Jenn is testing a new tubing mascara and there’s lots of news to cover: the official scent of Barbie’s house (it’s not what we expected); the skin-friendly makeup line that got a Shark Tank investment; Dries Van Noten’s new beauty collection; and the rising cost of perfume. Plus, if you want to share your Raise A Wand product on the podcast, take notes from this week’s listener; her perfume recommendation was downright poetic. Episode links and sponsor promo codes: fatmascara.com/blog Shop the p...
Mar 16, 2022•29 min
Cosmetic dentist Brian Kantor, DDS, walks us through the most advanced ways to fix a gummy smile, straighten crooked teeth, brighten yellowing enamel, and more. Plus, we talk about potential problems with mail-order braces, how to prevent bad breath, and why your ceramicist matters as much as your dentist if you want veneers that look natural. It’s Cosmetic Dentistry 101—and you’re invited! Episode links and sponsor promo codes: fatmascara.com/blog Shop the products mentioned on this episode: sh...
Mar 11, 2022•44 min
You can dye your own eyebrows (Jenn tried it), and there’s a new (not FDA-approved, but very promising!) reef-friendly sunscreen ingredient debuting this spring. But the headline that really got us talking: Beauty brand Eos wants you to mail in your pubic hair to help the environment. Let’s discuss that, shall we? We’re also talking about price increases at e.l.f. Cosmetics, Jay-Z getting paid for an (unsuccessful) fragrance launch, and a liquid-gold moisturizer one of our listeners can’t live w...
Mar 09, 2022•28 min
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the “skinification” of hair and the importance of scalp health, so we asked dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, to help us sift through the chatter. She explains how hair follicles work, how to treat conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, and shares the truth about controversial shampoo and styling ingredients such as sulfates, silicones, and castor oil. Plus, she answers one of our most popular listener questions: Why does my scalp hurt when...
Mar 04, 2022•46 min
Do you expect beauty products with French names to be made in France? What about L.A. Looks hair products: Are they created in California? A new lawsuit questions L’Oréal Paris’s provenance and makes us rethink a marketing tactic the beauty industry has relied on for years. Plus: John Paul Mitchell’s new spokesperson, the latest celebrity skincare line, a playlist that lets you experience fragrance through sound, and new research explaining why some languages use the same word for blue and green...
Mar 02, 2022•36 min
Gwen Stefani reveals that having her family “torn apart” seven years ago led her on a new path and inspired her to create the makeup line, GXVE, which launches March 3. She tells us that her naivety in the ’90s helped her develop her music, and explains how her youth in Anaheim, California, inspired her style (and some of the looks she’s been criticized for); why she thinks there are a lot of women her age who feel ignored by the beauty industry; and why she still believes the magic’s in the mak...
Feb 25, 2022•47 min
The Ordinary goes pro-sulfate and we discuss: If sulfates aren’t that bad, why have so many companies removed them from their shampoos? Plus, New York Fashion Week beauty trends (are we really doing skinny brows again?); an interesting report from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Donni Davy’s Euphoria -inspired makeup line; perfumes that smell like french fries and Tim Tams; and Jenn tries to get Jess excited about fibroblasts in the Science Corner. Episode reca...
Feb 24, 2022•33 min
Do scented candles bother dogs? Are essential oils dangerous for cats? And what should you do if your pet has skin, hair, or nail problems? Veterinarian dermatologist Dr. Joya Griffin, the star of National Geographic’s Pop Goes The Vet , tells us what it’s like to treat the skin, hair, and nails of polar bears, pigs, pocket pets, and more. Plus, we talk about Jenn’s hairless dog, Jess’s longhaired cat, some of the medical mysteries Dr. Griffin has solved—and what she really thinks when she sees ...
Feb 18, 2022•47 min
Lots to discuss in the beauty world: America Ferrera’s gorgeous CoverGirl campaign; more fashion labels getting into beauty; and Atelier Cologne hitting pause in the United States. Plus, sales of clinical skincare, fragrance, and cream blush are up, and we have a few recommendations for natural-looking blushes, several of which come from a listener (hey, Whitney!) who also tells us about the best blush brush for liquids and creams. Episode recap and sponsor promo codes: fatmascara.com/blog Shop ...
Feb 16, 2022•27 min
Why do fake noses win Oscars? Makeup and hair designer Nadia Stacey, who just received an Academy Award nomination for Cruella , has some thoughts! She talks to Jenn about her career and creative influences, her process for designing a character's look, how she does her historical research, her 2022 Oscar predictions—and the reason she thinks she’d be best friends with Caroline Hirons. Episode recap and sponsor promo codes: fatmascara.com/blog Shop the products mentioned on this episode: shopmys...
