Fat Mascara - podcast cover

Fat Mascara

Jennifer Sullivan & Jessica Matlinwww.fatmascara.com
Beauty journalists Jessica Matlin and Jennifer G. Sullivan have insider access to the industry and they’re not gatekeeping. On Wednesdays, they talk candidly about beauty news, cultural trends, and the latest products and treatments. On Fridays, they get their high-profile guests to open up about their relationship to Beauty Culture and the inner workings of the industry. Join the duo that pioneered the beauty podcast for a smart, funny, totally unfiltered discussion of all things beauty on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Episodes

Ep. 296: Help for Droopy Eyelids & The Week’s Beauty News

If you have tired, sleepy-looking eyes, we’ve got help! We’re taking a closer look at a new prescription eye drop for ptosis (drooping eyelids) and sharing other tricks to give saggy lids a lift, including a genius makeup tip that really works. Plus, lots of news to discuss: the trouble with doctors on TikTok; a new trend called “lip wings”; paying for Botox with Bitcoin; important sunscreen news for summer travel; Lizzo’s partnership with Dove to fight digital photo distortion; and more. -- For...

Apr 27, 202139 minEp. 296

Ep. 295: Happy Earth Day + Interview (Replay) with Michelle Wong of Lab Muffin

We've got a quick announcement about Earth Day and our virtual party, then it's on to the interview (a replay): Lab Muffin creator and science educator Michelle Wong, PhD, is going to change the way you think about beauty products. Together, we take a closer look at the clean-beauty movement, discuss the racist and colorist history of skin-lightening products, discuss how to evaluate user reviews for authenticity, and learn how to avoid confirmation bias so we can be better beauty consumers. -- ...

Apr 22, 202132 minEp. 295

Ep. 294: Join Us for an Earth Day Party! + Interview (Replay) with Caroline Hirons

We’re hosting a virtual Earth Day party this Thursday and we want to tell you all about it (It’s free! And there's an amazing gift for all attendees!). After that, we’re replaying an interview with one of our favorite guests, Caroline Hirons. The skincare expert, aesthetician, and best-selling author gives us her no-nonsense take on “clean” beauty, INCI lists, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the beauty industry patriarchy, myths about pores, acid solutions, hyaluronic acid, and so much mo...

Apr 20, 202131 minEp. 294

Ep. 293: All About Soap with Chris Buckley of Bradford Soap Works

You'll never look at a bar of soap the same way again after listening to this episode. Chris Buckley, the executive vice president of customer experience for Bradford Soap Works, explains how soap is made, why some bars feel more luxurious than others, and what on earth a "syndet" bar is (and why dermatologists love them). Also, Buckley gets into the soap world's impact on the environment, and how companies' and consumers' choices have an impact on the state of our planet. All this, and lots mor...

Apr 15, 202149 minEp. 293

Ep. 292: Solid Shampoo Bars & The Week’s Beauty News

We’re joined this week by our intern/Southern correspondent Valerie, who kicks off the episode with her favorite product—a skincare tonic that keeps her skin bouncy as a Squishmallow. This week’s big topic: solid shampoo bars. We know they’re good for the environment, but how do you actually use them? Prepare to be surprised, because we’ve been doing it wrong this whole time. Before that, loads of beauty news to discuss: Estée Lauder Companies is winding down Rodin Olio Lusso; Kim Kardashian is ...

Apr 13, 202133 minEp. 292

Ep. 291: The Future of Skin Cancer Treatment with Dr. Orit Markowitz

How do you know if a mole is cancerous or not? What does blue light do to your skin? Do all skin cancers need to be cut out? Dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD, the founder of OptiSkin, is here to answers all those questions and tell us about the latest (noninvasive!) advancements in skin cancer treatment—many of which she pioneered. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/fatmascara ; Episode recap: fatmascara.com/blog ; Our private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara / Raising a Wa...

Apr 08, 202143 minEp. 291

Ep 290: Retinol Body Lotions & The Week’s Beauty News

We’re sharing some of the best retinol body lotions and dermatologist tips on how to use the—just in time for your legs and arms to come out of hiding. Plus, lots of news in the beauty world: China may ban the use of cannabis in beauty products; there’s an antibacterial “COVID perfume”; Skinceuticals launched a new vitamin C serum; we discuss Gwyneth Paltrow’s sunscreen-application technique (Jenn thinks she’s trolling us); and more. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/...

