Gloss Angeles Episode Summary: “From the Counter to Head of Global Makeup for Too Faced with Elyse Renau”

Release Date: May 30, 2025

Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
Guest: Elyse Renau, Career Makeup Artist and Head of Global Beauty at Too Faced

1. Introduction of Elyse Renau

The episode kicks off with Kirbie and Sara excitedly introducing Elyse Renau, highlighting her impressive role as the Head of Global Beauty at Too Faced—a position she has held for nearly a decade. The hosts praise Elyse's expertise and personable nature, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about her journey in the beauty industry.

Sara [00:57]: "Career makeup artist, head of global beauty at Too Faced. She's been there almost a decade. Please welcome to Los Angeles, Elise Renau."

2. Personal Anecdotes and Experiences

Early in the conversation, Elyse shares a humorous and relatable story about trying the Botox lip flip after a viral TikTok video, detailing the unexpected challenges she faced.

Elyse [01:45]: "I was like, what could go wrong? Right? It's gonna make your lips look juicy without any, you know, added volume. I'm like, this is great. Two weeks later, I couldn't even brush my teeth."

Sara adds her own experience, reinforcing the relatable nature of the discussion.

Sara [02:53]: "Lip lips do not last that long. No, maybe like two or three weeks, if that."

The hosts also delve into their personal skincare routines, discussing products like the white night mask and red light therapy devices, adding authenticity to their expertise in beauty and wellness.

3. Elyse’s Career Journey

Elyse recounts her early introduction to the beauty industry through her mother's involvement with Mary Kay. This foundational experience ignited her passion for makeup and set her on the path to becoming a professional makeup artist.

Elyse [05:22]: "I've been obsessed from a very young age. Like, I got into this, you know, my mom sold Mary Kay when I was a child."

She emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, sharing how working behind the counter for Armani provided invaluable skills and opened doors to significant opportunities.

Elyse [12:46]: "I was the counter manager for Armani. Okay. I was obsessed. Okay, girl. Yeah. I loved Armani... Tim Quinn came in and... he got me a job working for makeup.com at the time."

4. Working with Celebrities and Industry Influencers

Elyse highlights her collaborations with renowned figures like Emma Willis, detailing how these relationships have shaped her career and network within the industry.

Elyse [13:41]: "Emma Willis and I work together... she's the one who gave me my first opportunity working for a celebrity."

She shares delightful stories about working on high-profile projects, such as the makeup for the iconic film Love Witch, and the mentorship she received from industry veterans like Tim Quinn.

Elyse [14:14]: "It was like a BAFTA or something... And that is the most iconic movie film makeup looks."

5. Joining Too Faced

Elyse describes her transition to Too Faced, emphasizing her proactive approach in seeking a role that aligned with her passion for product creation and emotional connection with consumers.

Elyse [17:12]: "I have to be your first global artist. And I laid out my plan... Three months later, they called me and they said, hey, we're interviewing for a new role."

Her vision for Too Faced involved not just artistry but also storytelling, ensuring that every product evoked positive emotions and memorable experiences for users.

6. Role at Too Faced and Product Development

In her role as Head of Global Beauty, Elyse acts as the “emotional architect,” bridging the gap between product development, marketing, and retail to ensure a cohesive and delightful brand experience.

Elyse [20:31]: "The first product by myself... the watermelon palette... It smelled, like, really good. It was really cute too."

She discusses the collaborative nature of product development at Too Faced, highlighting how the team focuses on addressing consumer pain points and introducing innovative products that stand out in the crowded beauty market.

Elyse [28:35]: "If we're making something, we always think, is this new, better, different? If it's not new, better, different immediately, no."

7. Highlighting Specific Too Faced Products

Elyse elaborates on several key Too Faced products, offering deep insights into their creation, unique features, and the consumer feedback that has made them staples in the beauty community.

a. Super Coverage Concealer

Designed to address the need for a versatile concealer that offers both correction and hydration without heaviness.

