Charisse Kenion, host of BeautyMe podcast, joins Jenn to talk about supermodels, changes at British Vogue, YouTube AI disclosures, France’s proposed “sin tax” on fast fashion, more diversity in dermatology photos, and broccoli freckles, the latest ridiculous micro-trend on TikTok. Listen until the end for our revelation: Hypochlorous acid is a wonder ingredient for every skin type! We raise our wands high to products featuring it: Prequel Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray, Clinisept+ and Clin...
Mar 27, 2024•58 min
Legendary hairstylist Guido Palau, who developed the new Zara Hair line and worked on Edward Enninful’s final cover for British Vogue , has done runway hair for pretty much every fashion label (Prada, Valentino, Marc Jacobs) and cut the hair of all the top models (Kaia Gerber included). He’s here to tell us about his career path in the fashion industry, share his creative process, and talk about some of the products he’s created for brands like Redken. This was Guido’s first podcast interview ev...
Mar 22, 2024•39 min
Guest co-host Garrett Munce, author of Self-Care for Men , gives Jenn his honest opinion on her Botox and filler, and then there’s much more to cover: why men want David Beckham’s nipples; the popularity of facelifts; how people would rather look healthy than be healthy; the success of Black-founded beauty brands; which beauty companies do the best merch; and a candle that smells like dirt after the rain. Plus, a cursory acknowledgement of Bella Hadid’s Ôrebella line and Kylie Jenner’s new perfu...
Mar 20, 2024•56 min
In honor of Fragrance Day, we joined up with Emma Vernon, host of the podcast Perfume Room, to talk about fragrance trends, the language we use to discuss perfume, and the scents of everything from orris and carnations to egg creams and dust bunnies. Listen in as we work our way through a “smell & tell” session featuring some of Emma’s favorite scents of the season. Perfumes mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/438253 Episode recap with links (including Emma's live event March 23...
Mar 15, 2024•45 min
Guest co-host Anita Bhagwandas, author of Ugly: Giving Us Back our Beauty Standards and the Substack newsletter The Powder Room, joins Jenn to talk about pretty privilege, whether influencer trips are still a smart marketing tactic, if wearing makeup while you exercise is really that bad, discontinued products, and why Anita likes to decant her makeup into vintage pill boxes. Plus, we recommend body exfoliators for last week’s guest co-host, and raise our wands to a witchy candle, an appropriate...
Mar 13, 2024•46 min
Are you breaking the law when you buy sunscreen from other countries? Why is U.S. sunscreen innovation so slow? What are the real differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens? Which sunscreens have been tested on animals and why? We get into all of it with Julian Sass, PhD, a cosmetic formulator, industry consultant, and creator of an extensive sunscreen database (click on the episode recap below for a link to it). Plus: He shares his favorite sunscreens, and we discuss cosmetic regulatio...
Mar 08, 2024•58 min
Guest co-host Courtney Shields, the founder of DIBS Beauty and host of the Courtside with Courtney podcast, joins Jenn to talk about the Texas/NYC aesthetic, men getting makeovers before their Lunar New Year blind dates, the resurgence of big hair, children’s eyeglasses that are supposed to ward off head lice, dry-brushing your body, Dyson tools, DIBS Beauty blush toppers, HigherDOSE mats…and so much more. Plus, we found a sheer mineral sunscreen for last week’s guest co-host, Julee, and have so...
Mar 06, 2024•51 min
Dermatologist Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, MD, explains all the ways lasers can improve your skin. We talk about AviClear, Fraxel, and the latest laser and light advancements; how to prevent and reduce scars; lasers that treat acne, rosacea, tattoos, and unsightly veins; and laser hair removal. Plus: How can blue LED light be beneficial if blue light from screens is supposed to be damaging? Dr. Bae has the answers! Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/419083 Episode recap with links:...
Mar 01, 2024•50 min
Guest co-host Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large at Cosmopolitan, joins Jenn to offer her take on the new hair line Cécred and discuss Girl Scouts beauty collabs, fragranced offices, and the most luxurious cleansing balm. Plus, welcome to the Legal Corner (it’s new!), where we’re talking about what the National Advertising Division of the BBB National Programs thinks of Dr. Squatch’s “natural” marketing claims. All that, plus trinket-y beauty items, sexy long johns, and a candle celebrating a ...
Feb 28, 2024•48 min
Supermodel Veronica Webb and dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano joined us for a live version of the podcast, where we talked about taboos surrounding aging, how your skin changes in your 40s and 50s, and the skincare and habits that help you age well. This episode is brought to you by Shiseido in celebration of its new Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream. Visit Shiseido.com and follow @shiseido on social channels for more information. Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firm...
