Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary Episode: "How Tariffs Will Affect Your Beauty Routine, Why BeautyStat is 80% Off, and More of Your Questions, Answered!"
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Hosts: Clarice and Kirby

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Gloss Angeles, hosts Clarice and Kirby dive deep into the pressing issues affecting the beauty industry today. From the looming impact of tariffs on your favorite cosmetics to the significant discounts at BeautyStat, they address listener questions, share expert opinions, and offer insights into current beauty trends and challenges.

1. AMA Session: Listener Questions Answered

The episode kicks off with an AMA (Ask Me Anything) segment, where Clarice and Kirby respond to various beauty-related questions submitted by their audience through Slack and Instagram. They tackle specific product inquiries, sharing personal favorites and application techniques.

• Favorite Powder vs. Cream Blush:
  Listener lntahanski asks about preferred powder blush to set a cream blush. Clarice praises Trixi Cosmetics for their vibrant, long-lasting blushes. At [01:43], she mentions, “My go-to lately has been Trixi Cosmetics... Their Plush Bunny and Total Betty blushes are my favorites.”

• Maintaining Bangs:
  Listener Alaina Wegner seeks advice on keeping bangs looking fresh. Kirby shares her routine using specific brushes and hair products. At [34:35], she notes, “I use the Crown Affair Powder dry shampoo now... It saves me by adding texture without heaviness.”

• Hair Oil and Heat Protectants:
  Questions about when to apply hair oil and the necessity of heat protectants are addressed, with both hosts emphasizing the importance of protecting hair from heat damage.

2. The Impact of Tariffs on the Beauty Industry

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing how recent tariffs are poised to affect beauty routines and the broader beauty market.

• Price Increases and Product Availability:
  Clarice explains that tariffs on imported beauty products, especially from Europe, Asia, and Australia, will lead to higher prices for consumers. At [08:10], she states, “You will be paying more... you could see anywhere between like $10 to $20 increases on some of your favorite products, at minimum.”

• Passing Costs to Consumers:
  Kirby agrees, emphasizing that tariffs are almost entirely passed on to consumers. At [08:25], she notes, “The cost is not eaten by the company.”

• Reformulations and Packaging Changes:
  The hosts predict that brands may reformulate products using locally sourced ingredients to avoid tariffs. Clarice mentions, “Reformulations could be a huge trend because a lot of these brands now are gonna think, okay, how can we get most of what we need in America without having to deal with these tariffs?”

• Impact on BIPOC Brands:
  The discussion shifts to how tariffs and policy changes, including the withdrawal of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, disproportionately affect BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) beauty brands. Clarice emphasizes the political nature of beauty, stating, “Beauty is political, hence this question.”

3. BeautyStat's Major Discount and Rebranding

BeautyStat, a beloved brand among the hosts, is undergoing a significant rebranding effort, leading to an 80% discount on its products.

• Rebranding Details:
  Clarice shares that BeautyStat is rebranding to clear out old stock, resulting in massive discounts. At [17:01], she elaborates, “The brand is undergoing a rebrand, which means it's getting rid of its old stock. That's why everything has been so highly discounted.”

• Product Upgrades:
  Two flagship products have seen formula upgrades:

  • Universal Sea Skin Refiner: Now soothes the skin in addition to brightening, without the previous tingling effect.
  • Universal C Eye Perfector: Enhanced formulation for better performance.

• Consumer Reactions and Brand Loyalty:
  Both hosts express excitement over the changes, highlighting the brand’s commitment to quality. Kirby at [18:22] mentions, “I absolutely love the rebrand. It's super cute... just makes it really easy to identify the product lines.”

4. DEI Initiatives and Their Effect on BIPOC Beauty Brands

Clarice and Kirby delve into the recent rollback of DEI initiatives by major retailers and its detrimental impact on minority-owned beauty brands.

• Retraction of DEI Efforts:
  Clarice discusses how retailers like Target have ended their DEI initiatives, leading to boycotts. At [28:26], she states, “Target is not the only brand that has done this. There have been so many brands that have just totally gotten written off DEI initiatives in the past two years.”

• Challenges for Small Brands:
  The hosts highlight that smaller, BIPOC-owned brands rely heavily on retailer support to move inventory. Kirby emphasizes, “If you really do love these brands, you do need to be buying from them and you need to show support on social.”

• Community Support Strategies:
  They advocate for consumers to actively purchase from these brands and promote them through word of mouth to ensure their survival and growth in a hostile market environment.

5. Hair Styling Tools: Dyson Airwrap vs. Shark Flex Fusion

A lively discussion ensues about the latest hair styling tools, comparing high-end options like the Dyson Airwrap with more affordable alternatives like the Shark Flex Fusion.

• Performance and Cost:
  Clarice praises the Shark Flex Fusion for its powerful performance at a fraction of the Dyson’s price. At [24:32], she shares, “The Dream Coat is my favorite... It's super good and only half the price.”

• User Experience:
  Kirby discusses her personal usage, noting the Dyson’s versatility but questioning its high price point. They both express enthusiasm for new products entering the market, such as L’Oreal’s Air Light Pro and T3’s latest dupe.

• Future of Hair Tools:
  The hosts speculate on how brands like Dyson will respond to competition, suggesting that innovation and price adjustments will be key to maintaining market share.

6. Current Morning and Evening Skincare Routines

Clarice and Kirby share their detailed skincare routines, offering listeners insights into the products they swear by.

• Morning Routines:

  • Clarice: Uses Ava Nova eyelid cleanser spray for dry eyes, followed by hydrating serums like Dew Trinity and Estiderm Paris’ hyaluronic acid serum. She emphasizes the importance of prepping the skin with cleansers and serums for optimal makeup application.
  • Kirby: Opts for the Cosrx Low Ph Niacinamide micellar cleansing water after workouts, then applies Ava’s Hydra Jelly Mist and Beauty of Joseon sunscreen.

• Evening Routines:

  • Clarice: Incorporates microneedling with Beauty Bio roller, followed by exfoliation with DDG Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads and the Shani Darden Azelaic Acid Rescue Serum. She finishes with rich moisturizers like Scente and Renutrieve Ultimate Diamond Age Reversal Eye Cream.
  • Kirby: Uses the Rhode Cleanser, Shani Darden moisture serum, and Odier cream, balancing multiple skincare products to maintain skin health and address specific concerns like hyperpigmentation and dryness.

• Special Mention - Eye Creams:
  Clarice expresses skepticism about the efficacy of many eye creams, stating, “I have not seen any improvement... that may require some kind of surgery.”

7. Additional Beauty Tips and Product Recommendations

Throughout the episode, the hosts sprinkle in various beauty tips and recommend favorite products:

• Body Care:
  Clarice details her “everything shower” routine, which includes body scrubs from Dolce Glow, Harry’s razors, EOS Blast shaving products, and L'Occitane body shower oil for moisturizing.

• Lip Care:
  Kirby introduces Renee Rouleau’s barrier-based lip treatment duo, praising its effectiveness in maintaining soft, smooth lips without irritation.

• Exfoliation Cautions:
  Both hosts caution listeners about overusing products like microneedling rollers and strong exfoliants, sharing personal anecdotes about their experiences.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode, Gloss Angeles provides valuable insights into the intersection of beauty and global economic policies, highlighting how tariffs and policy changes can ripple through the beauty industry. Clarice and Kirby not only inform listeners about these critical issues but also empower them with actionable advice to navigate product availability and pricing challenges. Additionally, their in-depth discussion on BeautyStat’s rebranding and the importance of supporting BIPOC-owned brands underscores the podcast’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and resilient beauty community.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the hosts through their YouTube channel and Slack community, where more beauty discussions and exclusive content await.

Notable Quotes

• Clarice at [06:12]: “Beauty is political, hence this question.”
• Kirby at [08:25]: “The cost is not eaten by the company.”
• Clarice at [17:01]: “The brand is undergoing a rebrand... That's why everything has been so highly discounted.”
• Kirby at [24:32]: “The Dream Coat is my favorite... It's super good and only half the price.”

Resources Mentioned

• BeautyStat: For discounted products and new formulations.
• Trixi Cosmetics: Recommended for vibrant powder blushes.
• Ava Nova Skincare: Eyelid cleanser spray.
• Shani Darden: Azelaic Acid Rescue Serum and Triple Acid Peel.
• Renee Rouleau: Barrier-based lip treatment duo.
• Shark Flex Fusion: Affordable alternative to Dyson Airwrap.
• Beauty Bio: Microneedling roller and Eyelighter Concentrate.

For more detailed product links and recommendations, refer to the show notes on the Gloss Angeles website.