mindbodygreen Beauty Refresh Awards 2024: Our 5 Favorite Conscious Creators 

Beauty is a means for connection, you may have heard us say once or twice. I can't count the number of times I've asked someone a question as banal as What's your go-to regimen? only to wind up discussing their last breakup or favorite memory with their mom. Beauty creates community—it's only fitting we highlight those who have shaped our own. 

Ford is known for breaking down buzzy product launches ingredient by ingredient so you can confidently answer the question Do I really need this? Not to mention, he's been a trusted source for mbg ingredient deep dives and trend reports for years. (Fun fact: Clean Beauty School was the very first podcast interview he ever agreed to!) 

"I've been a huge fan of Javon's ever since I first saw one of his formula breakdown videos on TikTok. The way he explained the nuances of chemistry with such ease had me transfixed from the start. I reached out to him shortly after, and after speaking to him for the podcast that I host, I can say he's even more charming, kind, and knowledgeable than he seems on his videos," says our beauty director and podcast host Alexandra Engler. 

In our era of "clean girl" and "sad beige" aesthetics, Parsons is like a breath of fresh air. With her commitment to old Hollywood glamour, she's the perfect example of a unique creator making waves: Most of us fall victim to trending whatever seems "current," but Parsons has a genuine passion for makeup history that serves the ultimate eye candy.   

"Parsons is a modern-day legend—not only has her work graced the pages of the biggest glossies and worked with the top models and designers, but she's made a refreshingly unique niche for herself in the social media landscape," says Engler. 

I remember the first time I worked with Newman back in 2021 (mbg was actually one of his first press relationships, he mentioned back then). As one of TikTok's resident hair experts, renowned for trying his hand at buzzy trends and testing viral products on his own wavy mane, I was champing at the bit to snag his thoughts on summer color trends. 

It was an interview that reminded me why I fell in love with beauty journalism in the first place—we talked about hair color transformations, yes, but we also discussed the implications of hairstyling on mental health and the importance of relishing in the journey. Beauty contains a spectrum of emotions, and Newman is someone who brings me so much joy. 

As beauty editors, we're lucky enough to have access to top dermatologists and skin experts, so believe me when I say, I trust whatever Henry tells me to put on my face. Plenty of other colleagues feel the exact same—she's beloved among the editor set—and she regularly drops gems of beauty knowledge on programs like Good Morning America and Today. Suffice it to say, we practically sprint to her with any and all skin care queries (both personal and professional).