Plastic-surgery shaming, the ways celebrities gaslight us, cancel culture—Mia Freedman, co-founder of the Australian media network Mamamia, is here to talk about all of it. We chat with the writer and podcaster about beauty standards; how the evolution of media has affected women; being a “skincare slut”; lip stains that actually last; the hot holiday gifts this year; and so much more. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/326304 Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/...
Dec 08, 2023•47 min
Tell us about the product you only pull out for holiday parties—we’re calling these special-occasion items our zhuzh (or “jeuje” or “zhoosh”?) beauty products. Before that, we chat about Guido Palau’s new hair line for Zara; Jennifer Lawrence and Kylie Jenner discussing how makeup can make it seem like you had plastic surgery; Gen-X and Boomer (and Gen Alpha!) influencers; a collection of fantastically unhinged Fragrantica reviews; the powder palette that makes everyone’s skin look better; and c...
Dec 06, 2023•44 min
When content creator Liah Yoo started a skincare brand, her goal was to fix problems she saw with the Beauty Industrial Complex™ and its traditional business models. She’s here to explain how she’s doing that with Krave Beauty. We talk about how SPF testing works, ethical ingredient sourcing, the pressure retailers and investors put on brand founders, sustainability issues, and coping with negative social-media comments—plus the joys of Selling Sunset, Sun Chips, and laser hair removal! Products...
Dec 01, 2023•46 min
Tis the season of beauty advent calendars, and we found out which ones give you the most value for your money. We’re also talking about the #looksmaxxing community, its sketchy roots, and its interest in skincare and mewing. Plus: Javier Milei’s wolverine hair; gendered grooming rules in elementary schools (we’re looking at you, Girard, Kansas); health concerns associated with scented candles; and the book Eyeliner: A Cultural History . Plus, we raise wands to lip balms, a candle that smells lik...
Nov 29, 2023•33 min
Singer-songwriter Alicia Keys discusses her evolving relationship with self care, from her decision to go makeup-free in 2016 to the daily affirmations that are part of her skincare ritual today. We also talk about her new musical, Hell’s Kitchen; her line, Keys Soulcare; the ways she uses crystals and fragrance for inspiration; and how we can all make affirmations part of our self-care routines without feeling weird about it. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/312596 Epis...
Nov 24, 2023•41 min
Jess is back from her travels to tell us about her favorite beauty boutique in Amsterdam and an unbelievable spa in London’s Old War Office. Plus: Rumour Has It (LOL) Adele is starting a beauty line; 5th Avenue in New York City is getting a fragrance makeover; Harry Style’s knows how to name a perfume; e.l.f. Cosmetics makes its debut on Roblox; Sephora is locking up its fragrances; you can take a Jo Malone fragrance masterclass; and we obsess over Lisa Eldridge’s line (both our Raise A Wands ar...
Nov 22, 2023•39 min
Digital artist Ines Alpha is pushing the boundaries of how we think about makeup—and beauty. She tells us about her creative process and explains how she brings elects of fantasy and enchantment to human faces in video post-production and augmented reality. We discuss what the future of makeup could look like (IRL, in the metaverse, and using VR glasses and headsets); the psychological effects of face filters; how she uses artificial intelligence in her art; and what she does as the global creat...
Nov 17, 2023•47 min
Cindy Barshop, the founder of Vspot Medi Spa—and a Real Housewives of New York alumna—is here to share important information about all the treatments and services available to improve women’s sex lives. In this intimate (and sometimes hilarious) conversation, which originally aired in 2019, we’re talking about the O-Shot, the FemiLift laser, labiaplasty, intimate skin lightening, vaginal tightening, help for incontinence and pelvic floor issues, anal bleaching, and more. Products mentioned in th...
Nov 15, 2023•40 min
We’re revisiting our chat with model Linda Evangelista—something we’ve wanted to do since Apple TV’s The Super Models documentary came out earlier this fall. In this interview (originally recorded in 2017), she tells us about the power of the shabath (that’s a shower-bath for the uninitiated) and shares stories of her work with Gianni Versace, George Michael, and hairstylists Julien d’Ys and Garren. Plus, we discuss Dashing Diva manicures, facials with Georgia Louise, micro-current devices, and ...
Nov 10, 2023•33 min
Jenn welcomes multi-hyphenate beauty guru Pamela Edwards Christiani, a journalist (formerly Essence & People), astrologer, and aspiring voice actor, as her guest co-host while Jess has the week off. On deck for discussion: pre-teen skincare routines; Bath & Body Works' ridiculous lineup of holiday scents; the FBI warning that hackers are targeting plastic surgeon’s offices (Pamela says Pluto's upcoming transit in Aquarius may cause all sorts of digital upheaval); how the FDA’s proposed b...
