Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Black Friday and Cyber Week 2024: What to Buy and What to Skip
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Gloss Angeles, co-hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan dive deep into the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Week 2024, offering listeners comprehensive guidance on what beauty products and gadgets to purchase and which ones to avoid. They blend their extensive experience in beauty journalism with practical shopping advice, ensuring that listeners make informed decisions during the holiday sales frenzy.

1. The Importance of Ethical Consumerism Under Capitalism

Sara emphasizes the complexities of ethical consumerism in a capitalist system, advising listeners to conduct thorough research before boycotting or supporting retailers based on political donations or corporate practices.

[02:17] Sara: "Do a little bit of digging research before you believe some rando on TikTok."

Kirbie echoes this sentiment, highlighting the necessity of maintaining consistent ethical standards across all purchasing decisions.

[04:26] Kirbie: "If you're gonna have that energy, you need to keep the same energy throughout your life."

Key Takeaway: Ethical consumerism is challenging but essential. Ensure that your decisions are informed and consistent across all brands and products.

2. Strategies for Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping

Kirbie and Sara offer strategic advice on navigating the multitude of sales, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing purchases and avoiding impulsive buys.

[05:46] Kirbie: "Just because there is a sale does not mean it's a good one."

Sara suggests focusing on gifts and stocking up on beloved products, anticipating price hikes in the following year.

[07:04] Sara: "If you do love something and you know you love it, buy a couple of them, especially at a discounted rate."

Key Takeaway: Prioritize meaningful purchases, stock up on essentials, and support small businesses when possible.

3. Detailed Deals by Retailer and Brand

Ulta Beauty

Ulta offers a wide range of discounts, including:

• 40% off select moisturizers like Peach and Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream.
• 30% off MAC foundations and lip products.
• 50% off fragrance samplers.
• $100 off select Dyson products.

[13:13] Sara: "They have a bunch of groupings. You could do a prestige mascara for $12 ranging from Fenty to It Cosmetics to Tarte."

Nordstrom Beauty

Nordstrom provides:

• $100 off all Dyson colorways.
• 25% off Estée Lauder products.
• 30% off select MAC and Bobbi Brown items.
• 25% off Augustinus Bader Rich Cream.

[37:34] Sara: "They have a lot of different deals, Dyson included."

Sephora

While Sephora wasn't able to provide specific deal details at the time of recording, it’s recommended to check their sale section for ongoing discounts.

[15:24] Sara: "You'll be able to figure out."

Charlotte Tilbury

Offers up to 30% off site-wide, including:

• Global Bestsellers like Pillow Talk and Magic Cream.
• Additional deals on facial and skincare products.

[22:30] Kirbie: "You can get 25% off all orders on her website."

Drybar

Highlights include:

• 30% off site-wide from November 18th to 30th.
• Up to 50% off site-wide from December 1st to 3rd.

Key Takeaway: Major beauty retailers offer substantial discounts across various product categories. Planning ahead and knowing where to look can maximize savings.

4. LED Masks: What to Look For

Sara provides a critical overview of LED masks, distinguishing between effective devices and those merely for aesthetic appeal.

[26:44] Sara: "Do not waste your money on that. It's literally just for Instagram."

Key Features to Consider:

• Wavelengths: Effective masks use wavelengths between 630-660 nm for red light therapy and 820-840 nm for near-infrared.
• Irradiance: Should be between 30-50 mW/cm² to ensure efficacy without causing heat-induced issues.

Recommended Brands:

• Omnilux
• Solo Wave by Solawave
• Dr. Dennis Gross
• Shani Darden by Dessi Pro

[27:27] Kirbie: "You can use different faces, different sizes, whatever. You can also use it on your neck and decollete."

Key Takeaway: Invest in LED masks with proven wavelengths and appropriate irradiance. Avoid trendy masks that lack scientific backing.

5. Specific Product and Brand Highlights

Summer Fridays

Offers 20% off site-wide, including:

• Holiday lip butter bomb sets.
• Full-size signature travel skincare sets.

[16:12] Kirby: "I've already been asked for it from my nieces."

Danessa Myricks

Provides 35% off site-wide on:

• Light work palettes like the Groundwork palette.
• Yummy Skin blush and contour products.

[16:39] Kirbie: "Any light work palette."

Shani Darden

Features up to 30% off on:

• Triple acid peel.
• Eye cream and hydrating serum.

[18:36] Sara: "Their moisturizer is superb."

Lawless Beauty

Offers 30% off site-wide excluding bundles, plus gift with purchase on orders over $75.

[35:28] Kirbie: "They are doing 30% off site wide, excluding bundles."

Laura Geller

Up to 75% off select products through December 4th.

[41:34] Kirbie: "That's crazy."

Key Takeaway: Many niche and high-end beauty brands present significant discounts on flagship products, making it an ideal time to invest in high-quality items.

6. Supporting Small Businesses

Sara encourages listeners to support small and independent brands during the sales period, emphasizing the positive impact on diverse communities.

[07:44] Sara: "Shop small. They may not have deals per se, but it would probably greatly impact their business."

Key Takeaway: While big retailers offer enticing discounts, supporting small businesses fosters diversity and sustainability within the beauty industry.

7. Final Recommendations and Closing Remarks

Sara and Kirbie wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of informed purchasing decisions, avoiding overconsumption, and supporting brands that align with personal values.

[43:35] Kirbie: "This is why this podcast exists."

[44:07] Sara: "Don't listen to everything you hear on the Internet."

Key Takeaway: Approach Black Friday and Cyber Week sales with a strategy, prioritize ethical consumerism, and take advantage of genuine discounts on products that matter to you.

Notable Quotes

• Sara [02:17]: "Do a little bit of digging research before you believe some rando on TikTok."
• Kirbie [05:46]: "Just because there is a sale does not mean it's a good one."
• Sara [07:04]: "If you do love something and you know you love it, buy a couple of them, especially at a discounted rate."
• Sara [26:44]: "Do not waste your money on that. It's literally just for Instagram."
• Kirbie [37:34]: "They have a lot of different deals, Dyson included."
• Sara [43:35]: "Don't listen to everything you hear on the Internet."

Conclusion

This episode of Gloss Angeles serves as an invaluable guide for beauty enthusiasts looking to navigate the complex landscape of Black Friday and Cyber Week sales. By blending ethical considerations with practical shopping strategies, Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan empower listeners to make informed and meaningful purchases amidst the allure of heavy discounts.

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!