There are lots of at-home light therapy gadgets that claim to benefit your skin, but they also raise questions: If red LED light boosts hair growth, what happens when you use it on your face? And if blue light may be problematic when it comes from screens, why are blue LED lights used to treat acne? We’re getting to the bottom of things, with help from dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD. Plus, Jenn tested the Solawave skincare wand with red light therapy and shares her review. Before that, we’v...
Nov 24, 2021•40 min
What makes aloe soothing? How does kigelia extract firm skin? Jennifer Hirsch, a botanist who trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has studied ethnobotany and worked with NGOs to research botanical business diversification for communities around the world. Now, she helps beauty brands bring the power of plants to their products. In this episode, she shares stories from her travels and explains how botanicals like ashwagandha, argan, and cucumber can improve skin and hair—and which herbal s...
Nov 19, 2021•49 min
Jess tells us what Fraxel is really like, and then we chat about the heat-sensitive bottles in Addison Rae’s “science-backed” perfume line; whether makeup value sets are worth their listed prices; the MAC collection from Blackpink’s Lisa; the conclusion of Jay Z’s perfume legal battle; a health warning about biotin supplements; and new scientific research based on Cardi B’s belief that a thottie “never gets cold.” Plus, Jenn & Jess Raise a Wand to their (current) favorite skin-musk scents an...
Nov 16, 2021•37 min•Ep. 354
Hairstylist Mara Roszak booked her first celebrity client when she was just 17 (her mom had to drive her to the job!), and she’s been working steadily ever since, with clients like Emma Stone, Zoe Saldana, Natalie Portman, and Cara Delevingne. In this interview, she shares how she got her start, anecdotes from the set, the story behind her line, Rōz, and the products she stocks in her kit—and at her salon, Mare. Links and sponsors: fatmascara.com/blog Shop the products mentioned on this episode:...
Nov 13, 2021•52 min•Ep. 353
Find out which hair supplement is the most popular in the world, the countries where "wings" are in demand and “The Rachel” still rules, the curly-hair brand that everyone’s obsessed with, and more, as we did into a report on the hottest hair trends of the year. Plus: RFLCT, the blue-light skincare line, is officially cancelled; NFTs continue to invade the beauty space, Lisa Eldridge launches a pop-up, and a listener shares her no-fail trick for falling asleep quickly. Links and sponsors: fatmas...
Nov 09, 2021•32 min•Ep. 352
Pornography has everything to do with sex, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect what people find attractive, says Cindy Gallop, ad executive, brand leader, entrepreneur, and founder of social sextech platform MakeLoveNotPorn. In this conversation, she talks to Jess about the false expectations the adult-film industry has set up in terms of body image; the homogeneous, often surgically altered, look of the actors in mainstream porn; how the beauty industry has flirted with the language of porn; the...
Nov 05, 2021•46 min•Ep. 351
If your skin texture is uneven because of acne scars, we can help! Two dermatologists offer their tips and advice—including some things you can do at home. Plus, we’re talking about skincare designed to help with blue light damage: Do you really need it? Streamer and YouTube creator Rachell “Valkyrae” Hofstetter’s fans certainly don’t think so. And there’s lots of other news to discuss: a nail-painting robot, Prada’s virtual fragrance model, a Davines campaign to help remove ocean plastic, caree...
Nov 02, 2021•35 min•Ep. 350
What we buy reveals a lot about who we are, says comedian-writer-director Kulap Vilaysack and journalist SuChin Pak, the hosts of the Add to Cart podcast. They talk to Jenn about double-cleansing, the environmental impact (and guilt) of consumerism, why SuChin still has makeup from her MTV days, and what Kulap uses to get skin like a “damp mochi ball.” Plus, Ku shares the reason she decided to grow out her gray hair and Su explains why she bought 18 types of sleeping pills on a recent trip to Fr...
Oct 29, 2021•59 min•Ep. 349
We’ve got a makeup-artist-approved list of the best eyeliners that won’t smudge, smear, transfer, travel, change color, or make you look like a raccoon by lunchtime—along with tips for extra liner longevity from makeup artist Sarah Uslan. Before that, lots of beauty news to chat about: Another benzene recall (and a reminder of what benzene is and why it keeps popping up in personal care products); combs made of neem wood and the new Augustinus Bader hair line; why Jay-Z is going to court for a p...
Oct 26, 2021•41 min•Ep. 348
In this special episode, brought to you ad-free by Ulta Beauty, skin therapist Vanessa Copeland explains what’s really going on during a facial, how to get all those complexion benefits at home, and which products will help you unlock your skin’s potential. We discuss LED light therapy, dermaplaning, ultrasonic skin spatulas, how facials can help acne sufferers, the benefits of (gentle!) exfoliation, and so much more. -- Our sponsor Ulta Beauty is now offering skin services at select locations. ...
