Garrett joins Jenn to chat about tweens having birthday parties at Sephora and Glossier stores; a Kiehl’s campaign featuring pubic hair (and the history of the merkin!); body scrubs; bathhouses; perfume-longevity hacks; and a deep dive on Renuva, the newish non-surgical volumizing treatment that’s different than cosmetic filler or fat transfers. Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/ep-564 Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/1244649 Sponsor links & discount code...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Image consultant David Kibbe published his cult-classic style guide in the 1980s, and now he’s updated and expanded his philosophy with a new book for a new generation. In this interview, he shares how he became a “style mentor,” how to think about developing your own personal style, the history of seasonal color analysis, why he thinks his image-identity system is so popular on social media—and why most people get it wrong. Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/david-kibbe Products ment...
Jan 31, 2025•55 min
Jenn & Jess welcome FM’s intern, Lexi, to the studio to talk about mood-boosting fragrances and whether or not they work. Before that: How do we all feel about the term “dermorexia”? Plus: Jess shares her adventures in a Parisian flea market; we try an AI-powered skin analysis tool; Coors Light enters the beauty game; one of our listeners gives the best trend analysis we’ve heard yet; we learn how painters clean their brushes; and we Raise Wands to a cuticle oil and a $10 shampoo and conditi...
Jan 29, 2025•53 min
This episode is about so much more than makeup. Celebrity makeup artist and brand founder Laura Mercier shares the story of how she found her purpose and the lessons she learned along the way. We talk about her childhood in France; New York City in the 1990s; her work with Steven Meisel and clients like Madonna and Julia Roberts; the iconic makeup products she’s created; dessert; Buddhism; and so much more. If you’re feeling stuck or stagnant, or have the winter blahs, this inspiring interview i...
Jan 24, 2025•45 min
Jenn & Julee share their latest beauty adventures: A variety show about bathing culture, meeting Ilana Glazer, and dinner with Dr. Augustinus Bader. Plus: Sephora’s store redesign and new Hulu series; research showing how age affects the way we feel about our beauty products; the scientist turning fatbergs into fragrance; the Beauty Together coalition helping those impacted by L.A. wildfires; Josie Maran’s brand update; and throat lozenges for talkative types. Episode recap with links: fatma...
Jan 22, 2025•46 min
Dermatologist Rajani Katta, MD, explains how vitamins are (and aren’t) regulated, how to judge the safety and efficacy of skincare supplements, and the truth about collagen powders, biotin, vitamin A, and other hair, skin, and nail vitamins. Plus, we learn how your diet affects your skin and hair, which supplements can alter results of medical tests, and how certain foods can help neutralize free radicals and protect against damage. This interview originally aired in 2020 and has been re-edited ...
Jan 17, 2025•36 min
A bride sparked debate online for washing off her makeup artist’s work, and Jess & Jenn think there’s something bigger going on. Let’s discuss! Plus: Jess’s facial that doubled as an astrology reading; Jenn’s chrome nails; Ariana Grande thanking Botox; Armani Beauty’s new spokesman; a scientist calls in to teach us about botanical oils in hair care; heated socks for people with Raynaud's syndrome; fancy laundry pods; and so much more. Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blogep-561 Produ...
Jan 15, 2025•53 min
Seoul-based beauty journalist Jenny Jin joins us with a full report on 2025 K-beauty trends and the latest in South Korean beauty culture. We’re talking about her favorite products at Olive Young; Ultherapy, Thermage, Rejuran (and the Skin Botox and Winback treatments she tried); Chahong’s hair perfume; 5X5 Nail Studio; and the Miffy nails she got from Unistela. Plus: Torriden masks, Nonfiction perfumes, pudding pots, lip tints, closet sachets, antimicrobial stickers, bag charms, snack tours, Tu...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Jess & Jenn are talking about “one and done” facelifts, makeup with personality (is Messy Girl the new Clean Girl?), skin tightening, the Lyma at-home laser, the next big fragrance trends, new beauty newsletters, the urban legend that Pantene is bad for hair—and how Alix Earle may have finally put it to rest. Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blogep-560 Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/1159817 Sponsor links & discount codes: fatmascara.com/sponsors Private...
Jan 08, 2025•52 min
The founder of the Anastasia Beverly Hills has plucked the eyebrows of Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, and Michelle Obama, but Anastasia Soare’s biggest success is her brand, which is estimated to be worth $500 million. In this interview (which originally aired in 2020), she tells us why she considers herself an example of the “American Dream” and shares how she built her brand, what she wishes more people knew about brows, and some of her favorite products. Episode recap with links: fatmascara....
