Ep. 206: Meet the Woman Behind the Beautyblender, Rea Ann Silva

Makeup artist Rea Ann Silva, the founder of Beautyblender, joins us on this week’s episode. Her egg-shaped application sponge started out as an experiment, but quickly amassed a fanbase of professional makeup artists and beauty lovers alike. Rea Ann tells us how she began her career as a makeup artist and what inspired her to start her company. Also in this episode: a discussion about skincare with blue-light protection and the week’s beauty headlines.

Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi) reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us voice memos of your beauty questions and Raise A Wand favorites so we can share them on the show, or call us at 646-481-8182, and leave us a message. We love hearing from you.

This Week in Beauty News:
Makeup...for your nose?!
Give your feet some love with a “pandemicure”
Baby Foot - the original foot-smoothing masks, which are selling like crazy during the pandemic
Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File - this is the foot-smoothing tool Jenn uses
Jessica Simpson responds to Met Gala drama
Caroline Hirons spring kit
Caroline Hirons IGTV

Blue Light Protection:
“Can Light Emitted from Smartphone Screens and Taking Selfies Cause Premature Aging and Wrinkles?” - paper in the Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering that Jenn referenced
Goodhabit - new skincare line focused on blue-light protection
Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40
Chantecaille Blue Light Protection Hyaluronic Serum
One Ocean Blue Light Protection + Hydration Mist
Derma E Blue Light Shield Spray

Rea Ann Silva chatted about:
Covergirl concealer
Butter Cake from Mastro’s - make it at home with this recipe
Beautyblender - the original!
Beautyblender Bounce Foundation
Beautyblender Bounce Airbrush Liquid Whip Concealer

#RaiseAWand:
“Melanie in the Midwest” raised a wand to perfume samplers - we love ordering ours from Lucky Scent
Jenn: Covergirl TruNaked Queenship Shadow Sticks - Jenn wears the shade Unruly
Jess: IGK Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm

Ep. 205: Zoë Foster Blake in Not a Beauty Tragic

In this week’s episode, we sat down with former beauty director (Australian Cosmopolitan & Harper’s Bazaar) and author turned beauty entrepreneur Zoë Foster Baker. Zoë shares the best beauty advice she’s received, her biggest pet peeves, and the beauty lessons she still has to learn. She also tells us the story of how she went from being a beauty editor to starting her own skincare line, Go-To. This episode is full of valuable advice for anybody wanting to start a beauty company. Also in this episode: Jenn & Jess share the beauty news, talk about beauty storage, and discuss color-enhancing shampoos in a special segment sponsored by Moroccanoil.

Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi), reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us audio files (info@fatmascara.com) or call us (646-481-8182) and leave a message with your beauty questions and #RaiseAWand favorites so we can share them on the show!

This Week in Beauty News:
Makeup giants vie to buy Charlotte Tilbury
L’Oréal partners with Snap Camera to spice up your WFH
Talc lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson can proceed
Move over cat-eye, there’s a new trend in town—the fox-eye

We also talked about beauty storage:
Facebook Group
Pocket Shoe Organizer
Acrylic Drawers
Lazy Susan
Ikea ‘Alex’ Drawers
Oliver Thomas Cosmetic Case

And color-enhancing shampoo:
Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo

Jenn and Zoë talked about:
Maybelline Snapscara - Zoë’s current fave drugstore mascara
Amazing Face - Zoë’s first book
Amazinger Face - Zoë’s second book
Go-To Skincare - Zoë’s skincare brand
Very Useful Face Cream - from Go-To
Transformazing Sheet Mask - from Go-To
Bad Dream Buster - a calming lavender spray from Go-To’s children’s range, Gro-To
Kosas
Trinny London Cream Eyeshadow
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream - Learn how to make it here!
Follow Zoe on Spotify

#RaiseAWand - entertainment edition:
Jenn: Ozark - watch on Netflix
Jess: Jules - weekly newsletter by Julie Vadnal (@julievadnal)

Ep. 204: Makeup Artist Kristofer Buckle is Back!

Celebrity makeup artist Kristofer Buckle is back by popular demand! He was our guest on Ep. 86 of the podcast, and you have been asking for him to return ever since. Now he’s finally here. In this episode, Kristofer opens up about his childhood, explains why wearing makeup is a sign of respect—and tells us what it’s like in Mariah Carey’s quarantine house. He also shares amazing beauty tips for tight-lining your upper lash lines, finding the right blush for your skin tone, and updating your makeup as you get older. Also in this episode: Jenn & Jess weigh in on Fat Mascara listeners’ “unpopular beauty opinions” and discuss the week’s beauty headlines.

Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi), reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us audio files (info@fatmascara.com) or call us (646-481-8182) and leave a message with your beauty questions and #RaiseAWand favorites so we can share them on the show!