Nov 08, 2023•43 min
“Every culture in history has used natural scented materials for the most important things in life—eating, praying, making love, being buried,” says psychotherapist turned natural perfumer Mandy Aftel, in this fascinating interview. The founder of the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents, in Berkley, California, is here to celebrate the release of her latest book, T he Museum of Scent , by sharing a few of her stories. She tells us about the time she taught Apple’s Jony Ive natural perfumery; how she...
Nov 03, 2023•57 min
Jenn is looking for lip balms that actually last more than an hour, so call the hotline to share your favorites: 646-481-8182 ! Then, we have lots to cover this week: a moisturizing side benefit of lip filler; trouble for spa brands like Decléor; how social media stars go viral by applying lip gloss while talking; Beyonce’s new perfume, Cé Noir; a closer look at G Spot drinks; California’s banning of 26 chemicals found in cosmetics; and a proposed FDA ban of formaldehyde in hair relaxers. Plus, ...
Nov 01, 2023•32 min
Jónsi Birgisson and Lilja Birgisdóttir are taking Jess (and you!) on a journey to Iceland—through their perfume and their art. Listen in as they talk about Fischersund, their family-run perfumery and art collective, their artistic influences, and how music and Iceland’s natural wonders inspire everything they do. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/284968 Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/fischersund Sponsor links & discount codes: fatmascara.com/sponsors Pr...
Oct 27, 2023•30 min
Has beauty culture come to a stand still? A recent New York Times article lamenting the current lack of cultural innovation got us thinking. We’re also chatting about the Goop line for Target; why red is trending (and Poppy King’s new lipstick); the genius of the Tampon Tax Back Coalition; how excited we are for Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla (and the adjacent Half Magic makeup set); and the potential downside of (supposedly) libido-boosting products for women. Plus, bargains from listeners and a sun...
Oct 25, 2023•36 min
What’s the difference between lasers and LED (light emitting diodes), IPL (intense pulsed light), RF (radiofrequency), and all the other professional therapies and devices out there? In this interview (previously aired), dermatologist Robert Anolik, MD, explains it all: Which lasers (Q-Switched, Vbeam, Excel V, Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant) help with which skin concerns? What’s the difference between a drive-by “laser facial” and the treatment you’ll get in a doctor’s office? What’s the best laser ...
Oct 20, 2023•37 min
Maybe we’re getting into Halloween early, but this week has some ghoulish delights! Listen in to help us solve a crime at a hair salon in Ontario, Canada, and then explore your shadow self with a perfume designed to … Repel? Protect? Confuse? You decide! Plus: Jess has an interesting encounter with Victoria Beckham, “over-producting” your concealer, surprising news about skin cancer, and sustainable scent strips. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/271512 Episode recap with...
Oct 18, 2023•35 min
Rihanna’s go-to makeup artist, Priscilla Ono, is here to talk about her famous clients, her love of clean skin (and a clean kit!), the makeup courses she teaches, her work with Cetaphil, and how her career started with music videos. Plus: The global makeup artist for Fenty Beauty explains how to use blush to detract from under-eye circles, an easier way to clean your makeup brushes, how to get the sharpest winged liner—and the reason she’s never lost her luggage. Products mentioned in this episo...
Oct 13, 2023•50 min
Why did Pamela Anderson’s no-makeup look get so much attention? We have thoughts on that and lots more: The Super Models documentary on Apple TV+; nepomodels; Beckham-inspired fragrances; the death of magazine scent strips (and new research on how people shop for perfume); and Flyte.70’s indie beauty boutique near Boston. Plus, we have new homework for the Fam! We want to know about your favorite beauty brands and products with a soul —the special items on your vanity that tell a story, have a p...
Oct 11, 2023•46 min
Listen in to our live-recorded podcast with Marisa Meltzer, the author of Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss's Glossier . We treated this interview as a book club of sorts, and asked Marisa all of your (and our!) pressing questions. She discusses her interviews with Emily Weiss, the rise (and plateau?) of Glossier, her reporting process for the book, why the #GirlBoss era feels so cringey now, and—most importantly—who should play Emily Weiss when Marisa’s book gets opt...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Love is not blind, according to a contestant on the new season of Love is Blind who had an issue with his (now ex-) fiancée’s makeup. His comments got us thinking about research that shows how makeup affects a person’s trustworthiness. We also chat about Jess’s vegan keratin treatment, under-eye patches as accessories, a new fragrance atelier in Paris, and grooming standards in the military. Plus, we have a special segment—a live podcast recorded at Givaudan’s What Is Love? immersive experience,...