Apr 06, 202131 minEp. 290

Ep. 289: How Makeup Can Be Therapeutic with Euphoria Makeup Artist Doniella Davy

Film and television makeup designer Donni Davy explains how embracing makeup improved her mental health and shares how her background in art and photography informed her creative process for Euphoria , The Underground Railroad , Moonlight , and other projects. Plus, she shares tricks for doing “grown-up” versions of Euphoria's most popular makeup looks and tips for getting out of a beauty rut. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/fatmascara ; Episode recap: fatmascara.co...

Apr 01, 202147 minEp. 289

Ep. 288: How We Talk About Fragrance & The Week’s Beauty News

Floral, woody, fresh, fruity…Oriental? We spoke to fragrance experts who say it’s time to update the way we talk about and classify perfumes. Before that, lots of news to discuss: A new tubing mascara from Blinc; SkinStore estimates how much we'll spend on skincare in a lifetime; why radiant skin makes you look up to three years younger; advancements in the deregulation of the braiding industry; and a new study that shows a link between topical steroids and osteoporosis. -- For a list of product...

Mar 30, 202129 minEp. 288

Ep. 287: The Truth About Hair Products with Sister Scientist

Can you become immune to a shampoo? Is silicone really that bad? Do you actually need a heat protectant? Cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas, aka @SisterScientist, is here to answer all those questions, demystify the confusing world of hair products, and share some of her favorite stylers, treatments, shampoos, and more. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/fatmascara ; Episode recap: fatmascara.com/blog ; Our private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara / Raising a Wand ; Instagram: ...

Mar 25, 202153 minEp. 287

Ep. 286: Rose Water’s Benefits & The Week’s Beauty News

Welcome to our garden party! We’ll tell you why rose water is so great for skin (in a segment sponsored by Crabtree & Evelyn). Before that, we dig into the latest beauty news: racism against the AAPI community and what the beauty world can do; an animal-testing ban in Virginia; the fake online beauty retailer that helps domestic abuse victims; a gin byproduct that’s getting upcycled into beauty products; and new research that explains why odors trigger memories. Plus, Jess shares behind-the-...

Mar 23, 202138 minEp. 286

Ep. 285: How to Have Freshly Loved Skin with Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff

Makeup artist Pati Dubroff works with celebrities such as Margot Robbie, Priyanka Chopra, and Laura Dern, and she's here to explain why prepping your skin with love makes you look even better—and why she does *not* want to be called a “celebrity makeup artist.” Plus, she shares the story of her extraordinary career and insider knowledge of what it’s like to work with artist management agencies and be on contract with a beauty brand. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/f...

Mar 18, 202150 minEp. 285

Ep. 284: Lash Extension Robots & The Week’s Beauty News

The robots are coming…to apply your eyelash extensions! We’re talking about the new lash technology from LUUM and discussing the latest news: makeup artist Sarah Tanno’s line of beauty organizers; Garnier’s cruelty-free seal; David Yi's Good Light Beauty skincare launch; and an eco-friendlier source of ethanol for perfume. Plus, Unilever bans the word “normal” from its personal-care products, so we're contemplating more inclusive terms that could be used to describe different types of skin and h...

Mar 16, 202127 minEp. 284

Ep. 283: Going High Tech *And* DIY with Naked Beauty’s Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli

Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli shares what she’s learned hosting her podcast, Naked Beauty; the best products her listeners have recommended; the secret ingredient in her DIY body oil; and so much more. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/fatmascara ; Episode recap: fatmascara.com/blog ; Our private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara / Raising a Wand ; Instagram: @fatmascara , @jessicamatlin , @jenn_edit ; Email: info@fatmascara.com ; To submit a "Raise A Wand" product recommendation...

Mar 11, 202140 minEp. 283

Ep. 282: Jess is Back, Slugging Alternatives & The Week’s Beauty News

After a brief hiatus, Jess is back in the (virtual) studio! We’re talking about the difference between emollients, humectants, and occlusives—and why “slugging” might not be the best way to hydrate your skin. Plus, we discuss the latest beauty news: a re-brand at KVD Beauty, promising updates in vegan beauty, new fragrances from Boy Smells, and Jonah Hill...the body-positive icon we need right now. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/fatmascara ; Episode recap: fatmasca...

