You know we love a quiz, so indulge us while we discuss our recent seasonal color analyses and how much we learned (there's also a Color Guru discount code if you want to get your colors done!). Then, let’s discuss the beauty industry’s dirty secret: Many unused cosmetic formulas get thrown out. Now, one company may have a solution to the problem. Plus, we share the Top 10 perfumes in the U.S.; talk about a new study showing how makeup makes you more attractive; and report on a dermatologist who...
Oct 19, 2022•33 min
What are the skintellectuals putting on their faces? Why is the “clean girl” aesthetic problematic? Is Beauty (with a capital B) becoming more democratic? Marina Mansour, vice president of beauty and wellness for the Gen Z entertainment company Kyra, guides us through the state of beauty for Gen Z (teens and young adults ages 13 - 25 in 2022). Enjoy the sharp trend analysis and helpful beauty advice—but also the glazed-donut nails, glowy sunscreen, and vanilla-scented perfume. Products & peo...
Oct 14, 2022•53 min
What does seeing our own faces all day long mean for the future of makeup application, our mental health, and more? Let’s talk about it. Plus: passport photo makeup; Dove’s study of toxic beauty standards; how perfume made its way into video games; why Dua Lipa is investing in a beauty brand instead of starting one; Ozzy Osbourne’s limited-edition makeup. And thank you to all the listeners who are submitting their fall fragrance recommendations! We’ll share a few. Products & people mentioned...
Oct 12, 2022•32 min
Actress Naomi Watts wants to have a conversation about menopause—and we are here for it! We chat about cultural attitudes toward aging, whether the “last f**kable day” is still a thing, why menopause was a taboo topic for our moms and their moms, and why that needs to change. Plus, she shares the secrets she’s learned to living her best half (aka, the second half of her life); how she’s dealt with all the changes that happen “scalp to vag” before, during, and after menopause; her new brand, Stri...
Oct 07, 2022•42 min
This podcast is for “all the beauties,” as Olivier Rousteing likes to say. We’re talking about his Balmain beauty play; the Gen X and millennial natural brands staging comebacks; Beauty Pie’s new refillable Unlipstick; and our dislike of foundation that’s too sheer (flesh-colored water) & lipstick that’s not comforting (lip-colored water). Plus, let’s raise some wands to two amazing fall fragrances and Hugimals, the weighted stuffed animals we’re obsessed with. Products & people mentione...
Oct 05, 2022•26 min
What’s the difference between gua sha, face-rolling, lymphatic drainage, face massage, and facial exercise? And what can these techniques actually do for your skin? Acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist Sandra Lanshin Chiu is here to tell us. Plus, she explains some of the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tells us about the cultural history of facial gua sha, and shares her favorite facial mists and oils. Products & people mentioned on Ep. 441: shopmy.us/collections/75720 Epis...
Sep 30, 2022•57 min
Jess’s co-working space smells like Le Labo, Jenn tried a “body-remodeling” treatment, and evolutionary scientists learned some fascinating things about why humans beautify themselves (e.g., apply makeup, bathe, etc.) from a huge global survey. We’re also talking about the viral post from a hair stylist who was fed up with know-it-all clients; a stinky perfume factory in Florida; Danessa Myricks's genius Blurring Balm Powder; the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen worth the hype; and The Best Pencil fro...
Sep 28, 2022•30 min
Board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, is here to share everything she learned about beauty industry B.S. while she was creating her new skincare line, PillowtalkDerm. She explains how product development usually works (and how it should work), why the language on skincare products is so confusing, the reason she decided to focus on melasma and discoloration, and how to find other #skinfluencers you can trust online. Plus: She shares her favorite makeup, sunscreen, and perfume—and th...
Sep 23, 2022•46 min
Should you be cycling your skincare? And is it just a fad or actually good for your complexion? We discuss! Plus, let’s talk about the first Miss England contestant to compete without makeup; the cosmetic injectable Daxxify; water-based perfume; Emface (a non-invasive facial tightening treatment); and why ColourPop Cosmetics thought a collaboration with J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was a good idea. Plus, a listener tried Hailey Bieber’s favorite Paula Choice serum and tells us how it went. Produc...
Sep 21, 2022•39 min
Sexologist Emily Morse, host of the Sex With Emily podcast, is here to talk about body enjoyment . She explains how to feel more confident naked (her tips are helpful, we swear!), the truth about why porn stars in XXX films look the way they do, why there’s a stigma around using lube, and which beauty products can actually make people feel sexier. Plus, there’s lots of great sex advice, like how to talk to your partner about their body (and your body), how to get more of what you want, and the r...