Feb 26, 2024•36 min
Guest co-host Emily Sundberg, author of the Substack newsletter Feed Me, joins Jenn in the studio to make sense of the Super Bowl’s beauty moment, discuss Alix Earle, talk about an introduction to perfumery course, and consider how trendy nicotine pouches could affect your skin. Plus, we have concealer help for our allergy sufferer and some new homework: Tell us about your favorite trinket-y beauty items (lip balm phone cases, gloss rings, solid perfumes, etc., are welcome!). Products mentioned ...
Feb 21, 2024•44 min
If you have scalp issues, or you’re just curious why your hair “hurts” when it gets oily, this episode with Caroline Robinson, MD, is for you. In our interview (originally aired in 2022), Dr. Robinson 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. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/398574 Episode recap wit...
Feb 16, 2024•44 min
Rachel Felder, author of Red Lipstick: Ode to a Beauty Icon , shares the fascinating story of the world's most talked-about lip color. In this interview (originally aired in 2019), she tells us about the ingredients Egyptians used to redden their mouths, how red lips and story of feminism are intertwined, the Lipstick Wars of the 20th century, and the true story behind MAC's Russian Red. Happy Valentine's Day, Fam! Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/396901 Episode recap wi...
Feb 14, 2024•35 min
Jess talks to Michelle Crossan-Matos, chief marketing officer of Ulta Beauty, about what a company can achieve beyond selling product. Since joining Ulta Beauty, the Glaswegian executive has worked on initiatives like The Joy Project with motivational speaker Mel Robbins, thinking about the responsibility a retailer holds when it comes to younger customers as well as its own employees. In this interview, she shares her approach to leadership, why she’s interested in the philosophy of stoicism, a...
Feb 09, 2024•40 min
Did you hear about the great perfume heist of 2016? Justice has finally been served, and we’ll tell you all about it. Before that: the rise of dimple surgery; celebrities on hair-dye boxes; supermodel offspring in the new Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild campaign; and Cardi B’s first beauty contract. Plus, let’s Raise a Wand to a moisture mask that’s almost as good as SK-II and help one listener find a longwear concealer that will hide her allergy symptoms. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/co...
Feb 07, 2024•36 min
World-traveling polymath Teri Johnson takes us on a journey through her life, but also back in time to the Harlem Renaissance, the era that inspires her company, Harlem Candle Co. She tells us about the famous personalities she’s captured in scent—Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, and more—as well as her travels, her favorite products, and the story behind the brand she built. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/381169 Episode recap with links: fatmascara.co...
Feb 02, 2024•47 min
If you put a barefaced woman in a field we will want what she’s selling—that’s what we’ve learned from Pamela Anderson’s latest beauty endeavor. We’re also chatting about little wellness habits that help us create boundaries; Charlotte Tilbury’s big-budget lipstick launch; Dollar General candles from a surprisingly luxe manufacturer; highlights from a new Gen-Z State of Beauty report; SK-II dupes; more perfumes for our June Bride; and the fancy countertop spray that makes household #closingdutie...
Jan 31, 2024•48 min
Welcome to the ultimate beauty group chat, with Nick Axelrod and Annie Kreighbaum, hosts of the podcast Eyewitness Beauty. We're sharing our unfiltered thoughts on the beauty and wellness world, including celebrity brands, microtrends, Midjourney mistakes, Stanley cups, Ozempic, poor product design, and so much more. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/369078 Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/eyewitness-beauty Sponsor links & discount codes: fatmascara.com/s...
Jan 26, 2024•52 min
We’re revisiting cult-favorite beauty products from the 2000s and wondering, “Where are they now?” But first: the FDA clears a new skin-cancer diagnostic tool; Striiike beauty studio debuts a pigment removal service for previously microbladed brows; and we begrudgingly discuss Kim Kardashian’s tanning bed. The Fam also has suggestions for our June bride who wants a white floral fragrance, and we have new homework for everyone: How do you get the results of a SK-II Treatment Mask for less? Produc...
Jan 24, 2024•43 min
Can technology help make the beauty industry greener? How do brands innovate without over-engineering? What are some practical ways Big Beauty can use artificial intelligence? We’re talking with Guive Balooch, L’Oréal’s Global Managing Director: Augmented Beauty and Open Innovation, about all that and more. You’ll hear about a speedy hair dryer that causes less damage and can save you almost $400 on your yearly electric bill; a gadget with oscillating bristles that makes at-home hair dyeing easi...
