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Jess Sullivan
Listen, it's the first really warm day out around here. I looked in my closet. I need a pair of shorts. I need like a cute tank. Jen it is a horror show. It's a horror show. Everything from last year. Like it's worn, it's torn, it's out of style. I need a closet. Sos.
Jen Sullivan
I know who's going to help you.
Jess Sullivan
Who?
Jen Sullivan
Quince.
Thrive Market
Quince to the rescue.
Jen Sullivan
Quints always to the rescue. Quint has everything you need for summer. Linen shorts, dresses from $30, luxe swimwear, leather platform sandals. What else do you want? The best part? Everything with quints is priced 50 to 80% less than what you'd find with similar brands. By working directly with top artisans and cutting out the middleman, Quint gives you luxury without the markup. And they work with factories that use safe, ethical and responsible manufacturing practices. I for summer treated myself to a little necklace stack from Quints. I don't know if you know. They have great jewelry. Gorgeous, simple, high quality gold. But not with the markup. That's why we love Quince.
Jess Sullivan
Excellent. Treat your closet to a little summer glow up with quince. Go to quince.com fatmascara for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's Q U I N C E dot com fatmascara to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com Fatmasch mascara.
Jen Sullivan
Hola. It's fat mascara. That sounded Spanish, not Portuguese. It's fat mascara. I'm Jen Sullivan.
Garrett Muntz
And I'm Garrett Mines.
Jen Sullivan
You're the reason I said that is. What do they say?
Garrett Muntz
I've been hearing a lot of oi, oy, oi, oi.
Jen Sullivan
Where in the world is Garrett Muntz?
Garrett Muntz
I am in Brazil, which is why we're attempting to speak Portuguese. I have learned no Portuguese while I've been here, you guys. I'm sorry.
Jen Sullivan
No one expected you to.
Garrett Muntz
I am in beautiful Sao Paulo at the Rosewood Hotel, and it is amazing.
Jen Sullivan
It's for those of you following along at home that have been tracking which spa Garrett is at which week.
Garrett Muntz
I know it's been a very busy spring for me, travel wise, and it's not gonna end for. But currently I'm coming at you from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and it's been great. I had forgotten that they're in the southern hemisphere, so I. Even though it looks like summer, it's actually fall.
Jen Sullivan
Yes.
Garrett Muntz
Which is odd.
Jen Sullivan
That is how the round earth works.
Garrett Muntz
I'm not a flat earther.
Jen Sullivan
I just forgot. South American listeners is like, welcome. Oh, we have lots to talk about. I had to get your take on one thing, though, that came up in last week's episode. So last week was the Met, obviously, which is still in the discourse a little bit, but I wanted to see if I'm. Cause somebody wrote in about the conversation that Jess and I had about beta blockers. And my realization, which I did not know, and maybe I'm the last person to know, is that so many celebrities have prescriptions for these before they go on a red carpet. So we actually had a bunch of people, like, texting me. I have something from a physician I wanted to share, but I was like, let me just see. Am I the only person. Are you nodding like you knew this was a thing and I'm the last person to know?
Garrett Muntz
No, I'm nod because you're not the last person to know. Cause I was not aware of. I mean, I. Okay, let me clarify. I had read something about it at some point, but I didn't realize it was so common. When I heard you and Jess talking about it and she was like, oh, yeah, we've been doing this for years. I didn't know that was the case. I thought it was like a new thing.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah. I thought it was like, oh, they get Botox on their hairline so they don't sweat when they're nervous. Or, you know, like a off label, very new in the know.
Garrett Muntz
If you Know, I didn't realize, I guess, that it was more for, like, anxiety symptoms. I thought it was more for, like, skin flushing, like, physical, like, how you look. And I didn't realize it was about anxiety.
Jen Sullivan
Wait, then this is so appropriate. Let me read from our listener. I got this text. Hey, heard your thing on beta blockers. I'm a pediatrician that loves to listen. My name's Sophie. Thank you, Sophie. Okay, so here's the thing about beta blockers that is concerning for me. We use beta blockers for big events like public speaking or things like that. Here's the problem. I'm seeing all of these teenagers that have seen this on TikTok and want this for their anxiety. The problem is it's treating the symptoms, but not a fix of the underlying problem. It's like a band aid. Plus, it can drop your blood pressure, and especially with teens, it can cause dizziness or passing out. They are wanting this instead of treating the underlying problem of dealing with their emotions. Therapy, potential necessary SSRIs. And I worry about this a lot. Thanks. She clued me in, though. Oh, on TikTok, like, people are talking about it too. I must not be on that algorithm.
Garrett Muntz
I mean, it makes sense if it's something that is that the celebrities themselves are talking about. I did a quick Google as well after the episode that you guys talked about it. And, like, people like Khloe Kardashian, Robert Downey Jr. All these people, I think Katy Perry have all publicly said, I use these.
Jen Sullivan
I saw a clip too. I forget her name, but it's the two. It's Ayu Adebre. And then the other girl that did the. That used to work together and went to NYU together. I can't remember her name, but she talks about, like, they're like, what are you wearing? And she was like, beta blockers, like, something funny.
Garrett Muntz
So in that sense, I'm not surprised that people are picking up on it on things like TikTok, because anytime a celebrity says anything, it goes onto social media. I think that. What's her name? Sophie. Our.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah, Dr. Soph.
Garrett Muntz
Dr. Sophie. I think she's right on the money. I mean, I think that's the issue with so many things. Not just in beauty, but in medicine and health and wellness, all of it. I think we're so concerned with how issues make us look or feel that we're not focusing on what's causing them. And I think, yes, if a beta blocker can make you temporarily feel less anxious or look less anxious or be calmer, Less red or whatever. That's cool, but. But it's not gonna solve the anxiety that's making those things happen to your body.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah, we love a symptom cure, not an actual cure.
Garrett Muntz
Part of it, I think is just that. It's just the way that our medical system works and the way that we're educated around medicine. But I mean, I do think it's also, I think, just human nature. We always want the easy road out. And it's like if you're a celebrity and you're like constantly going to these things that are causing you anxiety, instead of spending the time to figure out how to not being stressed.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah. Well, part of me is like, is this actually anxiety? Cause like, I get nervous, like nerves. There's like a difference. And I feel like we've just made everybody speaks in terms of therapy now. At my volunteer job, there's two 22 year olds and they were talking to each other and like the number of therapy words they used, not in the context of therapy, it was astonishing to me. Like the boss, what did she. Oh, the boss was triggering. And then I feel that she is like, they know how to speak about mental health so. Well, in this way it's just. Just become like our culture. It's not anxiety sometimes it's just nerves, right? Sometimes.
Garrett Muntz
Totally. I mean, I think like everything, anxiety and any sort of mental health issue is on a spectrum. Right. So like nerves, temporary nerves because you're going on stage or you're going to.
Jen Sullivan
In my day, we called it nerve, we called it butterfly, we called it stage fright. Stage fright.
Garrett Muntz
We weren't holding space for that, you know, but it's like, Yeah, I think it's all, you know, anxiety can be all sorts of different things. Yeah, I mean, it is. I think about the therapy speak a lot because I'm like, how is this affecting how much people. I actually think about these things and learn these things.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah. Language is so important. It does change the feelings we have, just the way we talk about things.
Garrett Muntz
Totally.
Jen Sullivan
Wow. We got deep off the bat here, didn't we?
Garrett Muntz
We went right into it, you guys. Well, it is mental health awareness month, so I think we're running away according.
Jen Sullivan
To the White House. Is it actually other than the White House proclamation, which I saw two days ago?
