Our Top 6 Beauty Tips We've Learned in 6 Years of Podcasting

Summary

Gloss Angeles: Episode Summary
Title: Our Top 6 Beauty Tips We've Learned in 6 Years of Podcasting
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
Release Date: July 8, 2025

---

Introduction and Celebrating Six Years

In this milestone episode, co-hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan celebrate six successful years of "Gloss Angeles," their beauty-focused podcast that intertwines makeup, skincare, and wellness with pop culture and entertainment. Reflecting on their journey, Kirbie shares the astonishment of their podcast running consistently for half a dozen years, a feat she attributes to their unwavering commitment:

Kirbie [01:10]: "No, no, no, no. I truly... We've kept this going."

Sara echoes this sentiment, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they've experienced together:

Sara [01:37]: "Look at us now."

The hosts express heartfelt gratitude to their long-time listeners and warmly welcome new audience members, emphasizing the community they've built over the years.

---

Top 6 Beauty Tips Learned Over Six Years

The core of the episode revolves around six pivotal beauty tips that Kirbie and Sara have gleaned from their experiences and interactions with industry experts. Each tip is enriched with insights from their diverse range of podcast guests.

1. Retinol Isn't for Everyone

   Sara kicks off the tips by addressing the complexities of retinol use in skincare:

   Sara [03:59]: "Retinol isn't for everyone. It's a powerful ingredient... if you can't tolerate it, it's okay."

   They discuss alternative ingredients like Vitamin C and reassure listeners that not every product suits everyone’s skin type. Referencing Charlotte Palomino’s insights, Sara emphasizes the importance of listening to one's skin needs:

   Sara [04:44]: "She was the one who... made the statement that retinol isn't for everyone."

2. Maintaining Eyebrow Pencil Precision

   Kirbie shares a practical application tip she learned from Jared Bailey of Benefit Cosmetics:

   Kirbie [05:14]: "When you have an eyebrow pencil, after you've been using it for a while, it gets more rounded... so you tap it on your counter to flatten it out again."

   This simple yet effective technique ensures that eyebrow pencils remain sharp, facilitating precise application every day.

3. Debunking the Reef-Safe Sunscreen Myth

   A significant portion of the discussion tackles the misconception surrounding "reef-safe" and "invisible mineral" sunscreens. Sara passionately debunks the myth, stressing that these terms are not regulated and often misleading:

   Sara [06:34]: "Reef safe sunscreen is not a thing. Be smart."

   They delve into the importance of daily sunscreen use, regardless of marketing claims, and highlight the disconnect between brand messaging and consumer usage. Kirbie adds:

   Kirbie [10:24]: "There's a complete disconnect from the consumer and how the consumer is actually... using it."

4. Navigating Advanced Skin Treatments with Caution

   The hosts caution listeners about the potential risks associated with advanced skin treatments like RF microneedling and thermage. Sharing personal experiences and expert advice, they advocate for informed decision-making:

   Kirbie [20:08]: "RF microneedling... can really affect the volume in your face... making you look gaunt."

   They emphasize the importance of understanding treatment depths and the long-term effects on skin health, suggesting a wait-and-watch approach for new technologies until they're thoroughly vetted.

5. Strategic Powdering and Setting Sprays

   Highlighting tips from guests like Melissa Herkman, Kirbie and Sara discuss the nuances of using setting sprays and powdering techniques to enhance makeup longevity without compromising skin health:

   Sara [16:32]: "You have to drench your face in setting spray in order for it to work."

   They underline the balance between effective makeup application and maintaining skin integrity.

6. Mindful Consumption and Product Selection

   Listener feedback reinforces the hosts’ emphasis on becoming informed beauty consumers. With insights from industry experts, Kirbie and Sara advocate for critical evaluation of products, avoiding gimmicks, and supporting brands that deliver on their promises:

   Christine Boothby [27:11]: "I've learned so much from the founders episodes. It's made me a smarter shopper."

---

Listener Feedback and Community Highlights

The episode transitions to spotlighting listener contributions, showcasing the podcast's impact over the years. From favorite episodes featuring industry giants like JVN Hair and Sigma Beauty to personal beauty transformations inspired by their discussions, the feedback underscores the community's engagement and growth.

• Jessica Sahugan Sahagan praises the candidness of the JVN episode and underscores the importance of having solid contracts:

  Jessica [25:01]: "A big mistake was not having something in writing."