Sep 16, 2022•55 min
We’ve got a full recap of New York Fashion Week and all the latest beauty trends—and by “full recap” we mean a summary of the one party your intrepid Fat Mascara hosts attended together. Plus, we’re talking about Kate Moss’s new line; Gwen Stefani’s brand, Gxve, and its decision to use a social-selling format; Amorepacific acquiring Tata Harper; and the end of Allure ’s print magazine. We’ll also raise wands to a body wash that is almost too good to be created by a celebrity, a gorgeous hair oil...
Sep 14, 2022•35 min
There was a time when makeup artists wouldn’t think of showcasing their work on their own faces, but Katie Jane Hughes helped to change that. In this wide-ranging interview, she shares how she went from aspiring singer to manicurist to makeup artist to creator and—by next spring, if all goes according to plan!—founder of her own line. Plus, Katie, who works with celebrities like Ashley Graham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, spills the secret to glowy cheeks (it’s not makeup), and shares how to us...
Sep 09, 2022•46 min
Dermatologist Estee Williams, MD, is here to answers all your questions about rosacea. We discuss how much laser treatments for rosacea cost (and how they help), which skincare ingredients cause rosacea flare-ups, why topical green tea and azelaic acid might help, which prescription rosacea treatments actually work, how diet changes can reduce rosacea symptoms, and how the bacteria in your small intestine and the lil’ mites on your skin (demodex) could contribute to the condition. You’ll learn a...
Sep 07, 2022•49 min
Comedian Whitney Cummings is her to discuss how she makes decisions about her appearance and who has a say in what women do to their bodies when it comes to things like plastic surgery, cosmetic injectables, and even birth control (she’s a spokesperson for Annovera). In this wide-ranging chat, she and Jenn discuss topical colostrum, nose filler, Ulthera, Botox, whether she should get corrective pigment camouflage (aka permanent makeup) for her scars, hair color experiments, the sweat-hiding powe...
Sep 02, 2022•42 min
We’re back from our break and there’s lots to catch up on: Linda Evangelista’s Vogue cover; Stella McCartney’s (second!) skincare line; new tinted sunscreens for deep skin tones; the end of H2O Plus; Supreme X Pat McGrath Labs nail polishes; and more. Plus, Jess shares her experience with a cat therapist who does reiki, Jenn talks about losing her sense of smell, and we raise wands to a summery candle, a gel blush, and a shimmery shadow with zero fallout. Products & people mentioned on Ep. 4...
Aug 31, 2022•38 min
We promised today’s guest, makeup artist Terri Bryant, that we would title this episode of the podcast “Makeup Artist Develops Revolutionary, Universally Designed Products That Make Makeup Artistry Better and Easier for Everyone”—but it was too long to fit! However, that’s exactly what Terri's done with her line, Guide Beauty. After receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, Terri began working with experts in Universal Design and Inclusive Design to rethink makeup products and make them easi...
Aug 26, 2022•45 min
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. FYI: This podcast features a new introduction, but the interview originally aired in March, 2021. We'll be back with all-new episodes on August 26! All the products mentioned on Ep. ...
Aug 24, 2022•54 min
This week’s episode with Lisa Eldridge will inspire you to be your own makeup artist! Lisa, who says she “loves faces,” grew up finding beauty and color in everything she saw. She tells us how she’s inspired by art and the world around her, and how she knows which faces will be “makeup eaters” and which won’t. She also shares the backstory of her YouTube channel, including her initial hesitation with making videos and how she overcame self doubt. FYI: This podcast features a new introduction, bu...
Aug 19, 2022•45 min
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. FYI: ...
Aug 17, 2022•41 min
What body changes are possible with plastic surgery? Dr. Ryan Neinstein, MD, is here to tell us. He explains how he sculpts bodies with liposuction, EmSculpt, breast boosts, fat transfer, tucks, “mommy makeovers,” Brazilian (and non-Brazilian!) butt lifts, and more. He also tells us why he won’t do CoolSculpting, shares tips for finding a surgeon and getting the most out of a surgical procedure—and reveals the surprising reason why some celebrities’ waists look so tiny. All the products mentione...
Aug 05, 2022•53 min
A new report says many of the sustainability claims made by beauty companies aren’t true, but we found a service that helps you vet the eco-friendliness of your favorite products. After that, Jenn takes you behind the scenes of a story on natural skincare ingredients she wrote for Allure . Plus: perfume for your ice cream, a heated debate about wearing fragrance on a plane, brightening concealers, a smoothing body serum that actually works, and the best Spotify playlist to help you get your beau...