Jan 19, 2024•48 min
Yes, we’re still talking about the “Sephora Girls”—this story about Gen Alpha taking over beauty stores just gives and gives and gives. But there’s lots more to discuss, including the new wave of lip plumpers and NYX’s plans for the Super Bowl; gynecologists who are unhappy with the latest beauty supplement, a gummy for vaginal health; and (in Science Corner!) research showing women’s tears lower aggression in men. We’re also changing up Raise A Wand: We want you to help our listener, June Bride...
Jan 17, 2024•32 min
She may be a celebrity makeup artist (Quinta Brunson, Kaley Cuoco, Rashida Jones), but Jamie Greenberg is not gatekeeping her secrets. She shares her tricks for hooded eyelids, creasing concealer, and runner’s rash. Plus, we talk to the mom of three about a timely topic: How young is too young for makeup and skincare? How can parents encourage self expression without glorifying consumerism? Should adults talk to kids about the downsides of plastic surgery and photo filters? Let’s get into it. Pr...
Jan 12, 2024•49 min
We’re jumping into 2024 with some new candles, and lots of news: Business moves for Jaclyn Hill, Dr. Dennis Gross, K18, and others; our thoughts on a new crop of celebrity spokespeople in beauty and fashion (hi, Jermey Allen White!); the truth about wolf spiders and Sol de Janeiro body cream; and a beauty world record attempt in Ghana. Plus, we want you to call ( 646-481-8182 ) or email us ( info@fatmascara.com ) to suggest the next Raise A Wand homework: Tell us what specific type of product yo...
Jan 10, 2024•40 min
What makes a skincare ingredient “active”? How do you decode a cosmetic ingredient list? How are researchers using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve our complexions? Which beauty ingredients are completely pointless? In this interview (our second most popular episode of 2023) Victoria Fu, the co-founder of Chemist Confessions, is here to answer all those questions and more. Plus, she tells us about an AI-discovered molecule that improves skin elasticity and explains how the digital era has...
Jan 05, 2024•48 min
Celebrity facial masseur Gavin McLeod-Valentine leads us through the face-massage technique he uses to prep clients like Cate Blanchett, Zoe Saldana, Maya Rudolph, and Lourdes Leon for the red carpet. In this episode (our most popular interview of 2023!) He shares the movie-ready story of his life and how he went from actor to publicist to unexpectedly giving Halle Berry an oxygen facial and finding his calling. We also talk about Madonna’s face, buccal-fat removal, cryo-sticks, LED lights, PRP,...
Jan 03, 2024•57 min
We reveal the year’s biggest moments in beauty culture, and what we loved, hated, and (in some cases) still aren’t sure about. Let’s discuss how beauty influencers affect girlhood, the age of Ozempic, celebrities without makeup, the year of fragrance, stunt perfumes, Barbie-mania, the slowdown of VC funding in beauty, brands that are getting weird, people who leave mean product reviews, the real cost of doing beauty work, and so much more. Happy New Year, everyone! Products mentioned in this epi...
Dec 27, 2023•57 min
Fragrances for Harry Styles and Selena Gomez, Byredo best sellers, a signature scent for Chloë Sevigny, the iconic aroma of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream—Jérôme Epinette, a perfumer for Robertet Group, has done it all. In this revealing interview, he shares what it’s like to develop perfumes for celebrities, how his creative process works, his favorite accords and notes, and the story behind some of his biggest career hits. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/33811...
Dec 22, 2023•33 min
Our intern, Emma, takes a closer look at the Gen-Z obsession with skincare, and her on-the-ground reporting may surprise you. Before that, Jess identifies a white space in the fragrance industry; Google makes finding beauty dupes easier; and we question Pantone’s 2024 color of the year and discuss when (if ever) red lipstick isn’t appropriate. Plus, Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty launches fragrance; the FM Fam keeps zhuzhing, Jess tries a “lip water,” and Jenn tells you how to smell like a rich Ital...
Dec 20, 2023•42 min
We’re turning our parasocial relationship with dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, MD, into an actual relationship! The Derm Daddy, aka @dermangelo, holds forth on the state of skincare content on social media, his favorite products of the year, acne shaming, hair loss, adjusting to retinol, dank fragrances, and skin devices that aren’t worth your money. Enjoy! Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/332007 Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/dermangelo Sponsor links &a...
Dec 15, 2023•55 min
We recap a holiday party we attended, where Jenn encountered Jeremy Fragrance and Jess thought she walked in on a couple in flagrante delicto. After that: the top TikTok of the year involves makeup; the hottest holiday beauty gifts; hairdressers in West Africa are offering clients mental-health help; there's news on an acne vaccine; and we Raise A Wand to more “zhuz” products. Plus, we talk to beauty expert Janene Mascarella about easy press-on lashes that work for everyone from beginners to exp...
Dec 13, 2023•45 min