Podcast Summary: Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe – Episode: ICYMI: Rachel's Beauty Tips!

Release Date: April 18, 2025

Introduction

In the “ICYMI: Rachel’s Beauty Tips!” episode of Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe, host Rachel Zoe dives deep into the world of beauty, addressing a multitude of listener-submitted questions. Joined by her producer and half-sister Mary Elizabeth, Rachel shares her extensive knowledge on skincare, makeup, and hair care, offering valuable insights for women navigating their beauty routines alongside busy professional and personal lives.

Skincare Routine Essentials

Rachel and Mary Elizabeth kick off the conversation by tackling skincare, a perennial favorite among listeners.

• Hydration is Key: Rachel emphasizes the importance of maintaining hydration, especially living in a dry climate like Los Angeles. She states, “I cannot live morning and night. And sometimes throughout the day there is [hydration].” [03:51]

• Morning Routine: Rachel begins her day with a hyaluronic serum and a vitamin C serum, highlighting brands like Barbara Sturm and Cora Organics for their effectiveness and affordability. “I use a lot of serums, without question. They actually really work.” [04:37]

• Evening Routine: Cleansing is reserved for the evening using gentle, hydrating cleansers from brands like Cora Organics. Rachel mentions using an enzyme cleanser and a lighter, mask-like cleanser that she leaves on while washing her hair. “I really do love it. In regards to clean beauty in general.” [07:55]

• Moisturizers: She praises You Beauty’s Super Hydrator for providing a “genuinely feels like a shield” that keeps her skin hydrated all day. Shani Darden products are also commended for their effectiveness. “There are a lot of products that cost a lot of money and there are a lot of products that are not worth the money.” [06:11]

• Cleansing Frequency: Rachel shares her adaptation to her dry environment by cleansing only at night and opting for a water wash in the morning to avoid over-drying her skin. “I use it in the shower every single time I shower, but because it’s very gentle.” [07:34]

Notable Quote:

Rachel Zoe on skincare importance: “I have now lived in LA for 20 years, which is one of the driest places to live in the United States, for sure.” [04:02]

Addressing Under Eye Bags

Under eye bags are a common concern among listeners, prompting a detailed discussion.

• Genetics and Solutions: Rachel acknowledges the genetic component, noting, “Some of it is genetics and really hard to completely make disappear.” [10:06] She recommends using under-eye masks like Wander Beauty and OneSkin’s Black Diamond line for puffiness. “I will not do an appearance without using eye masks.” [10:21]

• Makeup Techniques: Emphasizing the artistry of concealing under-eye bags, Rachel advises using a concealer one shade lighter than your foundation and incorporating products that counteract specific colors. “Don’t match your concealer to your foundation.” [12:56]

• Quick Fixes: For immediate relief, she suggests cold remedies such as metal spoons, cucumbers, and aloe leaves. “Cold really does work. Sometimes people will say like, tea bags work.” [16:27]

Notable Quote:

On makeup artistry: “There is an art form, and you honestly should watch YouTube or TikTok and watch the makeup experts do it.” [11:47]

Volume Loss in Face and Neck

Rachel delves into combating volume loss, a concern linked to aging.

• Laser Treatments: She highly recommends the Lima Laser for stimulating collagen at home, despite its high cost. “The Lima laser is one of the most effective things you could ever do at home.” [16:56]

• Topical Solutions: Emphasizing topical care, Rachel highlights products that nurture collagen and suggests microneedling and laser treatments like Potenza and Alma Laser for skin quality improvement. “They literally trick your cells to regenerate and rebuild collagen.” [17:43]

• Injectables Caution: Rachel expresses caution regarding injectables, especially for younger individuals, advocating for natural and non-invasive methods. “I am against doing these things at a very young age.” [19:03]

Notable Quote:

On natural remedies: “Do everything Topical. Right. Do the microneedling. Do the lasering.” [17:43]

Favorite Body Lotions and Serums

Listener inquiries about body care lead Rachel to share her preferred products.

