How Not to Smell & Spring Cleaning Tips with Madame Sweat

Summary

Fat Mascara Podcast Episode Summary: "How Not to Smell & Spring Cleaning Tips with Madame Sweat"

Hosted by: Jennifer Sullivan & Jessica Matlin
Guest: Mary (Madame Sweat)
Release Date: March 28, 2025

---

Introduction to Madame Sweat

In this episode, hosts Jennifer Sullivan and Jessica Matlin welcome Mary, widely known as Madame Sweat, a renowned figure in the beauty and hygiene industry with over 2 million social media followers. Mary is celebrated for her practical and scientifically backed advice on maintaining personal hygiene without stigma. She is also the founder of Kaya Naturals, a brand dedicated to effective natural deodorants.

Mary: "I think of myself as people's auntie. You can ask your auntie about the stinky stuff." [07:15]

The Importance of Basic Hygiene

Mary emphasizes that achieving a polished appearance starts with fundamental hygiene practices. She advocates for thorough cleansing routines to prevent unpleasant odors, particularly focusing on underarm care.

Mary: "If you want a really polished look, it starts in the shower. You have to be really clean." [11:05]

Showering Habits and Cultural Norms

The discussion delves into the varying cultural norms surrounding daily showering. Mary explains that while she and the hosts shower daily, her large and diverse following often seeks guidance on appropriate hygiene practices tailored to different skin chemistries and cultural backgrounds.

Mary: "Your personal body chemistry is very different. It's really about what works for you." [34:35]

Bidets vs. Traditional Methods

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the use of bidets, highlighting their prevalence in Middle Eastern cultures compared to North America. Mary points out that bidets offer superior hygiene by thoroughly cleaning the most bacteria-prone areas.

Mary: "People of Middle Eastern descent find North Americans using dry paper very unhygienic." [13:01]

She also shares her personal experience with high-tech Japanese toilets, noting their effectiveness and the initial learning curve.

Transitioning to Natural Deodorants

Mary provides a comprehensive explanation of the transition from traditional antiperspirants to natural deodorants. She clarifies that natural deodorants work differently by allowing sweat to evaporate and relying on products that manage odor rather than blocking sweat.

Mary: "Deodorants don't work the same as antiperspirants. Antiperspirants block your pores, while deodorants manage odor." [27:45]

She advises a gradual transition period of about a month to allow the skin microbiome to rebalance, mitigating the initial increase in odor commonly experienced when switching products.

Mary: "Wait 30 days till your skin microbiome rebalances, then decide whether this deodorant is gonna work for you." [27:45]

Effective Underarm Care

Mary introduces practical solutions for underarm odor and stains. She recommends a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to treat yellow underarm stains caused by aluminum-based antiperspirants.

Mary: "Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda, create a paste, leave it on the underarm before laundering." [25:20]

Additionally, she underscores the importance of using tongue scrapers for fresh breath, explaining that most oral bacteria reside on the tongue surface.

Mary: "One of the biggest remedies for bad breath is tongue scraping." [21:16]

Foot Hygiene Strategies

Addressing foot odor, Mary suggests using salt scrubs to dry out the skin and reduce moisture that fosters bacterial growth. She recommends scrubbing feet with a salt-infused bar during showers and applying a fine foot powder to absorb excess moisture.

Mary: "Salt dries out the skin and pulls moisture from the feet, dealing with smelly bacteria." [36:47]

Laundry Tips for Freshness

Mary shares her expertise on maintaining fresh-smelling linens and towels. She advocates using washing soda to boost laundry detergent efficacy, which helps eliminate odors and reduces the need for fabric softeners.

Mary: "Washing soda boosts the enzymes in your detergent, making your laundry smell heavenly." [49:40]

For stubborn mattress odors, she recommends sprinkling baking soda on the mattress, letting it sit for 20 minutes, and then vacuuming it off to remove smells and dust mites.

Mary: "Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, leave for 20 minutes, then vacuum to remove odors." [44:35]

Creating a Fresh-Smelling Home

To keep the home environment fragrant, Mary suggests using essential oil diffusers and placing scented powders on wool fabrics like pillows and cushions, which effectively hold scents longer than other materials.

Mary: "Wool is the only fabric that really holds scent. Spray your pillows with essential oil blends for a pleasant aroma." [52:27]

Personal Style and Beauty Preferences

Mary discusses her minimalist and classic style, favoring black and white outfits complemented by chunky necklaces and matching accessories. She emphasizes simplicity in her wardrobe to ensure ease and versatility.

Mary: "I always wear black. I keep everything simple so all my accessories match." [55:20]

Regarding beauty products, Mary shares her industry insights, highlighting favorites from both high-end and indie brands. She mentions classics like Revlon's "Cherries in the Snow" lipstick and touches on the importance of balancing high and low-end products.

Mary: "I own classics from Revlon and YSL. It's a mix of drugstore and prestige products." [56:11]

Speed Round: Fat Mascara 5

In a fun segment, the hosts engage Mary in a rapid-fire question round, revealing personal tidbits such as her favorite snacks (cheese and Melba toast), last phone note, and what she would be doing on her day off (iron and powder her bed).

Jen Sullivan: "What would you be doing at 11 am on your day off?"
Mary: "Ironing and powdering my bed to keep it fresh." [63:48]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with gratitude towards Mary for sharing her invaluable tips on personal and home hygiene. The hosts encourage listeners to implement these strategies for a fresher lifestyle and invite them to share their own questions and reviews.

Jen Sullivan: "Thank you so much for coming on Fat Mascara." [65:04]

---

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Mary on Being a Safe Space:
  "I think of myself as people's auntie. You can ask your auntie about the stinky stuff." [07:15]

• Mary on Importance of Cleanliness:
  "If you want a really polished look, it starts in the shower. You have to be really clean." [11:05]

• Mary on Natural Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants:
  "Deodorants don't work the same as antiperspirants. Antiperspirants block your pores, while deodorants manage odor." [27:45]

• Mary on Tongue Scraping:
  "One of the biggest remedies for bad breath is tongue scraping." [21:16]

• Mary on Laundry with Washing Soda:
  "Washing soda boosts the enzymes in your detergent, making your laundry smell heavenly." [49:40]

• Mary on Creating a Fresh-Smelling Home:
  "Wool is the only fabric that really holds scent. Spray your pillows with essential oil blends for a pleasant aroma." [52:27]

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of Fat Mascara offers a wealth of practical advice on personal hygiene and home freshness, blending Mary’s expert insights with the hosts' engaging conversation. Listeners gain actionable tips on managing body odor, maintaining clean linens, and creating a pleasant living environment, all grounded in scientific understanding and cultural awareness.

Transcript

[Ryan Reynolds]

Did you know one in two women wear the wrong foundation. Matching foundation is hard, but il maquillage makes it easy. Take the Power Match quiz to find a perfect match in seconds. Customized to your unique skin tone, undertone and coverage needs. With 600,000 5 star reviews woke up like this is our best selling foundation for a reason. Available in 50 shades of weightless natural coverage and with Try before youe Buy, you can try your full size at home for 14 days. Just pay shipping. Take the quiz at ilmaquillage.com Quiz that's I L M A K I A G E.com Quiz Ryan Reynolds here from.

[Mint Mobile]

Mint Mobile with a message for everyone.

[Mary]

Paying Big Wireless Way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint.

[Jen Sullivan]

You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments.

[Mary]

But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway.

[Jen Sullivan]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment of $45 for three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first three months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See full [e-mail] foreign who doesn't like a little luxury? I like luxury, but you know what? I don't like luxury prices. That's why Jess and I love Quince. Quince is our go to for luxury essentials at affordable prices. They offer a range of high quality items at prices within reach like 100 Mongolian cashmere sweaters from $50, washable silk tops and dresses, organic sweaters, 14 karat gold jewelry. Best of all, everything is priced 50 to 80% less similar brands because they partner directly with top factories. Quince is able to cut out the cost of the middleman and pass the savings on to us and on to you.

[Jessica Matlin]

I am doing a whole spring refresh and that means new towels for my family. Towels can be very expensive, especially good ones. I'm getting a whole Turkish classic bath towel bundle for under a hundred dollars. Actually top that under eighty dollars.

[Jen Sullivan]

I'm gonna refresh for spring too. You know I'm into all of their linen dresses and linen pieces. Everything's super affordable. Plus Quint only works with factories that use safe, ethical and responsible manufacturing premium fabrics and finishes. Give yourself the luxury you deserve with quint. Go to quince.com fat mascara for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's Quince Q-U I N C E.com fat mascara to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com fat mascara. Hello, everyone. Welcome to Fat Mascara podcast about beauty culture.

[Jessica Matlin]

I am Jessica Matlin.

[Jen Sullivan]

Yes, you are. I'm Jen Sullivan.

[Mary]

Hi, guys.

