Add to Cart with Kulap Vilaysack & SuChin Pak: Preem Stream – Big XMas Balls & Crying Makeup

Release Date: December 13, 2024

In this special preem stream episode of Add to Cart, hosted by comedian-writer-director Kulap Vilaysack and veteran journalist SuChin Pak, the duo delves into the festive chaos of holiday gift-giving and the quirky world of TikTok beauty trends. Released as a holiday gift to their listeners, this episode offers a more unfiltered and “unhinged” look into the hosts' recent purchases, returns, and their thoughts on contemporary consumerism.

1. Holiday Gift Unboxing and Exchanges

Tiffany Bui, the producer, inaugurates the episode by unwrapping Christmas presents from Kulap and SuChin, setting a jovial and intimate tone for the discussion.

• Opening the Presents:

  • Tiffany (03:24): "I'm scared I'm going to stab myself as I open this."
  • Kulap (03:38): "Don’t do that."

• Gift Details:

  • Kulap (04:20): "She’s got a little tiny, shiny, sparkly green bag that you can reuse and re-gift. That’s yours."
  • Tiffany (05:06): "Labubu keychains designed by a designer in Hong Kong, went viral because a member of Blackpink had it on her purse."

• Humorous Exchanges:

  • Kulap (09:05): "The views we gon as you cut yourself."
  • Tiffany (09:24): "This is just blatantly for weed."

Insights: The unboxing segment not only showcases the hosts’ thoughtful and sometimes whimsical gifts but also highlights the intersection of pop culture and consumerism, exemplified by the Labubu keychains associated with Blackpink’s Lisa.

2. The Quest for the Perfect Garbage Can

Kulap and SuChin transition into a comedic yet relatable rant about their struggles with kitchen garbage cans, reflecting on broader themes of consumer dissatisfaction and the challenges of finding functional household items.

• Frustration with Design Flaws:

  • Kulap (24:11): "I don’t understand why toilet bowl brushes don’t. They can’t figure out a technology to keep these things cleaner."
  • Reshma (27:11): "Yeah, it should be completely sealed. Cause it’s a trash can."

• DIY Solutions and Marriage Humor:

  • Kulap (28:12): "This is my favorite game. This is the game that is a glue to my marriage with Mike."
  • Kulap (29:35): "Pretend I’m dead. Just pretend I’m dead."

Insights: The garbage can saga serves as a metaphor for the perpetual search for perfection in consumer goods and the humorous resistance that comes with household compromises. It also underscores the couple’s dynamic interplay and camaraderie in navigating everyday challenges.

3. TikTok Beauty Trends: Crying Makeup

Diving into the realm of social media-driven beauty trends, Kulap and SuChin explore the phenomenon of "crying makeup," dissecting its aesthetic appeal and underlying implications.

• Description of the Trend:

  • Kulap (32:30): "Crying makeup. It’s makeup that makes you look like you cried beautifully."
  • SuChin (35:13): "It's right, because that's the other thing is that when these young people are crying gorgeously, all of their snot is glittered."

• Critical Perspectives:

  • Kulap (37:40): "I cry every day at some point, and I don't look like that, nor do I want people to know that I've cried."
  • SuChin (38:31): "It makes young women look like dolls in a kind of a scary way."

• Notable Quotes:

  • Kulap (33:20): "I look like a shredded paper towel."
  • Kulap (37:33): "Remove from cart."

Insights: The discussion reveals a nuanced critique of how beauty standards perpetuated by platforms like TikTok can distort genuine emotional expressions. The hosts question the authenticity and societal impact of trends that prioritize aesthetic presentation over emotional well-being.

4. Behind the Scenes: Premium Content and TikTok Withdrawal

The episode also touches upon the dynamics of producing premium content and managing social media distractions, highlighting the show's commitment to quality and listener engagement.

• Tiffany’s Role and TikTok Challenges:

  • Tiffany (30:46): "Keep all of that Add to Cart."
  • Kulap (31:10): "I mean, guys, she said now because she was spending too much time on TikTok."

• Hosts’ Commentary on Social Media:

  • Sujin (32:30): "Exactly."
  • Kulap (35:44): "Please just pretend I'm dead."

Insights: This segment underscores the tension between content creation and the pervasive allure of social media platforms like TikTok. It reflects on the necessity of balancing engagement with maintaining the integrity and focus of the podcast.

5. Final Thoughts and Future Content Teasers

Wrapping up the episode, Kulap and SuChin offer playful banter and tease future content, maintaining an engaging and personable connection with their audience.

• Humorous Farewells:

  • Kulap (39:28): "It's crying makeup. It’s a trend. It’s crying makeup. She’s so cool."
  • Sujin (39:40): "It's glitter, so it's... my tears are made of glitter."

• Teasers for Upcoming Episodes:

  • Kulap (40:05): "There’s more Add to Cart with Lemonada."

Insights: The conclusion reinforces the hosts' chemistry and their ability to blend humor with critical discussions on consumerism and societal trends. It leaves listeners anticipating more in-depth and entertaining explorations in future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kulap (03:38): "Don’t do that."
• Tiffany (05:06): "Labubu keychains designed by a designer in Hong Kong, went viral because a member of Blackpink had it on her purse."
• Kulap (09:05): "The views we gon as you cut yourself."
• Kulap (32:30): "Crying makeup. It’s makeup that makes you look like you cried beautifully."
• Kulap (37:33): "Remove from cart."
• Kulap (39:28): "It's crying makeup. It’s a trend. It’s crying makeup. She’s so cool."

Conclusion

This preem stream episode of Add to Cart offers a festive blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and critical examinations of modern consumer trends. Kulap and SuChin's candid conversations provide listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful insights into the complexities of consumerism, the influence of social media, and the nuances of everyday life. Whether unwrapping quirky gifts or dissecting viral beauty trends, the hosts maintain their signature blend of wit and wisdom, making this episode a delightful addition to their repertoire.

Follow Add to Cart: Stay updated with all things Add to Cart by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. For exclusive bonus content, consider becoming a premium subscriber and dive deeper into the hosts' personal shopping adventures and consumer critiques.