Kris Jenner’s Facelift Debut and The Surprising Top Fragrances of 2025

Summary

Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary

Episode: Kris Jenner’s Facelift Debut and The Surprising Top Fragrances of 2025
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson & Sara Tan
Date: October 17, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this engaging Tuesday news episode, beauty journalists and pop culture insiders Kirbie and Sara dissect two buzzy topics sweeping the beauty world: Kris Jenner's much-talked-about facelift reveal and the shock results in 2025's top-selling fragrances. Having attended a star-studded Shark x Kris Jenner event, the hosts give listeners an inside look at “the facelift of the decade,” the event’s new product drops, and their own fragrance faves. They also present real-world testing insights from the Gloss Angeles Confidential community on the latest retinoid night cream—a must-listen for beauty fans, Kardashian followers, and anyone chasing the big trends in wellness and pop beauty.

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Kris Jenner’s Facelift & The Star-Studded Shark Event

[00:53–14:59]

The Scene at the Shark x Kris Jenner Event

• Kirbie and Sara were present at the Shark (the beauty tech brand) launch, where Kris Jenner made her first public appearance post-facelift.
• Kris’s new look was styled on site by celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, featuring a striking blonde wig.
  • “We decided tonight you’re going to be blonde.” — Chris Appleton, quoted by Sara [03:35]
• The entire crowd was buzzing about her transformation and the level of transparency Kris offered about her procedures.

On Kris Jenner’s Facelift

• Both hosts rave over how youthful Kris looked, with Sara joking:
  • “She looks younger than when she was younger.” [04:50]
• Kirbie credits Kris’s plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Levine, calling her face “the most incredible billboard for his work.” [03:47]
• The $300,000+ procedure instantly made Dr. Levine even more in-demand:
  • “It’s kind of like a badge of honor if you can even get a consult with him now.” — Sara [04:13]
• They note no details on additional procedures were shared, but speculate about likely adjunct treatments (veneers, Fraxel for the chest) based on Kris’s all-over glow.
• Kirbie points out Kris’s long-term skin health likely made her an ideal facelift candidate:
  • “The best patient for a facelift is someone who has been wearing sunscreen, who has been taking care of themselves, because you can only do so much.” [06:33]
  • “Texture doesn’t lie.” — Sara [06:43]
• Emotional moment: Kris teared up reflecting on this decade being her favorite of her life, and feeling confident and happy in her skin. [05:01]
• Both marvel at Kris’s personality and work ethic, hinting she’d be their dream podcast guest. [07:33–08:04]

Product Launches & Event Highlights

• Shark Glam Hot Tool:
  • A new hot tool for hair styling/drying, promising glossy, shiny blowouts with minimal heat damage.
  • “Straightens hair in as little as one pass for glossy blowouts and sleek, high shine styles.” — Kirbie [02:31]
• New Shark Facial Device:
  • 3-in-1 facial device with hydra-powered extractions (like HydraFacial), hydration boost, and daily sculpting with trademarked dual-temp (hot/cold) technology [09:59].
  • “It looks like a gua sha. It looks like an electronic gua sha.” — Kirbie [10:31]
  • Model Sophie Pavitt featured in promos [10:44].
  • Hosts are eager to do real-world testing to see if it lives up to clinical claims.

Memorable Moment

• Kirbie FaceTimes her mom during the Kris Jenner event so she could “see Kris walk in.” [08:08]

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The Surprising Top Fragrances of 2025

[14:59–26:22]

Industry Sales Data & Insights

• Kirbie and Sara review a report by Beauty Independent, breaking down 2025’s top-selling fragrances at Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon.

Key Stats and Trends:

• Sephora:
  • Sol de Janeiro dominates, responsible for 10 of the top 20 scents.
  • The top spot, however, goes to Kayali’s Yum Boujee Marshmallow.
  • Sephora perfume sampler gift sets also rank high.
  • “If you are not buying one of the cologne or perfume sampler gift sets from Sephora, you are missing out because you get to...buy the full size of it.” — Sara [18:33–18:40]
• Ulta:
  • Sol de Janeiro leads (notably Cherry OSA 48 Mist), with a strong showing from legacy brands like Prada, Lancome, YSL, Valentino, and Kylie Cosmetics (“Cosmic” by Kylie Jenner).
  • Notable trend: more mature/legacy scent offerings compared to Sephora’s slightly younger/gourmand skew.
• Amazon:
  • Features a totally different set: lots of affordable, TikTok- and influencer-hyped brands (e.g., Lattafa, Rasasi, Afnan) and celebrity scents (Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Victoria’s Secret).
  • Lattafa’s popularity is tied to viral TikTok shop trends.
  • “Lattafa is a popular brand on TikTok...I bet a lot of people searching what they see on TikTok Shop on Amazon because you get free shipping if you have prime.” — Kirbie [25:32–25:59]

Fragrance Sampling and Gifting:

• Both hosts swear by fragrance samplers for holiday gifting and personal discovery, lauding their value and Sephora’s clever marketing setup [17:43–18:48].

Personal Favorites:

• Sara: L’Or Desperte, Glossier You, various Chanels.
• Kirbie: Prada Paradox (“all day, every day”); also enjoys Valentino Born in Roma.

