Ep. 212: Beauty Innovations You Need to Know About

Hey, Fat Mascara Family! We don’t have a full-length interview on this week’s episode, but we do have lots of information on the future of the beauty industry (that’s why you’re getting this throwback photo of us, where we look very technologically inclined and futuristic, don’t you think?). We also welcome back special correspondent Christopher Skinner, in a segment sponsored by School House, beauty's think tank and creative agency. His mini-interview is a must-listen for anyone who works in the beauty industry, but even more so for anyone who is stuck in a creative rut. Christopher shares his best advice for staying inspired at home (hint: Netflix might be the ticket), offers tips on how to trust your intuition, and forecasts the beauty devices we might—or should be—seeing on the market soon. Also in this episode: we chat about Esker’s new Body Plane, answer a listener question about probiotic skincare, and talk about the beauty headlines and some new beauty launches.

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. You can call us at 646-481-8182, and leave us a message. We love hearing from you.

This week in beauty news:
The movement to hold Big Beauty accountable continues
Makeup as a tool for protestors who want to remain anonymous - the Vogue.com article by Lauren Valenti
MAC is taking virtual makeup to a whole new level 
Researchers have found a new massage technique to help increase collagen
Morphe is collaborating with Coca-Cola 
Zitsticka just launched patches to help fade dark spot
Westman Atelier releases new eyeshadows, called Eye Pods
Kanye West filed a trademark for Yeezy beauty products

Jenn’s Segment on Body Planing:
Strigils - more info on the tool used by Greeks, Romans, and Etruscans
Esker Body Plane - a chic and eco-friendly alternative to body scrubs
Dry Body Brush - Jenn’s other body-exfoliating tool

“Bonnie from Australia” asks if probiotic skincare is the real deal, and we have answers:
Ep. 103 - listen to the interview with Dr. Whitney Bowe if you want to learn more about your skin’s microbiome
FYI: The term “probiotic” isn’t regulated, but most beauty companies use it to refer to ingredients that are prebiotic (such as the oats in Aveeno products or the thermal water in La Roche-Posay skincare) or postbiotic (such as deactivated strains of bacteria, the byproducts of the fermentation process, or non-living pieces of bacteria).
Mother Dirt AO+ Live Probiotic Spray - one of the few topical products with actual bacteria
Globiotics - contains postbiotic ingredients
Aurelia - contains postbiotic ingredients
Tula - contains postbiotic ingredients
Aurelia Probiotic Concentrate - this is what Jenn’s been using for her rosacea; it has a high concentration of Bifida ferment lysate

Special Correspondent Christopher Skinner (this segment is sponsored by School House):
School House - beauty’s think tank and creative agency
Chef’s Table - Christopher was inspired by this show about culinary journies

#RaiseAWand:
Jess: Kodiak Flapjack mix - make sure to check the ingredients if you have a nut allergy!
Jenn: Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in Suburbia

Ep. 211: Huda Kattan Explains How She Became a Beauty Boss

This week, we are so excited to be talking with Huda Kattan, the founder of Huda Beauty. Huda explains how she went from getting fired to becoming “one of the most influential people on the internet” in just a few years. We also get an inside look at her product-development process and learn how she ensures that every product she creates will stand the test of time. Also in this episode: the latest beauty headlines, why post-pregnancy hair shedding happens (and what to do about it), and an excellent facial massage video recommendation from a listener.

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. You can call us at 646-481-8182, and leave us a message. We love hearing from you.

