FOREVER35 | Episode 368: Fix It and Do Better Next Time with Rachel Goodwin
Release date: September 8, 2025
Guests: Rachel Goodwin
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu

Episode Overview

This episode of Forever35 welcomes back celebrity makeup artist Rachel Goodwin for an engaging Q&A focused on practical, approachable beauty and self-care for adults juggling work, family, and fun. Across wide-ranging listener questions, Rachel shares makeup tips for minimal routines, product recommendations at every budget, and a peek backstage at major events like Glastonbury. Doree and Elise combine their signature humor and honesty as they discuss friendship rituals, JLo movie rankings, and the realities of regulating nervous systems in the chaos of daily life.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Catching Up: Summer Adventures & Friendship Rituals

[00:43–07:52]

• Elise’s Steakhouse Story: Elise shares a serendipitous friend date with Sam Sanders—after plans fall through, the two enjoy spontaneous bar seating, a playful top-4 JLo movie debate, and a reminder of the importance of nourishing close relationships.
  • “Quick, top four JLo movies. Best JLo movies of all time.” — Sam Sanders ([02:47])
  • Made in Manhattan’s surprising accolades, out-of-sight appreciation for Out of Sight, and affectionate JLo shoegazing.
• Philadelphia’s Starstruck Moment: Doree recalls the Ben & JLo “Gigli” filming run as one of Philadelphia’s “most exciting” events—equated in jest with the signing of the Declaration of Independence ([08:36]).
• Theme: Honor the joy found in small, meaningful rituals and connections.

Guest Spotlight: Rachel Goodwin, Celebrity Makeup Artist

[12:35–49:36]

Glamorous European Summer & Self-Care Abroad

[12:38–15:29]

• Rachel describes a “happy accident” European summer: supporting Alanis Morissette at Glastonbury, tacking on personal artist dates in Paris, and how letting go of maternal guilt enabled new forms of self-care.
  • “I decided to just live the artist’s way for a full week, which just hasn’t happened in my life in a very long time. And I took myself on artist dates every single day. And there’s no better place for that, in my opinion, than Paris.” — Rachel ([14:26])

Q&A: Listener Makeup & Beauty Concerns

Rapid-fire, practical tips with Rachel’s expert yet approachable tone.

1. The 1–2 Minute Face ([17:32])

   • Tinted moisturizer or sunscreen/primer (Rachel recommends St. Jane, “[18:24]”)
   • Lip & cheek combo stick (Iris and Romeo, “[19:09]”)
   • Drugstore mascara (L’Oreal Voluminous or Neutrogena: “I’m a drugstore girl … you have to throw it out so often.” — Rachel, [19:31])
   • Optional: Tinted brow gel, clear lip balm on eyelids

2. What to Splurge On? ([20:53])

   • Prioritize high-quality complexion products/foundations (ingredient quality matters for skin health).
   • Splurge-worthy emotional items: “Anything that makes me feel something… like Lisa Eldridge’s gorgeous aluminum lipstick case.” — Rachel ([21:24])
   • Don’t splurge on mascara; drugstore options suffice.

3. Hydrating Under-Eye Concealer ([22:38])

   • Drugstore gem: L’Oreal ‘Skin Ink’ concealer (“I’m obsessed… so sheer, it goes on so sheer, and it covers.” — Rachel, [24:49])
   • High-end hack: Lisa Eldridge’s corrective pencils (minimalist spot coverage).
   • Key: Less product under the eye for a natural result.

4. Eyelash Curlers ([26:06])

   • Japanese-made curlers (Shiseido, Shu Uemura) have “gentleness of the spring and the softness of the cushion.” — Rachel ([27:02])
   • Keep pads clean and replaced. Dirty pads can damage lashes!

5. Concealing Fresh Scabs/Picking ([28:13])

   • Dermablend (professional, waterproof)
   • Violette_FR “liquid bandage” (if available)
   • For body scars/marks: Rachel is “obsessed” with Tinge, a body makeup for evening tone.

6. Overlining Lips ([31:22])

   • Rachel decides “case by case”—depends on lip shape, drama of look, balancing facial features.
   • Lip liner can “ramp up” natural fullness: “Most of the women I work with haven’t been augmented… so I do my little tricks.” — Rachel ([32:09])

7. Lip Stain Recommendations ([34:33])

   • Wonder Skin lip stain: “Fun and novel, but… not my bag for daily use.” Rachel’s not a fan for work where removability is key.
   • There’s still no perfect all-day, non-drying lip stain—but Rachel is literally working on developing one herself.