• Lauren reminisces about the inaugural Sigma Beauty episode, appreciating the breakdown of "clean beauty" as an unregulated term:

  Lauren [26:24]: "I would never have known it wasn't a regulated term and would have fallen for the tactics."

• Cecilia Meehan highlights learning about the lymphatic system and its role in skincare from guest Jumi Song:

  Cecilia [27:11]: "Her commentary on retinol... has me looking at my skincare routine completely differently."

• Jihyun and Giselle share insights on specific product tips and episodes that resonated with their personal beauty routines, further demonstrating the podcast's role in shaping informed beauty practices.

---

Conclusion and Looking Forward

As the episode wraps up, Kirbie and Sara express their excitement for the future, hinting at upcoming guests and continued discussions that promise to deliver valuable beauty insights. They encourage listeners to stay engaged through various platforms, inviting more shared tips and experiences to enrich the "Gloss Angeles" community.

Kirbie [32:30]: "Thank you, guys. For listening for six years."
Sara [32:44]: "Yay. We're still here."

The hosts conclude with a light-hearted exchange about banana-themed products, showcasing their trademark blend of professionalism and playful camaraderie.

---

Key Takeaways:

• Personalization in Skincare: Not all products suit everyone; it's essential to listen to your skin and explore alternatives.

• Practical Beauty Hacks: Simple techniques, like maintaining eyebrow pencil sharpness, can significantly enhance makeup application.

• Critical Consumption: Stay informed about product claims, especially concerning regulated terms like "reef-safe" sunscreen.

• Cautious Advancement: Approach advanced skin treatments with thorough research and professional consultation to avoid adverse effects.

• Community Engagement: Listener feedback enhances the podcast's value, fostering a knowledgeable and supportive beauty community.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Sara [03:59]: "Retinol isn't for everyone. It's a powerful ingredient... if you can't tolerate it, it's okay."

• Kirbie [05:44]: "When you have an eyebrow pencil... tap it on your counter to flatten it out again."

• Sara [06:34]: "Reef safe sunscreen is not a thing. Be smart."

• Kirbie [20:08]: "RF microneedling... can really affect the volume in your face... making you look gaunt."

• Jessica [25:01]: "A big mistake was not having something in writing."

---

Final Thoughts

"Our Top 6 Beauty Tips We've Learned in 6 Years of Podcasting" serves as both a celebration of "Gloss Angeles" and a treasure trove of actionable beauty advice. Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan adeptly blend personal anecdotes with expert wisdom, delivering a comprehensive guide that resonates with both long-time listeners and newcomers. This episode underscores the podcast's commitment to empowering its audience with knowledge, fostering a community that values informed and mindful beauty practices.

Transcript

[Capital One Bank Guy]

Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about. In a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Ah, really? Thanks. Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Term supply. See capitalone.combank capital1.na Member FDIC.

[Kirby]

G L A M Los Angeles.

[Sarah]

Hi, Kirby.

[Kirby]

Hi, Sarah.

[Sarah]

Welcome to Los Angeles. Can you believe that we've been doing this for so long?

[Kirby]

Jesse, who helps run Melrose Podcast where we record, was like, wow, like six years. He's like, that's a long time. I'm like, yeah, it's a long time.

[Sarah]

Twice a week. Six years. And have you ever been more consistent about anything in your life?

[Kirby]

No, no, no, no. I truly. This is when I think I'm like, I'm not a consistent person. Like, no, that's false. This is. We've been. We've kept this going.

[Sarah]

This is.

[Kirby]

We've kept this going.

[Sarah]

Yes. So accountability partner in life.

[Kirby]

It's our six year anniversary. Not officially when this goes live, it's the day before, but July 9th is when we officially told the people. Or actually that's when our first episode came out. We told the people. July 2nd.

[Sarah]

Right. I remember because I was in Paris on a press trip and that was like, you know, the big announcement. And I remember like having like waking up and making sure that like our socials were like, you know, ready. It was. I like remember exactly where I was. It was a very big day.

[Kirby]

Yeah. I had just quit my job.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

The Friday before.

[Sarah]

Look at us now.

[Kirby]

And now we have a six year old. Older than Zoe.

[Sarah]

Older than Zoe.

[Kirby]

So first period now two children.

[Sarah]

Yeah, it's. How old is Quinn?

[Kirby]

She's gonna be five.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Older than Quinn.

[Kirby]

I know. Quinn was just a glimmer in some dog's eye. Some.

