The Beauty Lab Podcast

Still nervous about getting a Brazilian wax? Monina, licensed esthetician, answers every question first-timers actually have, from hair length requirements to how much it really hurts to what you should absolutely not do afterward. In this episode: The difference between a bikini, full bikini, and Brazilian wax Exactly how to prepare your skin (and what to avoid before your appointment)• Why hard...

Confused by all the hair tools on the market? Velia breaks it all down; blow dryer with round brush, blow dryer brush, and multi-styler — so you can finally stop guessing and start styling smarter. In this episode: What makes the concentrator attachment so important for frizz control Why blow dryer brushes are causing breakage for so many people How to use an Air Wrap attachment correctly (the ste...

Last episode Velia audited Monina's hair products. This time Monina audits Velia's skincare, and Velia admits upfront she has absolutely no idea what one of her serums does or why she is using it. In this episode, licensed esthetician Monina goes through every product in Velia's routine and gives a verdict on each one. Keep, toss, or trade, based on ingredients, skin type fit, and w...

Monina showed up with everything under her bathroom sink. Velia had thoughts. In this episode, licensed cosmetologist Velia goes through every product in Monina's hair routine and gives a verdict -- keep, toss, or trade -- based on shelf life, ingredients, and whether each product actually suits Monina's hair type. If you have a collection of products that sort of works but you are not t...

We recorded this one in pajamas. That is all you need to know. In this episode, Velia and Monina walk through their full nighttime routines -- hair and skincare -- and explain exactly why each step matters. Whether you want the complete optimized version or just the simplified essentials, this episode meets you where you are. ALL THE LINKS: https://veliabeautyco.com/blogs/news/your-nighttime-hair-...

Last episode, Monina did her hair in front of Velia and got real-time coaching. This time it is Velia's turn -- and she brought every product she uses daily. In this episode, Velia walks through her complete everyday makeup routine while Monina -- licensed esthetician and makeup expert -- watches, reacts, and explains the why behind every step. From sunscreen to setting powder, this is a prac...

Velia watches Monina blowdries her hair and steps in to give tips that will make it voluminous  — and she has a lot to say. ALL LINKS MENTIONE: https://veliabeautyco.com/blogs/news/how-to-blow-dry-your-hair In this episode, Monina blow dries her hair on camera while Velia — licensed cosmetologist with decades of experience — pauses, redirects, and teaches in real time. The result is a full, bouncy...

You've heard of Brazilian Blowout. You've probably heard it lumped in with keratin treatments. But they are not the same thing — and the difference matters. In this episode, Velia and Monina sit down with Mary Loyer, Regional Sales Director at Brazilian Professionals and one of the OGs who helped build the Brazilian Blowout brand from the ground up 16 years ago. She breaks down everythin...

You're doing the routine. You're buying the products. Your skin still looks dull. Sound familiar?  In this episode, licensed esthetician Monina walks Velia (and all of us) through the real reasons skin loses its glow — and why the answer is almost never "buy more products." She covers the five root causes of dull skin, the biggest mistakes she sees over and over in her treatmen...

If you've ever switched to a "professional" brand and still ended up with flat, heavy, or inexplicably dry hair — this episode is for you. This week on The Beauty Lab Podcast, Monina interviews her co-host Velia — licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co — about the product line she built specifically for women whose hair is starting to change. Because after 40, it does...

If brows have ever been a pain point for you — whether you over-tweezed in the nineties, lost hair through hormones or health changes, or just spend way too much time filling them in every morning — this episode is going to feel like a gift. Shauna Nasri, founder of Nasri Aesthetics in Orange County and a cosmetic tattoo artist specializing in natural, soft brow enhancements, joins Monina and Veli...

You asked, Monina answered. In this listener Q&A episode, licensed esthetician and co-host Monina tackles three of the most common beauty questions she sees — and she does not hold back on the details. Whether you've been skipping the toner step because you didn't know why it mattered, wondering if you can still get a Brazilian wax when your period shows up uninvited, or confused abo...

What does it actually mean to age well — and is it possible to reverse the damage? Dr. Josh Donaldson, naturopathic physician and founder of Longevity Medical Institute, joins Monina and Velia to break down some of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) therapies in regenerative and anti-aging medicine. From how PRP is made and injected, to why the "vampire facial" works, to real case...

