lashes" For 3 Weeks
As much as I love going deep with beauty, I also like embracing its pure fun side. Case in point: this rainbow array of lashes!
The Year of ‘Broadway So Diverse’
The year is 2016. Hamilton is a hit and sets off a chain reaction throughout the Great White Way for more inclusivity on stage and behind the scenes. here, I profile some stars and of that memorable season.
I Auditioned for Hamilton
TRUE STORY. I’m a musical theatre geek, so when Hamilton had an open casting call I decided to go for it and let shenanigans ensue. PS: There’s a part two with a minute by minute account.
CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS
I’ve made smoothies with Gwyneth Paltrow, bonded over loving RuPaul’s Drag Race with Cara Delevingne, and gotten confidence tips from Priyanka Chopra–all on the job. Here are a select few of my chats A-listers:
Gwyneth Paltrow
Michael B Jordan
Zoe Kravitz
Issa Rae
Bella Hadid
Saoirse Ronan
Cara Delevingne
Priyanka Chopra
Misty Copeland
Ryan Reynolds
Sophie Turner
Rosie Huntington Whiteley