[Sarah]

Look at her now. Chihuahua and. Or Terror Terrier.

[Kirby]

Something. Yeah. Well, we are so grateful that everyone has stood by us. Some of you have been here from the jump and we love you for it. If you're brand new. Welcome.

[Sarah]

Yeah, welcome.

[Kirby]

Tell your friends. Leave a review.

[Sarah]

Go back in the catalog. We've got a lot. There's a lot of good stuff.

[Kirby]

There's some stuff that has remained true. There's stuff that has changed. I was an anti glossier girl.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Look at me now.

[Kirby]

Look at me now. I was so hell bent on loving Augustinus Botter don't care. Don't care.

[Sarah]

Listen, we live and we learn, and we're doing that together, all of us.

[Kirby]

Brands have sold, brands have been reacquired.

[Sarah]

People have been canceled and then uncanceled.

[Kirby]

Yeah, it's kind of a. When we get to 10 years, we'll do like a real. It'll be like a 400 episode by then.

[Sarah]

We'll have a team to help us really sift through everything.

[Kirby]

A larger team to handle all of that.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But we figured, why don't we share our top six tips that we've learned over the past six years from not only each other, but our guests that we have interviewed, three for each of us. And then we're gonna share some listener responses because we had some really good ones in the slab. Such a lot of slugs. And if you commented in the slack I was reading those, I'm like, these should be reviews for the podcast. So go to Apple and leave.

[Sarah]

Copy and paste.

[Kirby]

No, literally, just copy and paste it and leave it on Apple if you have not already. Okay, Sarah, do you want to kick things off with our top tips we've learned on Los Angeles?

[Sarah]

Okay. I'll start with something that I feel like one person really drove home, but then, like, after having other guests on the podcast, like, they really have supported this, which I think was very comforting for me, that retinol isn't for everyone.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

It's a powerful ingredient. It helps, it changes. It's really, really great if you can tolerate it, but if you can't, it's okay. It's okay.

[Kirby]

I agree.

[Sarah]

You can use vitamin C. There's so many other ingredients, other products that you can use, and you don't have to feel shame for it like I did for so long trying to make it work. It's okay. So Charlotte Palomino, I feel like, was like, she came on the pod. Did she say that when I do. You had her on when I wasn't here too, right? As a guest?

[Kirby]

I honestly can't remember. I really can't. Sorry.

[Sarah]

She was the one who, I feel like, made the statement. And then any derm we've had on has really, you know, supported that. So if you're still out there trying to make retinol happen and it's not, that's fine. That's fine for everyone.

[Kirby]

And also, just because one retinol doesn't work for you doesn't mean all of them won't.

[Sarah]

Exactly.

[Kirby]

There are some that you get over the counter that are way more tolerable. There's prescriptions that some people really like because they're compounded with other things.

[Sarah]

Exactly.

[Kirby]

Okay, that's a good one. Mine is a tip on application that I do every single day since I've learned this tip from Jared Bailey of Benefit Cosmetics. And that is when you have an eyebrow pencil, after you've been using it for a while, it gets more rounded and it's not as sharp to create those tiny hair strokes. So you turn it over and you tap it on your counter to flatten it out again.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

I do it every day.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

I don't know how I lived without this piece of advice.

[Sarah]

Totally.

[Kirby]

It is a complete game changer, and I do it every single day, and it gives me the precise little eyebrow hairs that I want with my eyebrow pencil, whether it's precisely my brow, which is what he taught us with, or even.

[Sarah]

You could use it on any brow pencil, though.

[Kirby]

Kosas Nano brow. Although you have to be super careful with that one because it's so tiny.

[Sarah]

Yeah. The Kelly Zhang brow pencil that I use, I also do that, too.

[Kirby]

Sephora collection. I have that one, Anastasia Beverly Hills, which are, like, in my rotation.

[Sarah]

So go back and listen to that episode.

[Kirby]

Such a good. That was one of our first guests.

[Sarah]

Yeah, He. It was just all about brows, and he's like the man with all the answers. I feel like I learned. Yeah, I literally learned how to do my brows because of Jared.

[Kirby]

Yeah, he's the best.