Jan 03, 2025•26 min
Learn how to decode a cosmetic ingredient list, which skincare ingredients actually work, and how not to waste money on ineffective products in this interview with Victoria Fu, the co-founder of Chemist Confessions. Plus, she tells us about an AI-discovered molecule that improves skin elasticity and explains how social media causes skincare misinformation to proliferate online. This interview originally aired in 2023, but we’ll be back with all new episodes next week! Episode recap with links: f...
Jan 01, 2025•49 min
In this interview (our most popular of 2024!), we talk to celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, a 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? Plus, she shares her makeup tricks for hooded eyelids, creasing concealer, and how to really get your makeup brushes clean. Episode recap with links: fatmas...
Dec 27, 2024•51 min
We’re lighting up the holiday season with candlemaker Louis Hotchkiss, the former president of KOBO candles. Here’s here to answer all our candle questions. Which wax burns the cleanest? How do containers, wicks, and fragrances affect burn rate? Why do some wick tips form a mushroom shape after they burn? How can you tell if a candle with have a good scent throw? All that and more. This interview originally aired in 2021 and is presented here with a fresh intro. We’ll be back with new episodes i...
Dec 25, 2024•37 min
It’s impossible to listen to Nikki Nelms share her story and not be inspired! The celebrity hairstylist—who’s worked with Beyoncé, Bjork, Janelle Monáe, and others—explains why she doesn’t need mood boards to create hair magic and never “looks to the side” for her ideas. She talks about how she got her start styling hair, the surprising tools and accessories in her kit, how she continues to innovate, and some of her favorite products, including the most hydrating shampoo and candles she can’t ge...
Dec 20, 2024•39 min
Jenn & Jess reveal the year’s biggest moments in beauty culture—what we loved (nice), hated (naughty) and loved and hated with caveats (but, but, but!). We’re talking about contrast makeup theory; Pantone’s next color of the year; the beauty industry’s use of artificial intelligence; the TikTokification of makeup trends; everybody’s obsession with Lindsay Lohan’s face; influencers making their own “traditional” sunscreens and toothpastes; Demi Moore in The Substance ; a surprise voicemail th...
Dec 18, 2024•51 min
Creative director Douglas Little, the perfumer and founder of Heretic Parfums, explains how he taps into his shadow self to fuel creativity. He tells us how the new Nosferatu perfume came to be and shares stories from his collaborations with Gwyneth Paltrow and Dita Von Teese, the lessons he learned from the folding of his first brand, D.L. & Company, and why he’s drawn to “things that go bump in the night.” Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/douglas-little Products mentioned in t...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr
There’s so much happening in cosmetic surgery for Jenn & Garrett to discuss: Lindsay Lohan’s new face; politicians getting work done; labia puffs; penis filler; and all the new ways to stop aging (and whether or not to partake or disclose). We also do a live fragrance test of Harry’s new Tamalpais cologne and keep the holiday-candle conversation going with the Fat Mascara Fam, then Garrett explains how you can create your own hand soap bar to make handwashing this winter more fun. Episode re...
Dec 11, 2024•52 min
Cosmetic chemist AJ Addae is the founder of Sula Labs, a company that helps beauty brands develop and test products and ingredients for melanin-rich consumers. She’s here to share her story and talk about the future of sunscreen and clean beauty, how bias affects scientific research, the difference between cosmetics and drugs, exosomes, vitamin C, why she loves sulfur for treating acne, brow lamination (aka, brow lammy), the best ingredients for edge control and brow grooming, her favorite produ...
Dec 06, 2024•58 min
Jess & Jenn are intrigued by the growing interest in pheromone perfumes. Could they help people find love? Hmm. Plus: L’Oréal’s Louvre tour; investment and acquisition news from Jess’s Business Desk; a rise in products designed to help people who get migraines (aka, migraneurs!); faux candles that don’t look fake; and the anti-frizz treatment spray that made Jenn’s blowout last five days. Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/ep-558 Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/colle...
Dec 04, 2024•43 min
Content creator @officiallysoniaramos calls herself a “mature lady” (lol, she’s 46), but her makeup tips work for Gen Z, Boomers, and everybody in between. She explains how (and why) she let her gray hair grow in at 35, why everybody’s getting their concealer wrong, where to put your blush, the power of the double cleanse, and how to look less tired when you’re feeling “busted and crusted.” This episode features a new introduction but it originally aired in 2023. We'll be back next week with all...