Mar 09, 202132 minEp. 282

Ep. 281: Ask a Gynecologist with Dr. Manuela Vazquez

OB-GYN Dr. Manuela Vazquez, founder of the wellness brand LaMaria, is here to answer all of your questions: How do hormonal changes affect your appearance? Does birth control make you more susceptible to skin damage? Do you need special products to clean your vulva? What’s the difference between moisturizers and lubricants? Are freckles down there normal? What percentage of people groom their pubic hair? What’s hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and how do you know if you need it? And so much mor...

Mar 04, 202144 minEp. 281

Ep. 280: Under-Eye Issues & The Week's Beauty News with Co-Host Charlotte Palermino

Meet your skincare fairy godmother, Charlotte Palermino, aka @charlotteparler, the co-founder of Dieux Skin—and our final guest co-host before Jess is back! We talk about whether “skin purging” is really a thing, the best ways to treat eye bags and crow’s feet, our favorite antioxidant serums and sunscreens, and more. Plus, we discuss the news: how the beauty community is responding to the rise of anti-Asian violence in the United States; Glow Recipe banning the terms “poreless” and “flawless” i...

Mar 02, 202146 minEp. 280

Ep. 279: How Michael Anthony Creates Pop’s Most Iconic Makeup Looks

Meet Michael Anthony, the makeup artist responsible for Ariana Grande’s floating white eyeliner in the “Rain on Me” video, Katy Perry’s punk-princess look, and Rita Ora’s retro-glam makeup in countless photo shoots. In this interview, he shares how he got his start at a MAC store, snagged an agent, and became one of beauty's most influential creatives. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to become a makeup artist or learn what goes on behind the scenes in the beauty and entertainment indu...

Feb 25, 202149 minEp. 279

Ep. 278 Skincare Devices & The Week’s Beauty News with Co-Host Felicia Walker of ThisThatBeauty

Skincare and beauty expert Felicia Walker, the founder of ThisThatBeauty, reveals the skin gadgets that actually work, her favorite bargain mascara, a miracle hair cream made with Chébé from Chad, and more. Plus, she and Jenn discuss the latest beauty news, including the future of fashion shows, Jada Pinkett Smith’s new personal-care line, and the reason you should think twice before making your own rice-water hair rinse. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/fatmascara ;...

Feb 23, 202144 minEp. 278

Ep 277: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Candles with Louis Hotchkiss

Candlemaker Louis Hotchkiss, the president of KOBO candles, is here to answer all of your candle questions: Which waxes are best? How do you prevent a candle from “tunneling”? Why do some wick tips form a mushroom shape after they burn? What’s “hot throw” versus “cold throw”? All that and more. Light up your favorite candle and join us for this fascinating interview. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Episode Recaps & Products Mentioned: fatmascara.com/blog ; Our Private Facebook Group: Fat...

Feb 18, 202142 minEp. 277

Ep. 276: Beauty Bargains and Viral Products with Co-Host Caroline Moss of Gee Thanks, Just Bought It!

The cooling drugstore face mask that’s better than slugging; the bargain hot tool that delivers a salon-like blowout; and an at-home toner that fixes brassy hair—writer Caroline Moss, host of the Gee Thanks, Just Bought It! podcast, is here to share her best beauty discoveries and discuss why certain products “go viral.” Plus, in Jenn’s Science Corner: making perfumes with artificial intelligence and anti-inflammaging parasites that could benefit your skin. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Ep...

Feb 16, 202145 minEp. 276

Ep. 275: Jessica Alba Gets Honest With Us

What keeps Jessica Alba up at night? You’ll be surprised. The actress and founder of Honest Company opens up about the Hollywood machine and how it works, and tells us what her WFH setup looks like, how her company’s concept of clean beauty has evolved, and why oversimplifying the science of product formulation can be problematic. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Episode Recaps & Products Mentioned: fatmascara.com/blog ; Our Private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara / Raising a Wand ; Instagram...