[Sarah]

I miss him.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

Okay. This is something that I feel like keeps coming up and something that I like constantly cite from our podcast is just that reef safe sunscreen and invisible mineral sunscreen is not a thing. Marketing terms matter, and you need to pay attention. Three exclamation marks. Because it doesn't matter how. It doesn't matter that we know that. It's not a regulated term. People are still using it every single day in their marketing. I get pitched all the time, re safe sunscreen. Do not fall for it. It is not true. Be smart.

[Kirby]

Yeah. It's not a real thing. And I'm actually really curious how Hawaii ended up with this whole mandate. It's above my pay grade, but everyone I have talked to has been like, there's actually bigger perpetrators than the sunscreen that are actually causing these problems with the coral reefs.

[Sarah]

Right. And then on that note, chemical sunscreen is safe. And the biggest takeaway is just to find a sunscreen that you enjoy wearing and wear it every single day, whether it's cloudy. Well, you know, you don't have to put it on that much, but, you know, just make it a habit of wearing it every single day.

[Kirby]

Yeah. I mean, I talk to people that still don't wear face sunscreen or they're just getting into face sunscreen. Growing up, I. I was never taught, and I don't think we were ever taught that there was a specific amount that we needed to wear. I think now in 2025, people are so in the weeds of, like, you have to use this much sunscreen to get the protection that you need.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But I don't think the common sunscreen consumer even knows that.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

They read on the back of a bottle that says, either apply liberally.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

And reapply every 40 minutes, two hours.

[Sarah]

After you get out of the water, after you get out of the pool.

[Kirby]

Right. So I think that ultimately we have a sunscreen problem. That's my take. I think that I see how brands market their product, then I see how. How influencers and experts judge those products. And there's a complete disconnect from the consumer and how the consumer is actually wearing sunscreen, purchasing sunscreen and using it. I see people all the time on TikTok wearing a mineral sunscreen. Black women specifically, that have a purple cast on their face because of that white cast, but they're wearing it under makeup, so they don't care.

[Sarah]

I was at a dinner and I was speaking to a makeup artist who was black, and she said, I'm not gonna say her name because I don't wanna out her. She was like, I don't have a problem with the Tower 28 sunscreen. I actually love this product and I use it every day. Just like I use the Ulta MD sunscreen that both leave a little bit of a white cast on me, but I always wear foundation over it. It's not a problem.

[Kirby]

Right. So I think that there is the messaging issue of no white cast whatsoever.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

But they're basing that based off of how much a normal person typically we. I love all of our experts. We know them. They come on this podcast. We advocate for what they suggest, because at the end of the day, you do want to get the full protection that these sunscreens are claiming. And I'm going to go out on a limb and say 95% of sunscreen purchasers are not using three fingerfuls, three fat fingerfuls. They're not using a quarter teaspoon, and they're sure as hell not reapplying. And so I think that knowing this, we need to under. Yes. Part of it is educating the consumer. I know naturium on their cap shows you exactly how much you're supposed to use, which is so smart.

[Sarah]

So smart.

[Kirby]

But until every single sunscreen brand meant for your face is doing that and really educating people that buy their product how much they need to be using. I don't know. It's like the chicken or the egg. It's like, okay, are we gonna teach them the proper way? Are we just gonna hope that they actually use the product in the minimal amount?

[Sarah]

Exactly. Cause it's like, I think in the year of 2025, I do want to believe that more people are wearing sunscreen than ever.

[Kirby]

Same. I would hope.

[Sarah]

I would hope especially like for your.

[Kirby]

Face with access to all the information we have.

[Sarah]

Exactly. But yeah, to your point, I don't think that people are wearing it the way that they should be.

[Kirby]

And like, we are in a beauty bubble.

[Sarah]

We totally are.

[Kirby]

We get online and we think because all we see all day is beauty this beauty that. Cancel this, cancel this person, whatever in the beauty community that everybody feels this way or that everybody has this information.

[Sarah]

Totally.

[Kirby]

But I have girlfriends that are very beauty savvy. Like know the top beauty products and beauty brands. They shop at Sephora's and at Ultas and they're pretty in the know, but they don't wear sunscreen.

[Sarah]

Totally. Or they drive by that billboard that says, your sunscreen is poisoning you. And then I'm getting texts about, oh my God, have I been using sunscreen? That's killing me.

[Kirby]

Yeah. No, no. Primally pure. You're on our shit list. Yeah, forever. Truly dumbest brand I've ever heard of. Primarily pure. Who the fudge wants to.

[Sarah]

They're like beef tallow. Yeah. Yeah, probably.

[Kirby]

No, it is.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Okay.