Store Setups:

• Hosts discuss differences in fragrance department layouts at Sephora vs. Ulta, noting Ulta’s greater accessibility for fragrance exploration [21:31–22:53].

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Gloss Angeles Confidential: ESK Ultimate A Gold Cream Community Results

[28:03–35:39]

Product Introduction & Listener Testing

• 150 listeners tested Evidence Skin Care (ESK) Ultimate A Gold night cream.
  • Features: 1% retinal (not retinol), 5% niacinamide, lactobionic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other skin-barrier-friendly ingredients.
• Designed to be tolerable for sensitive skin and those new to retinoids.

Real-World Listener Feedback

• Highlights from Testimonials:

  • Kat K: “Usually peels like crazy with retinoids... been using this nightly, can still use actives in the morning, no barrier issues. Skin looks brighter and more even... stopped wearing foundation.” [31:38]
  • Candace W: “Improvements on forehead, under eyes, and squint smile lines. No reaction.” [32:05]
  • Kira W: “Applied over healing eczema spot — no irritation, looked better by morning... milia gone.”
  • Victoria T: Experienced retinoid user with melasma, found this gentler than prescription tret, “no breakouts or dryness.”
  • Ali B: “My tone looks even, no breakouts, makeup goes on well.” [33:14]

• Majority report minimal to no irritation, even layering with other products.

• Small minority experienced irritation; hosts note this is common with retinoids and may depend on user skin type/regimen.

• Packaging/Website Critique:

  • Some testers found ESK’s website generic-looking and not reflective of how effective the product turned out to be.

• Price: $92 via eskcare.com, discount code “KIRBIESKGLOSS” valid through Dec 31.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “She teared up talking about how this is her favorite decade of her life.” — Kirbie on Kris Jenner [05:04]
• “It’s the most incredible billboard for his work...” —Sara, on Kris Jenner and Dr. Steven Levine [03:47]
• “Texture doesn’t lie.” — Sara, on the limits of facelifts [06:43]
• “If you are not buying one of the cologne or perfume sampler gift sets from Sephora, you are missing out...” — Sara [18:33]
• “You can only do so much. Texture doesn’t lie.” — Sara [06:43]
• “Lattafa is a popular brand on TikTok...I bet a lot of people searching what they see on TikTok Shop on Amazon because you get free shipping if you have prime.” — Kirbie [25:32]

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• Kris Jenner Facelift Highlights: [00:53–08:08]
• Shark Event & New Product Launches: [08:08–12:12]
• Reflections on Kris & Kardashian Family: [12:12–14:59]
• Top Fragrances of 2025: [14:59–26:22]
• Listener Product Test: ESK Ultimate A Gold Cream: [28:03–35:39]

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Closing Thoughts

This episode delivers snappy reporting on major beauty news and groundbreaking pop cultural moments in a way only Kirbie and Sara can—mixing sharp editorial insights, humor, and direct-from-the-event anecdotes. Whether you’re hunting for your next night cream or wondering what scents will rule holiday gift bags, there’s something here for everyone passionate about beauty and trends.

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For more, check out Gloss Angeles every Tuesday and Friday.

Transcript

[A]

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[A]

Try Monday Sidekick. AI you'll love to use on Monday.com. los Angeles. Hi, Kirby. Hi, Sarah. Welcome to Los Angeles. As we are recording this, Kirby is basically texting Kris Jenner.

[B]

No, we are texting Bevin with We love Bevin.

[A]

We love Bevan.

[B]

We gotta give Bevan her shine.

[A]

But you, she is the liaison between you and Kris Jenner. Because we got to see the momager of the century, the facelift of the decade, maybe, y'.

[C]

All.

[B]

We saw the face in person.

[A]

The face in person. Everyone. I. When I posted, like, the face, and then I put lift in parentheses, some people were like, oh, my God, the shade. And I'm like, what shade? She.

[B]

She's talking. She mentioned it at the event. Okay, so let. Let's be very clear. So this was a Shark be. Y' all know we love Shark. We're like full Shark converts. We have talked about our praise for the Shark Air Flex style. The Flex style.

[A]

And now they have the Shark glam.

[B]

I thought it was called Air Styler Flex Styler style.

[A]

Now they have the Shark glam.

[B]

Is that the little thing? Is that no skincare? What's the. Okay, can you tell me the difference? This is what I wasn't picking up on. What's the difference between the Shark glam, the Shark Flex style, and then the new. The new skincare product?

[A]

Okay, so there's the Shark flex style. That's the one that we have spoken. Sang its praises. Now it has the Shark glam Hot tool air styling and drying system. So this is the one that they were celebrating last night. It's basically like. It's supposed to be faster, right? It's supposed to be faster.

[B]

Please, please look. Because I have no idea.

[A]

Okay, it says meet. Meet the Shark glam Hot tool air styling and drying system. Innovated. He controlled ceramic and powerful airflow multi styler. Straightens hair in as little as one pass for glossy blowouts and sleek, high shine styles without heat damage.

[B]

Oh, that's why Chris. And Chris kept talking about high shine. So, yes, Chris Appleton was interviewing Kris Jenner.

[A]

So Chris Appleton has been with Shark forever now. Like, he has been an ambassador of theirs for a while now. And then I think his relationship with Kris and then him creating that, like, as Kris Jenner puts it this hairstyle that broke the Internet.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Which is so cute.