Feb 11, 2022•49 min
We’re finding joy everywhere: in the scent that makes middle school students feel less anxious, in new upcycled skincare ingredients, and, most importantly, we’re finding joy in the good fortune of others! Plus, we salute a new campaign to raise awareness for the CROWN Act, and then talk about Martha Stewart’s TikTok debut, the face tint that’s like a filter in a bottle, and a French pharmacy exfoliator that feels like a delicious face cream. Episode recap and sponsor promo codes: fatmascara.com...
Feb 09, 2022•28 min
Matthew Herman talks with Jess about what inspired him and co-founder David Kien to create Boy Smells, a buzzy brand that makes "genderful" candles, perfumes, and underwear. Matthew, a former fashion designer for brands like Proenza Schouler and Nasty Gal, shares the story of his fragrance company’s mega-rise during the pandemic, tells us about the time collaborator Kacey Musgraves popped up in his DMs, and explains why beauty is embracing gender inclusivity better than the fashion industry. Epi...
Feb 04, 2022•43 min
We share the story behind Angel perfume and discuss the influence it still has on today’s fragrances, in memory of Thierry Mugler. Before that: Emma Thompson on nudity in her 60s and plastic surgery; Julia Fox’s eyeliner; Tessa Thompson's Armani campaign; schmancy household cleaners from Courtney Cox; and why we’re all worried about body odor and bad breath. Plus, a listener shares the vitamin C serum that’s actually a joy to use, and we raise a wand to a purse-worthy vegan hand cream and a hair...
Feb 02, 2022•39 min
Colorist Jenna Perry tells us how her salon became the go-to spot for “hot girl hair” and explains the techniques she uses to paint the hair of Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid, and Rosie Huntington-Whitely. Plus, she shares her thoughts on trends like “expensive brunette” and “mushroom blonde,” talks about her favorite beauty products (including the best color-depositing conditioner), and names the best places in New York City for lash lifts, facials, lymphatic massage, Botox, and brows. Episode ...
Jan 28, 2022•42 min
How do you fix varicose veins on your legs? Jess shares her experience getting endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and a microphlebectomy, and explains why varicose veins are different than spider veins, the symptoms, treatments (some may be covered by medical insurance), and what healing has been like for her. (Warning: She explains the details of her procedure, so you may want to skip that part if you’re squeamish.) Before that, we discuss price increases at The Ordinary; Goop’s Hands Off My Vagin...
Jan 26, 2022•46 min
Author (and sideshow performer!) Ilise S. Cater shares the fascinating history of makeup in the U.S.A., from Martha Washington’s multipurpose rouge made with whale earwax to the “Because You’re Worth It” era of the 1970s, when “makeup learned to talk feminism.” Along the way, we’ll meet the first celebrity influencer, find out if the suffragettes actually wore red lipstick, learn how Hollywood—and film itself—influenced the beauty landscape, and hear the rags-to-riches tales of some of America’s...
Jan 21, 2022•51 min
Jenn had an at-home hair color breakthrough, Jess talked to Cher (!), and there's so much more to chat about, including industry news, Kate Hudson’s foray into skincare, and Neen, a subscription-model makeup line from Jeanine Lobell, the founder of Stila. Plus, we Raise A Wand to a foundation that covers the flaky side effects of Accutane (isotretinoin), the German pharmacy foot cream that heals super-dry feet, and the only moisturizer that works when your rosacea is flaring and even water sting...
Jan 19, 2022•32 min
Josie Maran is the only CEO we know who rode a horse bareback (while naked) for work, started a band with Nicole Richie, starred in a vampire movie, and created a multimillion-dollar beauty business after a chance encounter with a dewy-skinned septuagenarian in Saint-Tropez. She’s here to share those stories and more, including how she cured her stepdaughter’s eczema without pharmaceuticals and why she appointed her mom Chief Aesthetic Officer of her company (cheesecake may have something to do ...
Jan 12, 2022•49 min
Welcome to the future! We’re talking about the most promising beauty finds at the Consumer Electronics Show, including a gadget to make at-home hair coloring easier, a smart fragrance device that packs 100 possible perfumes into one bottle, and a toothbrush with a camera (do we really need that?). Plus, there’s lots of news to catch up on, including a law that requires Tennessee salon workers to get domestic violence training; Chanel's new (more sustainable) beauty line; and, in Jenn's Science C...
Jan 11, 2022•30 min
Dermatological surgeon Dr. Dendy Engelman is here to demystify topical anti-agers and explain how retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and acids work. Plus, she offers real talk on which ingredients are truly, scientifically harmful and which are simply vilified by the interwebs. This episode features a new introduction but the interview originally aired in 2018. We’ll be back January 11 with all new episodes! Links and sponsors: fatmascara.com/blog Shop the products mentioned on this episode: htt...
