Fat Mascara Podcast Episode 566 Summary: Lotion P50 Drama, Big Hair, B Corps & The Week’s Beauty News

Released on February 19, 2025

Hosts: Jennifer Sullivan & Garrett Muntz
Podcast Description: Beauty journalists Jessica Matlin and Jennifer G. Sullivan provide unfiltered discussions on beauty news, cultural trends, and the latest products and treatments. This episode dives deep into the controversies surrounding Lotion P50, the resurgence of 80s-inspired hair trends from New York Fashion Week, the integrity of B Corps in the beauty industry, and the growing influence of Ozempic among medical professionals.

1. Garrett’s Engagement with High School Students on Beauty Culture

[02:36 - 08:42]

Garrett Muntz shares his recent experience speaking at Shout Out Communications High School in Monmouth County, New Jersey. During career day, he engaged with juniors and seniors about their relationship with beauty culture and media consumption.

• Decline of Print Media Usage: Garrett discovered that the majority of students no longer read print magazines, relying instead on platforms like TikTok for news and trends.

  “Most of them were like, well, I read the ones that my parents get and I was like, yeah, okay, not surprised.” ([03:29])

• Skepticism Toward Celebrity-Driven Beauty Brands: When discussing celebrity beauty brands, Garrett found that students were not swayed by the celebrity endorsements unless they personally knew and liked the celebrity.

  “None of them really cared about that.” ([05:10])

• Impact on Brand Loyalty: A notable student mentioned purchasing Rare Beauty based on recommendations prior to knowing it was Selena Gomez’s brand, indicating that product quality holds more weight than celebrity association.

  “I love rare beauty, but I love it because I tried it because someone recommended it to me before I knew that it was Selena Gomez.” ([05:09])

2. Celebrity Beauty Brands: Product Quality vs. Celebrity Endorsement

[06:22 - 07:53]

The hosts discuss the misconception that celebrity backing is the primary driver of a beauty brand’s success. Garrett emphasizes that without quality products, the celebrity factor becomes irrelevant.

“If the product is not good, it's not going to matter at all who's behind it or not.” ([06:22])

Jennifer adds that while investors are attracted to celebrity brands due to their robust marketing and funding, the long-term success hinges on product efficacy.

3. New York Fashion Week: A Nostalgic Return to 80s-Inspired Hair Trends

[17:19 - 24:46]

Jennifer and Garrett delve into the latest trends observed at New York Fashion Week, highlighting a significant shift back to exuberant, sculptural hairstyles reminiscent of the 1980s.

• Notable Hair Trends:

  • Sculptural Loops: Inspired by Lacy Redway at Christian Siriano, featuring loops in the back.

  • Horn-Inspired Styles: Helen Estrada introduced “horns,” creating angular shapes with a center part.

  • Bumper Bangs: Christopher John Rogers showcased structured, asymmetrical bangs likened to classic pin-up styles.

  “It's all about, like, big nails, big makeup. Color is back. It's all connected.” ([24:40])

• Reflection of Socioeconomic Movements: Garrett connects the resurgence of 80s styles to broader societal sentiments, noting that opulent and extravagant aesthetics often surface during periods of economic inflation and conservative political climates.

  “Because it was about opulence and money and extravagance, and like, you wanted to look as rich as possible.” ([23:18])

4. B Corp Certification Controversy: Dr. Bronner's Takes a Stand

[25:55 - 34:42]

The conversation shifts to the integrity of B Corp certifications within the beauty industry, focusing on Dr. Bronner's recent decision to dissociate from the B Corp label due to declining standards.

• Background on B Corps: B Corporations are certified by B Lab, ensuring companies meet stringent social and environmental performance standards.

• Dr. Bronner's Response: Dr. Bronner's criticized B Lab for certifying companies like Nespresso, part of Nestlé, which have been implicated in wage theft and abusive labor practices. As a result, Dr. Bronner's withdrew their own B Corp certification.

  “Dr. Bronner's laid down the law. They were like, well, you guys are not. If you're changing, then we're not gonna be B Corps.” ([26:50])

• Implications for the Beauty Industry: Garrett expresses surprise at the extent of Dr. Bronner's stance but acknowledges the broader issue of multiple certifications leading to potential greenwashing. He points out the complexity and cost associated with maintaining B Corp standards, making it challenging for smaller, indie brands to achieve certification.

  “So it's like, you could be Leaping Bunny, but not EWG and not a B Corp. But like, I'm a B Corp. You're not. I'm like, where does it end?” ([28:13])

• Consumer Responsibility: Both hosts agree that consumers must educate themselves about the certifications and what they represent, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in brand practices.

