EPISODE 28: STICK TO RED

On this week’s episode, the glamorous Christian Louboutin takes a break from his busy, star-studded (specifically Beyoncé-studded!) schedule to talk to us about his days of sneaking into the Moulin Rouge to the inspiration behind his signature red, Christian Louboutin. We also discuss the inspiration behind his three new fragrances and his philosophy on flats—it may surprise you.

We also delve into Jess’s ongoing wellness journey, why dry shampoo can be bad for you, and call out two amazing new books on redheads.

Here are, the people, brands, and books mentioned on the show!

Wellness resources:

Juice Press Juice

Jess’s Acupuncturist: Lorraine Lavenita

Musts for Dry Shampoo Addicts:

Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo

Frédéric Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo

Required Reading for Redheads:

A Field Guide to Redheads: An Illustrated Celebration by Elizabeth Graeber

How to Be a Redhead by Adrienne & Stephanie Vendetti

Christian Louboutin Beauty:

Christian Louboutin Makeup and Fragrance

#RaiseaWand

Kneipp: Eucalyptus Cold & Sinus Relief Bath Salt

EPISODE 27: EARTH MOTHER

Ready for a bit of healing? Amy Galper, aromatherapist and executive director and founder of the NY Institute of Aromatherapy, wafted in wearing some gorgeous lavender-herbaceous blend and gave us tons of tips for using scent to help shift your mood. There's real science in this stuff. Have a listen! And if you're in the New York City area, check out her school! There are one-off classes like how to make your own serum, essential oils for how to worry less, and so much more. She's also a totally lovely person—you can't not feel more relaxed just being around her.

Before we get all woozy with Amy, we discuss MTV VMAs—the good, the bad, and the glittery. Also, we recap our spin at the Indie Beauty Expo, and last but not least, a few tips on wearing lipgloss. #deep

Here, some of the fab brands and products mentioned on this podcast:

Pat McGrath Lust 004 Lipstick Kit

Laurel Whole Plant Organics Facial Serum: Antioxidant

Feather & Bone Face Gems

Board and Batten skincare

Sigma Lip Vex in Tranquil

Bare Escentuals Gen Nude collection

Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer in Hi-Speed Sonnet

Eden Botanicals

And we #RaiseaWand to:

Yes To Miracle Oil Primrose Oil 2-in-1 Cleansing + Moisturizing Facial Wipes

The amazing Spike Jones-directed video for Kenzo World perfume

EPISODE 26: IT'S OTHERWORLDLY

We sat down with busy lady Zanna Roberts Rassi, co-founder of Milk Makeup, to talk about her quirky, multi-tasking makeup line. It's the kind of thing this editor/stylist/"Project Runway All Stars" mentor/E! News red carpet commentator *would* create—girl has NO time to be fussing with brushes and stuff!

But first, we discuss the latest in foundation news; the product category that beauty editors are (weirdly) obsessed with; and solutions for female hair loss.

Foundation news:

Lancome Le Teint Particulier

Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation

Editor Obsessions:

SK-II Pitera Mid-Day Essence

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

Some of Zanna's Milk-y Faves:

Milk Makeup Holographic Stick

Milk Makeup Eye Vinyl

Milk Makeup Face Gloss

Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer

Milk Makeup Cooling Water

Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint

#RaiseAWandTo...

Aveda Tulasara Radiant Facial Dry Brush

...and getting out of your beauty comfort zone! It's supposed to be fun.

EPISODE 25: 6 FT. BARBIE

That 6 ft. Barbie we reference in this episode's title? It's Theo Kogan, makeup artist, mom, model, singer, songwriter, punk rocker, and founder of Armour Beauty. She gives us a great interview! Before that, we get into our favorite Olympic beauty looks and sound off on the doofuses who appeared on Fox to debate whether or not Olympians should wear makeup. Jenn—who is so not an Olympian—tries to figure out what to do about the bruises on her legs. And, finally, we talk about the difference between cosmetics and drugs, a discussion sparked by this New York Times article that reports on the continuing saga of Wen cleansing conditioner and the power the government may (or may not) have to act. If you want to learn more about cosmetic and drug safety and testing, we suggested you read about it on the FDA's site. And to our point about how some skin creams are probably drugs that get away with being marketed as cosmetics because they are very careful with their labeling and claims, check out this page. The products mentioned in the episode are below. And, as always, if you have any questions you can email us or comment on our Twitter or Instagram or Facebook page.