[Jessica Matlin]

All right, listen, I want to say, before we get to our big interview, which is fabuloso, I want to say thank you to everyone who is coming in and bringing us the reviews. Whether on Spotify, the little, you know, the stars, itunes, the stars, and a nice chunky review. We are reading them, but we want more. And we'll read. Listen. If they're really provocative, if they're really interesting, if they're really juicy. Juicy, we'll read them on the air.

[Jen Sullivan]

Even if they're not.

[Jessica Matlin]

If they're just like, cool show, cool show.

[Jen Sullivan]

Two thumbs up.

[Mary]

Yeah.

[Jen Sullivan]

Go over to Apple Podcasts and review us. Or Spotify.

[Jessica Matlin]

That also helps with discoverability for our show. So we provide this as a free service to you, but we do need.

[Jen Sullivan]

It is a free service. We provide a service. It's true. You get tips, you get tricks, you get advice, you get a little giggle.

[Jessica Matlin]

Company. Company. While you're. While you're doing things. Company.

[Jen Sullivan]

Are you driving alone right now? It's fun to have me and Jess here along with you on the speakers, isn't it?

[Jessica Matlin]

Hopefully.

[Jen Sullivan]

You know who else is going to be so much fun for you then?

[Jessica Matlin]

Mary.

[Jen Sullivan]

Okay, so before I tell everybody who's like Mary's little official bio, you have wanted to have this guest for how long?

[Jessica Matlin]

At least over a year.

[Jen Sullivan]

Why the interest in Madame Sweat, Jess?

[Jessica Matlin]

Because we talk about a lot of nice things on this show. Nice beauty things, good smells, you know, new fragrance, light lipstick, all. Yeah, yeah, but a big part of beauty is cleanliness, right? And, you know, making things not smell bad. And I like that this woman, when I discovered her Instagram, she talks about that in a really direct way, but with a lot of intelligence, actual information. So, like, how do you make fabric not smell? What's the best way to wash your feet or whatever? Like things that are just not impolite conversations sometimes, but in a way that's really thoughtful, scientific and solutions based. It doesn't. Yeah. It doesn't make you feel like you stumbled upon the disgusting Reddit thread.

[Jen Sullivan]

No. And she's kind. Cause we all smell. We're humans. We all have these hygiene issues. Our homes get dirty.

[Jessica Matlin]

There's no shame.

[Jen Sullivan]

That's.

[Jessica Matlin]

Yeah, that's it. There's no shame in her content. It's like, what's up? Like, my armpits smell. How can I fix this? She's so elegant. And cool. So anyway, Jen, Take it away is.

[Jen Sullivan]

Why we wanted to have her on the show. And Mary is more than Madame Sweat on TikTok, which might be where you know her from, or Instagram. She has over 2 million social media follows. But she's a longtime beauty executive. She knows her stuff. She's been in the industry for years. And then she founded Kaya Naturals, which is a great brand back in 2016. So she's the founder of Kaya Naturals, and as Jess said, she's Madam Sweat. That's her handle on all of the social media, in case you want to follow her there. But we brought her some of our own questions, some questions you might find helpful. And we're going to learn a little bit more about our underarms, our sheets, our houses, all that good stuff. Let's get fresh. It's spring cleaning time. This is the time to listen to this episode. Let's get into it. Mary, first of all, hi. I'm sorry, Madams Sweat. Hello.

[Mary]

Hello.

[Jen Sullivan]

Welcome to Fat Mascara.

[Mary]

Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here. And thank you for having me.

[Jen Sullivan]

Yeah. Well, for the purposes of this interview, is it okay if I call you Mary?

[Mary]

Yeah, you sure can.

[Jessica Matlin]

I didn't know I was like Madam Sweat.

[Mary]

Or Mary starts with an M.

[Jen Sullivan]

So I was thinking, if we went back in time like 10 years ago and I told you you're going to be known to the Internet as like an etiquette expert who talks about stinky stuff and has almost 2 million followers across social media, what would you have said?

[Mary]

Well, I actually don't think I would be surprised because I think I started this whole thing and even before, like, the videos, writing blogs and making deodorants. So I was used to getting back then emails from people with pictures of their underarms and diagnosing rashes and various other complaints that people had. So I kind of like that. So I don't mind that that is my. I'm sure my parents would be very embarrassed if they were still alive.

[Jen Sullivan]

But no, you're doing the Lord's work. You're doing the Lord's work.

[Mary]

Is that it?

[Jessica Matlin]

You're a safe space for people. Like, I mean, you're a true definition of like, the safe space. You can talk about all the stinky stuff. Yeah.

[Mary]

And we try to do it without being vulgar. So I think of myself as people's auntie. You can ask your auntie. Maybe you can have conversations with your aunt that you can't have with your mot and that's kind of how I position myself, is that I actually had a Nana that was like that. And that's what it reminds me. I sort of remind myself of Nana. And I used to laugh. And your listeners won't be able to see me, but I'm putting my hands over my ears saying, nana, I don't want to hear this. I don't want to have this conversation. But she would insist on telling me. A young lady would never say, I have to go pee. She would say, I need to use the ladies room. So please never say I have to go pee. Okay, Nana, I will remember that. And she just used to drop these little nuggets. We would be sitting, having tea or just hanging out together, and she would drop these little pearls of wisdom from Nana. And the crazy thing is, I remember all of them that she taught me. Do you say, yes, I do.

[Jessica Matlin]

So you don't say, I have to go pee?

[Mary]

No. And it actually drives me crazy if I hear any of my nephews saying that. It's like, no, you have to use the washroom, or you have to use the gentleman's room, but please don't say, I have to go pee. She just thought that that wasn't ladylike. And, you know, she also taught me to refer to your body parts by their name. She didn't like the little pet names that are given to a woman's vagina. And she said, it's called a vagina for a reason. You call it your vagina. That is qu. Nana was. Yes. I mean, she would even teach me. I mean, this has nothing to do with hygiene. But I remember being at a function with her, and we were sitting at a table, and I said, nana. And they had an open bar. And I said, nana, can I get you a drink? And she said she was appalled that I was gonna get up and go to the bar. And my Nana said, a lady never goes to the bar. You get one of the men to go and get you a drink.

[Jen Sullivan]

Oh.

[Mary]

And I went, oh. I go, nana, things have changed. She goes, no, you're not getting a drink.

[Jen Sullivan]

See, some things change.

[Mary]

Some things change. But you know what?

[Jen Sullivan]

There's a reason for it, you know?

[Mary]

I know, I know. So I just respected her for being. Where is she from, my Nat? She was from this little small town just outside of Toronto in Canada. She was very Canadian, but she was just a. She was a real lady. But she also took the time as a granddaughter to teach her. And it might be. Cause I lost my mother when I was quite Young. So I think, well, it happens. And she stepped right in and I think she played that role, but she made sure that someone was raising me properly. And when you're being raised by your father, I guess she didn't know what my father was teaching me, so she had to step in and play that role. But I'm glad that she really brought that out and had no inhibitions about saying it. You know, she was just very, this is how it is and you should know the right way to approach these things. And she had no qualms about teaching me all those little things as much as I was cringing at the table. But by the same token, now I'm glad she did. So.

[Jessica Matlin]

Yeah, you're very lucky in that way.

[Mary]

Yeah, she was eccentric, there's no doubt. But in any event, yeah, she would be. She would be. That's exactly how you should be.

[Jen Sullivan]

She would be like, first explain social media to me and then, yes, I'm impressed. So Mary, like people ask you about everything, hygiene, body odor, we're gonna get into underarms, all of that. But like, for you personally, what's your biggest hygiene faux pas?

[Mary]

Well, I do think it did start with odor. I just think that if you want a really polished look, it, you know, it starts in the shower. Like it starts with, you have to. And I just have like probably far too many products on my body in the morning. But I just think that it does start with really good basic hygiene. You don't have to have expensive clothing, you don't have to have anything, but you have to be really clean. And I remember once someone in university described me to my roommate and we laughed and she said, yeah, he said, you're really clean.

[Jen Sullivan]

Like fastidious or just like, just, I.

[Mary]

Don'T know, like I think he thought that I always looked clean and tidy and I thought what an odd thing to say. And she goes, I don't know, I should have probably told him the truth because you were obsessed about cleaning. But it's just an odd thing to say because in university a lot of people don't shower every day or eh, that hair looks like it could use a little bit of wash or there's.

[Jessica Matlin]

Been so much conversation in the past couple of years about, and this. I feel like every three months I get a push notification from a, you know, a major news outlet. Like how many times should you be showering a week? Like you know, new studies or you know, and there's different, as you alluded to or you said directly, there's different Cultural norms about how much people should shower.

[Jen Sullivan]

Wait, do you both shower every day?

[Jessica Matlin]

I shower every day and so do you, Mary. Yeah, but you have such a huge following. You have 2 million followers. You must get some feedback about if you have a very diverse following. Like what. What is the norm? Or are there no norms about, you know, cleanliness or, you know, what have you found? Like, you are the expert on clean.