[A]

She was like. It, like, broke the Internet. And then maybe a little bit of the facelift, too.

[B]

It's so funny because she probably learned that term from when Kim was on.

[A]

That magazine cover with her butt holding the champagne.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Anyways, I mean, we know Kris Jenner loves a breaking the Internet moment for any of her daughters.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

They've all done it in a good and bad way.

[B]

Yes. Yes.

[A]

But anyways, last night, she sported a cute little blonde look, which definitely was a wig.

[B]

Yeah, it was a wig. Yeah.

[A]

Right.

[B]

It was a wig.

[A]

I mean, they. They did like, a whole video on pretending it wasn't, but she was like, you know me. I'm going to be like my. I will be back to my black pixie tomorrow.

[B]

Yeah. Cause Chris, even Chris Appleton, to clarify, was like, we decided tonight you're going to be blonde.

[A]

Yeah. So it's. Yeah, it is a wig.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And she looked incredible, y'. All.

[B]

I cannot emphasize enough how good this facelift is. And I was joking with the Shark team and the full picture team that Dr. Steven Levine should actually be paying Chris commission. It should be a free facelift because that is. It's the most incredible billboard for his work. It's why I saw that Rachel Strugatz at Puck was reporting that now it's kind of like a badge of honor. If you can even get a consult with it.

[A]

You probably could.

[B]

$300,000 facelift.

[A]

You probably couldn't.

[B]

Basically, he's kind of like, I can weed people out because I'm in such high demand.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And the fact that he. Of course, he was never going to be the one to say, like, I did this.

[A]

No.

[B]

But the fact that Chris was like, yeah. Steven Levine. They did not clarify what type of facelift it was.

[A]

Right.

[B]

They didn't clarify if other things were included. Like a blepharoplasty. I've seen speculated that she probably got new veneers done.

[A]

Yes. She looks okay. I looked up this picture, the selfie that I have with her from 2017, which was a long time ago. I mean, she looks great, but, like.

[B]

She does, but now it's crazy what she looks like now. Way younger. Yeah. Like, she looks younger than when she was younger.

[A]

I mean.

[B]

Yeah. And she was.

[A]

She obviously is a woman.

[B]

She is happy. You can tell that she feels. I mean, cried.

[A]

She always cried, which, you know, she always cries. But, like, she teared up talking about how this is her favorite decade of like, her life. Of her life.

[B]

Yeah. She feels good feeling herself, feels confident. And I'm like, girl, yes.

[A]

She was wearing a, like, Tom Ford jacket that, you know, she's had for many years. She's like, and I can fit again.

[B]

Yes, Yes. I mean, it's clear she's having fun and feeling herself. And I'm like, I saw somebody comment because I posted a video because I got this incredible video of her, and I'm like, this is bonkers. Like, it showed her neck.

[A]

Yeah. And, like, her side profile.

[B]

Everything. Side profile is amazing, even. But this is the other thing I was trying to emphasize to people, too, is her chest even looks really good. And I get. She probably got Fraxel while she got all of this work done. Like, when you're in recovery, she's just like, do it all. She still has lines and wrinkles on her face, but this is clear that it's a woman that's taken good care of her skin and has, like, protected her skin for a very long time.

[A]

Because that flight stewardess in her.

[B]

Yep. Yes. We know her favorite tip. She even mentioned yesterday her favorite tip, use a hot towel to remove her makeup. But, you know, I think that she's spoken like, this is her second facelift.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So she looks incredible. But this wasn't just by osmosis. Like, I think that if she had never done anything to her face or her skin and she got another facelift at, like, 68, 69, it would be a very different result, which we talk to a lot of plastic surgeons about. I was just going to say, Dr.

[A]

Karam always says, like, you know, the best patient for a facelift is someone who has been wearing sunscreen, who has been taking care of themselves, because you can only do so much.

[B]

Yeah. Texture doesn't lie. Like, you're not going to be able to turn back the hands of time in that way. Yeah. But I did see a comment going back to my original point from somebody that was like, I'm happy for her. Like, she's done so much for her children over the years. Like, she's a hard worker. Like, she's enjoying her life now.

[A]

And I'm like, yeah, she really has.

[B]

And you can tell that Chris Appleton and her, like, have a great relationship. Like, they really love each other. And she. I will say, you know, when you inter. Obviously, you know, Chloe has, like, this, you know, sparkling personality. Like, she's just so funny.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then we've seen Kylie kind of, like, you know, come out of her shell more now that she's like a grown adult. Chris has the best personality. Like, I don't know how people just don't want to be around her all the time.

[A]

And charming.

[B]

Yeah, she's so charming. And, I mean, I think she's always. Did I say my number one for the podcast would be Kris Jenner?

[A]

I think so.

[B]

I mean, I've said that.

[A]

Please.

[B]

I haven't had a Kardashian. And, you know, to each their own. If you don't like the family, that's totally fine.

[A]

But, like, we always say there are problematic, problematic faves.

[B]

But like, Chris, I would love to talk to her about her career. Being a manager, being a mom to all those kids, like, a million children. A grandmother to even more. Yeah, Like, I just. I think that she has so much knowledge that she could share with us. And two Capricorns that love to work. I just want to hear from her.

