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Gloss Angeles

Gloss Angeles
Author: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
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Co-hosts and longtime beauty journalists Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan give their perspective on all things makeup, skincare, and wellness at the intersection of pop culture and entertainment. Experts in the field and friends IRL, they pull back the curtain on trends, treatments and popular products — all the things you're likely searching or watching on TikTok. (They'd know — they've spent 10 years creating and optimizing editorial content for mainstream digital beauty publishers.) Tuesday episodes reveal the most notable beauty headlines with informed takes while Friday episodes feature guests from experts in the industry to celebrity spokespeople, including Hailey Bieber, Halsey, Selena Gomez; Dr. Jason Diamond, Danessa Myricks, Mario Dedivanovic, The Lipstick Lesbians and more.
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506 Episodes
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Vicky Tsai returns for her second Gloss Angeles interview! The Tatcha founder drops by six years after her first appearance to discuss how Tatcha has grown since 2019 (after an acquisition), what remains the same, what skincare as a category needs to improve upon, the brand’s most underrated product, what she’s done to help her health since entering peri-menopause, and the reason she created The Longevity Serum after a life-changing trip to Okinawa. Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As you know, Taylor Swift just got engaged (!!!) but we can’t help ourselves — we’re already thinking about what her wedding glam could look like. Will it be her signature red lip or something totally unexpected? Kirbie has thoughts! Plus, we share the products we’re eyeing during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty sale and dissect Pinterest’s Fall 2025 predictions, from clean grunge to 90s-esque pixie cuts. Shop this episode Watch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we’re talking all things cosmetic chemistry with someone who really knows her way around a science lab: Ramya Viswanathan, founder of CMPRESSD Beauty — the zero-waste hair care brand making solid shampoo and conditioner bars that actually perform like your favorite salon formulas on all hair types. With over a decade in product development, formulation, and manufacturing, Ramya’s here to school us on ingredient “green flags,” misunderstood actives, and the real tea on shampoo bars.We dig into listener-submitted questions from our Glamgelenos Slack, covering everything from the future of U.S. sunscreen regulations to the next big ingredient trend, whether skincare “dupes” can actually deliver, and if multi-active formulas are really worth it (or just marketing fluff). If you’ve ever stood in the aisle decoding an ingredient list or wondered what a chemist actually thinks about your favorite products, this episode is your backstage pass to beauty R&D.Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Gloss Angeles, we’re covering it all: Kirbie’s run-in with a not-so-nice influencer, the heartbreaking news of UOMA Beauty and Pull Up for Change founder Sharon Chuter’s passing, Louis Vuitton’s very expensive beauty launch (which includes a $160 lipstick), Ultra Violette’s sunscreen recall, and the viral MAC Cosmetics LAX manager who lost her job after posting behind-the-scenes videos of her job on TikTok. Shop this episode Watch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thank you to our partners, Laneige, for this episode! The Lipstick Lesbians are back: Alexis Androulakis and Dr. Christina Basias Androulakis join us to unpack K-beauty’s past, present, and future. We cover the first wave vs. today’s resurgence, what Korean skincare does better than Western beauty, how AI will be involved, what makes a brand truly “Korean Beauty.” Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Big news, Glams: Sara is stepping away from Refinery29 and putting more time and energy into Gloss Angeles! She shares what this new chapter means, what’s ahead, and why this moment feels so surreal.Then, we’re diving into one of the buzziest (and most controversial) beauty headlines of the week: comedian Matt Rife teaming up with e.l.f. Why would a major beauty brand collaborate with someone surrounded by controversy? Is this “rage marketing” at play? We break it all down. Note: at filming, e.l.f. had not posted an apology or spoken with the press. CMO Kory Marchisotto spoke with Business of Fashion about the ad here. Watch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