[Mary]

You know, which one that I found really interesting was my post on bidets because it's very.

[Jessica Matlin]

Bidet. Like a bidet. Yeah, bidet. Like a. Like a bidet. A tush washer.

[Mary]

A tush washer. A tush washer. And it's not. The Middle east uses them all the time. So people of Middle Eastern descent find North Americans and Europeans, for the most part, it's very common in washrooms. There find it very unhygienic that we use dry paper so we can be.

[Jessica Matlin]

Showering up a storm, but we don't have a bidet.

[Mary]

Right. And the dirtiest part of our body is being addressed.

[Jen Sullivan]

I feel better. I have a bidet and I don't shower every day.

[Mary]

Well, then you're fine.

[Jessica Matlin]

Right. So there's so much subjectivity and there's so much toilet.

[Mary]

I know, I know. So well. No.

[Jessica Matlin]

Wasn't that your, like, holiday present, Jen?

[Jen Sullivan]

My husband got it for my anniversary. Here's a throne for my queen.

[Jessica Matlin]

Oh, my God. Really?

[Mary]

I actually heard of that once before as it being a great Christmas present. That actually is.

[Jen Sullivan]

Oh, I'm thrilled.

[Mary]

No, I would be too. And I would love it. I wish that when we built our house we had considered that in the washroom at the time. But it's hard now to go back and do all the. You can buy like manual ones.

[Jen Sullivan]

Be silver magic. What can I say?

[Mary]

No, I know.

[Jessica Matlin]

I mean, that is a really nice gift, Jen. That is a really. That's a very thoughtful gift. That's a very intimate gift.

[Jen Sullivan]

It is intimate.

[Mary]

That is. It's a really good gift. And so I do get a lot of comments when I do post on B days because I. I really do ponder that thought is we're using dry paper on the dirtiest parts of our body. Like, really, if I told you to go and wash your face with a piece of toilet paper, wouldn't you be disgusted? And that's what we do. And so you think in North America that would just become common now in new builds and in condos and that they would install bidets, but it has not happened. But I do find that any middle Eastern followers that I have will comment right away at how disgusted they are that North Americans have not picked that up. Besides all of our other super hygienic stuff, we're not really that engaged in bidets as they are.

[Jen Sullivan]

Well, I have a toto. It's like one of those Japanese very fancy toilets. Yeah, it's called a toto but it's a bidet. It's got like a, it's got a dryer too. It's got like a blow dryer. Practice. Have you ever been to Japan?

[Mary]

No, I have not. But I've stayed in. There's a hotel in New York that I love to stay at.

[Jen Sullivan]

With the fancy toilet.

[Mary]

With the fancy. Well, it's very Japanese hotel and they have. It took me a while to figure out how to use it because they have the dryers in it too.

[Jessica Matlin]

That's the.

[Mary]

Yeah, I know. And even, even like the, like they used the way they boiled water in the room was, was that very Japanese way. It took me a while to get used to it. But I love the hotel.

[Jen Sullivan]

Who doesn't like a little luxury? I like luxury. But you know what? I don't like luxury prices. That's why Jess and I love Quince. Quince is our go to for luxury essentials at affordable prices. They offer a range of high quality items at prices within reach. Like 100% Mongolian cashmere sweaters from $50 washable silk tops and dresses, organic sweaters, 14 karat gold jewelry. Best of all, everything is priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands. Because they partner directly with top factories. Quince is able to cut out the cost of the middleman and pass the savings on to us and on to you.

[Jessica Matlin]

I am doing a whole spring refresh and that means new towels for my family. Towels can be very expensive, especially good ones. I'm getting a whole Turkish classic bath towel bundle for under a hundred dollars. Actually top that under $80.

[Jen Sullivan]

I'm gonna refresh for spring too. You know, I'm into all of their linen dresses and linen pieces. Everything's super affordable. Plus Quince only works with factories that use safe, ethical and responsible manufacturing practices and premium fabrics and finishes. Give yourself the luxury you deserve with quince. Go to quince.com fatmascara for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's quince q u I n c e.com fatmascara to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com fatmascara we go through a lot of sunscreen here in the fat mascara families, don't we Jessica?

[Jessica Matlin]

We go through a ton.

[Jen Sullivan]

One of our favorites is of course Blue lizard Pediatrician trusted dermatologist tested also they have these little smart caps that turn blue in UV light. How good is that? Then you know the sun is out. It is time to get protected. Plus they have a whole sensitive family of products that's personally my favorite. Helps keep my sensitive skin safe from the sun's harmful rays. All the formulas are free from potentially irritating parabensalates fragrances. I just love them. To which one do you use?

[Jessica Matlin]

I love them for my child. And you know why? Because I love a spray easy to get her but they dry clear. None of that nasty white pasty stuff. It dries nice and clear. And also I know that this should be obvious guys, they're free from potentially irritating fragrances, parabens and phthalates. Go to bluelizardsunscreen.com to find out more information and find out which sunscreens are right for your family and where you can buy Instagram store or visit the Blue Lizard Australian sunscreen store on Amazon.

[Jen Sullivan]

Be fearless in the sun.

[Mint Mobile]

They say opposites attract. That's why the Sleep number smart bed is the best bed for couples. You can each choose what's right for you whenever you like. You like a bed that feels firm but they want soft Sleep number does that. You want to sleep cooler while they like to feel warm. Sleep number does that too. Why choose a Sleep number smart bed so you can choose your ideal comfort on either side. Sleep number Smart beds start at $999. Price is higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Exclusively at a sleep number store near you see store or sleepnumber.com for details.

[Jessica Matlin]

So Jen and I have a private joke between us and some of our long term listeners will know this joke. It's about our breath. Okay. It's like it's a little saying, if it smells, you must tell. And like in all seriousness, because if we're talking to each other in front of the cab and I don't think we've ever said hey friend, your breath smells. But it's like we'll check each other.

[Jen Sullivan]

That's cause we obsessively ask each other. I'm good, I'm good.

[Mary]

I love that.

[Jen Sullivan]

If it smells, you must tell.

[Jessica Matlin]

It's like giving each other a pass. I'm not gonna get all upset and crow cry and be like what the hell? Okay. But seriously, is there ever a polite way to tell a loved one? Okay, now not some Agrando, coworker, a loved one, a friend, that they have bad breath or bo. Like, maybe I'm throwing out. Throw something else in there. Like their house smells something. Okay. Something about them is stinky. How do you tell them this is like a real Dear Abby?

[Mary]

It is, but I think it depends on your relationship with them, because I have two tricks. So if it's my husband, I'm just going to straight up say it like, this house stinks. I find that if I've been away for a few days and I come back and I'm not nose blind anymore, I can tell. And then he gets all insulted because he thinks that I think he stinks. And I went, no, the house stinks. Like, you know, it doesn't sound like.

[Jessica Matlin]

This is ending well. No, this is why we need a polite way. This is why I'm posing the question.

[Mary]

I'm not polite with him on that one. But if what I do if it is if you think that your husband's breast smells and he's next to me, and I know that he would get offended if I did say that. So I would go, oh, my gosh, does my breast smell? I would pretend I thought it was me, and then my husband would come closer and I think he would know, like, oh, maybe it's me. Does my breast smell? So that he can ask, and I go, oh, no, it is you. I thought it was me. So that you can let him know that I sometimes try to take it on me and pretend that it's me that smells. And then I ask them, and then it kind of signals to them, she's.

[Jen Sullivan]

So much more tact than me.

[Jessica Matlin]

Okay, so you're with somebody. Oh, like, oh, my gosh, my breast smell.

[Mary]

Okay, yeah. Does my. And then you. You.

[Jen Sullivan]

And then they'll say, no, but does mine.

[Mary]

Does mine. Exactly.

[Jen Sullivan]

And then you go, well, now that you know.

[Mary]

Yeah, it does a little bit. A little bit on that as well. But just a little tip on the breath smelling. I actually did. I'm writing a little segment and I did a deep dive on oral hygiene and something that I found from research that actually is. Is one of the biggest remedies for bad breath is tongue scraping.

[Jessica Matlin]

Oh, wow.

[Mary]

And I will say, now I'm addicted. I went and bought one of the stainless steel ones. So now my oral hygiene routine in the morning definitely includes the tongue scraping. And I actually gave that to my husband in his stocking for Christmas this year was tongue scrapers. And he did get a little of that day after many went what is this? And I went, it's a tongue scraper. And he goes, are you giving this because you think I need it? I said, everybody needs it. We are not doing that. We're flossing and we're brushing, but we're not using the tongue scraper. And he's as addicted to it now as I am, so. No, honestly.

[Jessica Matlin]

So the tongue scraper is key to fresh breath.

[Mary]

Yes. They say that most of the bacteria in your mouth resides on your tongue. So that's why you get a bit of that white.

[Jessica Matlin]

It's so tickly. So tickly, though. It feels so uncomfortable, but.

