Episodes
How do you shop for eco-friendlier beauty products? What are high-value plastics? How can beauty brands make their components better for the environment? We’re going to tackle all those questions with sustainable operations expert Carly Snider, the executive director of Pact Collective, a nonprofit that’s uniting the beauty industry to work toward circular packaging solutions. In this episode, you’ll learn about the dangers of wishcycling, what happens at your local...
Published 04/19/24
Published 04/19/24
Jenn welcomes Julee Wilson back to the co-host seat so they can talk about Rihanna admitting that she’s considered getting a breast lift (and other post-motherhood changes). Plus: how we judge beauty awards; magnetic lashes; the rise of medical tourism for cosmetic surgery; and—in Science Corner!—a new study finds that applying makeup may help with depressive symptoms. Plus: We discuss new fragrances by their vibes rather than their ingredients (a revelation!). Products mentioned in this...
Published 04/17/24
Gudrun Wu Snyder, the founder of Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, explains how acupuncture works—scientifically and philosophically. We discuss how this modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help with allergy symptoms, collagen boosting, complexion brightening, constipation, and more. Plus: ear seeding, how acupuncture plays into cancer treatment, and what’s really going on during a lymphatic massage. Products mentioned in this episode (including Moon Rabbit Ear Seeding Kits!):...
Published 04/12/24
Jenn welcomes guest co-host Angelo Landriscina, MD (aka @dermangelo), to talk about junk science, Andrew Huberman, dermfluencers, the “Wild West” of cosmetic surgery, perfumes that smell like sunscreen, the difference between retinol and retinal, and whether or not she will actually receive the $99 Trump Victory47 cologne she ordered. Plus, Angelo explains how hypochlorous acid really works and we Raise a Wand to the Hugimals World Heart to Hug Pillow, a calming weighted pillow that delivers...
Published 04/10/24
Makeup artist Dick Page has been playing with color and painting faces (Bella Hadid, Christy Turlington, and so many others!) for more than 30 years. In this interview—one of our most popular episodes from 2022—he talks to Jess about his career, the disappearing art of subtlety, how the way we view images today has changed the way we think about beauty, and the not-so-secret trick for achieving one of his signature looks: dewy, balmy, glowing cheeks. Products mentioned in this episode:...
Published 04/05/24
Guest co-host Alexandra Pauly, the beauty editor of Highsnobiety, chats with Jenn about retailers that are banning sales of anti-aging skincare to children, a new line of products for butts, and the state of fragrance today. Plus: why toddlers smell like flowers and teens smell like goats; a perfume for horse girls; the best places to shop for beauty in NYC; and the sunscreen-primer-foundation recipe that will keep your face perfected for eight hours straight, even if you have oily...
Published 04/03/24
Fragrance developer Carlos Huber chats with Jess and Jenn about how perfume can be a way to experience a specific moment in time. He shares the history of patchouli; why fragrances after World War II smelled like smoke and flowers; how his brand, Arquiste Parfumeur, captures evocative moments and historical sites; and how he works with perfumers and clients (Vacation Inc., Trudon, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, J. Crew) to create fragrances with a deep sense of nostalgia. Products mentioned...
Published 03/29/24
Charisse Kenion, host of BeautyMe podcast, joins Jenn to talk about supermodels, changes at British Vogue, YouTube AI disclosures, France’s proposed “sin tax” on fast fashion, more diversity in dermatology photos, and broccoli freckles, the latest ridiculous micro-trend on TikTok. Listen until the end for our revelation: Hypochlorous acid is a wonder ingredient for every skin type! We raise our wands high to products featuring it: Prequel Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray, Clinisept+ and...
Published 03/27/24
Legendary hairstylist Guido Palau, who developed the new Zara Hair line and worked on Edward Enninful’s final cover for British Vogue, has done runway hair for pretty much every fashion label (Prada, Valentino, Marc Jacobs) and cut the hair of all the top models (Kaia Gerber included). He’s here to tell us about his career path in the fashion industry, share his creative process, and talk about some of the products he’s created for brands like Redken. This was Guido’s first podcast interview...
Published 03/22/24
Guest co-host Garrett Munce, author of Self-Care for Men, gives Jenn his honest opinion on her Botox and filler, and then there’s much more to cover: why men want David Beckham’s nipples; the popularity of facelifts; how people would rather look healthy than be healthy; the success of Black-founded beauty brands; which beauty companies do the best merch; and a candle that smells like dirt after the rain. Plus, a cursory acknowledgement of Bella Hadid’s Ôrebella line and Kylie Jenner’s new...
Published 03/20/24
In honor of Fragrance Day, we joined up with Emma Vernon, host of the podcast Perfume Room, to talk about fragrance trends, the language we use to discuss perfume, and the scents of everything from orris and carnations to egg creams and dust bunnies. Listen in as we work our way through a “smell & tell” session featuring some of Emma’s favorite scents of the season. Perfumes mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/438253Episode recap with links (including Emma's live event March...
Published 03/15/24
Guest co-host Anita Bhagwandas, author of Ugly: Giving Us Back our Beauty Standards and the Substack newsletter The Powder Room, joins Jenn to talk about pretty privilege, whether influencer trips are still a smart marketing tactic, if wearing makeup while you exercise is really that bad, discontinued products, and why Anita likes to decant her makeup into vintage pill boxes. Plus, we recommend body exfoliators for last week’s guest co-host, and raise our wands to a witchy candle, an...
