Gloss Angeles Podcast Episode Summary Episode Title: Amazon's Fight Against Counterfeit Beauty Products, Thirteen Lune's Lawsuit and More Headlines
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan

1. Exciting News: Podcast Nomination for Best Beauty Advice

Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan kick off the episode with thrilling news about their podcast being nominated in the People’s Reader’s Choice poll for the Best Beauty Advice category. This recognition places them alongside esteemed podcasts such as Fat Mascara by Arielle Laurie and Lipstick on the Rim by Molly Sims.

• Kirbie (01:20):
  “We're nominated in the Reader's choice category for best beauty advice. We're among some amazing podcasts.”

• Sara (01:43):
  “Please, please. We're very excited and I think that we're the seventh slide, if that matters.”

The hosts express their surprise and gratitude, urging their listeners to vote and support them in this competitive category.

2. Ultraviolet Launches at Sephora

The discussion seamlessly transitions to exciting beauty news: Ultraviolet—a beloved sunscreen brand—has officially launched at Sephora in the United States. Kirbie clarifies the correct pronunciation and spelling, ensuring accurate information for their audience.

• Kirbie (02:11):
  “Ultraviolet is now at Sephora.”

They delve into the specifics of the US formulations, highlighting the difference in ingredients designed to be less irritating for American consumers. Both hosts share their personal experiences with the products, emphasizing their effectiveness and the variety available.

• Sara (04:00):
  “I used Vibrant Screen on myself, the kids, Matt, the entire family on vacation, and no one complained about it being irritating at all whatsoever.”

Kirbie discusses the different versions available, such as Future Screen and Supreme Screen, noting minor inconveniences like the dispensing mechanism but commending the overall quality.

• Kirbie (04:55):
  “The formulations feel and look identical... There’s only one sunscreen I’ve ever had that happened with me, and it was La Roche Posay.”

The segment concludes with enthusiasm about the availability of Ultraviolet products at Sephora, encouraging listeners to explore the new offerings.

3. Amazon’s Commitment to Combating Counterfeit Beauty Products

In a sponsored segment, Kirbie and Sara delve into Amazon’s ongoing battle against counterfeit beauty products. They discuss Amazon's Brand Protection Report and the company's efforts to eliminate counterfeit goods from its platform.

• Kirbie (10:30):
  “They aggressively pursue anyone who violates its zero tolerance policy for counterfeit products and they make sure that they are held accountable.”

Sara highlights Amazon's transparency program, which verifies the authenticity of products before shipment, ensuring customers receive genuine items.

• Sara (11:10):
  “Amazon uses advanced technology to verify products is genuine, simplifying brand protection for selling partners and safeguarding customers.”

Kirbie emphasizes the importance of purchasing from official brand storefronts on Amazon to avoid counterfeit products, offering practical tips for consumers:

• Kirbie (12:38):
  “Double check that you're buying from the actual brand storefront... look on the brand website to see if they list Amazon as a partner.”

Sara adds that customer reviews and Amazon's return policies are reliable indicators of product legitimacy.

• Sara (14:00):
  “If it has like one review, like you're like, I feel like this product has been out for a while. So it should have more reviews.”

The hosts commend Amazon’s proactive measures and encourage listeners to utilize these features to protect themselves from counterfeit products.

4. In-Depth Analysis: Thirteen Lune's Legal Troubles

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the threatening lawsuit facing Thirteen Lune, a beauty retailer focused on supporting black and brown founders. Founder Nikao Grieco is accused by investors of securities fraud and misappropriating company funds for personal use, including expensive tickets and family vacations.

• Kirbie (17:25):
  “We had no idea. But you know what, they cover our stuff a lot, so.” (Note: Contextual reference to the nomination)

Kirbie provides a detailed account of the allegations, citing specific claims from the lawsuit filed on March 4th in Los Angeles. The investors allege that Grieco misrepresented the company's financial health and used funds for personal enrichment during a period of significant debt.

• Kirbie (18:40):
  “The plaintiffs in this case... are claiming that she, as CEO and the other named defendants, allegedly falsely represented and concealed material information regarding the financial condition of the company and its intent to repay the debt.”

An excerpt from the court filing is read to highlight the severity of the accusations:

• Court Filing Excerpt (Kirbie):
  “Nikao Grieco wasted no time focusing that goal on herself as she sought millions of dollars from investors while personally enriching herself and her family...”

Grieco’s response is covered, where she vehemently denies all allegations, asserting that the lawsuit is baseless and that she was not responsible for approving financial expenditures.

• Kirbie (23:02):
  “She says that the restructuring of the company was properly handled... She says that they were given the opportunity to vote just like every other vc that she included them in constant communication regarding the process...”

The hosts express their shock and emphasize the developing nature of the story, encouraging listeners to stay informed and support independent journalism.

• Kirbie (25:20):
  “It's a developing story. If you know anything or you have anything to share, my inbox is always open.”

Conclusion

Kirbie and Sara navigate through a multifaceted episode, balancing exciting beauty news with critical industry issues. From celebrating their podcast nomination to dissecting Amazon's strategies against counterfeit products and unpacking the legal turmoil surrounding Thirteen Lune, the hosts provide their audience with insightful commentary and practical advice. Their engaging dialogue, punctuated with notable quotes and real-time reactions, ensures listeners are well-informed and entertained.

Notable Quotes:

• “We're nominated in the Reader's choice category for best beauty advice. We're among some amazing podcasts.” – Kirbie Johnson (01:20)

• “Amazon uses advanced technology to verify products is genuine... safeguarding customers.” – Sara Tan (11:10)

• “Nikao Grieco wasted no time focusing that goal on herself as she sought millions of dollars from investors while personally enriching herself and her family...” – Kirbie Johnson (Reading court filing) (18:40)

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