[Mary]

Well, not really. You know what? Actually, if you push it back too far on your tongue, it can choke, so. Or the gag. You get a gag reflex. So I don't go that far back, but what I read was that the vast majority of the bacteria lives and thrives on the tongue. And just brushing your tongue is. You're just moving the junk around. You're not. You gotta scrape it off. And I'm telling you, when you see what comes off that tongue scraper, you will be using it every day. You will have one in your bag when you travel, you'll have one in your house.

[Jen Sullivan]

Guess what we're giving each other for.

[Mary]

Monogram. Tongue scrapers don't buy the copper ones, buy the stainless steel ones. So I do. I do floss, brush, and then tongue scrape last and get it all off.

[Jessica Matlin]

I love it.

[Jen Sullivan]

Adding to cart immediately.

[Mary]

Yeah. Total Amazon. They actually have, like, little carrying cases. So if you're at the office and you guys are going out or whatever and you've just had coffee, go upstairs or go to the washroom and just tongue screw.

[Jessica Matlin]

Oh, my God, I love this. Okay, great.

[Mary]

It's not putting, like, I feel like breath mitts on top of bad breath is like putting fragrance on Bo. So you gotta get that tongue scraper, get that bacteria off your tongue.

[Jen Sullivan]

What about someone who's not as familiar with you, who's not a loved one? Like, is there people you won't tell they have bad breath? Like, when do we. How do we know to draw the line? Like, just back up and don't smell them.

[Mary]

You know, that one is the old, get the breath mints out and pass them around. You know that, right?

[Jen Sullivan]

I always take a mint if someone offers me a mint. I'm just assuming I have bad breath and I'm just taking the mint.

[Mary]

Right.

[Jessica Matlin]

It's a humbling moment.

[Mary]

It's a humbling moment. But. Well, I try to. I mean, I did it today with my team. I had my breath mints out and I go, does anybody want a breath mint? And I wasn't doing it because either one of them had bad breath. But that is what runs through your mind when someone off Altoid breath, man. Yeah, exactly. So it's the oldest trick in the book, but it's a way of saying freshen your breath or go and check. Is that a problem now?

[Jen Sullivan]

That's a question Jess and I always ask. But I'm curious what your followers and readers. What do you get asked about most often?

[Mary]

I would say oral hygiene is right up there. So that is definitely like people will talk about. No, it's very big. And I'm actually putting together a book right now and it is right at the top of the list. People like my content for laundry, though. That is a big one too, because people, you know the famous white shirts, yellow stains on the underarm, That's a big one. People want to know how to get rid of that.

[Jen Sullivan]

You can't just drop that and then not tell us the answer.

[Jessica Matlin]

What's the best way?

[Mary]

Okay, that one is really simple. It's a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, 3%, so you can buy that at the dollar store, wherever they sell it everywhere, and baking soda. And you create a paste and you leave the paste on the underarm before you launder it and then you just toss it into the laundry. So it should loosen up. Hydrogen peroxide will actually bleach the white shirts just very, very gently. And the baking soda will just raise the alkaline level in the, in the water. So it should remove the stain, but you have to leave it on for a bit. But it does work.

[Jessica Matlin]

Does it have to be a fresh stain though? Because I'm thinking about like shirts that have had it for a long time. It's like, is it.

[Mary]

No, it's not like you're using bleach on it. It definitely is something that you need to let it sit for a while and you may have to work at it. You know, stains are never easy if they're really old. The age of the stain does matter. So I would say that the chances are very good the longer you leave that paste on and then toss it in the laundry, the better off you are on that one. But yeah, of course getting at it when it's fresh is best. But that's not always the case.

[Jen Sullivan]

Is this true? I've heard maybe you told me this, that those yellow stains are from aluminum salt based antiperspirants.

[Mary]

Often it's when they mix with sweat that the aluminum base does turn the fabric in that area yellow. Also, a lot of fabrics now have optical brighteners in it as well. So it could be the aluminum salts mixing with the optical brighteners and turning it a little yellow. It's really a chemical reaction. So it's unusual to see them when you're using a natural deodorant. And I'm not saying that because I make natural deodorants, but it's not. It's a chemical response to sweat in that area. And you will see it more on white shirts.

[Jen Sullivan]

So I'm glad. Before we get into some more etiquette questions, you brought up natural deodorant. And I know lots of our listeners have questions about this, but you and I talked about something and I wanted to see if you could share with everybody else, but about when you're switching from, for whatever reason you choose to switch a traditional aluminum salt base antiperspirant to a natural deodorant. Maybe it's Kaya naturals, we don't know. But there is a stink process. There is. People think that natural deodorant doesn't work, like they'll try one, and they're like, well, I smell even worse or what's going on there? Is there a transition process and do they work?

[Mary]

Well, here's the answer. I love this answer, is it's not marketing bs. It actually is a process, and it's your body and there's data and there's science on it, is that when you stop using even a deodorant, when you stop using it, your body responds. So if you've been plugging your pores with aluminum chloride all that time, and then suddenly you stop doing that and you start sweating, the microbiome on your skin changes. So you start over producing the bacteria, the smelly kind of bacteria. And that will happen for a period of time. And the reason I found that out and actually called my deodorants the Takasumi Detox. And put if you're new to natural deodorant, read this. It's the stages of detox. And it was my chemist that told me because I was trying these deodorants and I kept sending them back. And he said to me, I think after the third submission that I sent back, he said, were you using antiperspirant before you started trying these deodorants? And I said, I sweat a lot. Hence the name Madam Sweat. I said, I have never had success with natural deodorant. And I'm determined to make one that works. But I get it that it doesn't follow the same process. It can't plug your pores. It allows you to sweat. It can only help the odor. He said, well, you can't test deodorants if you're going through a little bit of a. He said, you've stopped using antiperspirants, so your body now is going to be overproducing the smelly bacteria. And he said, so you're not in a position to be testing anything. He said, it's all gonna stop working or you'll be really smelly for a little while. So he said, just stop for a few weeks using antiperspirant. He said, do it for a month, then start evaluating deodorants. Cause he said, this is what people do. And then he said, and then they throw perfectly good deodorants in the garbage. Cause they say it doesn't work after a week. Cause that's what kept happening. So I'd use it, and it worked just fine for the first five, six days. And then suddenly, day five, you know, day seven, ew, I stunk. And my team would say the same thing. And he said, and then people toss it in the garbage and say it doesn't work. And he said, Wait 30 days till your skin microbiome rebalance, then decide whether this deodorant is gonna work for you. But the real thing is, and I will say, Jen, is that people have to realize that deodorants don't work the same as an antiperspirant. Antiperspirant blocks your pores prevent. So there's no moisture on the armpit, therefore, there's no bacteria forming. What deodorants do is they allow you to sweat because they have absorbing powders in. It grabs some of that sweat, and then the rest of the product is made up of. Some companies use baking soda, which changes the alkalinity of your underarm. Some companies use a probiotic, which is what I do, which also changes the microbiome, and that prevents you from smelling. But you're still. If you're someone who sweats a lot, you have to have a plan. And that's me, is I can't just use a deodorant by itself because I am going to have a lot of moisture in my underarm. So I use a powder over top of the deodorant so it absorbs more. All you want is something to absorb that moisture. Because when moisture sits in a moist, dark, warm Place bacteria love it. It's a rainforest of bacteria and so you're asking for trouble. So what you have to do is really manage that moisture. But a lot of people don't sweat a lot, so they don't even really need an antiperspirant. They just need something mild to pick up what the mild amount of sweat that they experience. They're fine with a natural deodorant, but you just have to understand the science behind deodorants and antiperspirants.

[Jen Sullivan]

It's a little bit complicated. It's like we're having a chemistry class in our armpits. So like that's why I like your.

[Jessica Matlin]

The average bear just wants to make sure they don't smell. They're not thinking about all the microbiome and the having backup plan.

[Jen Sullivan]

Who doesn't like a little luxury? I like luxury. But you know what? I don't like luxury prices. That's why Jess and I love Quint. Quint is our go to for luxury essentials at affordable prices. They offer a range of high quality items at prices within reach. Like 100% Mongolian cashmere sweaters from $50 washable silk tops and dresses, organic sweaters, 14 karat gold jewelry. Best of all, everything is priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands. Because they partner directly with top factories, Quint is able to cut out the cost of the middleman and pass the savings things onto us and onto you.

[Jessica Matlin]

I am doing a whole spring refresh and that means new towels for my family. Towels can be very expensive, especially good ones. I'm getting a whole Turkish classic bath towel bundle for under a hundred dollars. Actually top that under $80.

[Jen Sullivan]

I'm gonna refresh for spring too. You know I'm into all of their linen dresses and linen pieces. Everything's super affordable. Plus Quince only works with factories that use safe, ethical and responsible manufacturing practices and and premium fabrics and finishes. Give yourself the luxury you deserve with quince. Go to quince.com fatmascara for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's Quince Q-U-I-N-C-E.com fatmascara to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com fatmascara.