[A]

She just looked so good. She looked so good, y'. All.

[B]

It was. It was really bonkers. I felt like I was, like, reporting on the ground. I was like, oh. And the cutest part is my mom called me as she was walking in, and my mom loves Kris Jenner, so I just kept her. I answered and kept her on FaceTime. And I was like, be quiet. I'm gonna turn down the sound.

[A]

But look.

[B]

And so I let her sit there and watch for a little bit.

[A]

Did you send her that picture I took?

[B]

Oh, I need to send it to her. I need to send it to her. It's so cute.

[A]

It's Janet on Kirby's phone, and then Chris and Chris in the background. It's really cute.

[B]

Okay, so obviously it was like a hair. It was a big hair event. Yes. That we were at with Chris and Chris and Shark, but then we walked away with the new product.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

The new facial device, which is essentially. It's kind of like a three in one. So it has a HydraFacial type device.

[A]

To suck the gunk out of your pores.

[B]

But is it sucking the gunk out or is it infusing? I think it's infusing.

[A]

No, but it's both. Right. Because isn't. Doesn't it collect? Cause I feel like I saw someone being like, oh, my God, that's been in my skin.

[B]

So we haven't tried it yet. We haven't tried it yet. Listen.

[A]

But I think that's what HydraFacial does, right? It sucks and then also infuses.

[B]

Okay. Yes, you're right. You're right. I will say this. I don't know if it's necessarily sucking shit out of your skin?

[A]

No, it's like, what is the one?

[B]

It's just like, what I'm.

[A]

The other brand that makes. That makes the similar.

[B]

Hydrafacial.

[A]

No, not Hydrafacial. The other brand that makes the tool.

[B]

Oh, like the. The tool? Yeah, Yeah. I don't know, but I'm like, PMD.

[A]

Made one, but then there was. But there was another brand that, like. Anyways, I had one. We've had them all. And, like, I don't really know if it's working, but I do. Like the other attachment.

[B]

Yeah. Okay. So there's like the hydrafacial attachment that's supposed to, like, infuse your skin with hydration and also remove whatever, dirt, debris, whatever. I guarantee you it's not sucking anything out of your pores. I feel like it's just getting remnant dirt and makeup off of your skin. It's essentially cleansing your skin.

[A]

It's cleansing your skin.

[B]

I mean, correct me if I'm wrong. Shark. And then there's the other attachment which I am most interested in.

[A]

Yes. Okay. Sorry, I'm just on their website. So it has hydropowered extractions, clinically tested to clear pores while supporting your skin barrier. Then it's also clinically tested to boost hydration by 128% after one use for a visibly radiant glow. And then daily sculpting and de puffing, which is what Kirby was talking about. It is a trademarked dual temp technology.

[B]

Yes. So the very. It's similar to their face mask.

[A]

Yes. But it's an actual tool. So you can also, like, massage your face.

[B]

It looks like a gua sha. It looks like an electronic wash off.

[A]

Yeah. So you're like, de puffing makes it.

[B]

Hot, makes it cold. Yes. I just love it. No, I'm very excited. I haven't tried it yet. But we. I mean, that's what we got. We walked away with and we were.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Do you see who the model is?

[B]

Sophie Pavitt. Sophie Pavitt. Okay. Sophie Pavitt, get your Shark Beauty ninja money. You go, girl. Yeah. So I'm really excited to try that. It's $400, but I think that based off of, like, the offerings that it has, and on the website, it does say that it is clinically proven to clean your pores. I'll be the judge. I will be the judge of that. But you know what? Someone in our Slack channel was like, ken, you have Shark Beauty on the podcast. And I was like, how? Yeah.

[A]

Who?

[B]

Who do you Want. So maybe we get a product developer.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, my gosh. The picture of the, like, gross stuff that they. The dirty water that they have.

[B]

You know me, I'm always sus of that stuff. No, it's like when it's when they say, like, remember that product you would put on your skin and rub and it's like, oh, my skin's coming out. Yeah.

[A]

No, it's just the pro.

[B]

It's just the product that's been held on your skin, babe.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But anyway, so I'm excited to try that product. You all know we love our sharks. Do you have the shark Airdrop shark? Do you have the Ninja? Because Shark Ninja is the brand. Do you have the Ninja air fryer?

[A]

No. I am a Breville girl through and through. Everything I own in the shark. I know, Sorry. But I would love. You know what I would love is I said this to Laura yesterday. I want the ice cream maker. The Ninja.

[B]

Dreamy. I've heard amazing things about the Ninja Creamy.

[A]

I want it.

[B]

So, so.

[A]

But. But I know a lot of people who have the Ninja air fryer. And.

[B]

Okay, well, Laura, who works at Shark Ninja, accidentally sent me the air fryer.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

You're accidentally getting an air fryer. And I said I'm accidentally thrilled. No, thank you, people.

[A]

If you are a grown adult and.

[B]

You do not own a hair.

[A]

An air fryer. I don't know if you need to own an air fryer and an instant pot.

[B]

No.

[A]

I would love to be the Insta Pot ambassador. I will just tell you.

[B]

I use it three times a week.

[A]

To feed my family.