[Kirby]

That's like their whole mo. It's like, oh, it's the beef tallow.

[Sarah]

Sounds like. Yeah, okay, sorry.

[Kirby]

It's like the whole thing with them is like beef tallow. I just do not understand. Anyways, when it comes to sunscreen, I don't like fear mongering. So I love that. I don't love just straight up marketing mumbo jumbo. So love that tip. But I also do think we need to figure out, like, how are we realistically talking about sunscreen?

[Sarah]

Uh huh. Uh huh. I 100% agree.

[Kirby]

This is another tip that changed my life when Sophie Favet was our guest. Go listen to her episode. I loved listening to her. She comes to Columbus, Ohio from the UK to work at Abercrombie.

[Sarah]

You're just like, she's such a legend. By the way, her. I know everyone's talking about the Rhode Glazing Face Mist. Her new face mist is so good. Have you tried it?

[Kirby]

Yeah, it's cooling.

[Sarah]

It feels so, so good.

[Kirby]

It's so great. I love all her products, and she really helped put mandelic acid on the map for me. She's known as the Acne Whisperer, so people come to see her to get their skin in great shape. And one thing that she said on the podcast was that when she has somebody come in and they're experiencing breakouts, she asks them a bunch of questions, including, do you drink oat milk?

[Sarah]

Oh, my God, yes.

[Kirby]

And do you eat or drink greens powders? Do you have, like, spirulina in your diet?

[Sarah]

And so are you an Ag one, girly?

[Kirby]

Yes. And she was just like, oat milk has. What is it? Oh, it's like, seed oils.

[Sarah]

Ooh, yes, yes, yes.

[Kirby]

It's a big conversation between, like, cosmetic chemists, people being like, seed oils aren't bad for you. But I think, like, in the aspect of, like, nutrition. But, like, when it comes to beauty stuff, she's like, you know, it's like hydrogenated seed oil.

[Sarah]

It's extremely processed, heavily processed.

[Kirby]

And literally all I was drinking for, like, years was oat milk. I knew, and I was getting these insanely deep, giant cystic pimples, like, all the time. I could not get rid of them. I just figured it was a part of, you know, my cycle and just dealing with it. But it also, like, was happening not on my cycle. And so she was like, cut out oat milk. And then she also mentioned, like, the greens powders, like, because spirulina is an algae. And, like, ingesting it, you know, put it on. On your face, whatever. But, like, ingesting it can cause these issues, and it'll clear things up. I had already cut out oat milk at that point. Cause I was just like, yeah, I need to see what's going on. And then I'm like, oh, my God, you're so. I think that's why my skin is. And then when she mentioned the algae thing, you could not. It's like a biotin for me. If something has biotin in it, I will not take it. If something has spirulina or any of those greens in it, I will not. Sorry, AG1, I will not take it. I just absolutely refuse. Because I really did see the effects of cutting out oat milk on my skin.

[Sarah]

Totally.

[Kirby]

I have not had a deep cystic pimple in God knows how long.

[Sarah]

But also, like, wasn't your fault because it was. Oat milk was everywhere. It was like. It was the new almond milk, and it was in every latte and some places that was literally the only milk option. Milk, quote unquote. So, I mean, don't blame yourself.

[Kirby]

Yeah. But you know what? So I recently posted, like, hey, one of the best tips I ever learned was from Sophie Pavitt about removing these two things. I had so many people write me and go girl. When I listened to that episode, I also stopped and it completely changed my skin. My friend Vanessa wrote me and was like, wait, hold on. Like, this could be a game changer for me because, like, I can't figure out where these cystic pimples are coming from. Yeah, it is. If you are dealing with skin issues and you can't really pinpoint what's going on, but you are, like, getting that oat milk latte or you're drinking an ag one before you go to the gym. Just cut them both out and see what happens.

[Sarah]

You guys, this is not sponsored by Big Milk or Big cow, but, like.

[Kirby]

Whole milk is my jam. Whole milk is my jam.

[Sarah]

Whole milk and specific. I told you this already. Fair life. Because the sugar content is way lower, so.

[Kirby]

Really?

[Sarah]

Mm. It's like. I think it's like 7 grams versus, like, 11 grams if that's something you care about, which the sugar obviously also affects skin. So anyways, cut the oat milk.

[Kirby]

Cut it.

[Sarah]

Cut it out, cut it out.

