Fat Mascara

We've got a quick announcement about Earth Day and our virtual party, then it's on to the interview (a replay): Lab Muffin creator and science educator Michelle Wong, PhD, is going to change the way you think about beauty products. Together, we take a closer look at the clean-beauty movement, discuss the racist and colorist history of skin-lightening products, discuss how to evaluate user reviews...

We’re hosting a virtual Earth Day party this Thursday and we want to tell you all about it (It’s free! And there's an amazing gift for all attendees!). After that, we’re replaying an interview with one of our favorite guests, Caroline Hirons. The skincare expert, aesthetician, and best-selling author gives us her no-nonsense take on “clean” beauty, INCI lists, the Environmental Working Group (EWG)...

You'll never look at a bar of soap the same way again after listening to this episode. Chris Buckley, the executive vice president of customer experience for Bradford Soap Works, explains how soap is made, why some bars feel more luxurious than others, and what on earth a "syndet" bar is (and why dermatologists love them). Also, Buckley gets into the soap world's impact on the envir...

We’re joined this week by our intern/Southern correspondent Valerie, who kicks off the episode with her favorite product—a skincare tonic that keeps her skin bouncy as a Squishmallow. This week’s big topic: solid shampoo bars. We know they’re good for the environment, but how do you actually use them? Prepare to be surprised, because we’ve been doing it wrong this whole time. Before that, loads of...

How do you know if a mole is cancerous or not? What does blue light do to your skin? Do all skin cancers need to be cut out? Dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD, the founder of OptiSkin, is here to answers all those questions and tell us about the latest (noninvasive!) advancements in skin cancer treatment—many of which she pioneered. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/fatm...

We’re sharing some of the best retinol body lotions and dermatologist tips on how to use the—just in time for your legs and arms to come out of hiding. Plus, lots of news in the beauty world: China may ban the use of cannabis in beauty products; there’s an antibacterial “COVID perfume”; Skinceuticals launched a new vitamin C serum; we discuss Gwyneth Paltrow’s sunscreen-application technique (Jenn...

Film and television makeup designer Donni Davy explains how embracing makeup improved her mental health and shares how her background in art and photography informed her creative process for Euphoria , The Underground Railroad , Moonlight , and other projects. Plus, she shares tricks for doing “grown-up” versions of Euphoria's most popular makeup looks and tips for getting out of a beauty rut. --...

Floral, woody, fresh, fruity…Oriental? We spoke to fragrance experts who say it’s time to update the way we talk about and classify perfumes. Before that, lots of news to discuss: A new tubing mascara from Blinc; SkinStore estimates how much we'll spend on skincare in a lifetime; why radiant skin makes you look up to three years younger; advancements in the deregulation of the braiding industry; a...

Can you become immune to a shampoo? Is silicone really that bad? Do you actually need a heat protectant? Cosmetic chemist Erica Douglas, aka @SisterScientist, is here to answer all those questions, demystify the confusing world of hair products, and share some of her favorite stylers, treatments, shampoos, and more. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/fatmascara ; Episode...

Welcome to our garden party! We’ll tell you why rose water is so great for skin (in a segment sponsored by Crabtree & Evelyn). Before that, we dig into the latest beauty news: racism against the AAPI community and what the beauty world can do; an animal-testing ban in Virginia; the fake online beauty retailer that helps domestic abuse victims; a gin byproduct that’s getting upcycled into beaut...

Makeup artist Pati Dubroff works with celebrities such as Margot Robbie, Priyanka Chopra, and Laura Dern, and she's here to explain why prepping your skin with love makes you look even better—and why she does *not* want to be called a “celebrity makeup artist.” Plus, she shares the story of her extraordinary career and insider knowledge of what it’s like to work with artist management agencie...

The robots are coming…to apply your eyelash extensions! We’re talking about the new lash technology from LUUM and discussing the latest news: makeup artist Sarah Tanno’s line of beauty organizers; Garnier’s cruelty-free seal; David Yi's Good Light Beauty skincare launch; and an eco-friendlier source of ethanol for perfume. Plus, Unilever bans the word “normal” from its personal-care products, so w...

Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli shares what she’s learned hosting her podcast, Naked Beauty; the best products her listeners have recommended; the secret ingredient in her DIY body oil; and so much more. -- For a list of products featured in this episode: myshlf.us/fatmascara ; Episode recap:  fatmascara.com/blog ; Our private Facebook Group:  Fat Mascara / Raising a Wand ; Instagram:  @fat...