Jan 07, 2022•47 min
Ease into the new year with Shrankhla Holecek, the founder of Uma. She shares how Ayurveda has always been part of her life and offers simple ways we can all make it part of ours, including dry brushing, tongue scraping, and navel therapy oils. This episode features a new introduction but the interview originally aired in June, 2019. We’ll be back January 11 with all new episodes for 2022! Links and sponsors: fatmascara.com/blog Shop the products mentioned on this episode: shopmyshelf.us/collect...
Dec 31, 2021•41 min
We’re wrapping up 2021 with the nicest (and naughtiest) moments in the beauty world this year. Pour a glass of your favorite beverage and settle in for our annual tradition, where we cheer the movements, products, people, and brands we loved—and jeer the news, trends, and shenanigans we’d rather not see again in 2022. Links and sponsors: fatmascara.com/blog Shop the products mentioned on this episode: shopmyshelf.us/collections/30006 Private Facebook Group: Fat Mascara Raising a Wand Social medi...
Dec 24, 2021•41 min
We’re winding down the year with glowy skin, an Emily in Paris watch party, and a lively week in the beauty world! In the news: beauty takes on And Just Like That (the Sex and the City reboot); Elon Musk’s new haircut; money pieces, the not-so-new hair color trend; camels getting Botox; and new research showing pollution tans your skin just like the sun. Plus, Jenn reviews the DiamonGlow facial and we invite you to join us for an Emily in Paris watch party on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 10 PM EST, the...
Dec 21, 2021•37 min
Born in Mexico City to a family of aesthetes, Rodrigo Flores-Roux was destined to be a perfumer. He reminisces about his fragrance-loving grandmothers, his training in Versailles, and the more than 500 perfumes he’s created—including Clinique Happy and Arquiste Misfit, the Fragrance Foundation’s 2021 Indie Fragrance of the Year. Plus, we talk about the future of perfumery and how he and his colleagues at Givaudan, in New York City, are developing new aroma ingredients using upcycling techniques....
Dec 17, 2021•59 min
Journalist Darian Symoné Harvin is Jenn’s guest co-host this week! She shares her beauty philosophy and her analysis of the week’s beauty news: Lush stops advertising on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, citing mental-health concerns; a California man files the first lawsuit based on the CROWN Act; Chrissy Teigen gets eyebrow transplants; bed bugs (!) invade the Science Corner; and more. Plus, Jenn & Darian discuss whether posthumous makeup collaborations are disrespectful and Raise...
Dec 14, 2021•45 min
Comedian Emma Vernon, host of Perfume Room and one of our favorite #perfumetok follows ( @emma_vern ), shares stories inspired by her scent collection, including her adventures as a late bloomer in love and the seductive perfume that changed it all. We also talk about high-low fragrance dupes; the reason big, white florals don’t belong on tweens; and the $7 scent she’s currently obsessed with. Plus, we'll be hanging with Emma on her podcast, Perfume Room ( @perfumeroompod ) next week—follow her ...
Dec 10, 2021•45 min
Artificial nails have come a long way, from the late Middle Ages (their first appearance) to the Lee Press On Nails of the 1980s. We share their history, then celebrate the current revival and tell you about some of the best press-on nails we’ve tried. Before that, lots of news to discuss, including the Machine Gun Kelly PR blitz for his new nail polish line; big changes at Proactiv; Galderma’s purchase of Alastin; a new beauty column from Linda Wells; and details on a fascinating exhibit of Aga...
Dec 07, 2021•33 min
We went back through all our interviews, called up some of our favorite former guests, and compiled a list of the absolute best bargain beauty buys. We’re sharing the must-have mascaras, hair masks, sunscreens, body lotions, and more from makeup artists like Mario Dedivanovic and Daniel Martin, hair stylists Ashley Streicher, Harry Josh, and Sally Hershberger—and tons of other makeup artists, hair stylists, dermatologists, influencers, and celebrities. Best of all, everything is under $15! This ...
Dec 03, 2021•33 min
Why do hair brands sell different products to men and women? How can we make the beauty world less intimidating? And why is everyone so scared of styling mousse? Hairstylist David Lopez has answers to those questions and more. Plus, he shares his technique for creating effortless waves on (almost) any hair texture, the best concealer for men and makeup novices, and behind-the-scenes secrets from the Queer Eye casting process. This episode features a new introduction, but the interview previously...
Nov 30, 2021•48 min
Dermatologist Iris Rubin, MD, realized hair products were causing her acne, so she created Seen, a line of skin-caring haircare. We discuss that and so much more: her career as a pediatric laser surgeon, whether silicone’s bad reputation is deserved, and how common household and personal care products can cause things like migraines, rashes, and more. Links and sponsors: fatmascara.com/blog Shop the products mentioned on this episode: shopmyshelf.us/collections/27536 Private Facebook Group: Fat ...
Nov 26, 2021•43 min