[Kirby]

There we go. There we go. Source. So dumb. Okay, what's your last?

[Sarah]

We have our gen zers who are like, what the hell?

[Kirby]

They're like, what the hell is that? Okay, what is your last one?

[Sarah]

Okay, my last one. I'm changing it because, um, I'm changing it. Okay, but you have to help me remember who said it.

[Kirby]

Okay. Okay. Okay.

[Sarah]

Well, we'll.

[Kirby]

Let's see if any of y' all remember.

[Sarah]

I think it was Melissa Herkman, but correct me if I'm wrong, I used to not be a setting spray person.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

But I learned that one not all setting sprays are created equal. I do love the one size one. Even though I can't breathe when I wear it, I have to, like, hold my breath. But two, I wasn't applying enough. You have to drench your face in setting spray in order for it to work. And I know that feels wrong because you're like, oh, my God, I'm getting all of my makeup wet. But that is the only way for it to then dry down and set your face. I feel like it was Melissa.

[Kirby]

That's a good one. I don't remember if she said that the. I was actually going to include a Melissa Herkman.

[Sarah]

A strategic powdering.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Okay. I was going to mention that.

[Kirby]

I was going to say strategic powdering, but then I was like, that's a good one. No, but honorable mention.

[Sarah]

It's one of those things where it's like, stating the obvious. Like, we think that everyone knows, but people don't know.

[Kirby]

Right.

[Sarah]

You have to be strategic about your powdering strategically.

[Kirby]

Powder. Per Melissa Herkman, drench your face with the setting spray and drench your hair with color. Wow. Dream coat, per Chris Appleton. Yes.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

And color.

[Sarah]

Wow. Color. Wow.

[Kirby]

Did you see that?

[Sarah]

He's, like, really fighting to do Britney's hair.

[Kirby]

Okay, I need to actually talk about.

[Sarah]

This because I also was gonna send it to Claire. Cause I think Clayton should be the one who does Britney's hair.

[Kirby]

Nobody is going to touch Britney's hair. She doesn't want you to. I love Clayton Hawkins dearly. Made me a Britney Spears wig. Okay. I would love.

[Sarah]

Do you think he'd be the right one, though, or. Who would be your pick?

[Kirby]

I'm just gonna put this out there. I don't want anybody bothering Britney Spears. And I don't want Britney Spears tarnishing the name of my friends who do great hair because. And I say this lovingly, Britney does not want her hair touched. She had been touched her ent childhood and most of her adult life being told what to do. Being told what her image is. Let her be a fairy. Let her be a fairy. Like, I love Chris, but I literally commented on TikTok. Britney does not want her hair touched. And honestly, talking about making content around giving Britney a makeover is giving, not hater. But I'm like, this is, like, embarrassing for her.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

Like, you said she wouldn't do. You think you're doing a nice thing, but then the whole time you're talking about how she needs a makeover.

[Sarah]

Right. I feel like he did it in a kind way, though.

[Kirby]

I'm not saying he did it with malicious intent.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But I'm just saying the actual.

[Sarah]

That's not the way to go about it.

[Kirby]

Right. If you really want to do Britney's hair.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

You reach out to her team personally.

[Sarah]

Totally.

[Kirby]

But, like, can you imagine her sitting in a chair and Chris Appleton being like, okay, guys, I'm here with Britney Spears.

[Sarah]

We're going to do her.

[Kirby]

And it's just like, she's not going to do it.

[Sarah]

No, she won't.

[Kirby]

She's not going to do it. She had some amazing people working on her hair for her wedding and for a variety of other things, and we kind of saw how that went. So she clearly does not want people touching her hair. She goes and gets it colored. She does her own thing. Not to beat a dead horse, but leave Britney alone. We do not need Britney's hair. Britney just needs to focus on doing whatever the hell she wants and not.

[Sarah]

Stamping her in piece for protecting her piece.

[Kirby]

Love Chris and Clayton dearly. But Clayton's also not campaigning, right?

[Sarah]

He's not Britney's hair.

[Kirby]

Of course not, but he would be the perfect one.

[Sarah]

I'm. I think so.

[Kirby]

Like, his. His looks on Addison. I'm like, it's giving baby Britney.

[Sarah]

It's giving baby 100%.

[Kirby]

It makes me so happy. And that's what he should be doing.

[Sarah]

She's just so cute.

[Kirby]

I'm obsessed.

[Sarah]

Cute as a button.

