Podcast Summary: Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons – Season 2, Episode 11: Nadine Baggott
Release Date: December 9, 2024
Hosts:
- Caroline Hirons – Award-winning skincare expert, Number 1 bestselling author, and founder of Skin Rocks.
- Nadine Baggott – Veteran beauty industry professional with over 35 years of experience, renowned for her no-nonsense approach to beauty and skincare journalism.
Introduction
In Season 2, Episode 11 of Glad We Had This Chat, Caroline Hirons welcomes Nadine Baggott, a stalwart in the beauty journalism world. The episode delves deep into Nadine's extensive career, industry insights, personal skincare routines, and candid discussions about the evolving landscape of beauty and aesthetics.
Career Beginnings and Trajectory (02:46 – 08:05)
Nadine Baggott shares her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected name in beauty journalism. Starting with modest magazines like British Printer and Home and Freezer Digest, Nadine's passion for beauty led her to Living magazine. Despite early setbacks, including redundancy at 28, her perseverance paid off when she cold-called the Daily Mail with beauty ideas, leading to her first published piece.
Notable Quote:
"Working in magazines is like being in an abusive relationship. You are always told you are never smart enough, thin enough, posh enough, rich enough. You're just never enough."
— Nadine Baggott [05:46]
Transition to Influencing and Industry Evolution (08:05 – 13:10)
Nadine discusses her transition from traditional journalism to becoming an influencer, navigating the rise of digital media. She highlights the shift in the beauty industry from magazines to blogs and social media influencers, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities this evolution presented.
Notable Quote:
"Magazine sales went down, magazines sadly closed. Then they started conglomerating them. Then influencers came up... it's a new world order."
— Nadine Baggott [12:26]
Insights on Beauty and Skincare Trends (15:19 – 27:25)
The conversation shifts to the state of the beauty industry, where Nadine expresses her disdain for "clean beauty" fear-mongering and misinformation. She critiques the over-regulation and marketing tactics that prioritize profits over genuine skincare benefits. Nadine advocates for scientifically-backed products and criticizes brands that mislead consumers with unfounded claims.
Notable Quote:
"Beauty is so heavily regulated, it is safe. Please, the world is not out to get you. Stop the conspiracy theorists."
— Nadine Baggott [17:40]
Aesthetics and Cosmetic Procedures (32:07 – 42:08)
Nadine shares her personal experiences with aesthetic procedures, including IPL treatments and blepharoplasty. She discusses the industry's lack of proper regulation, the prevalence of unqualified practitioners, and the potential dangers associated with cosmetic surgeries performed by inadequately trained individuals. Nadine emphasizes the need for stricter legislation to ensure consumer safety.
Notable Quote:
"90% of aesthetic clinics are charlatans and they're just out to grab your cash. It bugs me so much."
— Nadine Baggott [36:32]
Personal Skincare Routines (42:15 – 47:06)
Both Caroline and Nadine delve into their personal skincare routines, highlighting their preferences and philosophies. Nadine emphasizes simplicity and efficacy, avoiding overly fragranced products due to her perioral dermatitis. She contrasts her straightforward approach with Caroline's more sensorial and luxurious skincare practices.
Notable Quote:
"A one thing I can't imagine. Not cleansing. That's just disgusting. I can't bear being grubby."
— Nadine Baggott [52:07]
Industry Joys and Challenges (32:18 – 34:39)
Nadine reflects on the camaraderie and friendships formed within the beauty industry. She appreciates the supportive network of PRs, journalists, and influencers that have been instrumental in her career. However, she also touches upon the challenges of maintaining work-life balance and the relentless nature of beauty journalism.
Notable Quote:
"The biggest joy of being in the industry? The women in the industry. I love my people in the industry. My friends are all from the industry."
— Nadine Baggott [32:22]
Favorite Products and Industry Opinions (43:00 – 57:17)
The duo discusses their favorite and least favorite beauty products. Nadine praises classic cleansers like Dove's unscented solid cleansing bar and Corelle Mist, while critiquing trend-driven products like the Jones Road Miracle Bomb. They also debate the merits and pitfalls of current beauty trends, emphasizing the importance of practicality over fleeting popularity.
Notable Quote:
"In fact, just full stop, you know, I just don't get young people worrying about aging. When you're in your 20s, you should be in the south of France trying to get a shag."
— Nadine Baggott [53:09]
Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions (58:07 – End)
As the episode wraps up, Nadine expresses her excitement about the Glad We Had This Chat podcast and hints at upcoming live tours. She underscores the importance of authenticity in beauty journalism and her commitment to providing honest, science-backed advice to her audience.
Notable Quote:
"It's just really, really interesting and exciting and we're incredibly privileged to do it."
— Nadine Baggott [34:14]
Key Takeaways
- Resilience in Career: Nadine's journey underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the ever-evolving beauty industry.
- Critical Eye on Trends: A strong critique of misleading beauty trends and marketing tactics that prioritize aesthetics over genuine skincare benefits.
- Advocacy for Regulation: Emphasis on the need for stricter regulations in the aesthetics sector to protect consumers from unqualified practitioners.
- Personal Skincare Philosophy: Both hosts highlight the value of tailored skincare routines that prioritize individual needs over one-size-fits-all solutions.
- Community and Support: The significance of a supportive network within the beauty industry, fostering collaboration and growth.
Conclusion
This episode of Glad We Had This Chat offers listeners an in-depth look into Nadine Baggott's illustrious career and her candid perspectives on the beauty industry's current state. Caroline Hirons and Nadine engage in a meaningful dialogue that balances professional insights with personal anecdotes, providing both entertainment and valuable information for beauty enthusiasts.
For those interested in more insights and unfiltered discussions, be sure to tune into future episodes and submit your questions to pod@carolinehirons.com. Stay connected through Caroline's social channels for the latest updates and content.
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