Fat Mascara Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: The Annual Naughty & Nice (But, But, But!) Special
Release Date: December 18, 2024
Hosts: Jennifer Sullivan & Jessica Matlin
Introduction to the Naughty & Nice Special
In their annual holiday special, Jennifer Sullivan and Jessica Matlin dive into the "Naughty & Nice" lists, providing a comprehensive year-end wrap-up of beauty trends, news, products, and cultural movements. This episode serves as both an analytical review and a candid discussion of the highs and lows in the beauty industry over the past year.
Naughty List Highlights
1. Pantone Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse
Timestamp: 03:27 – 07:12
Jessica Matlin opens the Naughty list with the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse. She criticizes the color for being overly beige and unoriginal, likening it to trends seen in past years.
Jessica Matlin:
"It's giving cat food, like underdone chicken, like dirty sheets. It's so beige." [04:29]
Jennifer acknowledges the critique but offers a different perspective, associating the color with "quiet luxury."
Jennifer Sullivan:
"It feels very luxurious... It's elegant. It's not screaming." [05:47]
Despite differing opinions, both hosts express a shared sentiment of the color lacking freshness and forward momentum.
2. Lindsay Lohan's New Look
Timestamp: 07:34 – 11:01
The discussion shifts to Lindsay Lohan's recent facial transformation. The hosts express discomfort with the intense media focus on celebrity cosmetic changes, highlighting the societal pressure it creates.
Jennifer Sullivan:
"I don't feel comfortable with where this is going... The conversation is so disproportionate that it concerns me." [09:35]
They debate the implications of viewing a person's appearance as an attainable ideal, questioning the ethical aspects of such societal standards.
3. AI in the Beauty Industry
Timestamp: 25:14 – 37:00
Jessica delves into the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the beauty sector, presenting it as a double-edged sword. She highlights innovative uses of AI, such as mapping odors for fragrance development and analyzing the skin microbiome for skincare advancements.
Jessica Matlin:
"There's a company now. I mean, like, I don't. I didn't feel like blowing your mind with all of the research." [28:35]
However, the hosts also critique AI's role in artistic aspects of beauty, cautioning against its potential to create derivative and less authentic content.
Jennifer Sullivan:
"I hope it's used for good." [32:10]
4. TikTok's Influence and Microtrends
Timestamp: 43:00 – 48:26
The hosts discuss the rapid rise of microtrends driven by platforms like TikTok. They express concern over the pressure consumers face to constantly update their beauty and fashion choices, leading to feelings of inadequacy and financial strain.
Jennifer Sullivan:
"I don't want this chemistry of creator to person, to viewer to make them feel like they're out of touch, out of style, or like soon to be out of money because of a video they saw." [45:02]
5. "Ancestral Beauty" and DIY Cosmetics
Timestamp: 45:04 – 49:46
Jessica introduces the trend of "Ancestral Beauty," where individuals create their own beauty products at home. While celebrating the ingenuity behind it, she points out the potential health risks due to lack of professional formulation.
Jessica Matlin:
"It's a naughty because... you have to be careful. There's a big farm... they just got pulled because some of their milk tested positive for AVN flu." [48:26]
Jennifer echoes the concern, emphasizing the dangers of believing that homemade products are inherently safer or more authentic.
Nice List Highlights
1. Contrast Makeup Theory
Timestamp: 11:39 – 14:34
Jennifer and Jessica explore the emerging "Contrast Makeup Theory," which focuses on adjusting makeup based on an individual's natural facial contrast levels. This approach aims to enhance personal features rather than adhere to one-size-fits-all beauty standards.
Jessica Matlin:
"It's more about how you can work with your face to adjust your contrast to give a look." [12:02]
They commend the theory for making makeup more inclusive and empowering for diverse beauty profiles.
2. Normalization of Breast Reduction Surgery
Timestamp: 14:15 – 22:57
Jennifer discusses a New York Times article on the increasing popularity of breast reduction surgery among younger women. She appreciates the shift towards normalizing such procedures, emphasizing women reclaiming agency over their bodies.
Jennifer Sullivan:
"I'm glad to see that breast reduction surgery is becoming more normalized because... it's truly the best thing that's ever happened to me." [19:35]
The hosts highlight personal empowerment and the desire to feel comfortable and unobjectified as primary motivations behind the trend.
3. Movie "Substance" and Aging in Beauty
Timestamp: 32:36 – 36:33
Jennifer praises the film "Substance," starring Demi Moore, for its brave exploration of aging and the beauty industry's hypocritical standards. The movie is lauded for its tasteful handling of body horror elements and its commentary on women's value beyond physical appearance.
Jennifer Sullivan:
"It's so thought-provoking... what people do to themselves every second of the day in the name of beauty." [34:15]
4. Inclusion of New Contributors and Perspectives
Timestamp: 39:30 – 42:13
The finale section celebrates the addition of new contributors and guest co-hosts to the podcast, enriching the conversation with diverse viewpoints, particularly from male perspectives on beauty trends and plastic surgery.
Jessica Matlin:
"It's been helpful to me to have a male perspective on some of the beauty trends we talk about." [40:12]
Special Moment: Jennifer Aniston's Audio Message
Timestamp: 50:07 – 53:08
In a delightful surprise, the hosts receive an audio message from Jennifer Aniston, thanking them for attending a spa event and expressing enthusiasm for future collaborations. This unexpected interaction adds a heartwarming and personal touch to the episode.
Jennifer Aniston (Audio Message):
"I'm so happy to hear that you love the glossing detangler as much as I do... I promise I will never stop making it." [50:16]
Concluding Remarks and New Year Wishes
Timestamp: 52:13 – 53:08
As the episode wraps up, Jennifer and Jessica extend their gratitude to listeners, contributors, and new members on their Nice lists. They share their excitement for the upcoming year, hinting at new content and continued discussions on evolving beauty trends.
Jessica Matlin:
"It's been fun. I cannot believe it's been a year." [53:01]
Notable Quotes
-
Jessica Matlin on Mocha Mousse:
"It's giving cat food... it's so beige." [04:29] -
Jennifer Sullivan on Pantone's Choice:
"I like the color, but I do feel like, in that little square thing, without seeing, like the fabrication, it doesn't feel nice." [06:23] -
Jessica Matlin on Contrast Makeup Theory:
"It's educating, and I like that she's trying to let us in on the secret." [13:51] -
Jennifer Sullivan on Breast Reduction Surgery:
"Girls want to feel like girls. They don't want to grow up faster and they don't want to be in women's bodies before their time." [21:00] -
Jessica Matlin on DIY Cosmetics Danger:
"You just have to be careful... it's on my naughty list because... you have to be careful." [48:26]
Conclusion
This special episode of Fat Mascara offers a thorough examination of the year's beauty landscape, balancing critiques with commendations. Through their Naughty and Nice lists, Jennifer and Jessica provide insightful reflections and foster meaningful conversations about the evolving definitions of beauty, the impact of technology, and the importance of personal agency.
For more detailed discussions and to stay updated with the latest in beauty culture, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Fat Mascara on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or their preferred podcast platform.