Ever feel totally lost in the hairspray aisle? You're not alone — and Monina didn't even know the answers to these listener questions before hitting record! In this fun and surprisingly educational Q&A, host Velia answers three of your most-asked hair questions in under 30 minutes. She breaks down every type of hairspray from lightest to strongest hold (yes, the number system is real...

In this episode of The Beauty Lab Podcast, host Velia and co-host Monina break down the most important makeup shift of 2026: Blurred Beauty. Gone are the days of sharp contour lines, heavy lip liners, and the ultra-minimal Clean Girl look. What's taking over is something softer, smarter, and honestly — more flattering for real life. Monina walks us through everything from blush placement (yes...

This week on The Beauty Lab, we're diving into a topic that doesn't get nearly enough airtime — chiropractic care during pregnancy. Velia and Monina are joined by Dr. Kimia Shakerpoor, a board-certified chiropractor at In Health Clinic in San Jose, CA. Dr. Kimia specializes in working with pregnant women and active athletes, and she is here to bust the myth that pregnancy discomfort is s...

If you’ve ever been told “your dizziness will go away on its own” — this episode is for you. This week on The Beauty Lab Podcast, hosts Monina and Velia welcome vestibular physical therapist Shana Townsend, PT, founder of Balance Solutions Rehab. With over 30 years of PT experience, Shana specializes in treating vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, concussions, and vestibular migraine — and she is here...

Hair trends change every year, but the shift happening in 2026 is especially interesting. In this episode, Monina interviews Velia about what she’s seeing in the salon right now — from buttery blondes and mocha brunettes to gray blending, softer bobs, and the rise of the hush cut. They also talk about bang trends, why early 2000s styles are making a comeback, and how hair trends are moving toward...

Perimenopause and menopause can change your skin fast — dryness, sensitivity, adult acne, fine lines, crepey texture, and dark spots can all show up at once. In this Beauty Lab Podcast listener Q+A, we break down what’s happening and what actually helps: barrier support, hydration layering, gentle actives like retinaldehyde, peptides, inflammation-focused acne care, and the number one rule for fad...

  honest review. In this episode of the Beauty Lab Podcast, we test Trader Joe’s cleansers, serums, retinol, moisturizers, sunscreen, masks, lip care, and hand cream while comparing them to popular “dupe” targets like Drunk Elephant, SkinCeuticals, Clinique, Supergoop, Farmacy, Laneige, and L’Occitane. We share what felt great, what surprised us, and which products may be worth buying. ALL THE LIN...

Are red light therapy masks worth it? In this episode of the Beauty Lab Podcast, we explain how LED red light therapy works, realistic results timelines, safety precautions, and the difference between at-home devices and professional treatments. Learn how to choose a quality red light therapy mask and set realistic expectations for glowing skin. ALL THE LINKS: https://www.modernebeauty.com/red-lig...

Can washing your hair less actually cause hair loss? In this episode, we break down the science behind scalp oil, DHT, and why hair hygiene matters more than you think. Learn how often to wash your hair, why dry shampoo isn’t the answer, and how oil buildup can lead to thinning. ALL THE LINKS: https://veliabeautyco.com/blogs/news/washing-your-hair-less-can-cause-hair-loss-the-truth-about-scalp-hyg...

Dark circles, puffiness, and eye bags explained. Learn what causes each under-eye concern, how to tell the difference, and what treatments actually help. ALL THE LINKS: https://www.modernebeauty.com/why-you-have-dark-circles-puffiness-or-eye-bags-and-what-actually-helps Don’t forget your Beauty Lab Podcast discount!  Get 20% off of your entire order. Use the discount code: THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST at V...

Skincare marketing is full of buzzwords—but which ones actually matter? In this episode of the Beauty Lab Podcast, Monina explains the truth behind labels like hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, fragrance free, and organic. Learn how to read labels smarter, avoid irritation, and choose products that truly work for your skin. ALL THE LINKS: https://www.modernebeauty.com/skincare...

Do at-home IPL and RF devices really work? Sivan Fishman, Sensica’s VP of Global Compliance, breaks down the science behind hair removal, cellulite reduction, and skin tightening — explaining what works, what doesn’t, and why consistency matters. ALL THE LINKS: https://veliabeautyco.com/blogs/news/do-at-home-ipl-rf-devices-really-work-the-science-explained-by-sivan-fishman-biochemistry-expert Don’...