She’s the queen of underpainting, the mastermind behind some of the most *chef’s kiss* red carpet glam, and now she’s adding “founder” to her already stacked résumé. This week, we’re sitting down with celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips — the woman responsible for sculpting faces like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Jennifer Lopez — to talk about her new brand, m.ph, and the art of making high-level techniques accessible to everyone. (P.S. It’s available exclusively at Sephora now!) Mary spills her kit must-haves, the secrets to her signature look, and the beauty mistake that actually changed the course of her career. We get into what people are getting wrong about underpainting, the product from her debut lineup that’s about to have a sleeper-hit moment, and why even with her access to everything, she still saw a gap in the market. She’s the queen of underpainting, the mastermind behind some of the most *chef’s kiss* red carpet glam, and now she’s adding “founder” to her already stacked résumé. This week, we’re sitting down with celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips — the woman responsible for sculpting faces like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Jennifer Lopez — to talk about her new brand, m.ph, and the art of making high-level techniques accessible to everyone. (P.S. It’s available exclusively at Sephora now!) Mary spills her kit must-haves, the secrets to her signature look, and the beauty mistake that actually changed the course of her career. We get into what people are getting wrong about underpainting, the product from her debut lineup that’s about to have a sleeper-hit moment, and why even with her access to everything, she still saw a gap in the market. Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our Glamgelenos got first dibs on DIBS Beauty’s new Double Standard Mascara Duo through Gloss Angeles Confidential — and the reviews are glowing. Kirbie shares why this dual‑ended lash MVP (primer + lengthener on one side, bold volumizer on the other) has become her ride‑or‑die. Use code GLOSSANGELES 8/1-8/31/25 to get 15% off your order on their website!TW: Feet! Sara gets real about a runner’s nightmare: losing toenails. She reveals how she ended up with fake toenails (yes, that’s a thing), plus tips to prevent it and care for your feet post‑race.We’re also talking the rise of expert‑led beauty brands, from Chris McMillan’s debut haircare line to Mary Phillips’ m.ph. This is the next big wave in beauty.And a friendly reminder: if you love the pod and enjoy testing new beauty products with us, please drop us a review on Apple!Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we’re kicking things off with our latest Gloss Angeles Confidential test‑drive: K18’s new HeatBounce Conditioning Heat Protectant. It’s a leave‑in that claims to go deeper than your average spray to protect against up to 450°F heat, UV damage, and breakage. Our Glamgelenos gave us the real tea on how it performs (and how to actually use it without overdoing it).In beauty news: Phlur is the latest brand to be acquired and we’re digging into what this could mean for the fragrance world. Plus, Harry Styles’ Pleasing is stepping into the sex toy business. A surprising pivot… or a move that’s been in the works all along? Last but not least, industry watchdog Estée Laundry has re-emerged, and we revisit some of the scandals they broke in their early years.Shop this episode Watch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rare Beauty just dropped its most personal product yet — a fragrance — and we’re giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how it came to life. Joyce Kim, Chief Product Officer at Rare Beauty, joins us to talk about what it’s like working with Selena Gomez and what it takes to create products that truly resonate, beyond just going viral.We get into the development journey behind Rare Beauty’s new scent, Rare Eau de Parfum (including how our Glams got to test it first through Gloss Angeles Confidential!), the global inspiration behind the ingredients, and how the team prioritized inclusivity in every design detail, down to the bottle cap.Join our Slack for testing opportunities!Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we’re joined by Sarah Cheung: beauty content creator turned founder of the viral brand Sacheu Beauty. You’ve probably seen (or worn) her game-changing Lip Liner STAY-N (Billie Eilish, Kirbie, and Sara are all fans!) which sells every six seconds and has redefined what it means for makeup to actually last.We chat with Sarah about the journey from filming beauty tutorials to formulating hit products, what inspired her leap into entrepreneurship, and how she built a loyal community in a crowded market. She shares the story behind Lip STAY-N, how personal frustration sparked innovation, and what makes Sacheu’s formulas truly innovative. Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We kick off this episode with a quick trend report before diving into the news about Ami Colé. ICYMI, the brand is shutting down after four years — a major loss for the industry. We unpack what this means for beauty as a whole and how it reinforces our (unpopular) take on patronizing your favorite minority-owned brands at Target.On the flip side, Urban Decay might finally be entering a new era. We break down their bold ambassador pick and the campaign that’s bringing real edge back to a brand that’s been struggling to stay relevant.Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Whether you’re taking a selfie, shooting a brand campaign, or just trying to get a decent headshot, knowing how to work a camera — or work with one — makes all the difference. This week, Kirbie and Sara chat with their dear friend and uber talented photographer Max Bronner, whose work spans beauty, fashion, and editorial, to get his expert take on how to feel confident and look your best on camera. Max shares how his past life in beauty retail helped shape his beauty outlook and aesthetic, the most common photo mistakes he sees, and the quick fixes anyone can use to elevate their shots. Plus, he drops his go-to tips for natural lighting, flattering angles, and iPhone tricks you probably didn’t know about.Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rhode is officially landing at Sephora — but what does that mean for other brands at the retail store? Kirbie and Sara dive into Rachel Strugatz’s report on Puck and unpack how Hailey Bieber’s buzzy brand could disrupt the Sephora ecosystem. Plus, Ulta Beauty has acquired beloved UK beauty retailer Space NK — is this the first step toward UK expansion, or a move to solidify Ulta Beauty’s luxury ambitions stateside? Tune in as we explore what’s next in the beauty retail landscape.Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re officially halfway through 2025, so Kirbie and Sara are breaking down the biggest beauty headlines of the year so far. From Rhode’s major sale and Drunk Elephant’s decline, to Kylie Jenner getting real about her boobs and the rise of Caveman Skincare, we’re recapping it all. Plus, we’re talking sunscreen drama, Lashify lawsuits, Tarte trips, Old Lady Energy, blephs, facelifts, and the brands we think are winning 2025.Shop our episodesWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we’re celebrating six amazing years of Gloss Angeles with six beauty lessons and tips we’ve picked up along the way. From how to sharpen your brow pencil without a sharpener to strategic powdering and drenching your face in setting spray, we’re sharing our personal game-changing tips and lessons. Plus, our incredible listeners share what they’ve learned – like powdering lashes before mascara, their favorite makeup brushes, thinking critically before buying into beauty hype, and their favorite guests. Thank you for supporting us for the past six years. We truly couldn’t do it without you. Tune in and celebrate with us!Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi Glams! Just general PSA that we will be taking the week off next week. See you for our anniversary on 7/8! She’s the mastermind behind one of the most revolutionary tools in beauty history: the Beautyblender. This week, we are joined by legendary makeup artist and founder Rea Ann Silva for a conversation that goes way beyond the sponge. Rea Ann takes us back to the '90s, reflecting on her experience as one of the go-to MUAs for Black actors and artists, and how that ultimately led her to create the Beautyblender while working on the set of Girlfriends. She walks us through how exactly she invented the sponge, how she grew it from set secret to global phenomenon, and why you won’t find a patent on it. Plus, Rea Ann reveals the five products she always keeps in her kit, and gives us the inside scoop on the most underrated Beautyblender product that she believes deserves way more hype.Shop Rea Ann's episode Watch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Kirbie and Sara are dishing on two new products they cannot stop using: Kosas’ latest mascara that somehow does it all and Colourpop’s juicy Glossy Lip Stain that delivers major shine with surprising staying power. Plus, the internet is in a tizzy over Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s hair in Ryan Murphy’s new series — is it historically inaccurate or just plain bad? We have details from Amy O'Dell and Lauren Sherman. And in breaking news: Sara has officially dragged Kirbie into the Labubu multiverse. There’s no turning back now. Shop this episode Watch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Sara sits down with Isamaya Ffrench, boundary-pushing makeup artist, creative director, and founder of Isamaya Beauty. She shares how it all began with painting faces at kids’ birthday parties, and the wild, wonderful road that led her to creating unforgettable looks for Rihanna and redefining the rules of beauty. From her early influences in 3D art and industrial design to the moment she finally felt “seen” in the industry, Isamaya reflects on the evolution of her artistry, her brand’s journey to Sephora, and the five products she always keeps in her kit.Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on Gloss Angeles, we’re talking about Kylie Jenner getting real about her boob job—and why we’re here for this new era of honesty from the beauty queen herself. We’re also breaking down a new study on TikTok-fueled skincare routines among teens and tweens that has us seriously concerned for Gen Alpha’s barrier health and future sun damage. Plus, we touch on the Boy Smells Citrush relaunch and the Charlotte Tilbury x Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders partnership that has us ready to do some high kicks. Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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