Elyse [29:34]: "We worked on that formula for two years to get it right, to get it hydrating."

b. Foreplay Primer and Ribbon Lash Mascara

Elyse introduces the innovative Foreplay Primer, a black primer that also functions as a mascara, enhancing lash curl and volume without the typical flaking associated with primers.

Elyse [30:58]: "It's a black primer. So you can also use it as an actual mascara if you want to."

Ribbon Lash is presented as a game-changing mascara that offers unparalleled lengthening while being easy to remove.

Elyse [32:00]: "It's the most game changing mascara innovation in the last five years."

c. Pillow Bomb Lip Balm

Originally part of the Hangover Rx line, Pillow Bomb has evolved into a beloved product known for its hydrating properties and delightful scents, making it a favorite for both day and night use.

Elyse [39:07]: "We wanted to create something that would feel like a pillow... So that was the white space. We're like, for me, this is like a weighted blanket for your lips."

The hosts and Elyse discuss their personal favorites, such as Banana Kiss and Ice Crystal Banana, emphasizing the nostalgic and sensory appeal of the products.

Sara [41:46]: "It smells like a pink starburst."

Kirbie [44:01]: "Sleeping on ice. Crystal and banana. And these are my two faves."

8. The Role of Fragrance in Too Faced Products

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the intentional use of fragrances in Too Faced products. Elyse explains how fragrances contribute to the sensorial experience, aligning with the brand's joyful and playful identity.

Elyse [26:01]: "We use it smells edible. Okay. Like, I'm not trying to... I'm giving Jessica Simpson dessert."

She addresses concerns about fragrance-free trends, clarifying misconceptions and emphasizing that even fragrance-free products contain ingredients to mask their natural scents.

Elyse [27:33]: "If you don't put in fragrance, the people who are like, fragrance free... it's still got something in there to make it not smell."

Elyse reassures listeners that Too Faced's commitment to fragrance is integral to their brand and positively received by their loyal customer base.

9. Product Naming and Branding Philosophy

Elyse highlights the creative and playful approach to product naming at Too Faced, which reinforces the brand’s whimsical and approachable image.

Elyse [49:26]: "We're like, lucky bitch. It was a black, sparkly, liquid liner with gold sparkles."

She shares her favorite product names and the stories behind them, showcasing how the names enhance the emotional connection users have with the products.

Elyse [43:36]: "Lucky Bitch was the first day I started at Too Faced... It was the biggest thing ever. She's a lucky bitch."

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Elyse encourages listeners to explore Too Faced's range of products, sharing her personal handles and expressing gratitude towards the hosts for their support and inspiration.

Elyse [51:34]: "You can find me on all of Too Faced socials... eliserenau is my handle everywhere."

The hosts reciprocate the appreciation, emphasizing their mutual admiration and enthusiasm for Too Faced products.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Sara [00:57]: "Career makeup artist, head of global beauty at Too Faced. She's been there almost a decade."
• Elyse [01:45]: "I was like, what could go wrong?... Two weeks later, I couldn't even brush my teeth."
• Elyse [12:46]: "I was the counter manager for Armani... Tim Quinn came in and got me a job working for makeup.com."
• Elyse [20:31]: "The first product by myself... the watermelon palette..."
• Sara [41:46]: "It smells like a pink starburst."
• Elyse [26:01]: "We use it smells edible. Okay. Like, I'm not trying to..."

Key Takeaways:

• Elyse Renau’s Journey: From early exposure through her mother's Mary Kay business to becoming a global beauty leader at Too Faced.
• Product Innovation: Focus on addressing consumer pain points with unique, sensorial products like the Foreplay Primer and Ribbon Lash Mascara.
• Brand Philosophy: Emphasis on fragrance and playful product naming to create joyful and memorable beauty experiences.
• Collaborations and Mentorship: Building relationships with industry leaders and celebrities has been pivotal in Elyse’s career growth.
• Continuous Learning: Elyse advocates for honesty and integrity in product development, ensuring Too Faced remains a trendsetter in the beauty industry.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Elyse Renau’s professional trajectory, her impactful role at Too Faced, and the brand’s dedication to creating innovative, emotionally resonant beauty products.