8. Bridal Lipstick (Not Barbie Pink) ([37:01])

   • Splurge: Chanel’s Rouge 31 (“the perfect rose”)
   • Budget: Sisley Phyto Lip Twist (rosy, emollient chubby pencil—hydrating, easy reapplication)

9. Application Tools—Fingers, Brushes, Blenders ([39:10])

   • Rachel’s order: apply with fingers, then “go over” with a brush to remove excess for a sheer finish.
   • “I like to put on the makeup, and then remove the makeup—any extra… I almost leave behind a faint trace.” ([39:26])
   • Brushes, fingers, and beauty blenders are all valid tools; use what feels right.

10. Combining Oil & Water Makeup Products ([41:25])

    • Think “like vinaigrette”—oil-based products play well with each other, but mixing oil and water can cause separation/pilling.
    • For heavy-duty events (e.g., Alanis Morissette onstage):
      • Use waterproof foundation, primer (Tatcha, Serge Lutens), Nanoblur to absorb moisture, Kryolan setting spray for extremes ([43:19]).
    • Avoid glossy lips for performers; stains + balm better for durability.

Philosophy: The Value of Play & Messing Up

[47:03–49:06]

• Rachel’s big message: Don’t let the overload of beauty information or the “severe” judgment on social media scare you away from experimenting.
  • “What I wish… is to help women remember the good stuff is in the playing and the messing up… Make mistakes, come out wiser—makeup is supposed to be fun.” — Rachel ([47:51])

Hosts' Self-Care Intentions & Closing

[50:00–51:53]

• Doree and Elise candidly update each other on their self-care “intentions” from last week:
  • Elise: Nervous system downregulation is a work in progress amidst after-school chaos and new hermit crabs.
  • Doree: Strength routine and decluttering goals—admitting progress isn’t always linear.
• “Just staying present, keeping it cool, keeping it at a chill two like I wanted to last week.” — Elise ([51:24])
• “I do not like that work. I find it very tedious. But I know that it’s something you really want to get done.” — Elise on decluttering ([51:47])

Where to Find Product Recommendations

[09:58, 49:39]

• All of Rachel Goodwin’s product picks are compiled at ShopMy US, on the Forever35 ‘Rachel Goodwin’ shelf.

Notable Quotes

• “I decided to just live the artist’s way for a full week… in Paris.” — Rachel Goodwin ([14:26])
• “I like to put on the makeup, and then remove the makeup—any extra. I almost leave behind a faint trace of coverage.” — Rachel Goodwin ([39:26])
• “Supposed to be fun. I mean, God, if it stops being fun, I think we’ve lost it.” — Rachel Goodwin ([49:01])
• “What I wish… is to help women remember that that’s where the good stuff is, is in the playing and the messing up.” — Rachel Goodwin ([47:51])
• “Just staying present, keeping it cool, keeping it at a chill two like I wanted to last week.” — Elise Hu ([51:24])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:43] — Hosts’ opening catch-up; friendship, movies, rituals
• [12:35] — Rachel Goodwin joins; summer, self-care, Glastonbury
• [17:32] — Listener Q&A: “1–2 minute face” makeup
• [20:53] — “What should you splurge on?” and product hierarchies
• [22:38] — Under-eye concealer for dryness/dark circles
• [26:06] — Eyelash curlers: what matters, care & recommendations
• [28:13] — Covering scabs & body marks
• [31:22] — Lip liner and overlining
• [34:33] — Lip stains: Wonder Skin and the ongoing quest
• [37:01] — Bridal lipstick: rosy, not Barbie pink
• [39:10] — Application tools: fingers vs. brushes vs. beauty blender
• [41:25] — Layering oil and water-based products
• [47:03] — Rachel’s philosophy on makeup “play” and learning
• [50:00] — Hosts update on self-care intentions, real-life roadblocks

Tone & Takeaways

This episode blends Forever35’s signature warmth, authenticity, and lived wisdom with Rachel Goodwin’s expert artistry and openness. The vibe is reassuring: don’t over-complicate beauty, experiment freely, and hold onto the rituals that bring you joy. Whether you’re rebuilding a makeup bag, curious about quick fixes, or simply looking to feel a little better in your skin, this episode is full of smart advice and gentle reminders that taking care of yourself is as much about play as it is about products.