Podcast Title: Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons
Episode: Season 2, Episode 23: Glad We Had This Chat Takes New York - 'Neo It Girl' Nikita Joy
Host: Caroline Hirons
Guest: Nikita Joy (Neo It Girl)
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Introduction
In Season 2, Episode 23 of Glad We Had This Chat, Caroline Hirons welcomes Nikita Joy, known as "Neo It Girl," for an engaging and heartfelt conversation set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. The episode delves deep into Nikita's personal journey, her struggles and triumphs, and her insights into the beauty and skincare industry.
Guest Background
Nikita Joy is a prominent figure in the beauty and skincare space, known for her authentic and influential presence on platforms like TikTok. Described by Caroline as someone she has followed since Caroline's YouTube beginnings, Nikita brings a wealth of experience from her time as a makeup artist and her transition journey.
Notable Quote:
Caroline Hirons [02:03]: "You have gagged me ever since. Ever."
Personal Journey
Nikita's path to becoming Neo It Girl is both inspiring and poignant. Two years prior, the loss of her mother profoundly impacted her, leading her to seek solace in makeup as a therapeutic outlet. Her journey encompasses overcoming personal challenges, including issues related to gender affirmation and the financial burdens associated with it.
Key Points:
- Early Career: Started on the retail shop floor, working in retail beauty during college.
- Transition Journey: Faced significant challenges, including interruptions in her gender-affirming procedures due to insurance issues, leading her to hustle on TikTok to fund her treatments.
- Relocation to New York: Moved to New York with Sephora, eventually pivoting to building her private client base and engaging in the modeling industry before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Notable Quote:
Nikita Joy [03:38]: "It was honestly like what got me into this chair was two years ago my mom died and I was like, so sad... I made so much commission from all of the knowledge you gave me."
Caroline Hirons [04:06]: "Customer service in any kind of service industry."
Skincare and Beauty Insights
Both Caroline and Nikita share their extensive knowledge on skincare routines, product preferences, and makeup techniques. Nikita emphasizes the importance of a solid foundation in skincare, advocating for simplicity and effectiveness over an overwhelming array of products.
Skincare Routine:
- Double Cleansing: Utilizes the Mehron Blank Canvas cleansing balm for removing heavy makeup, followed by Caroline's cream cleanser.
- Acids: Incorporates P50 and control acid for exfoliation.
- Moisturizer and SPF: Focuses on barrier repair moisturizers and high SPF, favoring European or Korean sunscreens for their lightweight feel.
Makeup Tips:
- Finishing Powder: Differentiates between setting and finishing powders, recommending brands like Hourglass and Laura Mercier for a luminous finish.
- Mascara Techniques: Shares her multi-step mascara application to achieve long-lasting curls and volume without smudging.
Notable Quotes:
Nikita Joy [26:14]: "I follow biblically, the word of Caroline Hirons, so I am double cleansing."
Caroline Hirons [35:57]: "Which one?"
Nikita Joy [35:59]: "Makeup Forever has released the Digital Complexion Fluid foundation, which in my opinion, might be one of the best fluid foundations ever."
Challenges and Triumphs
Nikita candidly discusses her struggles with managing her identity and the impact of hormone replacement therapy on her skin, specifically hyperpigmentation. She also touches upon the emotional toll of societal expectations and the importance of self-acceptance.
Key Points:
- Hyperpigmentation: Hormone therapy increases susceptibility to sunspots and melasma. Treatments include the use of retinoids and strict SPF adherence.
- Breakouts: Differentiates between various types of breakouts and emphasizes targeted treatments based on the underlying cause.
- Industry Standards: Critiques the cleanliness and management standards in major beauty retailers like Sephora, advocating for higher standards and more inclusive practices.
Notable Quotes:
Nikita Joy [62:45]: "Hormone replacement therapy makes trans femmes and trans women specifically, like more prone to hyperpigmentation."
Caroline Hirons [63:02]: "You have the passion and you have the need to just like, be an artist. There's nothing you can't do."
Industry Observations
Both Caroline and Nikita express their thoughts on the current state of the beauty industry, highlighting issues such as poor store management, the overwhelming number of product launches, and the need for sincerity and expertise in beauty consultations.
Key Points:
- Retail Management: Criticizes the messy state of Sephora stores, advocating for better cleanliness and organization.
- Product Overload: Discusses the saturation of the market with redundant products and the importance of quality over quantity.
- Inclusivity and Standards: Calls for beauty retailers to hire knowledgeable consultants who can maintain high standards and provide genuine assistance to customers.
Notable Quotes:
Caroline Hirons [57:53]: "Listen to people who know. We do both. Men who are funding you, white men in suits. I cannot."
Nikita Joy [58:44]: "Management is making everyone want to leave. No one loves their job anymore."
Rapid-Fire Questions
Towards the end of the episode, Caroline and Nikita engage in a rapid-fire segment, answering quick questions that reveal more about Nikita's personal preferences and habits.
Highlights:
- Bold Eye or Bold Lip: Nikita chooses both, layering her lipstick with translucent powder and gloss for longevity.
- Dewy or Matte Skin: Prefers dewy skin.
- City Break or Country Escape: Chooses a country escape despite her city-centric lifestyle.
- Cats or Dogs: Definitely a cat person.
- Savory or Sweet: Savory.
- Heels or Flats: Always heels.
- Shoes or Bags: Prefers shoes, especially her beloved brush collection.
- Quick Skincare Picks: Emphasizes basics like P50, retinol, and SPF.
Notable Quotes:
Caroline Hirons [49:31]: "Bold eye or bold lip?"
Nikita Joy [49:33]: "Bold lip."
Caroline Hirons [56:12]: "Neo It Girl is a compilation of all the words that were used against me growing up."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with heartfelt appreciation between Caroline and Nikita. They discuss future collaborations and the potential for new projects in 2025. Nikita expresses her gratitude for Caroline's mentorship and the platform she provides, while Caroline commends Nikita's resilience and authenticity.
Notable Quotes:
Caroline Hirons [69:13]: "Follow your light and it will lead you everywhere."
Nikita Joy [69:17]: "Thank you so much. Love you."
Final Thoughts
Season 2, Episode 23 of Glad We Had This Chat offers a profound look into Nikita Joy's life, her unwavering passion for beauty, and her journey through personal and professional challenges. Caroline Hirons provides a nurturing and insightful environment, making the episode both inspiring and informative for listeners seeking authentic discussions on beauty and skincare.
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