[Paige]

Hey, this is Paige from Giggly Squad and this episode is brought to you by Nordstrom. Nordstrom is here to help you dress in a way that feels totally you. With the best spring styles from boho dresses and matching sets to must have bags and sneakers. Discover thousands of items from lots of your favorite brands like Mango Reformation, Veronica Beard and Farm Rio. It's easy, too, with free shipping and returns in store order, pickup and more. Shop today in stores [e-mail] they say opposites attract.

[Mint Mobile]

That's why the Sleep Number Smart bed is the best bed for couples. You can each choose what's right for you whenever you like. You like a bed that feels firm, but they want soft. Sleep number does that. You want to sleep cooler while they like to feel warm. Sleep number does that too. Why choose a Sleep Number Smart bed so you can choose your ideal comfort on either side. Sleep Number Smart beds start at $999. Price is higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Exclusively at a sleep number store near you. See store or sleepnumber.com for details.

[Mary]

And you're right. The average bear. So let's talk about the average bear. So what you have to do is remember that everybody's personal body chemistry is very different. And so, Jen, if you asked your sister, do you have a sister?

[Jen Sullivan]

Let's pretend, okay?

[Mary]

Pretend you had a sister. She may not have the same success rate with a natural deodorant that you did. Because I'm sure the two of you could talk and say, I use this when it worked. One didn't work for me. Everybody has their own skin chemistry, so it's really about what works for you. So unfortunately, you do have to test, and it's trial and error, AB testing. That's when it comes to natural deodorant antiperspirants. But they're becoming less and less popular.

[Jessica Matlin]

I noticed that. Can we talk about another sweaty spot?

[Mary]

Yep. Oh, I know where you're going to go.

[Jessica Matlin]

Let's talk about little feet. Okay, we're heading into little feet. Yeah. I don't know where your mind was going, but listen, we're heading into the sun. Summer, or there's a spring, not summer. Let's not push it. Okay? But here in the United States, okay, the North America, okay, you're in Canada. We're getting into the warmer weather. Soon we're going to be in sandals. Little sneakies. It's easy to say, just put socks on. But let's be real. It's a whole situation down there. And even with sandals. Okay, let's not talk about the dreaded Birkenstock moment, okay? The sandals get sneaky. The sandals get stinky. Jen's shaking her head. Why are you shaking your head?

[Jen Sullivan]

Cause all I wear is Birkenstock. Those can get a really stinky stinky person.

[Jessica Matlin]

But. No, but the whole situation down there, it can get so gross. And now nobody wears shoes inside people's houses anymore. That's very widespread now. Very widespread. Post Covid. I know that that has been long standing cultural thing in many other our cultures. That sound like, wait for the word rep.

[Jen Sullivan]

They learned before we did that shoes in the house.

[Jessica Matlin]

Yes, but no, but I noticed that's more common at least like in my experience. Yeah, but you take off your shoes if you've got stinky feet. Pariah. Okay, we need to be armed.

[Mary]

I have the answer.

[Jessica Matlin]

She's like, I got the answer. Okay, what do we do?

[Mary]

Well, this is salt. Salt is your friend salt. Yeah. And here's the reason why is that salt dries out the skin, right? And you have stinky feet because they're sweating and they're an enclosed environment. So what you want to do is you want to scrub your feet in the shower with a salt bar. Because what it'll do is dry out. It pulls moisture from the feet. So it'll leave your feet slight like on the, on the soles every night. Well, no, you just shower in the morning or whatever you do. Shower at night, shower in the morning. Whenever you shower, just wash your feet. Like have a separate bar in the shower for your feet. I have this thing called the underarm bar, which is the exact same principle for the underarms. And you can use it on your feet, but I tell people, do not use it anywhere else on your body.

[Jessica Matlin]

Because it'll dry out the bits.

[Mary]

Yeah, it'll dry it out like crazy. So if you wash the your feet with salt. Salt draws moisture out. That's what they use it to cure me too. And it deals with that smelly bacteria. So you want that salt. That's where you start. And then of course, now you can't always put powders in, but you can also just brush it on the bottom of your feet so that you got a little bit of something in to absorb that moisture that's coming in.

[Jessica Matlin]

Like brush a powder on the bottom of your feet. Like a foot powder.

[Mary]

Yeah.

[Jen Sullivan]

We need a salty powder. Can you make us a salty powder?

[Jessica Matlin]

Yeah. I was like, I have the powders like the Dr. Scholler, wait, this is.

[Jen Sullivan]

A new product for you. Create this.

[Mary]

I never actually thought about putting it in a powder.

[Jen Sullivan]

Please salt A salted powder. So it's not grainy, it's soft and nice.

[Jessica Matlin]

Put it with a self dispensing brush. Because when I use the powder, it goes all over my closet Oh, I.

[Mary]

Wish I had this thing here.

[Jessica Matlin]

It looks like a circus.

[Jen Sullivan]

This is what we do on fat mascara. We give away ideas. We just give away beauty.

[Jessica Matlin]

Literally.

[Jen Sullivan]

That one's free.

[Mary]

That actually is not about it. It's not a bad idea.

[Jessica Matlin]

It's crazy. Freestyle.

[Jen Sullivan]

No, the feet are a big one.

[Mary]

Yeah, they are a big one. In the summer months. It is really a big one. But honestly, a salt soap. I'll tell you the story. So when I made the underarm bar, I think I told you this story once before. I give a beauty editor, they have the best. So you guys are my best product developers because you've heard it all, seen it all. And so one day, this is very funny story. So it was a. It was a. She actually works for the the New York Times now, but she is Canadian. And we were doing it. We were just having coffee together. And she said, so how's it going with that deodorant where you tell everybody they're going to stink when they use it? Because I had it on the stages. It's gonna be a month.

[Jen Sullivan]

My deodorant works for another month.

[Mary]

I know. And I said, well, I wasn't telling them they're stinking. I was just telling them if you're new to natural deodorant, that you have to be aware of how it works. But I said, that's a good point. And I said, what is happening now is people are DMing me and asking me, well, I don't want to go to the office and smell, so what should I do? And I said, problem is, I don't really at this stage have a good answer for them. Because who wants to reapply a deodorant on a sweaty armpit when they start smelling? No one. So it's kind of bad. I said, I wish I had the answer. She goes, well, I'll tell you what I do. And I went, yeah, what's that? And she said, well, I wash because I have to test so many natural deodorants. I'm terrified that if I have a deodorant fail and I go to the office, I stink. I don't want that to happen. So she said, what I do is I wash my underarms with this carbolic acid soap. And I went, carbolic acid? She goes, I don't know what it does, but it changes the performance of the deodorant. And I went, oh, my God, that is so smart. So I went off to a soap maker, and the soap maker laughed, and he said, if you Want to get a lawsuit? You can make a. Because he said, carbolic acid will rip the skin off there. And I go, well, I don't know what she's doing, but she said, it works for her.

[Jen Sullivan]

Too harsh.

[Mary]

Too harsh, he said, way too harsh. He said, you know what you want? Salt. Good old fashioned sea salt. Because he said they had a number one selling product that was for feet. And he said, it's odor where you have those odorous glands. He said, salt is. He said, think of prosciutto. It's raw pork. If you ate that, you would be sicker than a dog. But when it's cured with salt, it eliminates the bacteria. And he goes, and then you can eat it. And he said, so it works the same way with bacteria in your underarms and your feet. So he was the one that said, you want a good. He said, there's nothing like a good salt scrub on your feet and underarms. So then I. I added apple cider vinegar because that also is very antibacterial as well. So my soap maker that makes them, he said they cringe every time they go into production because the apple cider vinegar smells so bad when they're batching it that he said it stinks up the entire factory. But I mean, we have a fragrance that we add to it to mask that awful odor. But he said, I thought you were a lunatic the first time you came here with this formula because it did smell so bad when they were doing it.

[Jen Sullivan]

And that's the Kaya naturals underarm bar, right?

[Mary]

Yeah, it's our bestseller because it does change the performance of natural deodorant. That's the problem is that most people do not wash their underarms properly. So they go like this really quickly with their underarms. So I'm just. And with some Tutti Frutti soap. I always say that's mostly about fragrance. It's not really gonna do much for the microbiome. What you wanna do is leave that salt film on the underarm and pull out because there's apple cider and salt in there. It really gets rid of yesterday's bacteria and yesterday's deodorant buildup so that when you get out of the shower and you put your natural deodorant on, you will see that it performs so much better because you're starting with a really squeaky clean base. So it's kind of like.

[Jessica Matlin]

It's like a magnet. Like, takes like, sucks out all the stuff.

[Mary]

Yeah, it sucks out all the Stuff. And so that's what I mean. Like, it makes the deodorant work harder for you. Cause you already primed your underarm for a better environment. You're not just.

[Jen Sullivan]

What feet we're gonna do now.