• Body Oils Over Creams: Rachel favors body oils and scrubs over traditional creams for better hydration and application ease. “I use body scrubs and body oils more than I use body creams and lotions.” [21:52]

• Trusted Brands: She mentions brands like Barbara Sturm, Shani Darden, You Beauty, Honest Body Products, and 111Skin for their effective and clean formulations. “I love honest body products. I love honest body cream and body oils.” [21:57]

• Family-Friendly Products: Rachel appreciates versatile products like Egyptian Magic and Calendula Baby for their gentle and multi-purpose use on her family. “They can use on everything... face, dry patch, rosacea, dermatitis.” [22:32]

Notable Quote:

On versatile body care: “Egyptian Magic is now. Yeah, it’s just this incredible magical solve that works on everything everywhere.” [22:32]

Makeup Tips and Techniques

Rachel shares advanced makeup techniques to enhance natural beauty.

• Contouring Secrets: Drawing inspiration from makeup artists like Charlotte Tilbury, Rachel demonstrates precise contouring using stick liners, creating shadows to define facial features without heavy application. “I draw like a crayon... It immediately like shadows in places you want it to.” [27:43]

• Eyeliner Preferences: While appreciating the intensity of black eyeliner for evening looks, Rachel recommends brown and other neutral tones for daily wear to maintain a softer appearance. “Browns are great for day and everyday life.” [31:39]

• Lip Lining: Rachel discusses her approach to lip liner, emphasizing subtlety to even out lip shape without overlining, which can appear unnatural. “I wear lip liner because I think it stays on better.” [35:04]

• Favorite Brands: She highlights brands like Victoria Beckham, Makeup by Mario, Rare Beauty, and Charlotte Tilbury for their quality and versatility. “Victoria Beckham’s contour... Charlotte Tilbury, her color chameleon.” [27:42]

Notable Quote:

On makeup adaptability: “Your makeup gets stuck in the cracks and your lips are cracked and everything else.” [35:30]

Hair Care Insights

Rachel provides her strategies for maintaining healthy, vibrant hair.

• Color Preferences: Remaining a loyal blonde, Rachel occasionally adjusts her shade to complement her skin tone but resists drastic color changes. “I am blonde for life.” [37:58]

• Styling Choices: Preferring natural hairstyles, Rachel rarely styles her hair back, viewing it as an emotional comfort. “Wearing it up would almost feel like I was walking into a ballroom with no clothes on.” [39:04]

• Leave-In Treatments: She swears by K18 and Olaplex for their restorative properties, ensuring her hair remains hydrated and resilient. “K18 is a product that... it's very healing for your hair.” [40:33]

• Clean Beauty Hair Products: Rachel endorses Frederick Fakai’s clean, vegan hair products for their effectiveness and pleasant scents, suitable for her entire family. “They work. It really, really works.” [41:42]

Notable Quote:

On leave-in treatments: “K18 is definitely what I’ve been really using religiously.” [41:27]

French Pharmacy Favorites

Responding to a popular listener query, Rachel shares her top picks from French pharmacies.

• Essential Products: Rachel is a fan of brands like Claudia, Bonté, and Bonjette, choosing products that offer hydration and versatility. “Bonjette... works like a French totally clean Egyptian magic.” [43:59]

• Personal Favorites: She reminisces about Claudia’s lip balm, a family favorite, and highlights the luxurious experience of exploring French pharmacies. “French pharmacies are a wonderland.” [43:37]

Notable Quote:

On French beauty staples: “It works like a French totally clean Egyptian magic. It’s a solve.” [43:59]

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

As the episode concludes, Rachel and Mary Elizabeth reiterate the importance of personalized beauty routines over blindly following trends. Rachel encourages listeners to invest in hydration and choose products that align with their individual needs and lifestyles.

Notable Quote:

Rachel on authentic beauty: “You have to do what works for you. You cannot be a victim of trend.” [36:02]

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Rachel Zoe demystifies beauty routines, offering practical advice grounded in personal experience and professional expertise. From skincare hydration and makeup artistry to hair care and favorite French pharmacy products, listeners are equipped with the knowledge to enhance their beauty regimes authentically and effectively.

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