Huda Kattan talked about:
Huda named one of the most influential people on the internet - Time, 2017
Is Huda Kattan the most influential beauty blogger in the world - from the New York Times
Wishful Skincare - Huda’s skincare line
Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub - The first skincare product Huda launched, and one her favorite products
Huda Beauty LEGIT Lashes Double-Ended Mascara - Huda Beauty’s first mascara
Huda Boss - Huda’s show
Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask
Kopari Coconut Melt - Huda puts this in her hair
Kopari Lip Balm
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Revlon Lipstick - the first beauty product Huda fell in love with
“Why don’t you love me” by Beyoncé - Huda’s pump-up song

#RaiseAWand:
Shivranjani (the listener Raise A Wand) - Gadgetlily’s facial massage video
Jess - The HoneyPot everyday herbal pantyliners (she also likes the Bliss Minty Scrub Soap for cooling effects)
Jenn - Luxury Scent Box (her favorite scent in the sample box she just got was Olfactive Studio Flash Back)

Ep. 210: How Stress Affects Your Skin with Dr. Amy Wechsler

In this week’s episode, we interview Dr. Amy Wechsler, a double-board-certified psychiatrist and dermatologist. She explains how stress affects skin concerns such as acne, psoriasis, and skin-picking (and how to treat those issues), why sleep is so important, and how comparing yourself to images on social media can be dangerous (yes, we all have pores—and that’s normal!). We also discuss sunscreen news from Neutrogena (heads up: that segment is sponsored by the brand) and talk about the week’s beauty headlines: how the Black Lives Matter movement is reshaping the beauty industry for the better, a new beauty director at Burberry, Ah-Shí, the first Native-American-owned beauty store, Puig’s acquisition of Charlotte Tilbury, and Kendall Jenner losing her billionaire status.

Correction!
In Ep. 209, Jess shared tips for bikini-line skincare from Dr. Ranella Hirsch and mistakenly suggested you use 10% hydrocortisone cream to help soothe post-shaving red bumps. She meant to say 1% hydrocortisone. We apologize for the error and any confusion it caused.

This Week in Beauty News:
Designer Aurora James calls on retailers to pledge 15% of shelf space to Black-owned brands
The Black-owned beauty businesses Jenn mentioned: Uoma, Mented Cosmetics, Lauren Napier Beauty
Julee Wilson’s Instagram - she’s the beauty director of Cosmopolitan (and Jenn’s cohost on Ep. 105!) and has a great Instagram Stories highlight reel of Black-owned beauty & fashion brands
125 Black-owned beauty brands to support - the Cosmopolitan.com article by Julee
Isamaya Ffrench is the new Burberry beauty director
Stress-related Psoriasis flares up during the quarantine
Ah-Shí is the first Native-American-owned beauty store - this is the Beauty Independent article Jenn mentioned
Puig acquires Charlotte Tilbury
Kylie Jenner loses her billionaire status

Sunscreen News (sponsored by Neutrogena):
Neutrogena Sunscreens
The news we discussed: 39% of Americans ages 22+ and 35% of Americans ages 13-21 say they are so focused on hand-washing and avoiding germs that they are not thinking about sunscreen application, according to a new Harris Poll survey
Sherry Pagoto, PhD - this is the psychologist Jenn spoke with about sunscreen behavior changes during the pandemic
Can the Easter break induce a long-term break of exercise routines? An analysis of Danish gym data using a regression discontinuity design - this is the study Jenn mentioned that showed how short-term behavior changes can induce long-term changes to your habits

Dr. Amy Wechlser talked about:
The Mind-Body Connection - Dr. Wechsler’s book
Accutane - drug to treat acne
Enbrel - drug to treat psoriasis
Chanel UV Essential SPF 50 Sunscreen - Dr. Wechsler’s favorite sunscreen to wear when she’s working in the city
La Roche Posay SPF 60 Face & Body - Dr. Wechsler loves this for the beach
Invisible Zinc SPF 50 - An Australian brand Dr. Wechsler uses
Aveeno Zinc SPF 50 - One reason Dr. Wechsler recommends this is because it has zinc, which doesn’t clog pores
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc SPF 50
Vaseline Intensive Care Dermatology Formula - the first beauty products Dr. Wechsler fell in love with
Cetaphil Body Moisturizer - the body lotion she uses now
Mallomars - Dr. Wechsler’s favorite indulgent snack
“While You See A Chance” - Dr. Wechsler’s pump-up song
Black Lives Matter - Dr. Wechsler’s raised a wand to this!

