Skin Anarchy: Redefining Skincare For Rich Melanated Tones Everywhere
Episode Date: September 24, 2025
Host: Dr. Ekta
Guest: Tamara Watkins, President of Buttah Skin
Episode Overview
This episode of Skin Anarchy features an in-depth conversation between host Dr. Ekta and Tamara Watkins, President of Buttah Skin. The discussion centers on the unique challenges and opportunities in developing inclusive skincare, especially for rich, melanated skin tones. Watkins shares insights into her personal journey through the beauty industry, the origins and philosophy behind Buttah Skin, their product development ethos, and how the brand stays both relevant and authentic while championing diversity and inclusion in beauty.
Guest Introduction and Career Journey
Key Points:
-
Tamara’s Early Inspiration:
- Inspired by the legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin’s work, Tamara was drawn into beauty during her high school years in Tallahassee, Florida.
- Intended to become a cosmetic formulator, she studied chemistry but pivoted into makeup artistry.
-
Transition Into Digital Marketing:
- Early experience with MAC and Bobbi Brown paved her way into the beauty industry.
- Moved to digital marketing at a time when the field was nascent, learning through hands-on experience and a sense of curiosity.
- Worked with influential brands like Bevel and Hyperskin before joining Buttah Skin, eventually becoming its president.
Notable Quote:
“There was no guidebook...but fortunately for me, I'm the type of person—once I'm interested in something, I'm just naturally curious.”
— Tamara Watkins (03:37)
[00:54 - 04:29]
The Story & Purpose of Buttah Skin
Brand Origins:
- Founded in 2018 by actor Dorian Renaud, whose upbringing in a barbershop and experiences with hyperpigmentation shaped the brand's mission.
- Inspired by personal need: Dorian’s struggle with acne and hyperpigmentation paired with inadequate store representation led to creating effective skincare solutions for people of color.
- Cornerstone ingredients: Shea butter, a staple in African and Black communities, and vitamin C formed the foundation of the debut product.
Notable Quote:
“He would go to drugstores, and he just wouldn't see...people reflected on the ads that looked like him and that looked like his mother's and his sisters and his friends.”
— Tamara Watkins (08:00)
[07:00 - 09:39]
Developing with Melanated Skin in Mind
Key Insights:
- Hyperpigmentation is the top concern among patients of color, as validated by dermatologist Dr. Ron Bosley.
- Buttah Skin formulates with these concerns as a central focus, not an afterthought.
Notable Quote:
“The number one skin issue that patients come in...seeking solutions for is hyperpigmentation and dark spots.”
— Tamara Watkins (10:49)
[09:42 - 11:18]
Product Highlights & Formulation Stories
Tea Tree & Aloe Exfoliating Scrub
- Inspired by Dorian’s grooming routine (as a bald man) to perfect exfoliation for the scalp and skin.
- Meticulous formula development to ensure performance and versatility for all users (as shared enthusiastically by both host and guest).
Notable Quote:
“He went back and forth with our formulators to make sure that the final product was perfect.”
— Tamara Watkins (12:21)
[12:11 - 13:10]
Eye Cream Applicator
- Innovative sterling silver applicator designed for optimal pressure and product penetration.
- Created to elevate the skincare experience to a mini spa moment.
Notable Quote:
“It's so relaxing...you almost feel like you're having a little mini spa moment.”
— Tamara Watkins (14:16)
[13:44 - 14:48]
Authenticity, Team Diversity & Cultural Relevance in Marketing
Maintaining Relevance and Authenticity:
- Buttah keeps the customer at its core, using detailed personas to shape marketing and product development.
- Avoids ‘cheesy’ or inauthentic campaigns, demanding resonance with real customer experiences.
Notable Quote:
“If the response in my head is, like, they say, ‘Oh, it’s cheesy,’ then I say, ‘No, it’s cheesy...go back to the drawing board.’”
— Tamara Watkins (16:26)
[16:06 - 17:23]
Embracing Diversity in Practice:
- The team is comprised of individuals from varied backgrounds: Black/African-American, Latinx, Arabic, and more.
- Ongoing reflection and intentional community engagement ensure the brand continually expands its reach while honoring its roots (e.g., celebrating cultural events like Eid).
[18:17 - 19:39]
Product Development Process & Commitment to Quality
How Buttah Decides What to Launch:
- Extensive real-world testing with a diverse panel representing different skin tones and cultures.
- Willingness to delay launches rather than compromise on readiness or integrity—even at the expense of revenue targets.
- The goal: “You have one chance to resonate with customers.”
Notable Quote:
“If a product sucks and you launch it, it's just basically going to die a slow, or maybe a quick, death.”
— Tamara Watkins (24:30)
[21:07 - 24:51]
Sneak Peek: The Future of Buttah Skin
- Expansion planned into body care, with an innovative product (not lotion, body wash, or fragrance).
- Rigorous heat/humidity testing to ensure efficacy for diverse climates before launch.
[26:05 - 27:14]
Advice for Aspiring Beauty and Business Professionals
Tamara’s Wisdom for Gen Z & Young Talent:
- “Trust the process.” Strategic experience builds transferable skills, even when you don’t see the connections immediately.
- Curiosity and cross-functional learning are critical (“Go and talk to the person in finance...operations...customer service.”).
- Hard work and humility: “Everyone wants to be CEO...[but] you need to be extremely curious beyond the job that you do.”
Notable Quote:
“When you're younger, like, that's the time to be curious and learn as much as you can...everything you're doing professionally, you should be developing some type of transferable skills.”
— Tamara Watkins (28:08)
[28:07 - 30:47]
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- “Beauty is supposed to be the safe space. It's supposed to be inviting to as many people that want to come and sit and hang out and bring positive energy.” — Tamara Watkins (20:41)
- “You have one chance really to resonate with, with customers…it’s not a come back later.” — Tamara Watkins (23:16)
- “As a consumer, it does hit when…if it’s a good product, it doesn’t really matter the time frame because if I need it, I need it, and I'm going to keep buying it all year.” — Dr. Ekta (24:01)
- “You need to put in the work. You need to be extremely curious.” — Tamara Watkins (30:09)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:54 – Tamara’s career journey, inspiration, digital marketing roots
- 07:00 – The founding story of Buttah Skin & Dorian Renaud’s influence
- 10:42 – Importance of formulating for hyperpigmentation concerns
- 12:11 – Product spotlight: Tea Tree & Aloe Exfoliating Scrub
- 13:44 – Product spotlight: Eye cream applicator innovation
- 16:06 – How Buttah maintains authenticity in marketing
- 18:17 – Real team diversity and approaching inclusivity authentically
- 21:07 – The deep product development process and launch philosophy
- 26:05 – Sneak peek into future body care offerings
- 28:07 – Career advice for young professionals & entrepreneurs
Episode Tone & Style
The conversation is candid, inspiring, and down-to-earth, blending personal storytelling with actionable business insight. Both Ekta and Tamara speak openly about the challenges and opportunities in beauty, with warmth, humor, and a deep commitment to inclusivity and community.
For more on Buttah Skin: [@buttahskin on Instagram]
For more from Skin Anarchy: [@skincareanarchy on Instagram]