Nov 29, 2024•49 min
Jenn & Julee are in the holiday spirit! Let’s talk about which botanical oils are best for your hair type; why Dax Shepard thought it was okay to ask Cynthia Erivo a *very* personal question about her long nails; the huge rise in applications for dermatology residencies; and which candle says “I’m feeling the holiday season” best. Plus, we raise wands to a room spray that celebrates sanctuaries for African-American famllies and a hydrating skincare duo that works for the dryest, most sensiti...
Nov 27, 2024•48 min
Cozy up and get ready to feel all the feels with Emelia O’Toole, aka @professorperfume, who talks about the connection between literature, longing, and perfumery. She and Jenn tease out why nostalgia feels so good, and chat about books, scent memories, the romance of weddings and honeymoons, Dracula, One Direction, and fragrances inspired by chess, Clue, animals, and books. It’s the perfect podcast for a rainy day or chilly night—preferably by a fireplace with a stack of books and a cuppa. Enjoy...
Nov 22, 2024•48 min
Jenn & Jess share insider beauty gossip, dig into why people are doom shopping, discuss Bobbi Brown’s move into home goods, and dream of attending the Hair Freezing Contest. After that, Jenn shares the inside story on chypre and amber fragrances—direct from Coty perfume historians in Paris—and we raise wands to meaningful beauty gifts, the new beauty brand from Celeste Barber, and a cozy animal-inspired perfume. Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/ep-556 Products mentioned in this ...
Nov 20, 2024•40 min
As the co-founder and general partner of True Beauty Ventures, venture capital investor Cristina Nuñez is an industry talent scout, trend spotter, and brand builder all wrapped into one. Her company's portfolio includes K18, Sofie Pavitt Face, Vacation, Iris&Romeo, and many other beauty brands you know and love. In this interview, she offers amazing career advice and explains how she spots the next big things in beauty, what founders can do to make their brands attractive to investors, and w...
Nov 15, 2024•51 min
The $42 price tag on Patrick Ta’s new eyeshadow duo annoyed many in the beauty community, and we’re digging into why that might be. Have we been conditioned by the implied value of larger palettes? Is it general inflation anger? Dupe culture? Jenn & Garret discuss. Plus: An unprecedented counterfeit Botox scam; needles for cosmetic injections deform more quickly than providers may realize; and Jess, Jenn, and Garrett share the best facials (and aestheticians) in New York City. Episode recap ...
Nov 13, 2024•50 min
We’re kicking off the holiday season with Tory Burch: entrepreneur, philanthropist, designer (of Kamala Harris’s concession speech suit, FWIW), and an official member of the beauty community since her expansion into fragrance two years ago, when this interview first aired. We talk about how to take the pressure off decorating and planning for the holidays, scent memories, personal style, and why being perfect is never interesting. Enjoy! Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/tory-burch P...
Nov 08, 2024•36 min
It’s a fun and freewheeling episode with Jess & Jenn. The big topic: Why do some beauty brands send their products to D.I.F. (destroy in field) programs? Jess explains and talks about a business model that could be less wasteful. Plus: The succession game is over at Estée Lauder Companies; there's a new Nosferatu perfume; we're contemplating sleep retreats; Jess highlights the best products from EM Cosmetics; Jenn shares a liquid liner for mature and monolid eyes; and we have a heartwarming ...
Nov 06, 2024•37 min
If you aren’t familiar with Ione Gamble and Gina Tonic, then you’re about to meet your British best friends. The hosts of The Polyester Podcast join Jenn and Jess for a fun and wide-ranging chat about the beauty discourse, including makeup microtrends, music fandom, The Real Lives of Mormon Wives , Victoria’s Secret, In Vogue: The 90s , underconsumption, the Y2K revival, pretty privilege, tweakments, treatments, and how TikTok and Twitter influence beauty culture. Episode recap with links: fatma...
Nov 01, 2024•56 min
Jenn and Julee catch up on all the latest in beauty, from hair care for 10-year-old boys to why Jenn’s facial mist is the Nicole Scherzinger of skincare. We’re also talking about beauty brands with questionable influencer-marketing strategies; why Paullie Skin founder Anna Paul is hiding luxury gifts in customer orders; whether celebrity veneers are ruining movies; hair steaming; Haitian vetiver; and (in Science Corner) some evidence that aromatherapy might be effective even if you can’t smell t...
Oct 30, 2024•50 min
Makeup artist Emily Schubert, author of A24’s Beauty Of The Beast , shares her creative process for doing special-effects makeup, the artists who inspire her, how her body has influenced her work, and how she turned humans into creepy looking pets for a recent cover of New York magazine. Plus, she shares the products that are always in her kit and some ideas for last-minute Halloween costumes. Episode recap with links: fatmascara.com/blog/emily-schubert Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy...
Oct 25, 2024•52 min