[B]

Instapot. Call me. Oh, my God. I'm telling you, the air fryer. I'm trying to get so much more protein in my. In my diet because as an aging woman of a certain age, like, you have to have more protein. Yeah. I've been putting little, like chicky tenders in there and just like having a little on the go. Chicky tender to eat. Just protein, babe.

[A]

Air fry your salmon in there. Everything.

[B]

Air frying your salmon in there. I make these little salmon bites.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Yes, you can. You can air fry your broccoli for a little chard moment.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

I'm telling you, it's the cutest little thing too. And there's two sizes, so you can do like a big vat for, like a family. And then for me, a single woman with a dog, I just have the little one. And it's great because I can make enough food for just me. I know.

[A]

No, Ninja. Ninja Shark. It's really their year.

[B]

No, I'm like, do we need to get, we need to go buy the shark.

[A]

I, I kind of want the vacuum.

[B]

Vacuum. We need to find a shark vacuum. We need to try it. We need to try.

[A]

I want the robot one.

[B]

Oh, the robot one is just.

[A]

I want the robot one. I mean, I feel bad for Ollie.

[B]

Because when would have a nervous breakdown? Let's be honest, he would hate it.

[A]

But I want to try it.

[B]

Okay. So that was our experience. Our day with Kris Jenner are like.

[A]

Two hour, hour, hour and a half.

[B]

But this is what we liked. They said get there at 4pm and we were seated and ready to go. By 4:30 they were out there. They did, they did a pretty long interview. Wasn't just like 10 minutes. It was pretty long and was like, was talking everybody's ear off.

[A]

Like cute little really cute questions too.

[B]

I know, but we both wanted to raise our hand.

[A]

I really want to know like how she felt when she saw her face because, you know, it can be like very jarring. I mean, well, I don't know, but like I'm assuming just like, is it what you wanted? Like how did you feel? Like, you know, I just need, I needed to know more.

[B]

I wanted to ask if Chris Appleton thought Kim would ever actually cut her hair that short. Because remember he took her, he put her in this really gorgeous pixie wig for Paris Fashion Week.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I was like, if Kim wants to go to the next echelon of fashion icon, she needs to cut her hair. Yeah. I think it would just completely change like how people perceived her. And her best friend Allison messaged me and she was like, she'll never do it. She's a long haired girly. I'm like, okay, I know, fair.

[A]

I always, I mean her face is so beautiful. She could probably.

[B]

I know, I was like, girl, try it. But everyone was like, it's so funny because she looked like Chris and now Chris looks like her. Yeah.

[A]

And it's like, like liter looks like her. Because with everything, the hair, the facelift, all of it.

[B]

It's so funny.

[A]

They look so good.

[B]

It's so funny.

[A]

So we have a quick news report from Beauty Independent that I would love to discuss. It says Sol de Janeiro dominates Sephora's top fragrances. But Kayali nabs number one spot. This was written by Erica La Sala. So it's saying that Sol de Janeiro continues to be very strong, dominating the fragrance category across Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Amazon. Isn't that nuts?

[B]

That's bonkers. They must just be printing money.

[A]

It says the l' Occitane owned fragrance and body care brand, which. Did I know?

[B]

I did not know that.

[A]

Did I know l'?

[B]

Occitane, when did they acquire. Did we miss this? Did we talk about this and just forgot.

[C]

Wait.

[A]

L' Occitane acquired a majority stake in Sol de Janeiro in November 15, 2021 when the two companies announced the transaction.

[B]

Maybe we missed this. L'.

[A]

Occitane. L' Occitane gained an 83% stake in the premium beauty brand with Sol de Janeiro's founder and CEO Hila Yang, which would love to have Hila on. This was at the time Sol de Janeiro was valued at $450 million. I can't even imagine what it's.

[B]

This is bonkers.

[A]

What it is worth now. So according to Yipit data, Sol de Janeiro was responsible for 10 of the top 20 selling scents at Sephora for from January through August. And three of Ulta's top fragrance products, including the number one spot with Guess what? Cherry OSA 48 Hair and Body Perfume Mist, racking up over $15 million in sales.

[B]

But the mini version.

[A]

But the mini version, which Minis, Minis and fragrances. I really just feel like that's the way to go.

[B]

And then the mini Cheerios of 48 hair and body Perfume Mist was Ulta's top selling fragrance during the same time period last year. Although sales were about 37% higher than wow. And it says it uses. It sources its data on an omnichannel basis from credit to debit cards, web scraping and online store receipts from a consumer panel of 11 million shoppers. Yeah, I want to get more involved with the data. We need to look into this for sure. That's fascinating.

[A]

However, the top fragrance that was sold at Sephora from the first half of the year is from Kayali. And it is their yum bougie marshmallow. I don't. I have not seen. Smelled that.

[B]

Oh, you haven't?

[A]

I don't think so.

[B]

Interesting. So this is from. It says top fragrances at Sephora from January through August 2025. Starts with Kayali, then Sol de Janeiro. Sol de Janeiro. Sol de Janeiro, then Sephora cologne sampler set with a redeemable voucher, y'.

[A]

All.

[B]

Okay, can we. Did you get your box from Sephora?

[A]

I'm not sure. I. I might. I have like 10 more boxes I need to open.

