Gloss Angeles Episode Summary: "How Women and Men Determine Attractiveness Based on Lip Size"

Released on April 22, 2025

In this engaging episode of Gloss Angeles, co-hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan delve into a fascinating study on how lip size influences perceptions of attractiveness, while also touching upon related beauty topics. With their extensive background in beauty journalism, Kirbie and Sara provide insightful commentary, personal anecdotes, and expert opinions that resonate with both beauty enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

1. Perfume Etiquette on Planes

00:31 – 06:04

The episode kicks off with a discussion sparked by an article from The Cut, authored by Alexandra Pauli, which addresses the etiquette of wearing fragrances during air travel. The conversation highlights the common dilemma passengers face regarding strong scents in the confined space of an airplane cabin.

Kirbie references the article:

"There was an article on the Cut discussing the etiquette of wearing fragrances during travel. Alexandra Pauli had an experience with a fellow passenger's overpowering scent of Baccarat Rouge 540." (00:50)

Sara firmly advises against wearing heavy perfumes on flights:

"No, don't do it. Have common sense. Smell like you just showered." (01:24)

The duo emphasizes the importance of being considerate, noting the recycled air in planes can amplify scents. They discuss alternatives like light deodorants or minimal spritzing before boarding, ensuring a pleasant environment for all passengers.

Sara shares a relatable frustration:

"I have seen the most insane things airline passengers have attempted or actually done in an airport. That really boggles the mind." (02:12)

2. Botox and Tariffs

06:04 – 09:10

Transitioning to industry news, Kirbie introduces a headline from Allure about the impact of tariffs on Botox and dermal fillers. The conversation underscores how manufacturing locations, primarily Westport, Ireland, influence the cost of these popular cosmetic procedures.

Kirbie remarks:

"Botox is made exclusively in Westport, Ireland. So, we might start to see prices increase if you are dabbling in that." (06:03)

Sara adds practical advice for listeners considering Botox:

"If you're getting injectables, plan and budget for potential price hikes in the next six months to a year." (08:08)

They discuss the variability in pricing based on geographic locations and brands, highlighting concerns over affordable options like Groupon deals and the importance of quality assurance when selecting providers.

3. Lip Size and Attractiveness: A Gender-Based Study

09:10 – 15:29

The core of the episode revolves around a University of Sydney study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. The research explores how lip size influences perceptions of facial attractiveness, revealing distinct preferences between genders.

Kirbie summarizes the study:

"Female participants tended to prefer plumper lips on female faces, whereas male participants favored natural-sized lips on female faces." (09:10)

Sara questions the societal implications:

"Do men even know what natural size is? They look at women and think they're not wearing makeup when they have a full beat." (09:54)

The hosts delve into concepts like lip dysmorphia, overfilling, and popular techniques such as the lip flip. They critique the contradictory expectations placed on women to appear both natural and enhanced, highlighting the psychological pressures that drive excessive beauty treatments.

Sara shares a personal reflection:

"I got lip filler twice or three times, and after the third time, I was like, I'm gonna stop. I could see this going south." (14:04)

Kirbie emphasizes the importance of embracing natural features:

"There's something so beautiful about a thin lip shape." (13:43)

The conversation also touches upon the disconnect between actual appearance and perceived appearance influenced by social media platforms like TikTok, where subtle enhancements can significantly alter a person's facial aesthetics without overtly appearing artificial.

4. Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

12:10 – 15:29

Kirbie and Sara share their personal experiences with lip fillers, discussing the balance between maintaining natural beauty and pursuing enhancements. They express concerns over the long-term effects of repeated procedures and the difficulty in reverting to original lip shapes once fillers are dissolved.

Sara candidly states:

"If you want me to have giant boobs, and I do not have giant boobs, the only way to get giant boobs for myself would be implants." (10:54)

The hosts advocate for self-acceptance and caution against succumbing to unrealistic beauty standards, urging listeners to embrace their natural features and make informed decisions about cosmetic procedures.

5. Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

15:29 – 16:16

As the episode winds down, Kirbie and Sara announce their upcoming travel plans to Amsterdam, where they will continue to explore beauty trends and engage with industry experts. They tease a guest episode featuring notable personalities, promising listeners fresh and insightful content in the near future.

Kirbie signs off:

"We're going to be in Amsterdam amongst the tulips having a great time recording a fun episode for you guys." (15:29)

Notable Quotes:

• Sara on flight etiquette:
  "You should not smell bad. But you should not be trying to get people to ask you what your perfume is on a flight." (02:29)

• Kirbie on Botox pricing:
  "What else? What are we not paying more for these days?" (06:26)

• Sara on natural beauty:
  "Embrace your thin lips if you have them right." (12:10)

This episode of Gloss Angeles offers a comprehensive look into the nuanced perceptions of beauty, particularly focusing on lip size and its varying reception across genders. Through thoughtful dialogue and relatable anecdotes, Kirbie and Sara encourage listeners to navigate beauty trends with mindfulness and self-confidence.