Bruise help:
Scar Zone Bruise Cream
Tenzing Momo Arnica Essential Oil
Illamasqua Concealer
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer

Some of Theo's favorites:
MyChelle Sun Shield Coconut SPF28
Chanel UV Essentiel
MV Organic Skincare Rose Plus Booster
Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer
OLO Dark Wave perfume
Armour Beauty Lip Gloss in Candy
Aromaflage insect-repelling fragrance

#RaiseAWand to:
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Project Chimps, benefiting Project Chimps - available August 23!
Schick Intuition Razor (Jenn likes the pomegranate-scented Renewing Moisture refills) 

EPISODE 24: FOLLOW MY NOSE

The fragrance boss is in the house (well, studio). We have an enlightening interview with Ann Gottlieb, a fragrance industry consultant who has helped to create hundreds of products. We guarantee you've smelled at least one of her fragrances in your life, whether it's Dior J'Adore, Dove body washes, Degree deodorants, Axe body sprays, Bath & Body Works lotions, Calvin Klein fragrances, laundry detergents, Ralph Lauren perfumes, Marc Jacobs fragrances, the list goes on and on.... We are in awe!

Also on this week's episode: Pat McGrath Labs news! We got invited to the makeup artist's launch for #004 Lust, and share what it was like behind the scenes. Plus: Do you always need to follow the advice of beauty experts? And we also answer the question we get asked over and over again every summer: Do you really need to wear sunscreen when your makeup already has SPF in it? (Short answer: Yes. For the long answer that will finally help you understand the short answer: Listen to the podcast!) Here are the products we mentioned on the episode:

Pat McGrath Labs Lust #004 - coming soon!
Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF 30
Coppertone Clearly Sheer Faces for Sunny Days Face Lotion SPF 30
Kiehl's Multi-Corrective Cream SPF 30
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
Calvin Klein Euphoria
Calvin Klein Obsession
cK One
cK2
Marc Jacobs Divine Decadence
Nest Candles
Bath & Body Works Candles
White Barn Candles - coming soon!
Omo laundry detergent
#RaiseAWand to Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Rich Raisin
Orland Pita Play High-Spirited Weightless Leave-In Conditioner

EPISODE 23: YOU WANT THE CUSHION

Beauty nerds rejoice! Cosmetic chemist Ni'kita Wilson is on the show this week, sharing all her secrets about ingredients and formulations. You must check out her site, Skinects, which is like an online dating site for your skin. It's especially helpful for women with dark complexions (V or VI on the Fitzpatrick scale), but everyone should visit and spend time getting to know their skin. Ni'kita also talked a bit about Paula Begoun's Beautypedia website, a great resource if you want to learn more about cosmetic ingredients. 

If you haven't already, go watch Sha'Condria "iCon" Sibley perform her amazing poem "Skin I'm In." It shuts down all the haters who think wearing makeup is anti-feminist. The other topics we discuss this week are Jess's first exercise experience in two years at Y7 yoga. Basically, her face was on fire afterwards, and we contemplate whether or not she needs to change up her skincare now that she's sweating more: Should she try "athleisure for your face" brands like Sweat Cosmetics and Birchbox's Arrow? We also have a quick segment on whether or not dairy causes acne.

Here are the products we (well, Ni'kita) mentioned: NeoStrata and Exuviance (Ni'kita ❤️s their alpha hydroxy acid formulations, like the NeoStrata Skin Active Perfecting Peel and the Exuviance Ultimate Peel Collection). And we #RaiseAWand to L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Cinnamon Toast, which is bringing back the 90s in a v. good way, and DSH Special Formula X, a soft musk fragrance that enhances the scent of your skin (Jenn has the 1 oz. parfum oil roll-on that costs $80, but you can get a sample vial, called the "Voile de Parfum," for $6). 

EPISODE 22: THE SEINFELD OF HAIR

Hair legend Orlando Pita is easily the biggest stylist of the past three decades: He's worked with photographers from Richard Avedon to Steven Meisel, created iconic looks for designers from Tom Ford to John Galliano, and been entrusted by Madonna. During our chat, he told us all about his incredible career, like the worst shoot he ever had, to the show that changed his career. Also, he leaves us with some sage wisdom that anyone—no matter what biz you're in—can benefit from. 

Before that, we recap this week's insane beauty news (there's a lot, so bear with us), get buzzed on hemp-based skincare, and then see what this new "breathable" nail polish is all about. 