[B]

You did the holiday?

[A]

Yeah. Oh, yes, yes, yes.

[B]

Okay, so one perk of this job Is that Sephora? Listen, we try to get information from Sephora. It's under lock and key. But then they'll throw us a bone at the end of every year. And they say you pick whatever holiday assortment you want from that we have available, and we will send it to you. Yeah. This box, y', all, it's your Christmas presents. No, I. I got some for myself, babes. Yeah. I mean, I got some gifts, but the rest, I was like, you're coming home with me. Yeah, but they have all this holiday assortment, and they're so good every year. I think you know this, like, every year when we talk about holiday gift sets. Yeah. I'm like, if you are not buying one of the cologne or perfume. Yeah. Sampler gift sets from Sephora, you are missing out because you get to. You get all these little tiny deluxe samples or travel sizes, depending.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's affordable based off of what you're getting. And then you get a voucher based off of whatever's in there to go buy the full size of it.

[A]

I mean, so worth it.

[B]

It is worth every penny. Yeah, it is.

[A]

Some of those.

[B]

Some of those fragrances are more than, like, the $98 value or whatever.

[A]

And then also, it's just so smart on Sephora's part.

[B]

Oh, my God. It's so smart. They do it every year, and it's every. And I've noticed that they've started expanding, so they have different options now. Ooh, I got two of the samplers.

[A]

I love the holiday season. I love a holiday.

[B]

Talking about holiday sets.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

And then it's literally the rest of the list is just Sol de Janeiro versus Kayali. Okay. There's some Valentino. Oh, glossier in the middle.

[B]

Glossier. You. And then Valentino. Good for Valentino. Donna. Born in Roma. And then uomo. Born in Roma. Intense. And then rare beauty at the end. Okay, so that's crazy, because this was from Sept. This is from January. August through August. And rare one in July.

[A]

Yeah. Wow, that's really.

[B]

That's impressive.

[A]

Really strong.

[B]

I mean, it's rare. Like, obviously, we're still in our very sweet gourmand era. 100%. I am bummed to not see Prada Paradox on here.

[A]

You're keeping them business.

[B]

Listen, don't Paradox. Every time I get in a Uber, the driver asks me. Or actually, they will. I have a video of this. I started recording because I was like, this is crazy. Every single time. I love your perfume. Your perfume smells amazing. What is it?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And last night on the Way to shark. Some guy was like, oh, I love your perfume. What is it? Dior, Chanel. I was like, prada. Prada Paradox.

[A]

Well, if you scroll down and see top fragrances at Ulta from January through August, Prada's on there. But it is not Prada Paradox. Sorry.

[B]

Oh, what is it?

[A]

Luna Rosa Ocean. So Ulta's fragrance.

[B]

Wow. Oh, and it's a oud. A toilet.

[A]

It's a little different, which makes me wonder if the Ulta Beauty fragrance shopper is a little bit older.

[B]

So this is interesting because there's more legacy brands on this one.

[A]

So it's Sol de Janeiro at the top. Then it's ysl, Valentino, Versace, Donna Karen, Cashmere Mist Deodorant, of course. Lancome, Prada Beauty. And then Sol de Janeiro, YSL Sniff, Dior, Chanel, Lamond Gourmand, Marc Jacobs Beauty. Chloe Lancome, Gucci Beauty, Saltaire. Way to go. Iskra. And then Kylie.

[B]

Interesting.

[A]

Which, by the way, did you ever smell Cosmic? Right. They don't. Well, you never respond to the emails. Emma said she.

[B]

I'm just telling you that they're not like, do you want to try it?

[A]

No, you really have to. You're like, please, please.

[B]

And I don't like begging.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That's why I'd rather go buy it.

[A]

Right. Well, cosmic smells really good. That was the one that I got to do, like a 10 minute phone interview with Kylie about.

[B]

She know what you're talking about. So. Okay. I love this point.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

This is what I find really interesting about, like, the Sephora setup versus the Ulta setup. I feel like Ulta has a better way of showcasing their fragrances on the perimeter or in. And in the middle, there's different touch points. Yeah. Throughout the store.

[A]

In one spot.

[B]

Like if I'm at the Ulta and Frisco, it's like in the middle.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And like, you can really, like, walk through them. And then they have like a little travel section.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That's under lock and key because I think people were stealing stuff. But I find that if I need to go look for a perfume at a Sephora, it's always in the back. Yeah. It's like you got to make your way back there. You can see it if you walk in, but it's like all. You have to make your way through everything else first to get there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so it's kind of hard, especially when you may have, like, these little mini end caps with, like, Cherry OSA from Sol de Janeiro.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Where it's like, easy to be like, oh, yeah, I see this. I'm going to grab it versus having to go all the way back. And I do think the fragrance section is beautiful at Sephora, but I do think that they could be better about having more touch points for, like, their legacy brands that they have. Because I'll see like Forever Mood that's set up closer to the front or again, you know, Sol de Janeiro. But then when it comes to the Tom Fords or the Mason Margiela replicas or whatever, you really have to go back.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And be in the fragrance section, you know.

[A]

No, totally. Yeah. It's really, really interesting.

[B]

Well, this was a great story by Beauty Independent. And please do not forget to support your beauty journalism. Sites like Beauty Independent.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

They're worth every penny. Oh, my gosh, we didn't even get.

