Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary

Episode: Did This Beverly Hills Esthetician Irreparably Burn a Client? Plus Sephora’s Tween Brand, Ulta Parties & EU’s Gel Ban
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson & Sara Tan
Date: September 9, 2025

Overview

In this episode, long-time beauty journalists Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan dive into a whirlwind of current beauty news and controversies. They bring their signature informed, witty perspective to:

• The viral story of a Beverly Hills esthetician accused of severely burning a client
• Tween and teen trends in beauty retail (Sephora’s new line, Ulta birthday parties)
• The recent EU ban on a common gel nail polish ingredient and its implications
• Rhode’s splashy launch at Sephora
  The conversation is peppered with humor, personal anecdotes, and industry-insider insights, making it both engaging and sharply informative.

Show Highlights & Key Discussion Points

1. Shart Survival Kit (Icebreaker)

[00:38–05:10]

• Kirbie pitches Sara a hypothetical: Would she agree to be the public face of the “Shart Survival Kit” for a lifetime of perks?
• The “Shart Survival Kit” is a real, trending gag gift from TikTok Shop, featuring items like “Oopsie Poopsie Disposable Undies.”
• Sara reveals she’s almost used her kids’ Baby Bjorn potty in public:

  “I have almost had to use my children’s Baby Bjorn potty that we keep in the front...I haven’t had to use it yet. But I have. I’m not above it.” — Sara [03:45]

• Lighthearted banter about bodily functions, dating, and social media embarrassing moments.

2. Ulta’s Tween Birthday Party Program

[05:10–09:57]

• Ulta is now offering in-store birthday parties targeting the tween/teen demographic.
  • Includes guided skincare, mini makeovers, games, giveaways, and goodie bags valued at $100+.
  • Base price: $42/guest, minimum 4 guests, some stores allow up to 12.
  • Parents can bring their own cake and partywear; party planner must be 21+.
• Kirbie and Sara see this as smart branding, but wonder about potential impacts on the usual shopping experience (i.e., “Will Ulta stores turn into Chuck E. Cheese?”).

  “I don’t necessarily mind if I see kids there...But I also don’t want it to be like, again, a Chuck E. Cheese environment.” — Kirbie [07:30]

• Reddit feedback: Many like the idea for teaching age-appropriate skincare and preventing misinformation from TikTok.

Memorable Comparison:

• Sara: “It reminds them of the modern age Libby Lou” [08:51]

3. Sephora’s ‘Sincerely Yours’ – A Skincare Line for Teens

[09:57–15:34]

• Sephora launches its first skincare line for teens: Sincerely Yours, fronted by 15-year-old gymnast/YouTuber Salish Matter.
• Products: Cleanser, serum mist, moisturizer, SPF 30 sunscreen. Packaging is trendy and reminiscent of Touchland hand sanitizers—a nod to what's popular among tweens.
• Kirbie consults cosmetic chemists who are “impressed with the formulations” [11:53].
• The hosts reflect on how teens' preferences in beauty differ from fashion, noting that while fashion tends to segment by age, beauty often strives for inclusion with adult brands.
• Question raised: “Do teens want something made for them, or to be part of the larger beauty conversation?” [12:15]

4. EU Ban on TPO in Gel Nail Polish

[15:36–22:12]

• The European Union recently banned TPO (a gel polish photo initiator), sparking viral panic and misinformation online (“Gel manicures are banned!”).
  • Clarification: Only TPO, a specific ingredient, is banned—not all gel polish or gel manicures.
• Guest industry experts—including Allure writer Marci Robin and nail artist Fariha Ali—explain:
  • Most high-end and Japanese/Korean salon brands already use TPO-free formulas.
  • The EU bans ingredients based on “hazard,” while the US regulates based on “risk”—the US does not currently ban TPO.
• Kirbie sets the record straight:

  “Chances are, if you are going to a nail salon and getting your nails done, you are probably using a TPO-free gel, according to Fariha.” — Kirbie [17:51]

• Hosts urge listeners not to fall for fearmongering. Most safety concerns stem from ingesting the ingredient or from animal studies.