Oct 05, 2023•45 min
Celebrity aesthetician Iván Pol, founder of The Beauty Sandwich, is here to share his story—and his secrets. He and Jess discuss how he started out as a makeup artist and discovered the key to beauty was in the skin. He’ll explain why he loves radiofrequency treatments; how to prevent transepidermal water loss so your skin looks dewier; the at-home laser device he uses all the time; and the backstory of The Beauty Sandwich’s cult-favorite SS01 The Secret Sauce serum. Products mentioned in this e...
Sep 29, 2023•34 min
Do you like a doe foot, paddle (beaver tail?), or slant-tip as your lip gloss applicator? Let’s discuss. But first: Hourglass Cosmetics’s work with the Nonhuman Rights Project; the booming resale market for ’90s perfume; Rhode’s Juicy Tube-like launch strategy; the H&M X Raoúl Alejandre makeup collaboration; a very surprising workout hack involving Hermès lipstick; a watermelon shower gel fit for “the little king”; and some 2010s-era nonsense like planking and icing (aka, the Smirnoff Ice dr...
Sep 27, 2023•25 min
Alexis Androulakis and Christina Basias, the duo behind viral account @thelipsticklesbians and founders of the brand Fempower Beauty, are on a mission to make you a more informed beauty customer! We talked about their relationship, how activism powers their work, and what they want to do with their platform. Plus, they explain how contract manufacturers work; how quickly innovation spreads in the beauty industry; why quality pearl (i.e., shimmer) costs are high and stock packaging costs are low;...
Sep 22, 2023•58 min
We’re doing a live, virtual book club next week (Sept. 27, at 8 PM ET), and you’re invited! We’ll be discussing Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss's Glossier with author Marisa Meltzer, and we want you to be there. Get all the details and RSVP at fatmascara.com/bookclub . Now, on to this episode, where we’re chatting about why candles may be better than crossword puzzles (for memory loss); the arrival of “skin booster” injections in the U.S.; the empowerment of models ...
Sep 20, 2023•26 min
Celebrities should be grateful that makeup artist Kate Lee did not listen to the school counselor who told her to become an optician. Instead, she enrolled in aesthetician school, started doing editorial and backstage makeup, and then began working with Kate Winslet when the actress was just “a wee child.” Today, the CHANEL makeup artist works regularly with clients such as Keira Knightley, Charlize Theron, and Nicola Peltz Beckham. Listen in as she shares her story, her CHANEL must-haves, and t...
Sep 15, 2023•42 min
It’s a grab bag of high-low delights this week: The new François Nars documentary; a product that gets rid of the smell of weed; tips for chapped lips; a South Asian-inspired makeup brand at Sephora; the soon-to-launch Liberty London perfumes; and, yes, the world’s longest mullet. Plus, we raise wands to a sensual and witchy perfume, the drugstore shampoo and conditioner that never fails, and a cream blush stick in a plastic-free (compostable!) container. Products mentioned in this episode: shop...
Sep 13, 2023•39 min
Casey Lewis, author of After School, a Substack newsletter about youth culture and Gen Z trends, has made a career of talking to (and about) teens and young adults. She’s here to explain why those ridiculously named beauty trends (pumpkin-spice makeup anyone?) go viral and the larger cultural implications of micro-trends; which brands and products everyone wants this back-to-school season; the speed of today’s trend cycle; how teen media has evolved in the past 20 years; the draw of nostalgia—an...
Sep 08, 2023•52 min
Before we get into the news, we share a few highlights from the past 499 episodes, including proud moments, embarrassing stories, and all-time favorite products. Then, let’s talk about skincare for astronauts, Marc Jacobs Beauty, New York Fashion Week, Paco Rabanne’s makeup line, and the backstory of Chanel’s Lucky Chance diner. After that, it’s time to welcome a very special guest (hint: Buckle Up!) to celebrate our milestone episode. Plus, we’ll Raise A Wand and give you some important homewor...
Sep 06, 2023•57 min
Lookism, or looks-based discrimination, doesn’t get society’s attention like sexism and racism, but philosopher Heather Widdows thinks it should. In one of our favorite interviews (originally aired in 2021, presented here with a new September 2023 intro), she explains the ethics of beauty and why beauty companies use moral language (“Be your best self!”) to sell products. This episode will make you rethink the way you talk about (and judge) other people's looks—and reconsider the way you respond...
Sep 01, 2023•53 min
Hairstylist Garren transformed models into supermodels (Linda Evangelista, Karlie Kloss), helped celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Madonna create their looks, and co-founded the hair line R+Co during his long and legendary career. In this interview, he tells us everything: the guidance counselor who told him he wasn’t allowed to do hair; the photographers he collaborated with (Irving Penn! Richard Avedon!); and all the things he’s learned about people—and their hair—along the way. This inter...
Aug 30, 2023•55 min