[A]

To the Amazon part.

[B]

Wait, there's an Amazon part?

[A]

Yeah, which I'm like, what? What are some of these?

[B]

Oh, oh, oh, oh, Huda. Huda's influence. And I'm not talking about Huda Katan. I'm talking about Huda from Love Island, Latafa. Okay, so, and this is crazy. So Amazon's breakdown, it says Amazon, top fragrances, Amazon year to date, Armani, Beauty, Sol de Janeiro, Fleur, Versace. Crazy that Fleur wasn't on Sephora, Rasasi, Latafa, Versace, Latafa, Salton Stone, Afnan, Nautica, Latafa, Cremo, Billy, Billy, Eilish, Versace, Victoria's Secret.

[A]

What?

[B]

Not Love Spell, sadly. Bare Vanilla, Body Mist, Latafa, All Harman, Haraman, Ariana Grande and Cupids. Are. Is this the only list that has celebrity brands on there besides rare?

[A]

Yeah, it wasn't on. It wasn't on Ultas. Oh, wait, no. Well, Kylie.

[B]

Oh, Kylie. Sorry, sorry, sorry. Yes.

[A]

So what's Latafa?

[B]

So Lattafa is very popular on TikTok Shop. And when Huda was in the villa, yeah. People were making AI videos of her saying, I wear Latafa, whatever. And it smells like Burberry her. And so they, like put together these clips that they made AI where it like looks like it sounds like a person in the villa going, oh, you smell so good, Huda. And then Huda, you can't see her face, but she's like, turn around, like pretending to do her hair or whatever. And it's like, yeah, I wear Lattafa. And so when I interviewed her, I was like, hey, there's AI videos saying that you are a specific perfume. Can you clarify and she's like, those are AI. I don't wear that perfume. I wear Burberry.

[A]

Her.

[B]

She's like. She's like, my. My fragrance routine is a whole thing. And it's not just fragrance. It's lotion. She wears a spiji lotion. And then she has different types of perfumes that she wears. She's like, but my go to more consistently than not is Burberry, Hershey.

[A]

So Lattafa maybe because they're an Arab owned fragrance brand and they're like, oh, Huda is Palestinian. We're gonna steal her as an ambassador.

[B]

I don't even know if it was Lattafa doing it. I think it was people trying to get money from TikTok shop doing it. And so then when people weren't buying from TikTok shop, maybe they were going to Amazon to find it. But Lattafa is a popular brand on TikTok, so I can see a lot of people, I bet more often than not TikTok shop, like, obviously you can shop on that platform, but I bet get a lot of people searching what they see on TikTok Shop on Amazon because you get free shipping if you have prime.

[A]

The fascinating stuff, the power.

[B]

I mean, obviously this is all speculation. We don't know like what, but we're just like putting things together that we know. Yeah, really interesting stuff. But yeah, a very different list from. For each. Yeah, yeah, totally. Way to go, Kayali. They're doing the damn thing.

[A]

And Sol de Janeiro.

[B]

Okay, so what would be on top of your list for the perfumes?

[A]

For the perfumes. Currently, yes. At this state, I have not stopped wearing L' or desperate. But I switched between that glossier. Glossier you sometimes. But the other one that you don't like. You do. I like the Dew and then my Chanel's.

[B]

Okay. Y' all know mine. Prada paradox. And then I also have been dabbling in Valentina. Born in Roma, but Prada paradox all day, everyday. Baby got the refill. I want to know what Yalls is. So tell us what's your go to?

[A]

Perfume of Zimmer and where you buy it?

[B]

Glams. If you're watching this, just know that about halfway through this episode, we're gonna be in different outfits.

[A]

Costume change.

[B]

Can I also acknowledge something else?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

If you're watching this and you're like, girl, Kirby your hair, it's on the struggle bus. I know it's saying that. I know one saying that. Fully aware.

[A]

I have gotten messages from people that are like, wow, I really Like Kirby's, that she's growing our ranks.

[B]

Wow. Well, thank you. I needed to hear that because in addition to the mental breakdown I've been having over Kirby this year, my hair has been a point of contention for me.

[A]

I get it. It's really like growing out your bangs.

[B]

Is literally the worst. Whoever can figure out this thing will be a billionaire having a bad haircut.

[A]

Or a haircut that you're like, not into your color.

[B]

That's not good.

[A]

It really, this, I mean, we all know this. If you're listening to this podcast, you know the importance of having good hair. It affects everything.

[B]

So, yeah, we, Your hair looks great. Okay.

[A]

No one's thinking that.

[B]

I really appreciate it. Glams. Some of you have been testing a product and this was a big one because it was a retinal, not a retinol, with an ol, an al. And we had asked our Slack channel, hey, if you're interested and you want to try this secret Retinol. Retinal. Retinal. There we go. Product sign up. So we had 150 people selected to test this out through Los Angeles Confidential. And it's from a brand that I don't think is very popular in the U.S. i think they're kind of making their entry into the US they're an Australian brand. It's called Esk.

[A]

It's called Esk.

[B]

It's called Esk. I've been saying Esk.

[A]

I believe you could, I mean, that, that's probably not wrong. But I think they call themselves Esk.