Published 03/13/24
Are you breaking the law when you buy sunscreen from other countries? Why is U.S. sunscreen innovation so slow? What are the real differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens? Which sunscreens have been tested on animals and why? We get into all of it with Julian Sass, PhD, a cosmetic formulator, industry consultant, and creator of an extensive sunscreen database (click on the episode recap below for a link to it). Plus: He shares his favorite sunscreens, and we discuss cosmetic...
Published 03/08/24
Guest co-host Courtney Shields, the founder of DIBS Beauty and host of the Courtside with Courtney podcast, joins Jenn to talk about the Texas/NYC aesthetic, men getting makeovers before their Lunar New Year blind dates, the resurgence of big hair, children’s eyeglasses that are supposed to ward off head lice, dry-brushing your body, Dyson tools, DIBS Beauty blush toppers, HigherDOSE mats…and so much more. Plus, we found a sheer mineral sunscreen for last week’s guest co-host, Julee, and have...
Published 03/06/24
Dermatologist Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, MD, explains all the ways lasers can improve your skin. We talk about AviClear, Fraxel, and the latest laser and light advancements; how to prevent and reduce scars; lasers that treat acne, rosacea, tattoos, and unsightly veins; and laser hair removal. Plus: How can blue LED light be beneficial if blue light from screens is supposed to be damaging? Dr. Bae has the answers! Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/419083Episode recap with...
Published 03/01/24
Guest co-host Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large at Cosmopolitan, joins Jenn to offer her take on the new hair line Cécred and discuss Girl Scouts beauty collabs, fragranced offices, and the most luxurious cleansing balm. Plus, welcome to the Legal Corner (it’s new!), where we’re talking about what the National Advertising Division of the BBB National Programs thinks of Dr. Squatch’s “natural” marketing claims. All that, plus trinket-y beauty items, sexy long johns, and a candle celebrating...
Published 02/28/24
Supermodel Veronica Webb and dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano joined us for a live version of the podcast, where we talked about taboos surrounding aging, how your skin changes in your 40s and 50s, and the skincare and habits that help you age well. This episode is brought to you by Shiseido in celebration of its new Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream. Visit Shiseido.com and follow @shiseido on social channels for more information. Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and...
Published 02/26/24
Guest co-host Emily Sundberg, author of the Substack newsletter Feed Me, joins Jenn in the studio to make sense of the Super Bowl’s beauty moment, discuss Alix Earle, talk about an introduction to perfumery course, and consider how trendy nicotine pouches could affect your skin. Plus, we have concealer help for our allergy sufferer and some new homework: Tell us about your favorite trinket-y beauty items (lip balm phone cases, gloss rings, solid perfumes, etc., are welcome!). Products...
Published 02/21/24
If you have scalp issues, or you’re just curious why your hair “hurts” when it gets oily, this episode with Caroline Robinson, MD, is for you. In our interview (originally aired in 2022), Dr. Robinson explains how hair follicles work, how to treat conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, and shares the truth about controversial shampoo and styling ingredients such as sulfates, silicones, and castor oil.  Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/398574Episode recap...
Published 02/16/24
Rachel Felder, author of Red Lipstick: Ode to a Beauty Icon, shares the fascinating story of the world's most talked-about lip color. In this interview (originally aired in 2019), she tells us about the ingredients Egyptians used to redden their mouths, how red lips and story of feminism are intertwined, the Lipstick Wars of the 20th century, and the true story behind MAC's Russian Red. Happy Valentine's Day, Fam! Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/396901Episode recap...
Published 02/14/24
Jess talks to Michelle Crossan-Matos, chief marketing officer of Ulta Beauty, about what a company can achieve beyond selling product. Since joining Ulta Beauty, the Glaswegian executive has worked on initiatives like The Joy Project with motivational speaker Mel Robbins, thinking about the responsibility a retailer holds when it comes to younger customers as well as its own employees. In this interview, she shares her approach to leadership, why she’s interested in the philosophy of...
Published 02/09/24
Did you hear about the great perfume heist of 2016? Justice has finally been served, and we’ll tell you all about it. Before that: the rise of dimple surgery; celebrities on hair-dye boxes; supermodel offspring in the new Marc Jacobs Daisy Wild campaign; and Cardi B’s first beauty contract. Plus, let’s Raise a Wand to a moisture mask that’s almost as good as SK-II and help one listener find a longwear concealer that will hide her allergy symptoms. Products mentioned in this episode:...
Published 02/07/24
World-traveling polymath Teri Johnson takes us on a journey through her life, but also back in time to the Harlem Renaissance, the era that inspires her company, Harlem Candle Co. She tells us about the famous personalities she’s captured in scent—Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, and more—as well as her travels, her favorite products, and the story behind the brand she built. Products mentioned in this episode: shopmy.us/collections/381169Episode recap with...
Published 02/02/24
If you put a barefaced woman in a field we will want what she’s selling—that’s what we’ve learned from Pamela Anderson’s latest beauty endeavor. We’re also chatting about little wellness habits that help us create boundaries; Charlotte Tilbury’s big-budget lipstick launch; Dollar General candles from a surprisingly luxe manufacturer; highlights from a new Gen-Z State of Beauty report; SK-II dupes; more perfumes for our June Bride; and the fancy countertop spray that makes household...
Published 01/31/24