[Mary]

Your feet. Your feet as well.

[Jen Sullivan]

Or some people we know are gonna do maybe.

[Mary]

Yeah. If you've got that. Yeah, I know. My.

[Jessica Matlin]

See, I don't have. I'm making it sound like I have a major problem. I don't. I just feel like everyone in the summer, like, you're walking around, you're pounding the pavement.

[Mary]

Yeah.

[Jessica Matlin]

Those sandals are not kind to anyone. Okay, I've got another really practical problem. And I know that people are gonna be nodding their heads. Okay, okay, let's just be real. How do you keep your bed smelling fresh all the time? Okay. And I'm just gonna add this as a little flourish. When you share your bed with somebody, that's double the sweat. Okay. That's double the sweat. And sometimes men, they sweat more than women. Right?

[Mary]

They do. And a lot of people sweat at night.

[Jessica Matlin]

Yeah. Okay. How do we keep our bed smelling fresh and gorgeous? Like, it's on the COVID of, like, a catalog with the wind blowing in. Like, it's like, the COVID of, like, Serena and Lily. You know, like, all nautical and.

[Jen Sullivan]

Can I just ask. But we don't want to change the sheets. Is that part of this, too?

[Jessica Matlin]

No, we want to change the sheets, but, like, I want it to look catalog fresh and smell. Catalog smelling fresh.

[Mary]

Wait, smell or look? Because that's two different things.

[Jessica Matlin]

Oh, well, we're not going to bring you on to talk about how to, like, style the bed. Like, we're talking. How does it smell?

[Mary]

Gorgeous.

[Jen Sullivan]

Yeah.

[Jessica Matlin]

Okay.

[Mary]

All right, here's. Okay, Number one is because the sweat also can get through to the mattress. So once a month. Once a month, I want you to take baking soda and I want you to strip down the bed, including the mattress cover, and I want you to sprinkle that baking soda all over the mattress, leave it on for 20 minutes, and vacuum it off so that it's pulled out those nasty odors and dust mites and whatever else might be on that mattress.

[Jessica Matlin]

Jen, have you ever done this in your life?

[Jen Sullivan]

No.

[Mary]

Baking soda.

[Jen Sullivan]

You better believe it's happening this weekend.

[Mary]

Yeah, baking soda. I'm telling you. And you can. You know what? If you want, put some essential oil.

[Jen Sullivan]

I have a mattress pad, so I always thought. Oh, the mattress pad is in between.

[Jessica Matlin]

Me, too. Me too.

[Mary]

Me, too. But you know what? You do need to go Through. It goes deeper. It does. So at least so that you know that that is staying fresh.

[Jessica Matlin]

How much baking soda? Like, are we covering it like crazy? Just take it.

[Jen Sullivan]

No, just take a Christmas snow decoration.

[Jessica Matlin]

How many inches? How many inches?

[Mary]

No, just take one little box of the baking soda and sprinkle that whole box.

[Jessica Matlin]

Oh, a whole box.

[Jen Sullivan]

Okay. Yeah.

[Mary]

Well, I don't know if you have to do a whole. It depends how big your mattress is. Right. If you've got a queen or a king or whatever the size of the mattress is. So you make sure that you do that and you leave it on for a while. So you brush it all through and.

[Jen Sullivan]

It'S absorbing up all the gross stuff. And then we're vacuuming it away.

[Mary]

Yeah. The other thing is, if you have a clothing steamer. This is my other news.

[Gold Belly]

I do.

[Jen Sullivan]

Yeah.

[Mary]

Okay. Clothing steamers operate at a very, I think, 180 degrees. And when you get that high of a temperature, it kills bacteria. Yeah. So if you. And now you'll be there for a long time. If you're doing their whole mattress, I just do it with my pillows. I use the clothing steamer on my pillows to disinfect them.

[Jen Sullivan]

I put them in the dryer at a high speed.

[Mary]

Well, you can put them in the washer, too.

[Jen Sullivan]

Yeah, yeah. Oh, no. I wash and dry pillows. Yeah.

[Mary]

Okay. So if you do that, then you're fine. But if you just want to do a quick mattress detox. But back to your question about the sheets. Okay. I'll tell you what I do. I have this sweat powder, and it comes in two. Crisp linen and sakura blossom. They're both heavenly. I'll send you some. And what you do is I do it on the fitted sheet. So I spray now I have a spray bottle which you can use for dry powders. I'll send it to you in that. Cause it's easier. And I spray my sheet. So sometimes, like Saturday morning when I'm making the bed, I just spray underneath. You can do it between the mattress cover and the fitted or the fitted and the loose sheet. But it's. Just make sure you do a fine powder so that it doesn't get all over the place. And when you get into bed, you're not Jess.

[Jen Sullivan]

And I'd like a liquid linen spray that's like, you know, essential oil, alcohol based. The powders better. We could switch.

[Mary]

Well, I just like the powders better because the spray doesn't pick up the moisture from sweat. Cause she's saying sweaty husband. So there's a little bit of the dragon.

[Jessica Matlin]

I can't do that. I say I sweat. I know I do.

[Mary]

Yeah, I do too. And that. Honestly, just sweaty people.

[Jen Sullivan]

Just sweaty people.

[Jessica Matlin]

I just feel like two people, like, sweat. I read a stat. It was like, you sweat, like, eight gallons a night or something crazy. And then I was like, if I'm doing it me times two, My husband's bigger than me.

[Jen Sullivan]

I got a dog in the mix. Oh, they don't sweat.

[Mary]

Oh, yeah, My cats. Yeah.

[Jessica Matlin]

Yeah. My cat. And then my daughter who, like, sweats. Like, you know, she's like, do cats sweat?

[Jen Sullivan]

I didn't even know this.

[Jessica Matlin]

I'm sure she sweats. She's big.

[Jen Sullivan]

Dogs don't sweat. They pant, but.

[Jessica Matlin]

Okay. It's a mess.

[Jen Sullivan]

Okay, so we're gonna. We're gonna powder. We're gonna detox with the baking soda, and we're gonna do powder spray to sort of absorb moisture and de. Smellify it.

[Mary]

Yeah. Honestly, when you get in that next evening, it'll be smell heavenly. My husband's like, were you powdering again? Because I make sure I go, yes, I was, actually. I used to do it so much that when I was in university, my mover said, oh, my God, your mattress smells amazing. Because I used to put. I worked at the Chanel counter as a cosmetic girl, and I used to get everything for nothing. And so I would take the Chanel powder, I thought it was Marilyn Monroe, and put it all over my bed. And it literally made my mattress.

[Jen Sullivan]

That's why that person in college called you the clean girl.

[Jessica Matlin]

I was obsessed than clean. Very luxurious, but okay, so when is it. And this is like, thinking broader. Not just sheets. Like, when are. When are things like a lost cause. I remember reading something like in Good Housekeeping, like, years ago. Like, okay, every X years, you have to change your linens. Or every X years, you have to change your. Your towels. There are some pillowcases I've had to say goodbye to. Cause I was like, yo, this smells a little musty. What do you think? Do you have a rule of thumb?

[Mary]

You know what I think? When they start looking ready, that's when it's time to go. And I wouldn't say smelling well. I have had it with towels. That is true. I have had it with towels. And I will let. If you can't get it out, then they're gone. As far as I'm concerned, I let those go. I probably change over my towels once a year, to be honest. Cause they start getting a little ratty once a year. Yeah, maybe about Once a year.

[Jen Sullivan]

You just gave me an excuse for a new set of towels.

[Jessica Matlin]

Thank you.

[Jen Sullivan]

I think.

[Mary]

You know what? They do commute.

[Jen Sullivan]

But recycle your fabrics, everybody, because they can shred them down and make insulation. You bring them to the green market.

[Jessica Matlin]

Or donate them to an animal shelter. Animal shelter.

[Jen Sullivan]

What's the other one, Jess, that you use where you can pack up all your fabric scraps?

[Jessica Matlin]

Retold recycling. But. But I gotta tell you, I don't think a big fat towel is gonna go through these bags. But maybe washcloths. Retold recycling, though. Yes. Good call. Thank you, Jen. Retold recycling. Check it out. But actually, it's true.

[Mary]

Even for pet carrying cases, I always put old towels in there so that they have a nice little comfy, comfy little bed in there. But yeah, that is good. One other little tip, though, about your towels is my newfound love is washing soda. It's easier to find than well, because I was going through way too much baking soda with my laundry. So what it does is washing soda boosts the enzymes in your detergent. And I find especially with towels, my towels smell heavenly now because I'm always using washing soda.

[Jen Sullivan]

Is this Borax? No, that's not Borax.

[Mary]

No, it's not Borax.

[Jen Sullivan]

Yeah. What's washing soda?

[Mary]

I wish I had the thing. It actually is made by arm and hammer. It has the arm and hammer. Just look it up and honestly, you can find it at a lot of grocery in Canada. You can find it. It's becoming more popular in grocery stores. I know Borax is too. I'm starting to see it in more grocery aisles. But for sure, in U.S. sodium stars.