After a brief hiatus, Jess is back in the (virtual) studio! We’re talking about the difference between emollients, humectants, and occlusives—and why “slugging” might not be the best way to hydrate your skin. Plus, we discuss the latest beauty news: a re-brand at KVD Beauty, promising updates in vegan beauty, new fragrances from Boy Smells, and Jonah Hill...the body-positive icon we need right now...

OB-GYN Dr. Manuela Vazquez, founder of the wellness brand LaMaria, is here to answer all of your questions: How do hormonal changes affect your appearance? Does birth control make you more susceptible to skin damage? Do you need special products to clean your vulva? What’s the difference between moisturizers and lubricants? Are freckles down there normal? What percentage of people groom their pubi...

Meet your skincare fairy godmother, Charlotte Palermino, aka @charlotteparler, the co-founder of Dieux Skin—and our final guest co-host before Jess is back! We talk about whether “skin purging” is really a thing, the best ways to treat eye bags and crow’s feet, our favorite antioxidant serums and sunscreens, and more. Plus, we discuss the news: how the beauty community is responding to the rise of...

Meet Michael Anthony, the makeup artist responsible for Ariana Grande’s floating white eyeliner in the “Rain on Me” video, Katy Perry’s punk-princess look, and Rita Ora’s retro-glam makeup in countless photo shoots. In this interview, he shares how he got his start at a MAC store, snagged an agent, and became one of beauty's most influential creatives. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to...

Skincare and beauty expert Felicia Walker, the founder of ThisThatBeauty, reveals the skin gadgets that actually work, her favorite bargain mascara, a miracle hair cream made with Chébé from Chad, and more. Plus, she and Jenn discuss the latest beauty news, including the future of fashion shows, Jada Pinkett Smith’s new personal-care line, and the reason you should think twice before making your o...

Candlemaker Louis Hotchkiss, the president of KOBO candles, is here to answer all of your candle questions: Which waxes are best? How do you prevent a candle from “tunneling”? Why do some wick tips form a mushroom shape after they burn? What’s “hot throw” versus “cold throw”? All that and more. Light up your favorite candle and join us for this fascinating interview. -- Want more of our beauty pod...

The cooling drugstore face mask that’s better than slugging; the bargain hot tool that delivers a salon-like blowout; and an at-home toner that fixes brassy hair—writer Caroline Moss, host of the Gee Thanks, Just Bought It! podcast, is here to share her best beauty discoveries and discuss why certain products “go viral.” Plus, in Jenn’s Science Corner: making perfumes with artificial intelligence...

What keeps Jessica Alba up at night? You’ll be surprised. The actress and founder of Honest Company opens up about the Hollywood machine and how it works, and tells us what her WFH setup looks like, how her company’s concept of clean beauty has evolved, and why oversimplifying the science of product formulation can be problematic. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Episode Recaps & Products M...

Guest co-host Kathleen Hou, the beauty director of New York Magazine ’s The Cut, is here to analyze the hair on Bridgerton ; discuss the week’s beauty news (Dolly Parton’s fragrance! Eco-friendly beauty sponges!); and talk about her job, her favorite beauty tips, and some of her go-to products—including the best tubing mascaras for straight lashes. -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Episode Recap...

Dental technician Gary Archer has made specialized teeth for hundreds of movies and TV shows, including Austin Powers , PEN15 , The Wolf of Wall Street , Mrs. Doubtfire , Interview with the Vampire , and more. He explains how he collaborates with Special FX makeup artists to create a character's look and tells us which movie smiles he’s made that you probably didn’t realize were fake. Plus, he sha...

Can you get addicted to lip balm? We’re sharing the definitive answer from an expert—but, tbh, we’ll probably ask again next year. Plus, we talked to a dermatologist about why a few people with cosmetic fillers had allergic reactions after getting their COVID-19 vaccine. And there’s lots of beauty news to discuss: animal-testing progress; Unilever’s social-equality goals; a teledermatology report...

Style expert Trinny Woodall is a master of transformations—and her life is no exception. In this interview (which she recorded in her closet!), she talks about starting her beauty business, Trinny London; how to approach change so it’s less scary; and what she’s learned about beauty from years of hosting What Not To Wear . -- Want more of our beauty podcast? Episode Recaps & Notes: fatmascara....