Have a listen, let us know what you think, and peruse the beauty lines and products we mentioned below:

Kat Von D Beauty

Jeffree Star Cosmetics

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50

Marley Natural

Orly Breathable Treatment + Color

Orlando Pita Play

Orlando Pita Play Body Breakthough Volume Boosting Hairspray

#raiseawand: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

#raiseawand: Josie Maran Argan Oil Cleanser

EPISODE 21: CORNSILKIFYING!

We're dreaming about travel this week, as Wander Beauty founders Divya and Lindsay came by to tell us all about their jet-setty line. (Lindsay's a former Victoria's Secret Angel and Sports Illustrated model—we'll take her advice when it comes to both flattering makeup and packing light.)

Before that, we can't help but recap our Bravo Watch What Happens Live appearance (okay, really, our beauty prep), and we do one final check-in with our co-producer Vicky, who has been using Plume natural lash enhancer. Did it work? Listen to find out.

Jess is still digesting Rose McGowan's retort against Variety reporter's article, "Renée Zellweger: If She No Longer Looks Like Herself, Has She Become a Different Actress?"  We discuss. Let us know what you think on our Twitter, please. We're curious. 

Also, it's not pretty, but it is real: Let's talk about buttne. 

Here, the products we mentioned on the show. 

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eye Shadow Palette in The Sophisticate

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender

Plume Lash & Brow Enhacing Serum

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads

Wander Beauty Catch the Light Highlighter

Wander Beauty Frame Your Face Micro Brow Pencil

Wander Beauty Exquisite Eye Liquid Shadow

Wander Beauty On-the-Glow Blush and Illuminator

NEST Scented Candles (the Sicilian Tangerine one is so delicious) 

Iles Formula Haute Performance Conditioner

EPISODE 20: ALL THE HAIR FEELS

Hairstylist Jon Reyman 

We're back! Did you miss us while we were away? We missed you! In the two weeks since our last hang, there's been a lot of beauty news. So, in this episode, we catch you up on the highlights, including the launch of L'Oréal's Beaumoji keyboard (download it here); the news that Barnes & Noble is getting into the beauty business with retail concept The Glossary; and a recap and chat about Beautycon L.A.. We also discuss a NPD report detailing just how popular skincare devices are, and share some of our favorite gadgets (see below). Plus, the interview this week is with hairstylist Jon Reyman, co-founder of Spoke & Weal salons. If you like what he has to say—or if you don't!—feel free to comment on his Instagram. Here's a list of the products and brands we mentioned in this episode: Illuminate Cosmetics by Ashley Tisdale; Lime Crime Superfoil Shadows; Sofia Vergara's new perfume, Tempting for Women; Clarisonic; Ziip; Ziip Golden Conductive Gel; Iluminage Touch Permanent Hair Reduction System; Aveda Beautifying Composition Oil; Aveda Chakra Sprays; Weleda Deodorant; #RAISEAWAND to... RMS Beauty Eye Polish in Myth and Benefit Ready, Set, Brow 😍

 

EPISODE 19: SUCKING AND FILLING

Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank: The coolest dermatologist in NYC?

We've had a few listeners ask us for our advice on how to deal with cellulite, so we decided to bring in a pro—well the pro—to discuss. Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank is a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon and the self-proclaimed "fat expert" of NYC. In this episode, he schools us on fat transfer, Cellfina, CoolSculpting, Sculpsure, Fraxel, Ultherapy, microneedling, and Infini. We also discuss our recent travels: Jenn went to Germany to learn about Weleda, and Jess was in L.A., where she got a facial from Sonya Dakar (we are big fans of her Organic Omega Booster oil). After that, we bring things down...way, way down...to a tingly, relaxed place with a discussion of how makeup tutorials—especially those from Lancôme's creative director, makeup artist Lisa Eldridge—can trigger ASMR, an autonomous sensory meridian response. We also take a look at some of the tingle-inducing videos on the iPleasing Instagram feed. Finally, we weigh in on the recent New York Times article "Mom Hair: It Exists. Now What to Do About It." (And if you doubt this hairstyle's existence, please see this SNL sketch.) Our #raiseawand picks this week: Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes in Chocolate Lustre and It Cosmetics Your Skin Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ … Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream + Anti-Aging Hydrating Serum (yes, it's the longest name ever, but it's 💣).