#RaiseAWand:
From a Listener: Massachusetts aesthetician Tricia Young raised a wand to Zitsticka
Jess: Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eye Liner in (Luna)tic - a dupe for her favorite (discontinued) Maybelline liner
Jenn: Chéci Foot File - the only thing that gets rid of Jenn’s tough calluses

Ep. 209: How Nikki Nelms Creates Hair Magic

This week, we are so excited to be talking with Nikki Nelms, a celebrity hair stylist and brand ambassador for Maui Moisture. Nikki’s talent has attracted a star-studded clientele (Janelle Monáe, Zoë Kravitz, Solange Knowles, Björk, Beyoncé), and her creations are nothing short of iconic. She tells us how she got her start styling her family’s hair, why her creative process doesn’t require reference materials, and some of the surprising tools (think: Home Depot gardening tools) she uses to create her looks. Before the interview, we offer up help for makeup transfer on masks and discuss the latest beauty news: Venus Williams’ new sunscreen, beauty looks in the “Rain On Me” video, Nixit period cups, and a boom in DIY beauty searches online.

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. You can call us at 646-481-8182, and leave us a message. We love hearing from you.

This week in beauty news:
Can Venus Williams’ sunscreen launch bring more inclusivity to clean beauty?
Ariana Grande rocked floating eyeliner in the “Rain on Me” video
Nixit period cups are trying to end period shame
Online searches for DIY beauty treatments are booming

We also shared tips for preventing makeup transfer on your face masks:
Luke Henderson - makeup artist that Jess talked to
M.A.C. Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation
MILK makeup Blur Liquid Matte Foundation
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation - Jess says this as a slightly heavier coverage, but it lasts
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

During the interview with Nikki Nelms, we talked about:
“Walk in Wednesday” - Nikki’s IG lives
Hype Hair - one of the hair magazines Nikki was featured in at the beginning of her career
Essence Festival New Orleans - where Nikki met Lil Wayne
A Seat at the Table - Nikki did Solange’s hair for this album
Kanye West’s Gold Digger - Nikki worked on this video
Janelle Monáe’s googly eye hairstyle - Nikki shared the backstory behind this look
Flexi Rods - flexible curling rods
Maui Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Vegan Shampoo - This is in Nikki’s “prep” kit
Maui Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Vegan Conditioner - so is this!
Sebastian Professional Shaper Hairspray - in Nikki’s “on set” kit
Kate Somerville face washes - Nikki uses these
Shani Darden Skincare Retinol Reform - Nikki uses this because Kelly Rowland recommended it (and Kelly’s skin is amazing!)
Grapeseed Oil - mix into your conditioner for a DIY hair mask
Olive Oil - mix into your conditioner for a DIY hair mask
Diptyque Candles in Baies and 34 - Nikki’s favorites
Avon face wash - the first beauty product Nikki fell in love with
Erykah Badu
Banana Pudding from Doc’s Cake Shop (aka Doc D’s) - Nikki’s favorite desert
Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Wafer Cookie - Nikki also loves these
“My 1st Song” by Jay Z - The song that pumps Nikki up
Maui Moisture Weightless Oil Mist - makes your hair red-carpet ready!

#RaiseAWand:
Jenn: @basenote_bitch - Instagram feed with fragrance photos & reviews
Jess: Fleur Maxwell workouts

Ep. 208: How Makeup Artist Jillian Dempsey is Making Beauty Tutorials Better

This week, we’re joined by makeup artist (and hairstylist!) Jillian Dempsey. Jillian tells us how she got into cosmetology and we discuss the launch of her new beauty app, FYFE. She also reveals the must-have beauty tool that she uses to smooth out wrinkles, increase circulation, and prep the skin for makeup. Plus, we get the inside scoop on Jillian’s favorite Japanese beauty products. Also in this episode: the week’s beauty news, how to take care of your bikini line at home, and what the new salon experience will be like post-pandemic.

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:
Johnson & Johnson will stop selling talc-based baby powder.
Kristen Bell is launching a CBD skincare line.
Jeffree Star receives backlash for his ‘Cremated’ palette.
Kids are loving these virtual makeup parties! - Philadelphia-area makeup artist Julie Kate Rubinstein is one of many makeup artists offering these classes
There’s confusion surrounding how to recycle plastic beauty products.

