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Beauty journalists Jessica Matlin and Jennifer G. Sullivan have insider access to the industry and they’re not gatekeeping. On Wednesdays, they talk candidly about beauty news, cultural trends, and the latest products and treatments. On Fridays, they get their high-profile guests to open up about their relationship to Beauty Culture and the inner workings of the industry. Join the duo that pioneered the beauty podcast for a smart, funny, totally unfiltered discussion of all things beauty on ...
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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-i…
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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…
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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 …
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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 coalit…
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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 test…
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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…
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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 …
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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.co…
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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 …
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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 misinfo…
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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, …
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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 go…
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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 a…
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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 …
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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. & Compa…
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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 go…
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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, …
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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…
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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 tire…
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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 wa…
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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,…
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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 beau…
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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 amazin…
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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 defor…
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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 h…
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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 …
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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, underconsumpt…
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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 ar…
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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 s…
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So much to cover this week: A report on holiday beauty trends (including preppy skincare and the evolution of the word “preppy”); Taylor Swift’s glitter freckles; tubing mascaras; a perfume that smells like potatoes; details behind the scenes at Dieux; a color-enhancing shampoo; a calming serum for rosacea; and (in Science Corner!) new information …
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International Flavors & Fragrances master perfumer Stephen Nicoll talks about a side of the fragrance industry that doesn’t get a lot of publicity: scenting household products. He explains how he creates fragrances for fabric detergents, cleaning sprays, and dryer sheets; what encapsulating a scent does for its longevity; why Americans like the sme…
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Brand founder, hairstylist, and hair educator Kristin Ess is giving us (and you!) a free masterclass in all things hair. She explains the secret to making every hair day a good hair day and talks about salons, how to talk to your stylist, managing business relationships, how celebrity-client partnerships actually work, and how to work with the text…
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YouTube phenom and makeup artist Michelle Phan’s career as a creator spans a revolutionary period in beauty culture, when the forces shaping trends changed, social media democratized the industry, and mergers and acquisitions altered the brand landscape. Now, Michelle is here to talk about all of that, as well as EM Cosmetics and her newest project…
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Jess & Jenn don’t believe the reports that mascara is becoming less popular. Other things we’re contemplating this week: the whimsical beauty at Paris Fashion Week; whether “skincare skin” is the new no-makeup makeup; what Oak Essentials stands for and if it will make you want to buy a horse; how to apply lotion to your own back; and which setting …
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A good wig is life-changing, says Christina Jones, the education and product development manager for The Wig Company. She’s here to explain wig basics, why people with hair loss or who are undergoing chemotherapy might want to wear a wig, the difference between ready-to-wear and custom wigs, what monofilament and lace-front wig caps are, and how to…
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Do you know someone who looks different since they’ve been talking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or Wegovy? Jenn & Garrett know a few, and they need to discuss. Jenn does a sniff test of Glossier’s two new perfumes, and we’re also talking about Moo Deng blush, Demi Moore in The Substance, the woman who died from a liquid BBL, and a supplement designed …
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The founder of Summer Fridays and host of the podcast Life With Marianna opens up about the big business of “influencing.” Marianna Hewitt talks to Jess about parlaying her success on social media into a skincare brand and shares her tips for leading a more productive, creative life. Plus, why she’s into lash lifts, brow lamination, and body rollin…
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The gang’s all here for a special episode! We’re going to catch up after the summer, and then each of us will “Show & Tell” a recent beauty discovery. We also have a passionate debate about the difference between radiance and luminosity (not the same things!), and we answer a bunch of listener questions, including how to prep your skin for big even…
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Art historian Elizabeth L. Block shares fascinating stories about hair culture in 19th-century America that she uncovered while researching her new book, Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing. We’re talking about Victorian hair dishes; what shows like Bridgerton and The Gilded Age get right (and wrong) about beauty; the ingredients i…
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Jenn & Julee bring you gossip (and some standout beauty looks) from New York Fashion Week. We’re also talking about a less-expensive alternative to epidermal growth factor serums; a dreamy body glaze (different than an oil!); why every fragrance launch is a “collection”; the best and worst celebrity beauty lines; formaldehyde (still!?) in hair stra…
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The perfect serum drizzle, the fluffiest body-cream whip, the straightest arm swatches—prop stylist Kounthear Kuch has done it all. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of a beauty photo shoot, discusses the latest color and photo trends in beauty, and demystifies the very ASMR world of making beauty products look delicious. Episode reca…
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Jenn & Jess welcome intern Ellie Dixon into the studio to chat about why you may want an aluminum-free deodorant and which ones are best. Plus: students hiring makeup artists for the first day of school; why facialists are focusing more on clients’ necks; organizing tricks; a new chypre scent from Hermès; vanilla perfumes; water-based scents; e.l.f…
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Francisco Costa looks at beauty through a different lens. One of the biggest forces in fashion, the former women's creative director of Calvin Klein Collection speaks to Jess about his evolution from designer to beauty founder, with the launch of Costa Brazil, and shares his creative process around product development. He also gets candid about the…
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Let’s dig into some fall beauty trends, like bow nails, soft baddie and Igari makeup, “fox” hair color—and whether or not Jess should get bangs. Plus: lookism in the news, the couple who pioneered cosmetic Botox, bridal beauty, rediscovering Pillow Talk, and a lip gloss that tastes like Haribo peach gummies. And, in a special segment brought to you…
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Get to know Rihanna-approved facialist Sean Garrette. He shares his story, and we talk about skin barrier repair, facial percussion, his favorite at-home skincare devices, the best treatment for keratosis pilaris, why he puts retinol on his hands, and the three things you need for a “moisture sandwich” that will make your skin plumper and more hydr…
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We took a field trip to a New York City head spa, and we’ll tell you all about it. Then, Jess asks graphic designers why we’ve been seeing so many big, round, “wavy gravy” fonts in beauty packaging. Plus, we’re talking about executive changes at Estée Lauder Companies; an Anna Sui laptop with built-in perfume pods; the hot back-to-school beauty ite…
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What is a non-surgical facelift? Plastic surgeon Kimberly Lee, MD, explains all the cosmetic treatments it can entail: injections of fat, filler, or neuromodulators; PDO threads (aka, “thread lifts”); radiofrequency skin tightening; and lasers. Plus, she talks about the long-term effects of filler, Botox, and Micro-Coring; details her approach to f…
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What ridiculous beauty treatments are celebrities promoting this week? Jenn turns that question into a game for Garrett. Before that, Wolfgang test-drives Dolce & Gabbana’s perfume for dogs; we explain what’s going on with Avon and the talc lawsuits; and we look into the ingredient story behind Dyson’s new hair line. Plus: the beauty and wellness p…
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Ellen Atlanta, the author of Pixel Flesh: How Toxic Beauty Culture Harms Women, explains how the digital age has amplified pressure on women, girls, and marginalized genders to meet increasingly unnatural beauty standards. We talk about the cultural phenomenon of the Kardashians, the Love Island aesthetic, whether the body-acceptance movement has s…
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Summer nights in New York City, perfume parties, new beauty commercials, Blake Brown Beauty, plastic surgery complications, a plumping blush (and where to put it), and tweezers for your pets…Jess & Jenn have a lot to discuss. Plus, in a special segment brought to you by Shiseido Ginza Tokyo and Acast Creative, we’ll introduce you to our new favorit…
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