[Jen Sullivan]

Sodium carbonate. That's what washing soda is.

[Jessica Matlin]

And you put it in the washing machine.

[Mary]

Yeah.

[Jessica Matlin]

Wow.

[Mary]

It boosts the enzyme. Sodium carbonate is baking soda, but it's.

[Jen Sullivan]

Cheaper to buy it because no bicarbonate is baking soda. I'm on the.

[Mary]

Anyway. Oh, oh, okay.

[Jen Sullivan]

Arm and hammer makes one. Nelly's laundry soda. These are sodium carbonate. Interesting.

[Jessica Matlin]

Interesting.

[Jen Sullivan]

Okay.

[Jessica Matlin]

Very cool.

[Mary]

It is very good. And it does boost your laundry enzyme. So whatever laundry product you're using, it changes the alkalinity of the water. So you put it in first and then put the water in. So what it does is it makes the water very alkaline, which can work on odors and boosting the enzymes of the actual detergent. And I'm telling you, your laundry, you will not have to use fabric softener or anything like that to make it smell fresh. This is fine. Is by Using that. And you can use less. Less of your detergent because of it. And the reason I like it is because it comes in big, giant boxes, and baking soda is too small, and I go through it too quickly, and I'm constantly having to buy it. So when I. I looked at the ingredients on washing soda, I went, oh, why am I buying baking soda? I'll buy the washing soda instead and use that to boost my laundry. And it does work. It really does make a difference. So give it a try. And you know it's natural.

[Jessica Matlin]

All right, so people are coming over. You want to make sure the house smells fresh, fresh, fresh. What is the easiest thing to make the house smell gorgeous? Like they're in a beautiful hotel.

[Mary]

Okay, well, I have a few things. Cause I'm obsessed with that, too. So right now I've got a diffuser going. But one of the things that I've tried. Now, remember that a lot of the things that you do, it depends on the area and the size. Cause this is one of the things. My housekeeper came to the house one day, and she. I always have this little. You know those little chocolate. The little mini chocolate crock pots they make. You can.

[Jessica Matlin]

Like a fondue.

[Mary]

Yeah. But they're miniature ones. So I have one of those. I boil the water, and then I put cinnamon cloves and orange or lemon peel in it. And I always have it. I hide it in a little corner, and I have it going all the time in my front entrance, so that when people come over, it just smells heavenly in the front. And she always comments on it. But I said, but did you notice that as soon as you walk into the kitchen, you can't smell it? Because I said it can't cover a big, huge area. So you'd have to have several of them. So you have to have strategies for every room. Because the diffusers, those little crock pots, they only have a range of so much. So sometimes what I do is there's some brands that I really like, but you can make your own. Essential oil blends. And I spray my pillows on my couch with. You know what? Aesop makes a room spray that I just love. And I spray it on the pillows on my couch. And I'm telling you, like, when I'm in the living room, I can smell that lovely fragrance. So you can make your own, too, if you blend up your own and just spray the pillows on your couch. Or wool. Wool is the only fabric that really holds scent. So I looked it up to see which. Because you ever noticed, like, Your winter coat, if you're wearing fragrance or sweaters or sweaters. Wool. So if you have any wool in any of your rooms, like any of your fabric, like on your couch, it. Or get a wool pillow. It will hold the scent the best. So that is like. Or a cushion or something like that you can put wool on. You can do that. And it'll hold the scent. So if you want a really bougie scent, then spray that wool with that bougie scent, and there you go. And so when your guests are in the living room, they'll just be getting nice little wafts from the wool. Wool pillows. But that's why your winter coats hold your fragrance so well. Is why. So that's a little tactic. It may not be the answer you were looking for. Cause I.

[Jessica Matlin]

That's good.

[Jen Sullivan]

It's a good tip. I feel like everybody always asks you about their hygiene. How do I fix this? How do I fix that? I wanna know about you as we're wrapping up here. You have a very distinctive look. I feel like whenever you pop into my little feed, I'm just like, oh, it's Madam Sweat. There she is. What are some of your accessories? And is this just for social media or do you always like. Are you always so Chicago.

[Mary]

Well, I don't know if I'm so chic. It's quite chic. Okay. Thank you.

[Jen Sullivan]

Very black and white. You always do a lot of like. Yeah. I never see you in a floral. I don't know.

[Mary]

No, I hate. I will tell you this right now. I don't want to use the word hate, but I don't like prints. They're just not me. Unless this is part of your look. It's part of my look. Always have worn black. They used to call me Morticia when I was in high school. So that's been the same all my life. But you know what I like is I like accessories because I do think that accessories. So I wear a lot of chunky necklaces. I didn't for this because you. You asked that I not wear.

[Jessica Matlin]

Yeah.

[Mary]

Jangly. But I find it changes in outfit. So you can be wearing running shoes in a regular sweater, but if you put on your. It's. I'm not as wild as Iris Apfel, but she had a point. And her jewelry. Right. And so I also like the high, low strategy on the jewelry because I will go to these junky little antique markets and find these old ugly granny necklaces. But if you mix it with something else, they're stunning.

[Jen Sullivan]

But if you're just wearing black a lot in black and white, then you're never overdone. So I think you have a nice little strategy there.

[Jessica Matlin]

That's a good point.

[Mary]

Well, it makes life easy too. My handbags, my shoes and everything matches. I don't have to. It all goes. Cause I keep everything really simple.

[Jen Sullivan]

What about your beauty products? What do you like? This is fat mascara. We have to ask, like, what's on your lips right now? Are you still into Chanel after those years at the counter?

[Mary]

No, actually, I have a hole. I have a hole. What's my name? Well, you know what? I worked at a lot of cosmetic companies back in the day before I started my own. So I have some of my favorites because I knew little company secrets about. I'll tell you one is Revlon is I worked for Ultimatu, which was a brand that no longer exists anymore. Do you guys remember it?

[Jessica Matlin]

Yes.

[Mary]

Oh, my God.

[Jen Sullivan]

We've talked about it on this podcast more than a few times. Okay. Yeah. The nakeds, the naked palette, they did that before anyone.

[Mary]

They did Lip Sexy.

[Jen Sullivan]

Didn't Kevin Aucoin work on it at one point too?

[Jessica Matlin]

He did the. The naked nakeds, the nudes.

[Mary]

Yeah, I think that was before my time. Just before my time. So I came in and I was a brand manager for them and then Revlon. So whatever. They would launch it in Ultima 2 first because it was always where all the R and D money went. Then Revlon would mass produce the product. So Lip Sexy came from the nakeds and was. They first started with that silicone matte lip, so non transfer lipstick. But I will say to this day. And poor Revlon has gone through its challenges, but they did a really good job on lip and nail back in the day. They were very, very strong on lip and nail. So I still love Cherries in the Snow, which is a favorite. It's classic. So I still wear that one. I can't believe it. And I work for YSL as well. And so I used to, you know, touch eclat. I love just because I think I like clicking the pen just like everybody else. And so I had a few classics from there. Oh, Clarins. I used to like some of their lines, but I also like a lot of the indie beauty. I'm in the clean beauty space too, so I know a lot of the founders from rms. I love some of her powders and I love Rosemary Swift too. I mean, so I like a lot of the products that come, come from there. I have to Say I have a high, low strategy there too is I find that there's some drugstore things that are great and there is some prestige things I can't live without. So it's kind of a mix of everything. I'm probably not the right person to ask because I'm in the industry. So I'll be a bit like you guys. Your bathrooms are probably like, oh, my God, a massive shopping.

[Jessica Matlin]

They're all over the place.

[Mary]

They're all over the place, right?

[Jessica Matlin]

Yeah. You're too close. Close to it, yeah.

[Mary]

Yeah. So I'm not a good person to ask on that. I wouldn't say, like, I have my classic favorites and some friends of mine that are not in the industry would have better answer for you. But I'm really open to.

[Jessica Matlin]

Isn't that funny? I know what you're saying. Yeah.

[Mary]

Oh, really?

[Jessica Matlin]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Mary]

And you guys probably have a high, low strategy too, for sure.

[Jen Sullivan]

Yeah. But then it's like, we know too much. So anything I'm going to recommend that I also have to go like. But here's what you need to know about it, and here's the backstory. Nobody's like, I didn't sign up for this. Just tell me what to wear.

[Jessica Matlin]

I know, I know, I know, I know, I know. It's like, like, they want like, like, it's like, turn her off, turn her off. Take the battery pack out. I know, I know.

[Jen Sullivan]

Before we let you go, we want to do our fat mascara 5. It's a speed round of questions we do with all our guests.

[Mary]

Okay.

[Jessica Matlin]

Okay, Ready? Very quick, quick, quick. All right, first thing comes to your mind, what's the last thing you purchased? It could be like bread.

[Mary]

No, no, it was just an essential oil for my diffuser. I was out.