Feb 11, 202145 minEp. 275

Ep. 274: Bridgerton Hair and Beauty News with Co-Host Kathleen Hou from The Cut

Guest co-host Kathleen Hou, the beauty director of New York Magazine ’s The Cut, is here to analyze the hair on Bridgerton ; discuss the week’s beauty news (Dolly Parton’s fragrance! Eco-friendly beauty sponges!); and talk about her job, her favorite beauty tips, and some of her go-to products—including the best tubing mascaras for straight lashes. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Episode Recaps & Products Mentioned: fatmascara.com/blog ; Our Private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara / Raising ...

Feb 09, 202141 minEp. 274

Ep. 273: How Special-Effects Teeth Are Made for Movies

Dental technician Gary Archer has made specialized teeth for hundreds of movies and TV shows, including Austin Powers , PEN15 , The Wolf of Wall Street , Mrs. Doubtfire , Interview with the Vampire , and more. He explains how he collaborates with Special FX makeup artists to create a character's look and tells us which movie smiles he’s made that you probably didn’t realize were fake. Plus, he shares stories from his work with actors like Kirsten Dunst, Tom Hanks, Adam Sandler, and others. -- Wa...

Feb 04, 202147 minEp. 273

Ep. 272: Lip Balm Addiction, Vaccines and Fillers & The Week’s Beauty News

Can you get addicted to lip balm? We’re sharing the definitive answer from an expert—but, tbh, we’ll probably ask again next year. Plus, we talked to a dermatologist about why a few people with cosmetic fillers had allergic reactions after getting their COVID-19 vaccine. And there’s lots of beauty news to discuss: animal-testing progress; Unilever’s social-equality goals; a teledermatology report card; and a new way to predict when your hair will go gray. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Epis...

Feb 02, 202135 minEp. 272

Ep. 271: Trinny Woodall on Evolving Your Look

Style expert Trinny Woodall is a master of transformations—and her life is no exception. In this interview (which she recorded in her closet!), she talks about starting her beauty business, Trinny London; how to approach change so it’s less scary; and what she’s learned about beauty from years of hosting What Not To Wear . -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Episode Recaps & Notes: fatmascara.com/blog ; Our Private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara / Raising a Wand ; Instagram: @fatmascara , @jess...

Jan 28, 202149 minEp. 271

Ep. 270: Essential Oils, Protein Treatments & The Week’s Beauty News

So, you’ve got some essential oils…what are you supposed to do with them? We have tips from an aromatherapy expert. We’re also talking about new protein treatments for your hair—and whether or not you actually need them. And there’s lots of beauty news to discuss: L’Oréal’s ban on animal-hair brushes; Thirteen Lune, a site featuring beauty brands from Black and Brown founders; Jonathan Van Ness’s new hair line; high-end sexual wellness products; and more. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Epis...

Jan 26, 202130 minEp. 270

Ep. 269: The Art of the Wig with Stylist Kalief Wolfe

Celebrity hairstylist Kalief Wolfe (Ashanti and Winnie Harlow are clients) knows how to make any wig look amazing . Here’s here to share his secrets for a natural-looking install, explain why protecting your lace matters, and reveal the surprising places he finds creative inspiration. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Episode Recaps & Notes: fatmascara.com/blog ; Our Private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara / Raising a Wand ; Instagram: @fatmascara , @jessicamatlin , @jenn_edit ; Twitter: @fatm...

Jan 21, 202140 minEp. 269

Ep. 268: Your Skin Barrier, Help for Sensitive Ears & The Week’s Beauty News

You’ve heard of the skin barrier, but what is it really ? And how can you improve yours? We’ve got answers (in a segment sponsored by StriVectin). Plus, a dermatologist explains why earrings can be irritating—and what you can do about it. And there’s lots of beauty news to discuss: Sephora’s plans to combat racism in retail; the best beauty gadgets from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES); another ridiculous TikTok beauty trend; the Florida fragrance factory that smells so bad locals are filing ...

Jan 19, 202137 minEp. 268

Ep. 267: The (Beauty) Business of Philanthropy with Karissa Bodnar

It’s easy to be cynical about cause-related marketing in the beauty industry—until you listen to this interview with Karissa Bodnar, the CEO of Thrive Causemetics. We talk about why she built philanthropy into her business model, how her company chooses which causes to support and navigates the politics of giving, the product formulations she’s proudest of—and the one product she wishes she could figure out how to invent. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Episode Recaps & Notes: fatmascara...

Jan 14, 202146 minEp. 267
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