Oct 22, 2021•43 min•Ep. 347
We discuss rusty social skills and how to comment (or not?) on someone’s appearance. Plus, Jenn made a DIY linen spray, we have three “Raise A Wand” suggestions for sensitive skin, and there’s lots of news to chat about: the future of fragrance at Parfums Christian Dior and Estée Lauder Companies; Tula Skincare’s beautiful PSA-style campaign; and changes to California’s training requirements for cosmetologists, hair stylists, and barbers. Links and sponsors: fatmascara.com/blog Shop the products...
Oct 19, 2021•35 min•Ep. 346
Harvey Karp, MD, is a rock star pediatrician and child-development expert. In this episode, Jess interviews Dr. Karp, the CEO of the smart-tech company Happiest Baby and the creator of the Snoo, a crib designed to keep babies safe and help parents and infants get more sleep. They have a frank conversation about parenting and the exhaustion that comes with it, how today's social structure and the loss of “the village” has changed the way we raise children, postpartum depression, self care, and ho...
Oct 15, 2021•47 min•Ep. 345
How do you get a brighter smile if you have really sensitive teeth? We share answers from dentist Lisa Creaven and tell you which tooth-whitening products won’t leave you drooling everywhere in pain. Before that, let’s dig into the beauty news: Ellen DeGeneres’ skincare line; Goop’s supplement to “support women’s sexual desire”; By Kilian’s perfume collab with French Montana; the perfect candle for tailgating; and, in Jess’s Animal House, details on two cruelty-free beauty companies that came to...
Oct 12, 2021•38 min•Ep. 344
Boutique owner Jessica Richards shares her strategy for discovering the new beauty products you won’t be able to live without. Some are “clean,” some are traditional, and many are sustainable, but they’re all must-haves, like the natural bug spray that actually works, the revolutionary hairbrush designed for post-chemo patients, and the women’s “pleasure serum” that she can’t keep in stock at her shop, Shen Beauty. Plus, Jessica discusses the retail trends shaping the beauty industry and offers ...
Oct 08, 2021•59 min•Ep. 343
Like it or not, when celebrities talk about getting cosmetic procedures, they get attention. This week, we discuss the impulse to judge (and danger of judging!) others’ aesthetic choices, and share straightforward information on two procedures that have been in the spotlight: buccal fat removal and CoolSculpting. Plus, Doja Cat’s entrée into beauty; perfumes inspired by video games; a Sour Patch Kids makeup-setting spray (?!); TLC’s medical dermatology show Dr. Mercy ; and the surprising evoluti...
Oct 05, 2021•40 min•Ep. 342
Dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, is here to talk about sensitive skin. In this special episode, brought to you ad-free by our friends at Avène, you’ll learn how to determine if you have sensitive skin and/or skin allergies; when to see a doctor for help; how to prevent flare-ups; what products can help reduce skin sensitivity and improve your barrier function; why fragrance can be problematic for some skin types; and more about Avène and its Tolérance Control collection for hypersensitive skin. Fo...
Oct 01, 2021•36 min•Ep. 341
You can have oily skin that’s dehydrated, but you can have dry skin that’s not dehydrated. Confused? You’re not alone! We’ll explain and help you find products that help with both issues. Before that, let’s talk about Patrick Starr’s fashion line, Chrissy Teigen’s buccal fat removal, how Facebook makes body image worse for teen girls, updates to the animal-testing laws in Europe, and more.. -- For links and sponsors mentioned in this episode: fatmascara.com/blog; To shop the products: myshlf.us/...
Sep 28, 2021•29 min•Ep. 340
Model and nutritionist Maye Musk opens up about ageism in the fashion industry, the evolution of her modeling career, motherhood (and divorce), why it's never too late to prevent sun damage, embracing gray hair, and more. This podcast features a new introduction, but the interview originally aired in January, 2020. (We had planned to release a new interview this week but, as Maye would say, "n boer maak 'n plan." Listen to the episode and that will make sense!) We'll be back to our regular sched...
Sep 24, 2021•27 min•Ep. 339
Nothing says change of season like…new candles! We’ve got scents of granola, chestnuts, apple crisp, and cardamom; some of our listeners’ favorite wicks; and a deep, nerd-level dive into why humans are so drawn to scented candles. Before that, we discuss surgically implanted hair chains; a TerraCycle lawsuit; Met Gala and New York Fashion Week looks; Jennifer Aniston’s new hair line; and the scientist at Nissan known as the “nose” of new car smell. -- For links and sponsors mentioned in this epi...
Sep 21, 2021•42 min•Ep. 338
Mona Kattan is the founder of Kayali Fragrances, and she’s on a quest to build the largest perfume collection in the world. Listen in as she shares the beautiful cultural history of perfume in the Middle East, explains why oud is so enticing (and expensive!), walks us through her private collection, and tells us how she built her brand and found the passion and “founder juice” to make it a success. -- For links and sponsors mentioned in this episode: fatmascara.com/blog ; To shop the products: m...