[Kirby]

Love.

[Sarah]

Okay, okay, so now we. Let's get into our listeners.

[Kirby]

No, I have my last one.

[Sarah]

Oh, sorry, I forgot you.

[Kirby]

I have my last one, and this one's going to be really simple. When Dr. Karam was on the podcast, he talked.

[Sarah]

Dr. Karam.

[Kirby]

I can't do that. No, whatever. Love Dr. Karam. Dr. Karam's an incredible plastic surgeon and he specializes in facelifts. You guys loved him when he was on the pod and he talked about things that he would never do. One of the things that he brought up was RF microneedling. And I had gotten RF microneedling before, and I didn't realize, and this was several years ago, but how deep the radio frequency goes can really affect the volume in your face. Like, you might be doing it because you're trying to get more of like a lifted, firmer look. But then because it's going too deep, it is completely destroying the fat deposits in your face, which then make you look gaunt. It can create jowls and all these other things. And he just said that there's. Now there's new technology out there where you can see how deep it goes. But at the time, it was just like going, ham.

[Sarah]

Going in. Yeah.

[Kirby]

And so ever since then, I have been super, super careful about anything that has radio frequency. It's like, I'll. I love micro needling and I think it's great, but like, I am not willing to risk it doing it with radio frequency.

[Sarah]

Yeah, that's really a good one. I feel like too, ever since we had Jumi on. Jumi Song on. I've just also been really, really more careful about the different treatment offerings that are being given to us.

[Kirby]

Yep. Because.

[Sarah]

Cause I'm like, if it like what she said, which, you know, obviously, to each their own. And there are some really incredible treatments that are more invasive. But she was like, if your skin is, like, unhappy and freaking out when you are doing something, that's probably a bad sign.

[Kirby]

Even when I see people that go to Korea and they get the Rejuran. Yeah, the rejuran. Those little balls in their face, I'm just like, that does not look.

[Sarah]

And the pain that you are enduring for that, to me is not. I'm like, I. I'm out.

[Kirby]

And I think maybe one of our friends posted about getting it done.

[Sarah]

Michelle Lee just did it.

[Kirby]

Okay. Okay. Respectfully, I did not see a difference.

[Sarah]

Yeah, Like, I mean, her skin was already amazing.

[Kirby]

She literally has beautiful skin.

[Sarah]

But, yeah, I asked her and she was like, honestly, it was so painful. And I was like, that's all you needed to say?

[Kirby]

Yeah. I. I'm not willing. Like, thermage, by the way, will never do thermage again. Like, we'll never.

[Sarah]

That was too much.

[Kirby]

Thermage is crazy.

[Sarah]

I don't know how people drink, like, traumatize your skin. I just don't, like. I just don't think that that's good.

[Kirby]

The only thing I'm really interest, Ultherapy, because I have seen before and afters of women over six months getting ultherapy. And there's a different one. There's. I'm blanking on the name, but they. The before and afters are crazy in terms of, like, the lift and. And the firmness of the skin. And that's something like, I'm personally interested in. And so I have been really, like, the past several months, like, looking into it.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But we get emails all the time being like, come try this treatment. Come try this treatment. And I really have kind of stepped back from, like, being open to trying for the first time, like, through a machine.

[Sarah]

Let's wait. Let's wait a year or two.

[Kirby]

Exactly. I feel like when I was younger, I was like, I need to do this to, like, know what it is.

[Sarah]

Totally.

[Kirby]

And now I'm kind of just like, call me in a year.

[Sarah]

Same.

[Kirby]

We'll see how it goes.

[Sarah]

That's how I feel.

[Kirby]

Someone else be the guinea pig.

[Sarah]

Right? That's.

[Kirby]

I've been the guinea pig before.

[Sarah]

You have you literally.

[Kirby]

Literally, like, you built your career on.

[Sarah]

Being a guinea pig.

[Kirby]

I Think I'm good.

[Sarah]

That's how I feel about the new, like, LED eyelash extensions that people are getting.

[Kirby]

Oh, my gosh. No. I'm literally like, no.

[Sarah]

I'm like, I don't think. Think it's good to have led, like, so close to your eyeballs.

[Kirby]

Right.

[Sarah]

Like, even when we get, like, you know, red light therapy during a facial, like, we have to wear those little, you know, sun, like, when you get. When you tan, but you shouldn't tan when. Wear the goggles. You know what I mean?