Garrett Muntz
Oh, I didn't see that. I think it's actually.
Jen Sullivan
I don't know. I was like, wait, what? The president was like, I hereby, with the power of the constitution, call it mental health awareness. I was like, what? Okay.
Garrett Muntz
No, I think that Was already a thing. I think he's just.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah, me too. He's just doubling down. Thank you.
Garrett Muntz
I'm also, like, you know, I'm always a little bit skeptical of those, like, months and days. Although, shout out to my dad, who somehow has a calendar. He'll text me every and be like, happy National Beef Hot Dog Day.
Jen Sullivan
This is the most I've ever heard.
Garrett Muntz
National, you know, pig showing day. And it's really. It's really funny.
Jen Sullivan
National Pig Showing Day.
Garrett Muntz
I mean, it's everything. There's a day for everything. Guys.
Jen Sullivan
Speaking of pig showing, I can make that about beauty. There's a girl that's viral for her pig showing skills, and she knows how to do a mean slick back bun. I'm just gonna say that right now. Google it.
Garrett Muntz
And not to digress too much, but there was a TV show on TLC about competitive pig showing, and it is so good, it's riveting, really.
Jen Sullivan
Raise a wand to the show.
Garrett Muntz
Raising a wand early in the show to. I'll have to look it up at a break and tell you guys what it's actually called. Cause I think it's called Pig Royale or something. But it's about two competing Texas families who are rivals on the competitive pig showing circuit.
Jen Sullivan
I love the pig circuit. Wait, while we were talking, guys, we will get to the beauty news I looked up today. May 14th. What day is it, Garrett? It's National Decency Day.
Garrett Muntz
Aw. That's actually really constructive and nice.
Jen Sullivan
I don't know what that. All right. I mean, what. Okay, cool. So you gotta be decent to me this whole episode.
Garrett Muntz
Done. I'll do my best.
Jen Sullivan
All right.
Garrett Muntz
No problem.
Jen Sullivan
Well, then let's get. Let's get into it. Everybody be decent. Let's get into it. You know what time it is, Jess?
Jess Sullivan
What time?
Jen Sullivan
Wedding season. It's event season. We're getting back out there, aren't we?
Jess Sullivan
Yeah, all the events.
Jen Sullivan
I will be wearing evening wear, dresses, all that. And you know what you need when you're doing that? Some good shapewear. And you know where I get my good shapewear? It's where I hope all the fat mascara listeners get their shapewear. Our favorite, Honey Love.
Jess Sullivan
They've got a super power short that has become my go to. It's got targeted compression technology that distinguishes between the areas where you want more support and areas where you need less compression. They have a signature X that targets and sculpts your midsection without squeezing those natural curves. It's designed to work with your body, not against it. Also, you don't have to fight with your shapewear. When you have to go to the bathroom. There is a little 100% cotton gusset so you can skip wearing extra undies underneath there. You just go to the bathroom and you have to go. No costume change required. And it's also a booty lifter. They've got boost bands on the back of the thigh to give your bottom an amazing shape. Perfect for any kind of like satiny skirts.
Jen Sullivan
And as I'm sure you guys know, Honey Love isn't just about shapewear. They also have the best bras. Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear and bras on earth and save 20% off site wide at honeylove.com mascara. Use our exclusive link to get 20% off honeylove.com mascara. After you purchase, they'll ask where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them fat mascara sent you. Experience the new standard in shapewear with Honey Love.
Jess Sullivan
All right, it's that time of year. Lots of gifting, heavy gifting. We've got Mother's Day, We've got dads and grads. I'm sure there's some other gifting moments. It's also a heavy birthday season in my life. I don't know about you, but I found that Masterclass is the perfect gift because there's something for everybody, whether they want to learn more about home decor, fashion, cooking, history. We've even got a new series. Jen, I know. You just got a sneak peek, right?
Jen Sullivan
I did indeed. And the best part about Masterclass as a gift, you don't have to wait for it to ship. It's virtual, so you can do it at the very last minute. Masterclass is the only streaming platform where you can learn and grow. With over 200 plus of the world's best for just $10 a month, billed annually, a membership with Masterclass gets you unlimited access to every single instructor. It's an amazing deal. Now, this skin health series that you alluded to, Jess, our famous scour listeners are going to love this. If you don't understand 12 step skincare, you think there's too many products to buy and you can't weed through them. You don't know how your skin works. This is a series with worldclass dermatologists and a top cosmetic chemist. I'm just going to say right now there might be some familiar fat mascara faces. Anyway, they'll help you figure out what's real, what's a scan, how to get stronger, healthier skin for life. Such a great idea.
Jess Sullivan
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Jen Sullivan
Listen, there are so many skincare products on the market and you know I will try most of them once. But for me to use something more than once and make a real habit of it, it's got to work. That's why I love Ritual's ha. It's a multi step skincare in one daily supplement and it features two of the best clinically studied ingredients shown to help minimize wrinkles and hydrate skin skin. And now it's part of my everyday skincare routine. I got in the habit of taking it daily by putting the cute little purple jar right next to my sunscreen. It looks nice on my vanity and let's be honest, I love that. But once I stuck with the habit, I really noticed a difference in my skin. I am not the only one. In a clinical study, subjects reported an improvement in skin elasticity, glow and radiance in 90 days and ritual HA led to a 2.9 times increase in skin smoothness within 90 days as compared to placebo. I also like that they're easy to swallow. The capsules sort of taste like vanilla. They're not all weird and fishy like some other supplements. Plus Ritual works with world class certification bodies to validate their products. And it's a certified B core with supplements that are vegan, gluten free and made traceable. Start Ritual High to support your glow without compromising on clean science. Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com mascara. Start ritual or add High to your subscription today. That's ritual.com mascara for 25% off. Okay, let's get into the beauty news. Kick it off Garrett.
Garrett Muntz
Well, there's an interesting trend that I wanted to bring up that you and I have spoken about a little bit, which is butts. Specifically butt skincare. And I love butts. I mean who doesn't love a butt, right? Butts are the best.
Jen Sullivan
Butts are so yes.
Garrett Muntz
But. But there's a new brand called Butt Face and there's a new brand called Butt Face that just came out and they claim to be the first facial grade skincare for your butt. Right.
Jen Sullivan
They have different from acid.
Garrett Muntz
Which not to get too TMI here but you guys all know by now that I don't believe in tmi. I love Asset. I think it's a great product.
Jen Sullivan
Alex Pauli, which is my guest co host, was the first to talk about that. We talked about the hole serum, but let's get away from the hole and back to the skin.
Garrett Muntz
It's. We're. Yeah, we're talking more about the outer butt. Like the glute. The glutes.
Jen Sullivan
Okay. So butt face.
Garrett Muntz
So butt face is meant to. There's an exfoliator, there's a mask, and it's meant to help firm your butt skin. They say that there's a peptide that they use. A lot of firming products you see use things like caffeine which offer like a temporary firming kind of effect. They claim that their peptide does this without the need for caffeine. I think it's a great idea. I think butts deserve a lot of attention. But however, I call shenanigans on the fact that it's the first facial grade skincare. I also call shenanigans on the term facial grade in general because they're just using the same ingredients on a body. We've seen this happening in body for so long.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah, I think we need to change the headline. Beauty marketers.
Garrett Muntz
Yeah, it's like at this point, unless you're coming with a brand new molecule, nothing is the first.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah. There's been skincare level actives in body care for years now.
Garrett Muntz
And there's nothing to say that you can't use an incredible body lotion on your butt. In fact, you probably should going head to toe with your lotion. Yeah, I think it's interesting. I mean, part of it is like obviously marketing, but I also think I was thinking about this particularly in terms of this other brand that we talked about called Spooge. And they have a but sunscreen called Cheeky. So I think a butt sunscreen is really interesting because I don't know about you, but the last few years in the summers I have noticed everyone is wearing a thong. Everyone.
Jen Sullivan
This is what I want to say. I was like holding my tongue, but like down in Fort Tyron in Brooklyn, the beaches, all genders, butts are out, butts are out.
Garrett Muntz
The thongs are getting smaller, the butts are getting perkier. I mean, I go off. I love a butt, I love a thong. I don't know if I personally am in the place where I would want to wear a thong on the beach because I don't really like the beach because of the sand, but I see thongs everywhere. I mean, as we've said, I Travel a lot. I see thongs wherever I go. I have not been to a beach in the last three years where I have not seen at least one thong.
Jen Sullivan
And it's an area that. So this product spoosh the brand, which. I have thoughts on that name as well. But anyway, the product name is called Cheeky. Protect your assets. So it's an SPF 30 specifically designed for your butt with, like, an illuminating kind of formula to it, which, I'll be honest, if you're new to the butt exposure worlds. Okay, let me just say this. If I were to wear a thong to the beach, these cheeks have not seen the light of day, I think, ever. Have I ever gone. Unless I was, like, on a remote island and, like, nude. I've swam nude in the ocean at night. Nope, that's nighttime, I don't think. Oh, no. On a rooftop, sometimes I may have, like, hiked up the bathing suit into the crack to get some color, which I should not do, which is the point of this sunscreen. But sometimes I. Yeah, there's discoloration. I get some folliculitis. So now there's hyperpigmentation. So, like, I'm not exposing that. But now maybe with these products, I would.
Garrett Muntz
I mean, I think. Would I. I don't know if you necessarily need a. But specific sunscreen. I think any sunscreen on your butt is a good idea if you're exposing it.
Jen Sullivan
My butt's so white. I'm a white lady, though. My butt's so white. It's like. I bet you could see the. I don't know, the butts I see on the beach have a little color to them.
Garrett Muntz
Yeah. Because they're probably wearing thongs all the time.
Jen Sullivan
Right. So their butt is like the same as their thigh. It's been out all summer. All summer. Serves of their life.
Garrett Muntz
Totally.
Jen Sullivan
Hopefully not. Yeah. When you're a little kid. Doesn't matter. So, yeah, maybe.
Garrett Muntz
Anyone who has seen my Instagram knows that I'm no stranger to a tiny swimsuit. I don't usually wear a thong in public, but if I were, I would definitely make sure to sunscreen my butt.
Jen Sullivan
I'm also thinking about, like, I guess you don't have to worry about a wedgie if you're wearing a thong.
Garrett Muntz
It's like a perma wedgie. It just feels like a wedgie.
Jen Sullivan
Right?
Garrett Muntz
Yeah.
Jen Sullivan
Which is a thing with bathing suit bottoms. I don't know. Would I do it? Should I get a thong for the summer?
Garrett Muntz
I mean, why not?
Jen Sullivan
Because my butt skin's not ready. I need butt face. I am not about to. By the way, the butt mask. The best thing I saw about the media push for this new brand was he was quoted. I don't know what his story was. It was the founder saying that his hydrogel style sheet mask was manufactured in Asia, and they couldn't believe the size that was needed for the American market.
Garrett Muntz
I didn't see that. But that's a genius quote, because it's.
Jen Sullivan
Like, yeah, if you're doing a sheet mask, you have to assume you want to cover all the butts. And we have a wide range of butts here in America. I guess in the Asian market, the butts tend to be smaller. The manufacturer's like, wait, you want it? What size?
Garrett Muntz
Like, he's like, oh, we, We. We call that a.
Jen Sullivan
That's a blanket.
Garrett Muntz
Quadruple xl. Yeah, that's a throw pillow.
Jen Sullivan
And, you know, I don't like to get down with a single use sheet mask, so I'm just gonna, like, that's not gonna be the product for me.
Garrett Muntz
They're also are other butt masks. There's the brand Loops has one or had one at one point.
Jen Sullivan
I'll be perfectly honest, I made fun of those when they came out back when the K Beauty, when we first started seeing sheet masks and there was a butt one. But it is a different kind of skin, and there's special concerns for that area. I get that.
Garrett Muntz
I think it's dovetailing a little bit with the kind of sexual wellness trend we're seeing pop up, too. I am a big fan of this brand called Future Method, which is a brand from this guy, Dr. Evan Goldstein, who is an anal surgeon. He wrote a book, literally, about butts, about anal sex and how to take care of your butt and all that stuff. He is an incredible.
Jen Sullivan
Is this different than a proctologist?
Garrett Muntz
I think that he would not be. I don't know. That's a good question. I mean, I think that these days we call them analysts.
Jen Sullivan
I've never heard the term anal surgeon, so that's why I ask.
Garrett Muntz
But he does a lot of, like, education around anal sex and, you know, things like that for everyone. He has a brand called Future Method that came out years ago, and I really love it. They have a really good. That's really. That's made for your butt, but also your entire body. It's one of my favorite body scrubs. And so he. You know, I think that they have some other products too, but he was coming at part of the reason that he developed his scrub was because it was designed to help you clean off things like lube and stuff after you had sex. But you can use that as just a normal body scrub. Cause it's actually a really good body scrub. So I think that part of it. Our fascination with butts right now and butt skincare is the Venn diagram of, like, sexual wellness products. And butt products is basically a circle.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah. And also. Oh, no, I wrote about that for the cut. We didn't have her. Katie Storino, she's been on the pod, but, like, there's actually been a couple upgraded hemorrhoid creams which go into this. And her thinking was, why don't we talk about these things? We're open about all these other things. Why aren't we talking about the issues that we have there?
Garrett Muntz
I think that's a. That's a very good point, too. I also. I don't. I can't back this up with any data, but I would venture to guess that hemorrhoid creams are more attractive to people because they're spending a lot more time on the toilet looking at their phones. I'm just.
Jen Sullivan
Any doctor will tell you you should not be sitting for, like, more than five minutes within that position. It's just not good for your butt.
Garrett Muntz
Absolutely.
Jen Sullivan
And by your butt, I mean your colon and the hole and the whole gi. We've moved on from cheeks, guys. If you weren't prepared for the cheek conversation, we've brought it in. We're between the crack now. But you're right. You're just not supposed to. It's not good for you.
Garrett Muntz
Yeah, I'm gonna look up this data later. I would love to hear an actual doctor who could talk about this to say, are they seeing more cases of.
Jen Sullivan
Young sit there and they're, like, scrolling on TikTok and all of a sudden putting undue pressure on the delicate skin and veins and things in that area.
Garrett Muntz
I mean, think about all the times when, like, your partner or your friends or whatever, like, in the bathroom and they just start sending you reels, like, constantly.
Jen Sullivan
I don't think that's ever happened.
Garrett Muntz
Oh, it happens to me all the time. Either myself or I'm like, I have some, like, you know, some friends that I'll just like, randomly get, like, 10, you know, videos.
Jen Sullivan
You're like, oh, they must be in the bathroom right now. Sometimes it takes a while and they're getting bored.
Garrett Muntz
I don't know, I'm saying. But. But I think it's all from a skeptical, like, cynical Standpoint, I think we're running out of areas of the body to market. But then from a beauty kind of investigatory standpoint, I wanna know what's behind this. I think that a lot of things, the fashion of thongs, I think possibly the sexual wellness conversations we're having, I think it all could kind of play into this. Which do I think that everyone needs, but specific skincare? No. But I also think if you're concerned about how your butt looks and you want to wear a thong to the beach, why not try it?
Jen Sullivan
Yeah. Wait, this brings us to something else I wanted to talk about. You just talked about the beautification of the butt. From a cynical standpoint, like, what other area are we going to like now bring into the beauty industry? The skinification of hair, the blood, ever. It's like capitalism. The minute something enters the pop culture conversation, somebody's on it. They've got a deck prepared for investors. White space. Right. So the one that I've been seeing in addition to butts, now, I just read an article that got me thinking about this was like lots of luxe oral care. Like not smile, but just again, to wellness, probiotic, healthy kinds of oral care. So I just read an article by Linda Wells, the great Linda Wells, also former fat mascara guest in airmail. And she brought up a study which is from a while ago that I actually didn't know about. There is a link between using antibacterial mouthwashes and high blood pressure. So if you gargle daily with something that's killing the bad bacteria, that could cause bad breath, it's also killing the good bacteria. And so what that does, apparently, is the oral microbiome that you want, the good bacteria converts dietary nitrates into nitrites, which are essential for the production of nitrous oxide, which is essential to maintaining normal blood pressure. So the theory is when you kill that good bacteria, you lower that whole system and your blood pressure's affected. And they see this in research, people that use antibacterial or. Which is usually alcohol. Right. What else would it be?
Garrett Muntz
I mean, I feel like traditionally oral care has a lot of alcohol in it.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah, I'm trying to think like Bernie mouthwash, alcohol based mouthwash, which I actually don't use. But now I guess brands who realize a bunch of people have developed this habit. Thank you, big beauty. I mean, big oral care from whenever that started, when we were like, oh, we gotta swish in our mouth with alcohol. Brands are coming out with probiotic friendly mouthwashes. So I don't know if you've been seeing any, but I've seen really schmancy ones, like Aesop has one.
Garrett Muntz
I've seen them everywhere. I think this is a fascinating study and fascinating idea that. Because, you know, you do hear dentists.
Jen Sullivan
Say that death comes through the gums.
Garrett Muntz
Oh, totally.
Jen Sullivan
Who said this? This is a quote that comes up often in my family, in my household, but I have. While you talk, I need to look up who actually said death comes through the gums. Continue.
Garrett Muntz
I use mouthwash religiously. I also use alcohol free mouthwash because I sleep with my mouth open because of my cpap.
Jen Sullivan
Yes.
Garrett Muntz
So my mouth gets really dry and anything with alcohol makes it even more dry. Which I think is why people started the no alcohol thing in the first place, was of dry mouth. But it's interesting that now it's merged into this probiotic conversation, which, again, cynically, it's like everything else in our bodies is probiotic now. Right. We have like microbiome care for us.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah. But we caused all these problems when we set it off and we started using skincare and alcoholic mouthwashes, and now we have to like, reset it. It's like, I don't know, caveman skin's starting to sound way more.
Garrett Muntz
But I also think it's interesting that these things, like the probiotics are actually in some cases not good for you, like in terms of oral care, you know? Cause you need that kind of stuff. It is interesting. I haven't used a lot of them. There's one that I really liked from that break called Boca, that's a probiotic boq.
Jen Sullivan
Wait, are you saying there's cases where probiotics are not good for you?
Garrett Muntz
I thought. Wait, maybe I'm misunderstanding your study here. Are we talking about, like, the probiotic stuff is for your mouth is what's causing the issues?
Jen Sullivan
No, it's the alcohol based antibacterial mouthwashes that cause the issues, which makes more sense. Yeah, it kills the bad bacteria, but it also kills the good bacteria. I see. So put aside the alcoholic mouthwashes. This new version, the probiotic, the healthier mouthwashes, quote, unquote, is what is gaining market share now. And that is probably because of this marketing tactic. P.S. sarah Silverman. Comedienne. Sarah Silverman is the one who said death comes through the gums. There's also. There was some study back in the day about plaque and how people who had more plaque also had plaque in their arteries. And it was also. And she was like, it proves my point. Death Comes through the gums. I don't know.
Garrett Muntz
I do think that people don't understand their oral health enough. And I think that people rely a lot on dentists and other people to just tell them what to do. I mean, people. I don't know. I think it's interesting that if more people understood how better oral care could affect your overall health, I think it would make a big difference in how people treat their oral care.
Jen Sullivan
Oh, I think we're well on the way there as we optimize every freaking body part we have. I think people this will be something people do realize that you'll learn about, like, in health class in elementary school. You know what I mean?
Garrett Muntz
Totally.
Jen Sullivan
Oh, wait. On the note of drying out your mouth with alcohol. I'm just loving how much my segues are working. Can we talk about something else that gets dried out?
Garrett Muntz
Of course.
Jen Sullivan
Eyes. What is up with this episode? This is all, like, weird health problems.
Garrett Muntz
We're really going for every area of your body that we don't really talk about usually.
Jen Sullivan
I don't know how this became so unglamorous. I'm so sorry, everyone.
Garrett Muntz
You don't think butts are glamorous?
Jen Sullivan
Well, I guess butts are pretty glamorous. So's a thong. A thong's like, the most glamorous piece of clothing you could wear. I guess, in a way. But I want to talk, so that's what we're gonna do. I actually wanna talk about it because it's kind of beauty adjacent in that there's a new injectable hyaluronic acid gel for people with dry eyes. If an injectable hyaluronic acid gel sounds familiar, that' cause we talk about em a lot for our wrinkles and for our face, Right? And our lips. Plumping our lips and things like that. But now this product's called Lacrifyll, and it's an HA gel. But it is injected into your canalicular system. Garrett, do you know what your canalicular system is?
Garrett Muntz
No. Totally.
Jen Sullivan
I really thought you were gonna give it a guess. I don't know.
Garrett Muntz
I mean, it sounds.
Jen Sullivan
Can you go with the Latin?
Garrett Muntz
Well, it's around your eyes, right? I'm assuming. Is it your tears, your tear ducts?
Jen Sullivan
It is this system. It's not the ones that pump them outwards. It's the tubes that your tears then drain through the lacrimal drainage system. I didn't even know this existed in my body. There's a lack. So tear drainage system. So when you cry or when your eyes Are wetting. This is how the tears go backwards into your body. So the filler goes into the canalicular system, and that prevents the tears from draining. So it keeps the moisture in your eye not falling out, like you're crying. Like, take the emotional crying part of it out of it.
Garrett Muntz
Wait, I was. So I'm having such a hard time consuming.
Jen Sullivan
Okay, so, like, say you're pumping out the moisture for your eyes, which is tears. It's the same thing. You're not crying. But just, like, the wetness that's in your eyes, the tubes that it drains through and, like, metabolizes in your body, it stops those up so that the wetness stays on your eyeball and in your eye. I guess this is the system that is actually what's causing people dry eyes. That this system's messing up.
Garrett Muntz
It's, like, too active or whatever. If you're getting dry eyes.
Jen Sullivan
Yes. So these. So this ha gel, it's temporary. It lasts for six months. It's injected into the canalicular system and just fills it up slightly so that now all that good moisture that you want in your eyes stays in your eyes instead of draining and metabolizing, which would cause the problem. Which is what happens when people have dry eye.
Garrett Muntz
Huh?
Jen Sullivan
So I was talking to this doctor, Dr. Jai Parik. He works on the board of the company, but he's an ophthalmologist in Jersey. He's kind of a riot, too. But he was telling me he sees so much dry eye now, and he's like, 100%. It's because of screens. He's like, I used to only see dry eye in older people. It does affect women more often. It does affect people as they get older more often. He's like, I have teenagers coming in now with dry eye disease. Which is like, when your eyes are so dry that, like, they're irritated all the time. If you have this, I know you're listening and being like, it's horrible. Cause I have a friend who has it, and, like, her eyes hurt all the time, which sounds gross. Not gross. Sounds bad. I feel bad for her. But anyway, so for six months, you don't even have to do anything. No tears. Like, I don't know about you, but I can't put in an eye drop to save my life.
Garrett Muntz
I can, but I don't like to do it. But I also, like, where does it go? Like, where do they put it into your face? Is it like, are they into your tear ducts?
Jen Sullivan
Like, the inner corners of your eyes? With a teeny Tiny, like little syringe. I know it's. I'm sorry, I know it sounds gross, but think about it. This is an ophthalmologist. They're like some of the best surgeons out there. Their job is literally teeny tiny surgery with like microscopes. And the other positive, I was like, okay, side effects, there's gotta be tons, right? No, hardly any. Because like ha gel in your face, it's reversible. So if for whatever reason you don't like it, they can inject hyaluronis and your cannuliculars are back to their usual operating systems.
Garrett Muntz
I think this is fascinating. Are we talking? I don't think that the name is right though. Is it a filler?
Jen Sullivan
Lacrifill? It is a filler.
Garrett Muntz
Yeah, but should we consider it a filler?
Jen Sullivan
I guess not, no. But it is called Lacrifyl. I was just considering it that. Cause to me, I wanted to equate it for people who are familiar with the beauty conversation. And since we talk about beauty culture, I was like, oh, a new. It technically is a new kind of filler. But you're right, that's a bad way to think about it.
Garrett Muntz
I just think that the name is wrong. I think it's fascinating and I love that we continue to find applications for like ha based filler type products. I think that's so interesting. Do I want someone coming at my eyeball with a needle? No. If I had dry eye that was causing me a lot of issues, would I try it? Abso fucking lutely.
Jen Sullivan
Oh. They showed us a little video too of someone who had gotten it done. And you get like a numbing drop. So like, honestly, to the person, it takes like five, literally five minutes. They're out, in and out. Fifteen minutes, you said the whole appointment. And at most maybe you'll have a little blurred vision, maybe a little discomfort. And he's like. But mostly people who have gotten it, they're back in six months and they're like, it wore off. I want it again. I was like, okay, so it's new, obviously, as you're going doctor about it, but I think people are gonna be seeing this more. And I don't know, I was intrigued. I guess it's not. I guess it is a beauty product though. There's other eye products that are like now marketed as beauty products.
Garrett Muntz
Oh, for sure. There's that brand Lumify, which is. Which is really big. It's like an anti redness. They just came out actually with one that's preservative. Free an eye drop.
Jen Sullivan
And that's a prescription eye drop.
Garrett Muntz
Yeah. Their whole thing was, I think it's better for sensitive eyes because there's still, like, preservatives in it. I don't really know how they do something like that without preservatives. I'd have to look back at the science a little bit more. But I think it's interesting that, like, we were talking about mouths and butts. Maybe eyes are our next big, innovative white space. I mean, we already have two.
Jen Sullivan
10 years from now, we're gonna get on the mics and we're gonna be like, what are your ear canals like today? Like, ear canals are so hot right now.
Garrett Muntz
Like, I just had mine filled.
Jen Sullivan
Be lovely.
Garrett Muntz
They're a lot bigger now.
Jen Sullivan
Do you like your ear canal blush? I like mine. Like, what else can we put a product on?
Garrett Muntz
The soles of my feet are. I just had them sanded down so.
Jen Sullivan
That there's no wrinkles, and they're putting filler down anyway. Okay. Yes. Well, all right. This is a weirdly futuristic episode. I'm going to end on one more thing. Roblox, because I told everybody about Givaudan, did a Roblox game. There's been other beauty companies playing in the Roblox space. This new one was interesting to me. It's E L F Islip's Face Cosmetics. Elf Cosmetics everybody's heard of, but they didn't do a beauty game. Their game that they're sponsoring and bringing to Roblox is Fortune Island, Earn, Learn, Flex. It's designed to empower the Roblox community through engaging financial literacy education while fostering self confidence.
Garrett Muntz
That's cool.
Jen Sullivan
Yes. I was like, elf is one of those brands that gets the idea of brand awareness and brand association. I don't always have to sell a product. I want people to think my brand is cool. Like, you know, those charts that forever. It was always like, Nike was at the top. Just like. Like, good brand vibes. ELF is getting at that level, I think, where they're just, like, okay with young people. Good brand vibes.
Garrett Muntz
Yeah. I think also they're so good at understanding how to talk to young people and what young people need and want and figuring out creative ways to help with that that don't even include products sometimes. And I think a lot of brands can learn from them.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah. And apparently some survey data that they cited when they were talking about why they did this is that the younger generations have trouble talking about money and want to be able to talk about money. And learn about money, but this is a way to do that. And I think it was actually. Maybe it was like a month ago. Maybe it was last year, actually. They helped to launch Love youe Mind World, which was a Roblox game. And that one was for supporting teen mental health that I've seen more of in the beauty industry. So many mental health activations.
Garrett Muntz
I think it's so awesome that more people are starting to talk about the link between beauty and mental health. I think it's such a great underappreciated kind of thing. And so many of us love beauty because of how it makes us feel and how it's both a personal thing and also a social thing in many ways. And I think as we move into this culture of, like, increased isolation and mental health issues that come with that, I think talking about things socially and off on a total tangent. My point here is that I personally am very fascinated and intrigued by the link between beauty and also mental health. I think there's a lot to do there. So much so, so much so that I actually. This is the first time I'm publicly coming out about this. I'm starting grad school in the fall to get a MSW to hopefully professionally explore links between beauty and also mental health and become a therapist and think about ways to integrate wellness, beauty. But also it's such an important thing for a lot of people. I hope to particularly work with men and young men, but really, anyone around all of these themes and bodies, mental.
Jen Sullivan
Health, when you decided to apply to grad school at your not too advanced age, but you're having, like a big life shift, was some of the stuff that you've learned and we've talked about on this podcast, but that you write about when you write about men's grooming, men's beauty, just our whole world. Did that play into your decision to go back to school and become a therapist?
Garrett Muntz
Absolutely. I mean, I had to think about this a lot as I was, like, writing my essays for the applications, but also beforehand, too. I mean, I've been thinking about this for years, and it's something that always drew me to beauty in the sense of, like, we talk on this pod a lot about how beauty can kind of be the lens to talk about so many different things, from cultural issues to political issues to mental health issues. All of it. Right. And what always drew me to beauty so much is that link between mental health and beauty and how it can be used as an avenue to so many different things. And honestly, part of my own personal Story is that one of my biggest intros into the kind of healing and therapeutic aspects of beauty was from my own therapist in college who really kind of pointed me in that direction. And it really got me thinking about that. And so I think that there's a lot to do there. I mean, and that's part of why I chose social work, too, is that thinking about all of the social issues we've talked about when it comes to beauty and how beauty can help communities, organizing, politics, all of it. I think it's really. It's such an exciting time right now and seeing all of these beauty companies, to go back to our original point, seeing all these beauty companies investing in mental health, especially with younger people who are really in need of it. And really we're in a real mental health crisis in this country. And my work around men's beauty has really driven that home for me because we're in a men's mental health crisis, particularly.
Jen Sullivan
And listen, if you're not gonna get funding from the government to help with some of these things, I noticed four days before the government said it was Mental health awareness Month, they took away $1 billion in grants for mental health work in public schools that had been from the last president's era. I was like, well, that's rich. But if our public sector doesn't have the money to do that, which you can make a good argument as to why we need a smaller government. I'm not gonna say, you know, anything about that, but, like, who is gonna fill that in? It feels weird that it might be the beauty industry, but if capitalism is how our world runs, why not? These brands have an excess of marketing budgets. I'd rather them put it to, like, Maybelline just did an on campus mental health. Aw. We talked about the rare beauty summit. Who's gonna pay for it if not those brands?
Garrett Muntz
And I think people can get cynical about when brands like that do things, but I do think the way that we all use beauty has a mental health component. There's so many studies, so many things that show how beauty can affect our own mental health in many, many ways, both positive and also negatively. Right. And so I think it makes sense that beauty brands would be kind of on the forefront of this because that's a way that engage with that. Yeah, engage it not just from a beauty standpoint, but from a mental health standpoint. I mean, think about, like, you go to the drugstore as a teenager and buy an amazing lipstick or something, and it makes you feel great. You're gonna remember that moment. You're gonna be like, oh, I wore this one Anyway. I think beauty has a place in our lives and in also our overall mental health. And so in such a distinct way.
Jen Sullivan
That I feel like we just got your essay, your application essay. I feel like this is your interview for getting into grad school. School you're in. We'll take you. Thank you, class of 2029.
Garrett Muntz
I don't even know when you graduate 2027.
Jen Sullivan
Okay.
Garrett Muntz
It's gonna be a lot.
Jen Sullivan
We're so I'm saying we. I'm speaking for the entire podcast listening community. I'm so proud of you. I'm so excited for you. This is gonna be amazing. But I bet you the fat mascara fam feels the same. Okay, let's go. Raise a wand because I know the fat mascara fam supports you because we have a list of listener who wants to talk to you. Okay. You know the fat mascara listeners, me and Jess, we love sunscreen. We don't always agree on products, but we definitely agree on Blue Lizard Australian sunscreen. They have the products for sensitive skin. That's me, always. They have products that are safe for the entire, entire family. Jess has a little one. It's just the perfect line for both of us and probably for you too.
Jess Sullivan
Here's why we love Blue Lizard. They're experts in mineral sunscreens for nearly 30 years. And their products, they go on like a dream. I love the sprays because mineral sunscreens, they're a little tricky with sprays. And these go on really easy. They apply really nice and really sheer. And I find a lot of people don't want to use sunscreen because they say I'm too sensitive. Well, not with this. No more excuses. I like to carry the little sticks around because they're so easy to put in a backpack or just my purse when I'm walking around the park with my daughter, I just take it out and I just pop it on.
Jen Sullivan
Boop, boop, boop.
Jess Sullivan
For her face, her legs, her arms. Great for touch ups.
Jen Sullivan
They have so many formats. Go to blue lizardsunscreen.com to find out more information. Which sunscreens are right for your family and where. You can buy in store or visit the Blue Lizard Australian sunscreen store on Amazon Foreign. I know we all want thicker hair. I know. Because you guys DM us. You tell us all the time. It's such an issue. But the thing is, sometimes you do need a prescription help. You need those experts to tell you what's going on and to give you the Solutions. Right, Jess?
Jess Sullivan
Totally. Listen, hers hair treatments are made with doctor prescription ingredients that many other hair products just do not have. Have they come in a lot of different options including oral and topical solutions. Love that. So that you can find the one that works for you. And through hers everything is 100 online. You don't have to head to the pharmacy, you don't have to go make a doctor's appointment. And insurance is not even required. Plus the treatments start at just 35amonth. And the best part? You can get thicker, fuller, healthier hair and start seeing that regrowth in as little as three to six months.
Jen Sullivan
Start your initial free online visit today at fourhers.com that's F-O-R-H-E-R-S.com mascara for your personalized hair loss treatment options. For hers.com mascara individual results may vary. Compounded products are not FDA approved or verified for safety, effectiveness or quality prescription required. Prices vary based on product and subscription plan. See website for full details, restrictions and important safety information.
Jess Sullivan
Listen, it's the first really warm day out around here. I looked in my closet. I need a pair of shorts. I need like a cute tank. Jen, it is a horror show. It's a horror show. Everything from last year. Like, it's worn, it's torn, it's out of style. I need a closet. Sos.
Jen Sullivan
I know who's going to help you.
Jess Sullivan
Who?
Jen Sullivan
Quint.
Jess Sullivan
Quints to the rescue.
Jen Sullivan
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Jess Sullivan
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Jen Sullivan
Okay, it's time to raise the wand. Take it away. Micah.
Micah
Hi, it's Micah again. I'm from Thomasville, North Carolina, which is the town right beside Lexington. I thought that was the barbecue capital of North Carolina, but it's actually apparently the barbecue capital of of the world. How's that even possible? I don't know. There's even a festival every year for it. So I grew up eating tons of barbecue. I'm with Garrett in April, and I'm personally a fan of vinegar based sauce. But the real test is if you're a red or white flaw person. So, Garrett, I gotta know. I'm a white flaw girl myself. And while I'm here, I do have an actual razaland as well as an acne prone person. It's so hard to find non comedogenic products that don't break me out. But the fenty line randomly has so many options. The hydra visor tinted moisturizer fits the bill. Plus it has SPF that's 30, which my skin is obsessed with. It evens out my skin tone, has a really pretty natural finish and it doesn't feel like heavy makeup, so I'm pleasantly surprised by it every time I use it. And I'm almost done with my first bottle. All right, y' all, I could talk about food and beauty all day. So thanks for the show. Can't wait to hear more barbecue discourse. Bye, guys.
Garrett Muntz
Okay, so, Micah, this is amazing. This is a great question, because slaw is an underappreciated element of barbecue. And I personally, while I enjoy a red slaw in certain contexts, if you're having barbecue, you need to have a white slaw.
Jen Sullivan
Is red slaw just red cabbage in the same kind of vinegary?
Garrett Muntz
I mean, I love like a creamy, like, white cabbage.
Jen Sullivan
Does red slaw tend to be less creamy than a white slaw?
Garrett Muntz
I think so. I mean, I think it really depends on the restaurant you go to.
Jen Sullivan
But you're in white slaw camp.
Garrett Muntz
White slaw all the way. I mean, I love both. I love a slaw in general. I love, like a crisp slaw, but it has to be white if you're having barbecue sandwiches or any barbecue, really.
Jen Sullivan
But do you want the Philadelphia girl to weigh in at all?
Garrett Muntz
Go for it. Why not? I mean, you've never had Carolina barbecue.
Jen Sullivan
I haven't at all. But I have very strong feelings about slaw.
Garrett Muntz
Go for it. Tell us what they are.
Jen Sullivan
Because the slaw in Pennsylvania is like the creamy ass German esque. It smells like this in Germany too. It's white and it's too much mayonnaise. And get that stuff out of here. I think it's so gross. I want a vinegary, crispy, and that's like. You're right. The purple. The purple cabbage slaw. I want high acid. I don't know. It's too sugary sometimes. But you know what? That's a good accompaniment for the spicy barbecue and the.
Garrett Muntz
Exactly.
Jen Sullivan
And visually, since this is a beauty podcast, even though we've been talking about barbecue and butts for the last hour, I have to say the white slaw makes a nice contrast with the deep red of the barbecue sauce.
Garrett Muntz
Absolutely. And listen, too much acid is too much acid. I also. I don't like it when there's too much mayonnaise and too much cream. Like, it needs to have a. It still needs to have a bite to it fresh. But, yes, I think I actually, funnily enough, I have never really seen a lot of red slaw in, like, traditional Carolina barbecue places. Although maybe, just maybe, they're a different region. But I've always had this call in.
Jen Sullivan
The lines are still open for conversation. This has been going on for, like, two months now.
Garrett Muntz
I never. I did not know that barbecue would be such a hot topic. And I'm thrilled.
Jen Sullivan
I'm still getting new voicemails, I guess, like, people that aren't caught up or just listen out of order or whatever. I'm still getting voicemails, so we're gonna keep the conversation going. You know where to call us.
Garrett Muntz
I'm also.
Jen Sullivan
Or maybe you have, like, a good. She had a razor wand for. Who knew? Fenty sunscreen. So great for people with acne.
Garrett Muntz
Oh, I didn't know that. And that's a really good tip because that's a really. When you have acne, it's really hard to find good sunscreen.
Jen Sullivan
So that one. Hydrovisor guys. SPF 30, which we love. 646-4818182. Talk to us about butts, beta blockers. What else did we Talk about?
Garrett Muntz
The four Bs, butts, beta blockers, and barbecue.
Jen Sullivan
You. Yeah. That's your new podcast. When you're a therapist by licensed social worker and therapist Garrett Muntz, they'd be.
Garrett Muntz
Like, how does this have anything to do with my childhood?
Jen Sullivan
You're like, it'll all tie in. Don't worry.
Garrett Muntz
Yeah, don't worry.
Jen Sullivan
Okay, let's get out of here. Let's get out of here. Let's do some reason ones. What's yours?
Garrett Muntz
So I have two. I'll be really fast, but there are two travel Essentials. As we've, you know, talked about my travels. One of them is the arc, the Panasonic Arc five palm razor. I don't know if women use electric razors as much as men. I'm a big electric electric razor person. And this thing is so wild. It is so tiny. It. I'm just gonna hold it up. It really will. It fits in the palm of your hand.
Jen Sullivan
Oh, wow.
Garrett Muntz
It's literally like the head of a razor.
Jen Sullivan
Oh.
Garrett Muntz
And you hold it like this so it takes up no space in your bag.
Jen Sullivan
Wait, that would normally, back in the day, have 6 inches of handle behind it.
Garrett Muntz
Oh, yeah.
Jen Sullivan
But it has the same head.
Garrett Muntz
It's the same head.
Jen Sullivan
How close? How close are we shaving with this?
Garrett Muntz
I literally shaved, like this morning, and I have, like, no shadow. And this is the arc5 head is one of the best razors you can get. Like electric shavers. I mean, I feel like women could use this, like, wherever they want on their bodies. Also. It's very gentle. They have one in white. So I'm like. Maybe that's their concept, is that they have.
Jen Sullivan
I've never tried using an electric razor on my legs.
Garrett Muntz
Really?
Jen Sullivan
It just never crossed my mind to do that.
Garrett Muntz
I mean, I think it might be a little hard on your legs because you mostly use them to shave dry. At least I do. I mean, I know a lot of them. You can use product, but they kind.
Jess Sullivan
Of get how great for travel.
Jen Sullivan
Like, you put on your bathing suit in the last minute, there's a little hair somewhere. You gotta.
Garrett Muntz
Yeah, you gotta zip it up.
Jen Sullivan
Teeny tiny, that thing. Razor wand.
Garrett Muntz
It's amazing. Razor wand. It's a little on the pricey side. It's on sale usually on Amazon for around 200. But honestly, it is like the best investment if you use electric razors.
Jen Sullivan
Dads and grads, guys.
Garrett Muntz
My other one is the Sophie Pavitt Mandela clearing serum, which is awesome because when I travel, I break out really easily. And this is one of my things I like when I land that night, I put it on, and the next day I have no breakouts. My skin looks great. I love this serum that is so good. I don't really use it at home that much. I keep it in my dopp kit. I have a pre packed dopp kit that I just.
Jen Sullivan
It's the only active Mandela mandelic.
Garrett Muntz
It's mandelic, hyaluronic acid and panthenol.
Jen Sullivan
Okay. But the acne, clearing, bump clearing of it all is just the mandelic.
Garrett Muntz
Totally. And it doesn't dry your skin out because, you know, your skin is always dry from planes anyway.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah, Salicyl can be drying for me.
Garrett Muntz
Yeah. It's so great. It's like my travel lifesaver. I'll use it the first night always. And then if I still have a little lingering breakouts, I'll use it like maybe two.
Jen Sullivan
It sounds like it helps with the breakouts, but doesn't then dry. Cause you've got panthenol for soothing, but then like the hyaluronic acids. So you know how, like, you can sometimes get that rebound oiliness when you use a acne clearing product. It feels like your moisture's staying the same level while you're not getting the bumps and you're.
Garrett Muntz
I just feel like whenever you travel, no matter what, like your skin kind of freaks out.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah.
Garrett Muntz
No matter what your skin problems are. And it's just a really good balancing. Cause even if you don't have breakouts, it like exfoliates, it hydrates, it kind of protects everything. It's perfect.
Jen Sullivan
This is your travel skincare. $1 on.
Garrett Muntz
Raise a wand.
Jen Sullivan
Raise a wand. I'll raise my wand too. Oh, it's elf. I forgot about that. It's elf. Not because I was influenced by the Roblox game, but they have hydrocolloidal stickers off zits, it's called that are for zits. However, I am a very injury prone person. I don't know if you know this about me. It's like there is always a bruise, a cut, whatever the most recent is. I get scratched on the face by a pigeon. So I work not in the wild. Don't worry. I volunteer at the wild bird fund here in New York City, which is where you can bring, by the way, did you know this? It's May migration month. If there's an injured bird or anything, it's on the Upper west side. You can bring in an injured animal and we will take care of it. And I will be one of the people helping to do that. I go there every week. But, oh my God, they only let us work. Us volunteers who aren't super trained. Cause I'm like, only semi trained. I'm only allowed to really work with the pigeons because the songbirds are really fragile.
Garrett Muntz
You're like, oh, my God, the pigeon lady from Home Alone 2. That's what I'm picturing.
Jen Sullivan
Oh, you would not believe it. They have free flying time. Sometimes while you're working, you'll be trying to give them meds or drawing up meds or whatever. You're doing. And there's just pigeons swooping around above you because they have to get back in shape so they can be released. Right. Well, anyway, sometimes when you have to take them out of the cage, a little flap or an errant wing. I got scratched these elf offs zits. I was like, let me just put a hot because I know I was gonna pick at it. If it scab, then it won't scab. I'm hoping I'm not gonna get hyperpigmentation. I don't know if you guys saw me on Instagram, like the last couple videos, you might have noticed it, but you don't really notice. It is a great way. Cause it's so clear. These little dots great for like little tiny injuries. And of course, zits too. And eight bucks for like 40 of them in there, probably.
Garrett Muntz
So that is a really good tip.
Jen Sullivan
Yeah. Razor 1. All right. Well, everybody, what an episode.
Garrett Muntz
I mean, we went all over the place.
Jen Sullivan
If you're still here after the butt part, I think I might have said the phrase open the crack. I don't know what I was. We're moving. If you're still here. We love you and you know, get your beauty sleep.
Garrett Muntz
Get your beauty sleep, everyone.
Jess Sullivan
We hope you enjoyed the show.