[B]

Okay. Esk or Evidence Skin Care.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

That's what ESK stands for.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

I'm, I'm just gonna go with ask.

[A]

Yeah, sure.

[B]

Why not?

[A]

Why not?

[B]

I, I, I, I don't know. I, I don't know. I mean, if I'm looking at the bottle, I'm looking. There's, yeah, there's no maybe it is Esk.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So my bad, my bad. So our listeners have been testing Esk's Ultimate a Gold night cream through Gloss Angeles Confidential.

[A]

Yes. So this is a cream with retinal, which I feel like makes it really special, like you said. Our listeners were the testers specifically for this were super excited to try it because this is a retinol based night cream that's aimed at visibly smoothing and brightening your skin with a focus on tolerance for sensitive and reactive skin. Because like so many of us, myself included, sometimes using products with retinol can really just make my skin angry. And then therefore, I am, like, less likely to Use a product with it. So that's why I was really excited to try this product.

[B]

And this is an Australian made, cruelty free formulated brand. Sarah and I had never had experience with them prior to this seating actually. And we were testing it alongside the Los Angeles Confidential testers.

[A]

Yeah, but we love their focus on like evidence of their. Their name is is Esque or esk is short for Evidence Skin Care. So you know, we love data, we love doctors, we love science. So.

[B]

So the formula includes 1% retinal, 5% niacinamide, 5% lactobionic acid or PHA, which is a gentle resurfacing ingredient with humectant properties. Okay, I am not even going to try to say this.

[A]

Well, I mean it's 4N butyl. Butyl resource and all that sounds right. Okay.

[B]

1.1% 4 and butyl resource and all that.

[A]

Targeting the dark spots.

[B]

Yes, it targets the dark spots and uneven tone. 1.5% hyaluronic acid. 006% ceramides and then 2% ectoin. And the whole thing about this particular retinoid formulation is that it also has these barrier supportive ingredients, which is why they say that it's great for normal combination or dry skin or for really anyone who has struggled with traditional retinoids.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So they tested the product for a month.

[A]

Yeah, I think it's a little over a month actually. Yeah, like six weeks I think.

[B]

Okay, let's go to some of the listener reviews.

[A]

Yes. So this was a from Kat K. She would describe herself as like a barrier sensitive user. She said that she usually peels like crazy with retinoids, but she's been using this product nightly and can still use actives in the morning with no barrier issues. Her skin looks brighter and more even and she's even stopped wearing foundation, which I feel like is the goal. That's like the ultimate test of a product like this is if you can stop wearing foundation.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Amazing.

[B]

Then Candace W. Says that there are improvements on her forehead, under eyes and her squint smile lines. No reaction so far. Kira W. Says that she has normal to dry eczema prone skin. And she says I applied over a healing eczema spot, no irritation and it looked better. By morning I'm glowier, skin feels bouncy and the milia on the sides of my face is gone.

[A]

Okay. So Marissa G, she's 40, she has combination dry skin and she said that she put a hydrating serum toner, this product, the moisturizer and every night. And she experienced no Dryness. So she. What she really liked about this product is that she was able to layer. I do like how light it is. Lightweight.

[B]

It is.

[A]

It really just absorbs into the skin really nicely. Like it is a lightweight night cream.

[B]

Agreed. Victoria T. Is 36. She's an experienced retinoid user. She's melasma prone and it says that she wanted something gentler than a prescription tretinoin. This is lightweight, no breakouts or dryness. And while it can't claim to treat melasma, mine looks better.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And then it's compatible with makeup. Ali B says, I use it every other night. My tone looks even, no breakouts. Next morning, skin feels great and my makeup goes on.

[A]

Well, I really like the fact that this product too is. It's just like all in one. I know so many of us are just like over and undated with so many different products, so many different steps, especially with like the toner, the serum, then, you know, the moisturizer. So what I liked about this and what I think a lot of our testers really liked was that this was just like, like all in one. You know, it has the retinal in it, but then it also has the hyaluronic acid, the ceramides, you know, the pha, all those things. And it really is, again, like they said, meant for people who have, like, sensitive or more reactive skin. So it was just, it made it. I thought it was great.

[B]

Of course, every product experience is personal. So while a majority of the comments in the Slack are people that were really excited to get to try the product and really loved their results, there were some people that did have negative reactions with their skin.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And because we're not putting people in a room and monitoring them day and night, right. On how they're actually using this product, we don't know. We don't know what type of skin they may have that could have contributed to this irritation. But for the most part, I would say 80% of the people that tried this product had minimal to absolutely no irritation at all. The other thing I will say is some people did say that they felt like the website was not indicative of how great the product is. They felt that the website looked very generic and that if they had just seen this ad somewhere online and then went to their website, they might not necessarily trust the website. So I'm glad that they were able to get their hands on this product. Actually see it, it. It looks. It's a legit product and people really were loving the results of it as well.

[A]

So ultimate A is $92 and you can purchase [e-mail] and we have a code for you.

[B]

It is.

[A]

What's the code?

[B]

Kirby SK Gloss till December 31st of this year. And thank you Esk for partnering with us on Los Angeles Confidential.

[C]

You know what's faster than your paycheck?

[B]

Literally everything.

[C]

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