  “If it matters to you, you kind of have to do your homework.” ([34:22])

5. Ozempic's Growing Popularity Among Doctors and Its Broader Impact

[35:21 - 39:45]

Jennifer and Garrett discuss a New York Times story highlighting the increasing use of Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, among cardiologists and diabetes specialists.

• Doctors as Trendsetters: The adoption of Ozempic by medical professionals serves as an endorsement, boosting its credibility and popularity among the general public.

  “I think it's one of the most interesting medical advances we've seen in the last decade.” ([38:35])

• Behavioral Benefits: Beyond weight loss, Ozempic has been reported to help reduce addictive behaviors, such as excessive drinking, signaling its potential broader applications.

  “He said it even helped me stop drinking as much. There's been studies coming out now about how it can help with that.” ([38:10])

• Cautionary Notes: Garrett emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before starting any medication, noting that both hosts are not medical doctors.

  “Do not take drugs unless you talk to your doctor.” ([39:30])

6. Lotion P50 Drama: Regulatory Challenges and Consumer Reactions

[40:27 - 48:28]

The episode addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding Lotion P50, a beloved exfoliating toner, focusing on its restricted availability due to regulatory changes.

• Regulatory Changes: Lotion P50’s flagship version from 1970 contains phenol, an antibacterial agent banned in the EU due to its potential to cause skin burns and eye damage. This has led to its phase-out in American products as well.

  “Americans’ access to Bielagique Recherge P50 Lotion. The 1970 version, which is the original... has been phased out.” ([40:31])

• Consumer Backlash: The removal of Lotion P50 has sparked frustration among loyal users who view it as a "Holy Grail" product.

  Garrett recounts encountering disappointed consumers at spas and clinics, highlighting the product’s cult status.

• Alternative Recommendations: Hosts suggest gentler alternatives for exfoliation, such as Thayers Witch Hazel with AHA or Paula’s Choice and Pixi Glow Tonic for those seeking effective yet milder options.

  “I’m convinced there’s a four or five different versions of it now... doesn’t do it for me.” ([44:32])

• Skin Health Advocacy: They advocate for a shift away from harsh exfoliants, promoting the importance of maintaining the skin barrier and using products that nourish without causing irritation.

  “I do think that this idea that you have to be harsh on your skin to make it better is not the vibe.” ([48:04])

7. Listener Feedback and Product Recommendations (“Raise a Wand” Segment)

[52:39 - 67:56]

In the interactive "Raise a Wand" segment, the hosts engage with listener Mj, a nurse from upstate New York, who shares her favorite beauty products and poses questions about Herbal Face Food and G Beauty.

• Product Endorsements:

  • Make Up For Ever’s Setting Spray: Praised for long-lasting makeup.
  • Paula’s Choice Collagen Peptide Moisturizer: Recommended for its dual role as a moisturizer and primer.

• Listener Questions Addressed:

  • Herbal Face Food: Jennifer critiques the brand’s extensive list of botanical extracts, raising concerns about product efficacy and potential allergens.

    “It's just a lot of hype. It’s also from a self-help author in Washington... I can't keep it.” ([57:25])

  • G Beauty: Discusses the importance of brand transparency, cautioning against companies that obscure ownership and lack clear information about their practices.

    “If you're doing business, why would you be hiding?” ([57:07])

• Personal Recommendations: Garrett shares his positive experience with the Pigm400 version of Lotion P50 and introduces alternative products for exfoliation and skin care.

8. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

[67:14 - End]

The hosts conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to engage through ratings, reviews, and sharing their beauty questions via email or voice messages. They emphasize the community aspect of the podcast and express appreciation for their listeners' support.

“It's your reviews and feedback that help us make the podcast even better.” ([67:17])

Notable Quotes:

• “If the product is not good, it's not going to matter at all who's behind it or not.” – Garrett Muntz ([06:22])
• “If it matters to you, you kind of have to do your homework.” – Jennifer Sullivan ([34:22])
• “I'm convinced there's a four or five different versions of it now... doesn’t do it for me.” – Garrett Muntz ([44:32])

Conclusion:

Episode 566 of Fat Mascara offers a comprehensive exploration of current beauty industry trends and controversies. From the skepticism of younger audiences towards celebrity-driven brands to the resurgence of bold 80s hairstyles, the hosts provide insightful commentary on the evolving landscape. The discussion on B Corp certifications underscores the complexities of maintaining ethical standards in large conglomerates, while the Lotion P50 drama highlights the delicate balance between product efficacy and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the segment on Ozempic sheds light on the intersection of medical advances and beauty culture. Overall, this episode serves as an informative guide for beauty enthusiasts navigating the multifaceted world of beauty products and industry standards.