Fat Mascara Episode 571 Summary: The Intersection of Beauty & Sports, Arthritis-Friendly Makeup & The Week’s Beauty News

Release Date: March 26, 2025

In Episode 571 of Fat Mascara, hosts Jennifer Sullivan and Jessica Matlin delve into a rich tapestry of topics that intersect beauty, sports, inclusivity, and critical beauty industry news. This episode seamlessly weaves personal anecdotes with industry insights, providing listeners with an engaging and informative experience.

1. Personal Updates and Special Guest Highlights (02:31 - 05:39)

The episode kicks off with Jen and Julie sharing personal updates. Jen mentions a recent vet visit for her pet Wolfgang, highlighting concerns about his anxiety during appointments (02:31), while Julie excitedly recounts a fireside chat with Taraji P. Henson at Hearst Tower (05:25).

Julie: "She’s a queen of the highest order. And she's also a beauty entrepreneur." (04:11)

This conversation underscores Taraji's dual role as an acclaimed actress and a successful beauty entrepreneur with her TPH Body and Hair line, praised for its top-tier scalp care products. The hosts emphasize Taraji's focus on mental wealth, redefining the traditional concept of mental health by integrating it with broader definitions of generational wealth.

2. The Intersection of Beauty & Sports (17:57 - 26:18)

Jen introduces the central theme of the episode: the growing collaboration between beauty brands and sports. Highlighting recent sponsorships, she notes that major brands like Glossier, Sephora, Charlotte Tilbury, and ELF are increasingly partnering with women's sports leagues such as the WNBA and NWSL.

Jen: "Glossier had signed on as a sponsor of the WNBA Unrivaled three on three women's basketball." (17:57)

Julie reflects on her experiences as a former athlete, discussing how beauty was often seen as separate from athleticism. However, the current trend signifies a shift where beauty and sports are harmoniously blending, empowering female athletes to embrace both their beauty routines and athletic prowess.

Julie: "These brands tapping into interesting areas like Title IX and now athletes are also able to monetize their talent." (24:07)

The hosts explore how these sponsorships not only provide financial support to athletes but also encourage more women to stay engaged in sports by offering endorsement opportunities previously restricted by regulations.

3. Innovations in Beauty Products: Lickable Perfumes (26:18 - 35:23)

Transitioning to product innovations, Jen brings up the concept of lickable perfumes, questioning their novelty and practicality.

Jen: "Amoreco released what they claim is the world's first lickable perfume." (26:35)

Julie reminisces about Jessica Simpson's earlier attempt with lickable perfumes in her "Dessert" line, viewing it as a precursor to current trends. The discussion pivots to the practical challenges and limited appeal of such products, with both hosts expressing skepticism about their widespread adoption.

Julie: "I don’t think anyone at an intimate time really wants lickable perfume." (32:59)

They debate the balance between innovation and functionality, considering the implications of introducing edible aesthetics into beauty routines.

4. Science Corner: Benzoyl Peroxide Recall (35:35 - 40:40)

In a critical segment, Jen addresses a significant beauty industry alert regarding the FDA's recall of certain benzoyl peroxide-containing acne treatments due to elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen.

Jen: "The FDA released a statement saying they had tested a bunch of acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide and found 6 with elevated levels of benzene." (35:35)

She explains that benzene contamination can occur during the breakdown of ingredients like benzoyl peroxide under extreme conditions, emphasizing the importance of proper product storage and manufacturer protocols. The discussion includes insights from a toxicologist and cosmetic chemist, highlighting alternative acne treatments and reassuring listeners about the relatively low risk compared to everyday benzene exposure.

Julie: "There are always alternatives." (40:42)

5. Listener Review: Megan's Benzoyl Peroxide Products (42:28 - 44:37)

Listener Megan from Chicago shares her positive experiences with benzoyl peroxide products, specifically Panoxyl and CeraVe cleansers, despite the recent recalls.

Megan: "My butt has never been smoother. I love using it for my body." (42:36)

Jen and Julie reassure listeners that the products Megan uses are not among those recalled and encourage others to verify their products' safety, reinforcing the episode’s earlier discussion on benzoyl peroxide.

6. Arthritis-Friendly Makeup: Inclusive Beauty Solutions (50:27 - 55:26)

The conversation shifts to inclusivity in beauty products, focusing on brands like Shark Beauty and Guide Beauty that cater to individuals with mobility issues or arthritis. Jen highlights the Ergonomic and refillable packaging these brands offer, making beauty routines more accessible.

Jen: "The mascara is great." (53:35)

Julie praises the innovative design of these products, such as Guide Beauty's eyeliner wand, which simplifies application for those with motor challenges. The hosts advocate for more inclusive design practices within the beauty industry, celebrating companies that prioritize functionality without compromising on quality or aesthetics.

Julie: "The more companies that think about inclusive design when they're designing, the better." (54:34)

7. Perfume Homework: Crafting Hometown Scents (45:01 - 55:31)

Engaging listeners in interactive content, Jen and Julie discuss their "homework" assignment: imagining what their hometowns would smell like in a perfume. Julie draws from her upbringing in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, combining scents like horse manure and honeysuckle to represent her memories.

Julie: "Like horse manure and, like honeysuckle." (45:18)

Jen draws from her proximity to waterways and her love for soft pretzels, crafting a hypothetical fragrance that includes salty accords and pretzel notes with a punk rock patchouli bass, embodying her unique personal history.

Jen: "I want it to be a salty river." (47:00)

This creative exercise underscores the hosts' ability to blend personal narratives with sensory experiences, inviting listeners to engage their own senses and memories.

8. Final Highlights and Product Endorsements (55:37 - End)

As the episode concludes, Jen and Julie recap the key takeaways, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in beauty, the evolving relationship between beauty and sports, and staying informed about product safety. They also highlight listener interactions and encourage feedback through various channels.

Jen: "Give us a little message. Tell us where you're from." (48:19)

Julie: "These are the type of products we need. Not another mascara and a regular tube." (54:33)

The episode wraps up with final ad reads and promotional messages, maintaining the podcast's signature blend of informative content and engaging dialogue.

Notable Quotes:

• Julie on Taraji P. Henson:

  "She’s a queen of the highest order. And she's also a beauty entrepreneur." (04:11)

• Jen on Beauty & Sports Sponsorships:

  "Glossier had signed on as a sponsor of the WNBA Unrivaled three on three women's basketball." (17:57)

• Julie on Inclusive Design:

  "The more companies that think about inclusive design when they're designing, the better." (54:34)

Conclusion:

Episode 571 of Fat Mascara offers a comprehensive exploration of how beauty intersects with sports, the importance of inclusive beauty solutions, and critical industry updates like product recalls. Through candid conversations, personal stories, and expert insights, Jen and Julie provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the evolving beauty landscape.

For more insights and updates, tune into future episodes of Fat Mascara on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform.