Fat Mascara Episode 579 Summary: What’s In Our Bags, Big News & The Week in Beauty

In Episode 579 of Fat Mascara, released on May 21, 2025, beauty journalists Jen Sullivan and Jess Matlin navigate a blend of personal announcements, nostalgic reflections, and insightful industry discussions. This episode stands out as a poignant moment in the podcast's history, marking significant changes while still delivering the engaging content listeners love.

Major Announcement: Farewell and New Beginnings

The episode opens with a heartfelt announcement from Jess Matlin, revealing that she is transitioning to a full-time job. This decision means that Fat Mascara will pause its regular episodes, marking the end of an era for the beloved beauty podcast. Jess shares, “I am taking a full-time job,” [02:06], leading to the news that Fat Mascara as listeners know it will no longer continue in its current form. Jen Sullivan responds with enthusiasm and support, exclaiming, “First of all, congratulations,” [02:40], while both hosts express mixed emotions about the podcast's future.

Despite this significant change, Jess assures the audience that she will remain active on social media and continue engaging with the beauty community. The hosts hint at a special farewell episode next week and promise updates on their future endeavors. This announcement sets a reflective and somewhat emotional tone for the episode, emphasizing the strong connection between the hosts and their audience.

Special Segment: "What's in Our Bags" with Maybelline

A standout feature of this episode is the "What's in Our Bags" segment, sponsored by Maybelline New York and Acast Creative. This nostalgic trip down memory lane allows Jen and Jess to share personal stories about their first bags and how their beauty essentials have evolved over time.

Lexi's First Bag: Lexi reminisces about her first bag, “I had the clear great Lash... that was like mom wouldn't let me have the black yet,” [08:06], highlighting her early experiences with Maybelline mascara. She describes her bag as an improvised binoculars case from the nature company, repurposed as an army-green, outdoorsy accessory filled with early beauty products.

Jen's Evolution: Jen reflects on her 2015 bag during her time at Cosmo, “I always be found with a big tote... my Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift mascara was always my favorite,” [09:15]. She contrasts her past with her current routine, emphasizing the enduring presence of mascara in her beauty regimen. Jen’s current essentials include a can of soda, moisturizer, concealer, blush, and scissors—a practical yet beauty-focused selection.

The segment underscores the timelessness of mascara in their beauty routines, with Jen summarizing, “Always going to be a mascara. A good one, a fat one,” [12:55], tying back to the podcast’s name and their unwavering dedication to quality beauty products.

Main News Discussions

1. Drunk Elephant’s Financial Downturn:

A significant portion of the episode delves into Drunk Elephant's recent financial struggles, reporting a 65% drop in earnings for the first quarter of 2025. Jen discusses potential reasons, “chase the short term cash that comes from the trends in lieu of the long standing relationship,” [16:23], suggesting that the brand may have lost its core customer base by overemphasizing trendy products at the expense of its foundational values.

The hosts lament that Drunk Elephant, once a leader in the clean beauty movement, might have alienated its original adult clientele by inadvertently appealing more to younger demographics. Jen notes, “They’ve never said that they’ve done that intentionally,” [17:57], implying that the brand’s shift was not a deliberate strategy but a natural evolution that led to unintended consequences.

2. Biopic on Ula Henriksen:

Another major discussion revolves around the upcoming biopic on Ula Henriksen, the founder of his namesake skincare brand. Jen highlights Henriksen's significant contributions, “This man has done more for gay rights than you could possibly imagine,” [21:53], portraying him as a pivotal figure in both the beauty industry and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

The biopic aims to shed light on Henriksen’s journey, including his battle with U.S. immigration authorities during a time when homosexuality was deemed a psychopathic personality in the medical community. Lexi adds depth to the conversation by sharing insights from her attendance at the Ali Forney Center gala, emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring figures like Henriksen who have played crucial roles in advancing social justice.

3. Roblox Beauty Games:

Jen observes a growing trend of beauty brands creating Roblox games to engage younger audiences, stating, “Every beauty brand has a Roblox game now,” [28:26]. The hosts discuss whether this move signifies a new era of virtual beauty engagement or is merely a marketing strategy to stay relevant among Gen Alpha consumers who dominate digital spaces like Roblox.

Gen Alpha's Approach to Beauty

A particularly touching segment features Jess Matlin’s interview with Nya, an 11-year-old competitive dancer from New Jersey, to understand how Gen Alpha engages with beauty. Through this conversation, Jess uncovers that Nya views makeup largely as a hobby tied to her dance competitions rather than a tool for altering her appearance.

Nya shares, “It’s more of a hobby for her rather than trying to fix anything or better her skin in any way,” [35:00], highlighting a healthy and expressive relationship with beauty products. The interview reveals that social media platforms like YouTube play a significant role in shaping Gen Alpha's beauty routines, contrasting with Jess’s own experiences growing up without such influence.

Jess notes, “It's very clear... Nya is very conscious of what she's putting on her skin,” [36:25], reflecting on how parental involvement helps Gen Alpha navigate the vast array of beauty products and ingredients available today.

Listener Interaction: Body Wash Recommendations

The episode wraps up with a listener call from Nick in Chicago, who seeks recommendations for body washes. Lexi and Jen enthusiastically share their favorites:

• Lexi’s Picks:

  • Dove Cool Moisture: Praised for its creamy lather and refreshing scent, perfect for an invigorating shower experience [44:16].
  • Bath and Body Works: Mentioned for its unique fragrances that elevate the daily cleansing routine.

• Jen’s Favorites:

  • Le Labo: Enjoyed for its luxurious textures and calming scents.
  • Dove Sensitive Skin Bar: Highlighted for its moisturizing properties and gentle formula.

This segment emphasizes the hosts' commitment to providing practical beauty advice and engaging directly with their audience’s needs.

Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Lexi expresses her gratitude upon graduating, reflecting on her year-long internship and the invaluable experiences gained from discussing beauty trends with younger generations. The hosts share lighthearted banter, leaving listeners with a sense of community and anticipation for the special farewell episode.

Jen humorously reminds listeners, “Please wear pants next week,” [47:45], adding a touch of levity to the heartfelt goodbye. The episode ends on a warm note, celebrating the journey of Fat Mascara and the enduring connections formed with its audience.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 579, highlighting key announcements, engaging segments, and insightful discussions. Notable quotes with timestamps provide a deeper understanding of the hosts' perspectives and the episode's emotional undertones, making it a valuable read for those who haven't tuned in.