The Beauty School was launched in response to Pinterest’s usage data (‘beauty’ is one of its most clickable categories) and the wider consumer desire for more inclusive beauty content. It included one-to-one beauty sessions and group workshops hosted by well-known brands like American nail care company Essie and premium French skincare label La Roche-Posay.
The event also spotlit UK-based BIPOC beauty industry experts, including nail artist Aamirah Essof (@abrowngirlrecommends); hair expert and founder of The Curl Bar, Nià The Light; and “melanin make-up specialist” Joy Adenuga. Entertainment was provided by UK radio station Foundation.fm, which focuses on showcasing underground and emerging female, queer and non-binary DJs – subverting the stereotypical audience for its mainstay musical genres including grime, soul, and hip-hop.
In addition, Funmi Fetto, founder of beauty podcast On Reflection Beauty hosted a three-part panel discussion titled ‘Beyond the Filter’, ‘Beyond the Aesthetic’ and 'Beyond the Toxins’. Guests included Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe (medical aesthetics doctor and founder of Skndoctor); skincare trainer and La Roche Posay brand expert Rosie Varlas; and sensitive skin specialist Talonted Lex. Together, they explored the influence social media filters have on individuals' self-esteem, as well as representation around realistic skin tones and textures.
Other panellists addressed the intersection of beauty and sustainability. These included make-up artists and vegan advocates Justine Jenkins and Demi Colleen, who posited the benefits of using eco-friendly beauty products, and the need for slow-paced, non-trend-led consumption.