[Jen Sullivan]

So. On brand.

[Mary]

Yeah.

[Jessica Matlin]

What kind? Like peppermint?

[Mary]

No, it was. It was called Christmas Eve. It's the stupidest name, but I. I like it because there was there. I don't know, I have this thing about pine smells or whatever. And I know it's. It's Canada. We're. We're still like, we're just starting to go into spring, so I'm going to get my last of my Christmas pine smell. So it's called Christmas Eve.

[Jessica Matlin]

I like that. Okay. What's the last note on your notes app, on your phone?

[Mary]

The last note?

[Jessica Matlin]

Yeah, yeah. Do you write a little note to yourself?

[Mary]

I just deleted it. Oh, what was it?

[Jessica Matlin]

What's the one under that?

[Mary]

Probably something about content. Like some idea that was content. Cause normally if I'm driving. I will put something in there like, oh, note to self. Do a piece of content about wearing gloves at the gas station. I don't wanna touch that nozzle. They're filthy. Just so you know.

[Jen Sullivan]

Good point.

[Mary]

I keep those little latex gloves in my.

[Jen Sullivan]

Oh, I have gloves for changing the tire. I should just put them on when I fill up.

[Mary]

No, of course I do.

[Jen Sullivan]

Jess is like, of course you have gloves for changing the time. Listen, have you ever tried to move a tire iron with bare hands? It's hard.

[Jessica Matlin]

You're so capable.

[Mary]

Do you want to know what I do? Ca. What time are you becoming to change? That's what happens. Yeah.

[Jen Sullivan]

Aaa. I am quite capable, but.

[Mary]

Yeah, you are.

[Jessica Matlin]

Oh, my God, what a girl.

[Mary]

Okay, so, yeah, gloves for.

[Jessica Matlin]

What's going on? What's going on? That would be me.

[Jen Sullivan]

Guys, side note, on my very first date I ever went on, the boy got a flat tire. No, like, when I was.

[Mary]

You changed it.

[Jen Sullivan]

And I start. He got all embarrassed. So I got out there. I was like, well, my dad taught me how to do it. So I started to do it, and I could not move the tire iron. Cause, like, you have to be big and strong. I now know how to do it. We had to go. We didn't even have cell phones then. And I ended up calling my father to come change the tire with me while this guy sat on the side of the road. And so, like, from then on, I was like, I'll be able to do it myself. I can't count on anyone.

[Jessica Matlin]

What happened to the guy? Yeah, okay, look him up.

[Jen Sullivan]

We're still friends. Don't worry.

[Jessica Matlin]

Good. That sounds really.

[Mary]

But he never brings up the episode.

[Jen Sullivan]

Oh, no, we talk about it all the time. It's hilarious.

[Mary]

Oh, dear.

[Jessica Matlin]

Okay, that's so funny.

[Mary]

Oh, my God, Your dad's your aaa.

[Jessica Matlin]

Then. But now I'm not on my own. Oh, my God, that's so funny. Oh, my God. Okay, if you had a podcast. If you had a podcast, who would you like to interview?

[Mary]

Oh, gosh. You ask hard questions. Okay, well, there's a lot of people I'd like to interview about their hygiene. Well, probably some celebrities. You know, I think that would be sort of interesting is to. To interview some celebrities about their hygiene routine. You know, there's some that are rumored to have maybe not great hygiene routines and some. So maybe I would call them up. I won't say any names, but I would see if I could get an interview and just talk about why they don't wear deodorant.

[Jessica Matlin]

Like, what's up with that?

[Mary]

No, but that's okay. Like if you choose not to. What's up with that? But I don't know how it affects your working relationships, especially if you're an actor.

[Jessica Matlin]

Oh my God. This is too funny. I die. I'm dying. I'm dying. Okay, this one's easier. What's your favorite snack?

[Mary]

Oh, I'm trying to, like, I want you guys to think that I'm healthy, but I love carbs. I love carbs. So I do like cheese and crackers. I know it sounds really boring, but I just feel. Well, you know what? Here's a friend of mine told me because as you get older, you gotta watch the fat. And so I'm looking at the fat content in the cheese. So she told me choose melba toast because it at least doesn't have like all the palm oil and the crap that's in a lot of crackers. So melba toast. And then I don't know if you guys have them in the States. It's baby bechamel. Do you have them?

[Jen Sullivan]

Baby bells?

[Mary]

Yeah, baby bells.

[Jen Sullivan]

Wax covering.

[Mary]

Yes. Oh, this is a classic.

[Jen Sullivan]

A baby bell on a melba toast.

[Mary]

Yes. Because she said. Okay. I don't know how healthy that is though. But she said it just. It gives you that protein boost that you need, you know, when you're just starving and you have to eat that. And so. But she said it's very. They have a low fat one. So melba toast and baby bell light baby bell latte. It's cute. It's not bougie.

[Jessica Matlin]

No.

[Mary]

But it's snacky.

[Jessica Matlin]

It gets the job done.

[Mary]

Gets the job done. Yeah, it gets the job done.

[Jessica Matlin]

Last question.

[Mary]

But I could make up a bougie one.

[Jessica Matlin]

Do you want me to make it? No, no, no. It's keeping it real. I like it.

[Mary]

Okay.

[Jessica Matlin]

Okay, last question. What would you be doing at 11am on your day off?

[Mary]

I'm truly geeky, so you know what? I probably would be like. Like ironing.

[Jessica Matlin]

Do you know what I'm doing?

[Mary]

I Wait.

[Jessica Matlin]

Oh, yes.

[Mary]

Powder on my bed. How did you know? Yes.

[Jessica Matlin]

Because that's what I want to be doing. If I have. If on 11am on a Sunday we're.

[Jen Sullivan]

Going to powder our beds.

[Jessica Matlin]

I think that's. I want to be doing that.

[Mary]

Okay. Okay, well, I'm going to send you the powder, but then I'm going to send you that. That spray because it does micro. You have to have it micronized. Otherwise you. You will not Be happy with me. It will make a mess in the bed. It'll be too thick. So when you spray that powder, it's nice and micronized. Just tiny little droplets. And then when you get into bed that night, I'll send you the crisp linen. You will thank me because you will smell. Your bed will be heavenly. It will be heavenly.

[Jen Sullivan]

Really good beauty sleep with that.

[Mary]

Yeah, I'll do a video on that this summer. I'm going to show people.

[Jessica Matlin]

Oh yeah, you definitely need a video on that.

[Mary]

Yeah, yeah, I do. Because it is a great little hack. It really is. And maybe a little expensive. But by the same token, we need to treat ourselves.

[Jen Sullivan]

You have to treat yourself, Madam Sweat. You were so much fun. You're a delight, Mary. Thank you so much for coming on Fat Mascara.

[Mary]

You're welcome.

[Jessica Matlin]

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.

[Jessica Matlin]

Beauty questions and hear what products you love, to share a Razoon 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.

[Jessica Matlin]

Thanks so much for listening.

[Mary]

Foreign.

[Jen Sullivan]

We go through a lot of sunscreen here in the fat mascara families, don't we, Jess?

[Jessica Matlin]

We go through a ton.

[Jen Sullivan]

One of our favorites is of course, Blue Lizard. Pediatrician trusted dermatologist tested. Also they have these little smart caps that turn blue in UV light. How good is that? Then you know the sun is out. It is time to get protected. Plus, they have a whole sensitive family of products that's personally my favorite. Helps keep my sensitive skin safe from the sun's harmful rays. All the formulas are free from potentially irritating parabens, phthalates, fragrances. I just love them. To which, what do you use?

[Jessica Matlin]

I love them for my child. And you know why? Because I love a spray. Easy to get her, but they dry, clear, none of that nasty white pasty stuff. It dries nice and clear. And also I know that this should be obvious, guys, they're free from potentially irritating fragrances, parabens and elites. Go to blue lizardsunscreen.com to find out more information and find out which sunscreens are right for your family and where you can buy in store or visit the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen store on Amazon.

[Jen Sullivan]

Be fearless in the sun.

[Paige]

Hey, this is Paige from Giggly Squad and this episode is brought to you by Nordstram. Nordstrom is here to help you dress in a way that feels totally you with the best spring styles from boho dresses and matching sets to must have bags and sneakers. Discover thousands of items from lots of your favorite brands like Mango Reformation, Veronica Beard and Farm Rio. It's easy too, with free shipping and returns in store order, pickup and more. Shop today in stores [e-mail] oh my God.

[Gold Belly]

It's the coolest thing ever. Hey guys, have you heard of Gold Belly? Well, check this out. It's this amazing site where they ship the most iconic famous foods from restaurants across the country anywhere nationwide. I've never found a more perfect gift than food. They ship Chicago deep dish pizza, New York bagels, Maine lobster rolls and even Ina Garten's famous cakes. Seriously. So if you're looking for a gift for the food lover in your Life, head to goldbelly.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code Gift.