Aug 03, 2022•33 min
For more than 30 years, makeup artist Dick Page has been playing with color and painting the faces of everyone from Christy Turlington to Bella Hadid. In this interview, he talks about his career, the disappearing art of subtlety, how the way we view images today has changed the way we think about beauty, and the not-so-secret trick for achieving one of his signature looks: dewy, balmy, glowing cheeks. All the products mentioned on Ep. 425: shopmy.us/collections/61336 Episode recap, links, and s...
Jul 29, 2022•51 min
Jenn shares a makeup artist’s tips for applying eyeshadow that she and Jess had never heard before. Plus, a new report found that some CBD skincare products unknowingly contain THC (and one researcher has raised concerns that using them could potentially cause someone to fail a drug test!). We’re also talking about Bobbi Brown’s new role at Augustinus Bader; a perfume launch and vibe shift at Victoria’s Secret; and the squishy sandals and cushiony lip balm that got us to Raise a Wand this week. ...
Jul 27, 2022•41 min
Professional housekeeper Vanesa Amaro is here to organize your home and bathroom—and answer all your beauty-related cleaning questions. How do you clean a hairbrush? What’s the best way to sanitize a makeup bag? What removes makeup fingerprints from doors? Which cleaning products should you use if you’re sensitive to fragrance? How do you get rid of the gunk on your electric-toothbrush charger? Vanesa—aka the Queen of Clean on TikTok—has all the answers. Plus, she shares her secret for a manicur...
Jul 22, 2022•53 min
Jess & Jenn are…intrigued? amused? perturbed?...by vabbing, a *very* personal fragrance trend. Plus: a debate about the size of soda cans; the collagen-boosting power of copper peptide face serums; a U.K. hair stylist who creates oil-absorbing mats from human hair; showerscaping with eucalyptus; a new, super-giftable candle line; and heritage-rich ingredients like mamey sapote and qasil popping up in more skincare products. All the products mentioned on Ep. 422: shopmyshelf.us/collections/59...
Jul 20, 2022•31 min
We catch up with former beauty editor Cat Marnell, the author of How to Murder Your Life and creator of the Patreon column Beautyshambles. She reminisces about the heyday of magazines and tells us she's ready for her next creative endeavor now that she’s healthy (she says she wishes she could use the word “sober” because she's "so close"). We discuss how her relationship with her appearance changed during rehab, and talk about $4,000 pillows, $3 eyeliners, and what she and her friends (Julia Fox...
Jul 15, 2022•50 min
A new study found 90% of women feel anxious about getting older, most often due to the way they look—let's talk about it. (Related note: We also have thoughts on Kim Kardashian’s Allure cover story where she admits to “a little bit of Botox.") Plus: a New York City art gallery devoted to fragrance; a free camp for children with chronic and life-threatening skin diseases; details about the beauty products Americans throw away the most; and an excellent sunscreen, nude nail polish, and multipurpos...
Jul 13, 2022•34 min
Rihanna-approved facialist Sean Garrette tells us how he went from cosmetology school in Atlanta to his current position as Dior Beauty’s U.S. skincare expert in just a few years. Plus, we talk about skin barrier repair, facial percussion, his favorite at-home skincare devices, the best treatment for keratosis pilaris, why he puts retinol on his hands, and the three things you need for a “moisture sandwich” that will make your skin plumper and more hydrated. Sean's Moisture Sandwich recipe: Dior...
Jul 08, 2022•45 min
The Raise a Wands this week are epic! Plus, Jenn got some cosmetic injectables; Jess went to an aesthetics summit; and we talk about AviClear, the new acne-fighting laser treatment; the latest news on animal-testing in the beauty industry; a Davines sustainability campaign; LGBTQ-friendly salons; celebrities facing trademark lawsuits; and the perfect pink lipstick. The products (and lasers and injectables) mentioned on Ep. 418: shopmyshelf.us/collections/57311 Episode recap, links, and sponsor p...
Jul 06, 2022•32 min
Makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench has turned models into lizards and covered faces in Legos but she understands that, sometimes, "a full beat can save your life.” In this interview, she tells us how she got her start painting kids’ faces at birthday parties and went on to work with famous clients (Björk and Rihanna) and photographers (Steven Klein, Inez and Vinoodh)—and why she’s launching her own makeup line, Isamaya. Shop the products mentioned on Ep. 417: shopmyshelf.us/collections/56867 Episode ...
Jul 02, 2022•43 min