This Week in Beauty News:
Prestige clean beauty sales are up 11%.
Brazil’s federal government upheld a state ban on animal testing.
CBD sales are expected to rise due to pandemic.
Razr, Sir John, and others support the launch of non-profit Support Creatives.

We also talked about:
Unpopular Beauty Opinions - the thread is saved as an Announcement on our private Facebook Group
SK-II Treatment Mask
Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick
Ciaté London Dewy Stix
Tom Ford Lip Lacquer Luxe

During the interview with Kristofer Buckle, we talked about:
Laura Mercier
Steven Meisel
Fat Mascara Ep. 86: Commitment to Glamour - Kristofer’s first appearance on the podcast
Wet n Wild Lipstick in #509A - the first beauty product he fell in love with
Kristofer Buckle: A Day in the Life - the YouTube video Jess mentioned
”Stigmata” by Ministry - the song that pumps him up
Ghost Adventures - Kristofer Raises A Wand to this show!
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm - his go-to lip moisturizer, though he’s used butter in a pinch (!)
Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream
Cetaphil Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
Decléor Night Balm - there are four varieties; choose the one for your skin type
Kristofer Buckle Triplicity Foundation Stick
Kristofer Buckle Casting Call Translucent Loose Setting Powder

#RaiseAWand
Listener Jen from Australia: Hand Chemistry Hyaluronic Concentration
Jess: Osmia Naked Body Mousse
Jenn: Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40

Special Ep: How to Build and Evolve a Beauty Brand

We sat down with Christopher Skinner, the founder and principal of School House, beauty's think tank and creative agency. Chris talks about the specific challenges brands face amid the pandemic, how heritage brands can evolve in this moment, and the importance and secret to creating a real community with customers. He also fields listener questions about design, inspiration, and career advice.

This special commercial-free episode was made possible by our friends at School House. Visit weareschoolhouse.com for more info.

Ep. 203: Talking Beauty with YouTuber Kathleen Lights

Back in January, when things were…different…YouTube star Kathleen Fuentes (aka KathleenLights) visited the Fat Mascara studio in New York City to talk all things beauty with Jenn (Jess was on maternity leave). She shared DIY manicure tips and her favorite beauty bargains—and explained how astrology can influence your beauty routine [editor’s note: maybe].

Also on this week’s podcast: the latest beauty news (Ulta’s charitable move, celebrities going gray, TikTok influencers launching beauty brands, and new science about how lips age); Dr. Heidi Waldorf has help for a listener who gets “strawberry legs” after shaving; and Jenn and Jess wonder: Will Leonard Lauder’s famous “Lipstick Index” hold in our current economic uncertainty? 

Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi), reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us audio files (info@fatmascara.com) or call us (646-481-8182) and leave a message with your beauty questions and #RaiseAWand favorites so we can share them on the show!

This Week in Beauty News:
Ulta’s charitable move.
Celebrities are doing things to their hair now that their in isolation.
The first TikTok beauty line is here.
Kao researchers discovered exactly how your lips change as you age. (Thank you?)

We also talked about:
Lenard Lauder’s Lipstick Index - this is the Wall Street Journal article where the term first appeared
Strawberry Legs
Dr. Heidi Waldorf - the dermatologist who helped our listener with some advice
Neostrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion
AmLactin Body Lotion
CeraVe SA Body Lotion
vBeam Perfecta Laser

Kathleen and Jenn talked about:
GabyTeeMUA - Kathleen’s friend, the makeup artist
ColourPop Cosmetics
Ofra Cosmetics
Briogeo
Lights Lacquer
Natasha Denona Mini Sunset Eyeshadow Palette
Ulta
Sephora
Essence Cosmetics Stay 8H Waterproof Lip Liner
Nars Precision Lip Liner
L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Foundation
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
Lights Lacquer Polish in Serendipity
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Mousse
Briogeo
MAC Lipstick in Pretty Please
Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Coffee Caramel Fudge Ice Cream
”Boss Bitch” by Doja Kat
Dose of Colors Meet Your Hue Concealer

#RaiseAWand
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Brag Mascara - this is a link to the $13 mini version Jess mentioned
Tuft Barbershop in New York City

Bonus Episode: Hairstylist Chris McMillan for Covid-19 Relief

Celebrity stylist and salon owner Chris McMillan joins us for a bonus podcast dedicated to salon workers and beauty professionals. We are donating all revenue from audio sponsorships that run on this episode to the Professional Beauty Association’s Covid-19 Relief Fund.

In this bonus pod, Chris offers tips for cutting off “old energy” (a.k.a., your hair), shares personal stories (and industry gossip!), discusses his collaboration with Drunk Elephant, and talks about how he and his stylists and employees are getting through this time. 