  “So gel polishes containing TPO will likely continue being available in the US. But that does not mean those who get gel manicures or those who provide them need to panic.” — Sara (quoting Marci Robin) [20:09]

5. The Beverly Hills Esthetician Controversy: Sonia Dakar

[22:15–34:18]

The Allegation

• Victoria Nelson posted a TikTok claiming that Beverly Hills esthetician Sonia Dakar burned her face during a peel, causing lasting hypopigmentation and scarring.
• Victoria was a long-term, loyal client and trusted Dakar due to past success treating her acne.
• During one appointment, Sonia suggested an unexplained peel. Victoria experienced immediate pain; product spilled on her eyebrow and nearly reached her eye; anesthesia-like white patches revealed actual skin damage.

  “She thought the white spots on her face were cream or lotion...but that was her skin.” — Kirbie [25:04]

• Over two years, Victoria states she spent $40,000 at the clinic for “fixes,” including microneedling (illegally, as Dakar is not a medical professional authorized for this in CA), with no improvement.

Host Investigation & Legal Backdrop

• Kirbie fact-checked with metadata and legal records; confirmed:
  • Victoria filed a medical malpractice complaint in March 2024, dismissed “with prejudice” in May 2024 (likely a legal settlement; Victoria unable to speak further on it).
  • Sonia Dakar has a prior disciplinary history:
    • 2008: Bit a state inspector during clinic inspection (admitted to allegations, served probation to reinstate license).
    • 2020: Employees sued for workplace discrimination; settlement reached 2024.
• The hosts call attention to open questions:
  • What exact peel was used? Was Dakar authorized?
  • Why was Victoria charged further for corrective treatments?
  • What does the legal outcome mean for both parties’ public statements?
• Kirbie’s stance:

  “This is almost a come to Jesus, if you will, for Sonia. Because like we’ve just mentioned, her reputation precedes her.” — Kirbie [33:22]

Context & Community Reaction

• Social media backlash: Yelp posted a “media advisory” for Dakar’s clinic due to review bombing after the TikTok went viral.
• Sara: “We have heard many stories. She doesn’t have the best reputation, obviously.” [32:59]

6. Rhode x Sephora: Major Retail Launch

[34:18–36:48]

• Hailey Bieber’s Rhode skincare line entered all Sephora US stores with a splashy display and custom “gondola” shelving, causing massive sellouts within 45 minutes at the LA flagship.
• Kirbie notes: Some brands might be “jealous and pissed at how much attention” Rhode receives, but sees the big-picture benefit of increased store traffic for all brands.
• Sara: Placement next to Rhode is “lucky day” for neighboring brands.

Notable Quotes

• “[Ulta has] really smartly positioned it as a beauty-themed celebration—a party where you learn about skincare, get a makeover, and walk away with $100+ in products as a tween.” — Sara [05:14]
• “Do teens want something that’s made for their generation, or are they wanting to be a part of the larger beauty conversation? I don’t know.” — Kirbie [12:15]
• “Gel manicures themselves are not being banned...TPO will already be phased out quickly with so many alternatives.” — Fariha Ali (via Kirbie) [17:51]
• “If you’re microneedling, where is your medical professional?… If you did get this dismissed and got paid, why bring this up again?” — Kirbie [28:27], [33:22]
• “I would never step foot in her spa having seen Victoria’s face.” — Kirbie [32:43]
• “It does violate the settlement… but I feel like she owed it to [others] to warn them.” — Sara [28:46]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ulta’s Tween Birthday Parties: [05:10–09:57]
• Sephora’s Sincerely Yours Teen Skincare Line: [09:57–15:34]
• EU TPO Gel Nail Ban: [15:36–22:12]
• Beverly Hills Esthetician Controversy (Sonia Dakar): [22:15–34:18]
• Rhode x Sephora Retail Launch: [34:18–36:48]

Tone and Style

The episode effortlessly blends facts and industry context with playful banter and candid admissions—they are both beauty insiders and “everywoman” confiding in listeners. Both Kirbie and Sara remain inquisitive, measured, and empathetic, especially when addressing touchy or controversial topics.

Final Takeaway

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants a well-researched rundown of the week’s beauty hot topics, particularly those who want cultural context, skepticism toward online hysteria, and insight into the rarely-discussed downsides of influencer beauty culture. Kirbie & Sara set themselves apart with their fact-checked approach and willingness to ask uncomfortable but necessary questions.