Jen Sullivan
It's your reviews and feedback that help us make the podcast even better. Head over to itunes to rate and review us or email your thoughts to infoatmascara.com we also want to answer your.
Jess Sullivan
Beauty questions and hear what products you love. To share a raise, a one product review or to ask a beauty question. Email us at infoatmascara.
Jen Sullivan
If you send it as a voice memo file, we can even share your voice on the podcast. You can also do that by leaving us a voice message. Our phone number in the United States is 646-481-8182.
Jess Sullivan
Thanks so much for listening.
G
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Fat Mascara Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Ep. 578: Butt Skincare, Hyaluronic Acid & The Week’s Beauty News
Release Date: May 14, 2025
In Episode 578 of Fat Mascara, hosts Jennifer Sullivan and Jessica Matlin delve into a wide range of beauty topics, blending insightful discussions with light-hearted banter. Joined by their guest, Garrett Muntz, the episode covers everything from the rising trend of butt skincare to innovative hyaluronic acid applications for eye health.
[03:01 - 07:29]
The episode opens with a discussion on the use of beta blockers by celebrities to manage anxiety before high-profile events.
Jennifer Sullivan shares insights about listeners like Dr. Sophie, a pediatrician concerned about teenagers using beta blockers for anxiety, highlighting the temporary symptom relief versus addressing underlying issues:
"[05:07] Jen Sullivan: ...it's treating the symptoms, but not a fix of the underlying problem."
Garrett Muntz reflects on the prevalence among celebrities, mentioning figures like Khloe Kardashian and Katy Perry who have publicly discussed their use:
"[06:05] Garrett Muntz: ...people like Khloe Kardashian, Robert Downey Jr... have all publicly said, I use these."
The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing mental health holistically rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions.
[07:26 - 44:33]
As the conversation transitions into Mental Health Awareness Month, Garrett announces his plans to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) to explore the intersections between beauty and mental health professionally.
Garrett Muntz shares his motivation, influenced by his work on men's beauty and the mental health crises he observes:
"[39:22] Garrett Muntz: ...starting grad school in the fall to get a MSW to hopefully professionally explore links between beauty and also mental health."
The hosts discuss the role of the beauty industry in supporting mental health initiatives, especially in light of reduced governmental funding:
"[42:35] Jen Sullivan: ...who is gonna fill that in? It feels weird that it might be the beauty industry..."
[11:06 - 14:37]
Jennifer and Jessica promote Honey Love, a shapewear brand, highlighting its features:
"[11:40] Jess Sullivan: They've got a super power short that has become my go to..."
Additionally, Jennifer introduces Ritual's HA, a daily supplement for skin health:
"[13:24] Jen Sullivan: ...in a clinical study, subjects reported an improvement in skin elasticity, glow and radiance in 90 days..."
[16:06 - 26:29]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the burgeoning butt skincare market.
Garrett Muntz introduces Butt Face, claiming it as the first facial-grade skincare line for buttocks:
"[16:43] Garrett Muntz: ...they claim to be the first facial grade skincare for your butt."
Jennifer Sullivan critiques the marketing term "facial grade," arguing that similar active ingredients have long been used in body care:
"[17:59] Jen Sullivan: ...we need to change the headline. Beauty marketers."
The discussion extends to Spooge's Cheeky SPF 30, a sunscreen designed specifically for buttocks, addressing the increasing popularity of thong swimwear.
Both hosts express skepticism about the necessity of butt-specific skincare products, emphasizing that general body lotions suffice for many needs:
"[17:59] Garrett Muntz: ...I call shenanigans on the fact that it's the first facial grade skincare."
[27:54 - 30:45]
Jennifer brings attention to a study highlighting the connection between antibacterial mouthwash and elevated blood pressure.
Jen Sullivan explains that killing beneficial oral bacteria can impede the conversion of dietary nitrates to nitrites, essential for maintaining normal blood pressure:
"[27:54] Jen Sullivan: ...using mouthwash that's killing the bad bacteria, it's also killing the good bacteria..."
The hosts discuss the rise of probiotic-friendly mouthwashes as alternatives to traditional alcohol-based formulas, citing brands like Boca and Aesop.
Garrett Muntz underscores the importance of understanding oral health's impact on overall well-being:
"[28:56] Garrett Muntz: ...more people understood how better oral care could affect your overall health..."
[31:33 - 36:18]
Jennifer introduces Lacrifyll, a new injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) gel designed to treat dry eyes by filling the canalicular system to retain moisture.
She explains the procedure and its benefits, noting minimal side effects and the temporary nature of the treatment, lasting six months:
"[33:19] Jen Sullivan: ...for six months, you don't even have to do anything. No tears. Like..."
Garrett Muntz expresses intrigue over the application of HA beyond traditional uses like wrinkles and lip plumping, though he questions the terminology:
"[35:55] Garrett Muntz: I just think that the name is wrong. I think it's fascinating..."
The hosts ponder future beauty innovations targeting other specific areas, hinting at a never-ending expansion of beauty-focused treatments.
[49:00 - 57:22]
A listener named Micah from Thomasville, North Carolina, shares her positive experience with Fenty’s Hydra Visor Tinted Moisturizer.
She praises its non-comedogenic properties suitable for her skin type and appreciates the inclusion of SPF 30:
"[49:00] Micah: ...the hydra visor tinted moisturizer fits the bill... it has SPF that's 30..."
Garrett and Jennifer engage in a humorous and light-hearted discussion about barbecue slaw preferences, using Micah's message as a segue.
[50:11 - 56:26]
The hosts transition to a playful debate on the merits of white vs. red slaw in barbecue, drawing analogies to beauty product preferences.
Garrett Muntz advocates for white slaw as the ideal accompaniment to barbecue, while Jennifer shares her distaste for overly creamy, mayonnaise-laden versions:
"[52:23] Jen Sullivan: ...the slaw in Pennsylvania is like the creamy ass German esque. It smells like this in Germany too."
The conversation continues with humorous exchanges about the ideal balance of acidity and creaminess in slaw, emphasizing personal preferences.
[56:26 - 58:38]
Wrapping up the episode, Jennifer and Jessica reiterate their favorite beauty products and offer final promotions.
Blue Lizard Sunscreen and Hers Hair Treatments are highlighted for their effectiveness and ease of use:
"[45:17] Jess Sullivan: ...go to blue lizardsunscreen.com to find out more..."
The hosts encourage listeners to rate and review the podcast, submit beauty questions, and share their experiences via email or voice memos.
Jennifer gives a shout-out to her volunteer work with the Wild Bird Fund, adding a personal touch to the episode.
Jen Sullivan [05:07]: "It's treating the symptoms, but not a fix of the underlying problem."
Garrett Muntz [06:05]: "People like Khloe Kardashian, Robert Downey Jr... have all publicly said, I use these."
Jen Sullivan [17:59]: "We need to change the headline. Beauty marketers."
Garrett Muntz [39:22]: "Starting grad school in the fall to get a MSW to hopefully professionally explore links between beauty and also mental health."
Jen Sullivan [27:54]: "Using mouthwash that's killing the bad bacteria, it's also killing the good bacteria."
Garrett Muntz [35:55]: "I just think that the name is wrong. I think it's fascinating..."
Episode 578 of Fat Mascara offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary beauty trends, mental health considerations within the industry, and innovative product discussions. From the nuanced use of beta blockers among celebrities to the niche market of butt skincare, Jennifer, Jessica, and Garrett provide listeners with both critical insights and engaging conversations. The episode underscores the intricate relationship between beauty and well-being, encouraging a more thoughtful approach to personal care and mental health.