If you’re a licensed beauty professional who is struggling right now, please visit probeauty.org to apply for a Covid-19 relief grant.

For information

Ep. 202: Acids, Peels, and AHAs with Dr. Jeanine Downie

Are you ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about skin-care acids?! In this episode, dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, shares lots of details about how they work, the difference between AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, and how glycolic and salicylic acid interact with other products. She also answers your questions.

Plus, we talk about the sunscreen news hidden in America’s coronavirus relief bill (the CARES Act), share our favorite at-home exercise classes, and report on the week’s beauty headlines.

Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi), reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us audio files (info@fatmascara.com) or call us (646-481-8182) and leave a message with your beauty questions and #RaiseAWand favorites so we can share them on the show!

This Week in Beauty News:
Beginning April 17, Space NK will be offering online consultations.
Il Makiage is hiring unemployed makeup artists
MAC’s (second) collaboration with Selena (Quintanilla, not Gomez!) is finally here

We also talked about:
Yoga With Adriene
Tara Stiles yoga videos
Alo Yoga videos
Barry’s Bootcamp
VeraYoga - book one of their live stream classes and use code FATMASCARA to get 20% off!
The U.S.’s sunscreen approval process is getting an overhaul because of new legislation tucked into the coronavirus relief bill (CARES Act)
Click here to check out the section of the CARES Act we discussed

Dr. Jeanine Downie mentioned:
Image Dermatology
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel
SkinBetter Alpha Ret Exfoliating Peel Pads
Juvéderm
Juvéderm Voluma XC
Restylane
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid Chamomile & Green Tea
Barbara Sturm - she mentioned on her episode of Fat Mascara that she’s “anti acids”
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
SkinMedica Rejuvenize Peel - offered in doctor’s offices only
VI Peels - offered in doctor’s offices only
Aveeno Skin Relief Unscented Body Wash
Dove Shower Foam Sensitive Skin Hypoallergenic Gentle Body Wash
SkinMedica Total Defense & Repair Sunscreen
SkinMedica TNS Serum - the one with epidermal growth factors
Senté Dermal Contour Pressed Serum
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Dior Diorshow Maximizer 3D Lash Extender Lash Primer
Lutronic Keralase Laser for Hair Loss

#RaiseAWand:
Listener #RAW: ColourPop Creme Gel Liner in Prance - the shade seems to be sold out, but there are plenty other bright, springy shades to try!
Pretty Good Advice: For People Who Dream Big and Work Harder by Leslie Blodgett
Maybelline Cheek Heat Sheer Gel-Cream Blush in Coral Ember

Ep. 201: How to Take Better Photos with Nigel Barker

Hey, Fat Mascara Family! This week, we’ve got an interview with photographer Nigel Barker, the reality TV host and former judge of America’s Next Top Model. He teaches us how to be better photographers (and subjects!); explains why preserving memories is important and how “smizing" is more than smiling with your eyes; and shares his tips and tricks for cutting his own hair. Plus: there’s help for anyone with stress-induced acne, the week’s beauty news (Drunk Elephant’s new hair and body lines, fake coronavirus remedies, and booming at-home hair color sales), and more. 

Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi), reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us audio files (info@fatmascara.com) or call us (646-481-8182) and leave a message with your beauty questions and #RaiseAWand favorites so we can share them on the show!

This Week in Beauty News:
Drunk Elephant Launched new hair and body lines
New York’s Attorney General cracks down on a brand that claims its cannabidiol has the power to cure coronavirus
Sales are booming for at-home hair color products from Madison Reed, ColorWow, and Leonor Greyl
Footballers who can’t get to the barber are buzzing off all their hair

We also talked about:
Diets high in high-glycemic foods and simple carbohydrates can exacerbate acne
Stress can slow wound healing by up to 40%
Neosporin
Starface

Nigel Barker chatted about:
Wahl Lithium Complete Haircutting Kit
Fellow Barber - his favorite shop in NYC
Cetaphil Face Cleanser
Isdin Mineral Sunscreen - this is the sunscreen we couldn’t think of the name of! It’s a good one:)
Gloss Moderne Shampoo

#RaiseAWand:
Listener #RAW: Tatcha Pure One Step Camelia Cleansing Oil
Lord Jones High CBD Body Lotion
Maybelline New York The City Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Matte About Town

Ep. 200: The Best Bargain Beauty Products

To celebrate our 200th podcast, we went through all our interviews, called up some of our favorite former guests, and compiled a list of the absolute best bargain beauty buys. We’re sharing the must-have mascaras, hair masks, sunscreens, body lotions, and more from Mario Dedivanovic, Harry Josh, Daniel Martin, Jaclyn Hill, and tons of other makeup artists, hair stylists, dermatologists, and celebrities. Best of all, everything in this episode is under $15! Things may be tough right now—physically, emotionally, financially, socially—but we hope you are able to treat yourself to at least one of these inexpensive goodies. Hang in there!

Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi) reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us audio files (info@fatmascara.com) or call us (646-481-8182) and leave a message with your beauty questions and #RaiseAWand favorites so we can share them on the show!

Makeup & Tools
Ardell Individual Lashes - Patrick Ta, Kristofer Buckle, and Rachel Goodwin use these
Ardell Demi Wispies Lashes - Mario Dedivanovic is a fan
Ardell Wispies Lashes - Luke Henderson loves these
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara - a favorite of Bianca del Rio, Daniel Martin, Bee Shapiro, Mario Dedivanovic, Arshia Morjani, Kamilah (@mshairandhumor), and Emily Kate Warren
Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara - Fiona Stiles mentioned this one
Maybelline Falsies Mascara - Erin Parsons, Michelle Lee
Maybelline Full N’ Soft Mascara - Andrea Lavinthal
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - Sally Hershberger, Erika Shumate
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - Balanda Atis
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - Dascha Polanco, Jane Larkworthy, Jean Godfrey-June,
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Face & Body Skincare
Cerave SPF 50 Daily Face Lotion - Samantha Boardman, Josh Zeichner, Rita Hazaan, Intern Tiff
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, Fragrance Free - Jaclyn Hill, Linda Wells, Rachel Felder, Craig Jessup (the Broadway makeup artist), and Caroline Solomon (@lowcheekbones)
Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion - Jess, Essece Gant, Caroline Solomon … Nicki Minaj loves this one, too!
Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment - Sarah Brown, Jess, Jenn, dermatologists

Hair
Clairol Professional Shimmer Lights Shampoo - Linda Rodin, Sharon Dorram
John Frieda Frizz Ease Secret Weapon Touch-Up Crème - Harry Josh, Sally Hershberger, Jenn
Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Avocado Extract - Ashley Streicher, Erin Parsons
Garnier Fructis Strengthening Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask with Banana Extract - this is Jess’s personal favorite!
L’Oréal Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water Lamellar Hair Treatment - everyone and their moms love this, seriously

#RaiseAWand
Acetone
Mustela No Rinse Micellar Cleansing Water

Ep. 199: Ask a Plastic Surgeon with Lara Devgan

Hey, Fat Mascara Family! We hope you and your family and friends are holding up okay, and that everyone’s trying to stay healthy, safe (and sane) during these unprecedented times. As we mentioned on our bonus episode, published March 21, we plan to keep the podcast going on its regular schedule, and we will be recording the top of the shows remotely (the interviews you’ll be hearing over the next few weeks were previously recorded). There’s a bit of a lag when we record via video, and our amazing production team at At Will Media is doing their best to edit these creatively, but if things ever sound stilted or weird, that’s why. That said, here’s what’s going on this week:

Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Lara Devgan (@laradevganmd) answers your questions about tummy tucks, liposuction, firm jawlines, crepey necks, breast implants, and more. She also explains how to find a surgeon, cosmetic dermatologist, or nurse injector you trust. Before that, Jenn & Jess discuss who we actually wear makeup for, how the diet industrial complex has affected us, and our favorite movies, TV shows, and books for beauty inspiration.

Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi) reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please send us voice memos or recordings of your beauty questions and #RaiseAWand favorites so we can share them on the show!

Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Gel Lipstick - It looks like the Hey, Stranger shade is no longer available; but there are other great nude shades available via the link
Tom Ford Lip Lacquer Luxe Matte in Pussycat
”The Diet Industrial Complex got Me, And It Will Never Let Me Go” - The New York Times article by Sarah Miller that we discuss
Dr. Lara Devgan
Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Long Lash Serum
Latisse
prostaglandins
Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Hyaluronic Serum
Violet Grey
Kybella
RF (radiofrequency) Treatments

Some of our favorite beauty inspiration:
Miss Congeniality - Jenn identifies with Gracie Lou Freebush (and, yes, she said Gracie Lee on the podcast, but you know what she meant!)
A Single Man - Jess loves this movie, especially the complexity of Julianne Moore’s character—and her killer eye makeup
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madame C.J. Walker - Watch this limited-run series to meet one of the original beauty moguls and learn about the seeds of today’s beauty industry
Jawbreaker - nonpareil 90s beauty in all its matchy-matchy, sugarcoated, pastel, poppy glory
The Scent of Desire - a fascinating book about our sense of smell by psychologist and neuroscientist Rachel Herz
Gwen Stefani’s hair in the Return of Saturn era - it’s not her best music, but it’s definitely her best hair (please see the “Simple Kind of Life” music vide for proof)

#RaiseAWand
Jenn: Skin Fix 911 Rescue Ointment
Jess: Becca Under Eye Brightener