How to take care of your bikini line:
Dr. Ranella Hirsch - the dermatologist we go to with our most “personal” questions
Billie razor - Jess loves this razor
Schick Hydro Silk Razor - a good option for sensitive skin
Hydrocortisone cream - use over the affected area post-shave

The new salon experience:
“Italy’s Great Beautification: Hair Salons Are Back” - the New York Times article Jenn mentioned
MeriKate O’Connor - Jenn’s colorist, who works at Tab & Sparks in Los Angeles

Jillian Dempsey mentioned:
Chris McMillan - Jennifer Aniston’s hairstylist (and former Fat Mascara guest - check out this bonus episode)
Ednaswap - the rock band Jillian talks about
FYFE Beauty - Jillian’s new makeup app
YouCam Makeup - the app from Perfect Corp (Jillian calls them the leaders in virtual makeup try-on)
Gold Sculpting Bar - Jillian’s massage tool that she uses during her “prep step”
Addiction Beauty - Jillian loves this line
Shigeta
Mama Butter Face Cream Mask - one of the products from Mama Butter, a line made ny Nerolila Botanica (another beauty brand Jillian loves)
Jillian Dempsey Cheek Tint
Jillian Dempsey Lid Tint
Jillian Dempsey Khôl Eyeliner - Jillian likes shade rich brown
Calypso Concealer
Adir Abergel - one of Jillian’s “hair husbands” (and a former Fat Mascara guest - check out Ep. 112 )
Drunk Elephant Hair Care
Virtue Hair Care
Olaplex Hair Care
Maybelline eyeliner - Jillian used to love this
Kate Moss - we’re not linking this, because if you don’t know who Kate Moss is we can’t help you
“Waiting Room” - song by Fugazi

#RaiseAWand:
“Kaylie (sp?) from Toronto” raised a wand to Shy Wolf Candles
Jenn: Dr. Paw Paw Multi-Purpose lip balm - combine shades Peach & Mocha to create a dupe for Jillian Dempsey ‘Sunny’ cheek tint
Jess: Jillian Dempsey Kohl Eyeliner in shade Deep Burgundy

Ep. 207: Supplements, Sustainability, and More

This week, we’re switching things up! So, please enjoy a throwback photo of us ⬆ because we don’t have a formal interview in this episode. Instead, we invited former guest (and beauty industry expert) Christopher Skinner back to chat about all things sustainability, in a segment sponsored by his agency, School House. Christopher talks about how everything from packaging to the way products are displayed in stores impacts sustainability. Also in this episode: Jess memorializes the Nordstrom location where she discovered beauty, we share the week’s beauty news, and we talk about which beauty supplements really work.

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:
L’Oréal unveils a new program for a brighter, greener future
There’s a new lip filler in town
Jane Fonda is the new face of Uncle Bud’s
Ulta partners with Refinery29 to launch R29Somos

Things we mentioned in the segment about beauty supplements:
Olly Probiotic Gummy - Jess takes these
Sugarbear Hair Gummies - Jess has taken these
MoonJuice Deep Chocolate Adaptogenic Protein Powder - Jess has used this
Dr. Zoe Draelos - the research dermatologist Jenn spoke with about supplements
flaxseed oil - this links to a study showing how taking flaxseed oil as a supplement may benefit skin
Barlean’s Falxseed Oil - Jenn has been taking this daily in a smoothie
Polypodium leucotomos - this links to a study about its safety and skin benefits
Heliocare - supplement that contains polypodium leucotomos
Sundaily Base Layer - (gummy!) supplement that contains polypodium leucotomos

Mentioned in the segment about sustainability:
School House
Christopher Skinner

#RaiseAWand:
Maria raises a wand to Kosas live consultations - she recommends Christopher!
Jess: “This is Big: How the Founder of Weight Watchers Changed the World (and Me)” by Marisa Meltzer
Jenn: Drunk Elephant Wild Marula Tangle Spray

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.