Sep 17, 2021•51 min•Ep. 337
Are you showering too often? We asked two dermatologists to weigh in on the cultural trend of bathing less frequently and to share some strategies for washing without disrupting our microbiomes. Before that, lots of news to discuss: why Chanel is buying up jasmine fields in France; poet Amanda Gorman’s new role with Estée Lauder; the return of Fashion Fair; Miley Cyrus’s campaign for customizable skincare brand Hers; “euphoric” functional beverages; and, in Jess’s Animal House, some excellent ne...
Sep 14, 2021•43 min•Ep. 336
New York City-based hair stylist and braider Kamilah, aka @mshairandhumor, reveals how she makes the braiding experience better, her favorite products and hair-care tips, and some thoughts on how to improve the licensing process for cosmetologists. The interview originally aired in 2019, but we've included a new intro with updates from Kamilah. We'll be back next week with all new episodes! - For links and sponsors mentioned in this episode: fatmascara.com/blog ; To shop the products: myshlf.us/...
Sep 10, 2021•42 min•Ep. 335
Olive & June CEO and founder Sarah Gibson Tuttle offers invaluable advice to budding entrepreneurs, explains how to find an ethical nail salon, and shares her tricks for DIY manicures. FYI: This episode features a new introduction, but the interview previously aired in July, 2019. We'll be back next week with all new episodes! -- For links and sponsors mentioned in this episode: fatmascara.com/blog ; To shop the products: myshlf.us/fatmascara ; Our private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara Raising...
Sep 07, 2021•41 min•Ep. 334
Actress Lana Condor, star of Netflix’s “To All the Boys” trilogy, opens up about how she learned to prioritize her mental health and the internal work that keeps her feeling good. Plus, we talk about the power of a gratitude journal, how she manages stress (the Olly ambassador says wellness supplements have really helped), and some of her favorite drugstore beauty buys. -- For links and sponsors mentioned in this episode: fatmascara.com/blog ; To shop the products: myshlf.us/fatmascara ; Our pri...
Sep 03, 2021•41 min•Ep. 333
Hyaluronic acid fillers (such as Juvéderm) and neuromodulators (such as Botox) have some surprising benefits—other than the usual stuff like a plumper complexion and fewer wrinkles. Jenn just got injected and she’ll tell you all about it, including the explanation her dermatologist gave for the unexpected improvements. We’re also talking about the viral video that proves how well a Peter Thomas Roth eye cream works on under-eye bags and other news: a $45 nail polish; corporate updates at Shiseid...
Aug 31, 2021•38 min•Ep. 332
We’re talking about good news (Beekman 1802, a beauty brand that’s making kindness part of its mission); bad news (schools with discriminatory policies that require gender-conforming haircuts); and everything in between, including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s line, Rose Inc., Iggy Azalea’s line, Totally Plastic, new research showing attractiveness doesn’t matter as much as you think, and more. -- For links and sponsors mentioned in this episode: fatmascara.com/blog ; To shop the products: myshlf....
Aug 27, 2021•33 min•Ep. 331
Celebrity spray tan artist Jules Von Hep has seen hundreds of very famous people very naked, and his career has turned him into an advocate for body acceptance, mental-health awareness, and, of course, gorgeous skin! On today’s episode, the podcaster and founder of Isle of Paradise opens up about his path to self-acceptance, shares excellent advice for consuming social media in a way that’s productive and positive, and gives us his tips for getting an amazing fake tan, no matter your skin tone o...
Aug 24, 2021•54 min•Ep. 330
Uoma Beauty’s self-proclaimed “weirdo in chief” is here to inspire! She shares the rebellious path she took from teenage beauty entrepreneur in Nigeria to head of her own company, and opens up about the difficulties she faced as a Black woman in the corporate world and why she’s doing things differently now that she’s in charge. Plus, Sharon offers her honest take on the beauty industry’s efforts to become more diverse and inclusive over the past 15 months and explains why she'll continue to fig...
Aug 20, 2021•59 min•Ep. 329
We’re back from our break to tackle a tough question: Which over-the-counter retinoid is right for you? We explain how the skincare ingredients retinal, retinol, and retinyl palmitate work; the difference between them; and why product formulation matters (in a segment sponsored by StriVectin). Before that, Jenn & Jess share life updates and chat about blockbuster perfumes, salons that recycle hair clippings to help the environment, vitamin D news, and more. -- For links and sponsors mentione...
Aug 17, 2021•36 min•Ep. 328
Should you get cosmetic injectables such as Botox or dermal filler? Are at-home skin-devices worth the money? Is it ever okay to pop a pimple? Skincare expert Renée Rouleau answers all those questions and more. We discuss what facials can and can’t do for your complexion, how to find an aesthetician you trust, and which products all her facialist friends swear by. This episode features a new introduction, but the interview previously aired in October, 2019. We'll be back next week with all new e...
Aug 12, 2021•45 min•Ep. 327