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

I'm like, hello. Like, why are you putting your led? Which we. I feel bad. We're like, Michelle. Michelle Lee did that as well, but.

[Kirby]

So did, like, Vanessa Lee.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Like, it's like the next new wave. And, like, I am obviously, like, eyelash extension queen. But I was talking to Lou Lash lady about, and she was like, I'm not going to do that until it's, like, FDA approved. And they say, like, this is not affecting your eyeballs.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

But I will say one thing. Michelle did say she was like, the lasers. She really, really saw a difference with the lasers. And that's something that I'm like, like, I want to go see Vanessa for a pico laser. I feel like that seems like more.

[Kirby]

I'm okay with the laser.

[Sarah]

I'm okay with the laser. But anything that's like a needle or, you know, that's going deep and really traumatizing our skin, like, I just. I'm not. I don't want to do it. Yeah, we already do so much.

[Kirby]

Yeah. I'm like, I think I'm good. Like, I would rather, like, talk to Dr. Karam and be like, give me a platismplasty in five years or whatever.

[Sarah]

You know what I mean?

[Kirby]

Like, yeah, just one fell swoop. Everything's done. Okay, so those are our top tips. Then we have listeners that chimed in. Do you want to pull these up?

[Sarah]

Yeah. Okay. We got so many good ones. Okay. So the first one is from Jessica Sahugan Sahagan. I'm so sorry if I'm mispronouncing your last name. She says, my favorite episode was the JVN episode. I was surprised that as a big name, he wasn't getting his payments on time. A big mistake was not having something in writing. This episode made me. Made him seem down to earth. I appreciate him sharing so much in that episode. After listening to him, I've become a bigger fan of his. Totally. I think that was, like, such a shocker.

[Kirby]

That was a great episode. We were Thrilled.

[Sarah]

Which is one of Kirby's biggest tips, is to have a good lawyer.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Truly reading those contracts making. Although, you know, JVN read the contracts and I think was led to believe that it was a good partnership. But yeah.

[Kirby]

Yeah. And I love that JVN was open about the fact that they aren't a Kardashian and don't have Kardashian money to be able to turn things around in the way that, you know, they wanted to.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

But now I think things are good.

[Sarah]

Totally. I feel like it's turned around. The brand's doing amazing. And, you know, we've done Los Angeles Confidential with them, and I feel like so many people are like, oh, my God, I didn't realize JVN hair was such an amazing hair brand. So.

[Kirby]

Yeah, people. People love it.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Okay. We have Lauren that says, honestly, the episode that still to this day stands out to me is the episode with Sigma Beauty. This was like year one.

[Sarah]

Lauren, you're an OG.

[Kirby]

Wow. You are an OG. I am impressed. I remember you all discuss the 4D HD Kabuki brush, and to this day, it's still my favorite concealer under eye powder brush. I am also forever grateful for Yalls insight on the term quote unquote clean beauty. I love that she put it in quotes. I would never have known it wasn't a regulated term and would have fallen for the tactics girl.

[Sarah]

Same, same. I love that. Okay. Christine Boothby. I've always enjoyed the experts like Dr. Karam and Dr. Apa, founders like Charlotte Palermino, Beck and Ava and the true beauty insider discussions on things like formulations, Ron Robinson and Javon Ford and trademark usage rights. Nerd alert. I've learned so much and it's made me a smarter shopper as well as discover smaller brands that have amazing products that actually work and walk the walk. Thanks, Gloss Angeles.

[Kirby]

That's very sweet. Thank you. Jesse Clayton says a tip that stands out. Powdering my lashes before mascara. Genius. Yes. It helps to eliminate clumping, which is. I love that you learned that. So many awesome product recommendations. Suede serum. Yes. I do love that one. The G Beauty prime skin, which is awesome and I still use it. The Graftobian yellow powder.

[Sarah]

Yes. You and Janet.

[Kirby]

Janet. Janet influenced Jesse on that one. Love it.

[Sarah]

Okay. Janelle Waldrop. I feel like listening has made me a more informed beauty shopper. I don't waste my money on gimmick products anymore and have learned so much from the founders episodes.

[Kirby]

Oh, yay.

[Sarah]

Thank you. That is literally like. That is one of the main reasons why we started this podcast. So I'm just so happy to hear that six years later it is still a big takeaway.

[Kirby]

Okay. Mallory Gendron says I am terrible at not only retaining but regurgitating info, but whenever people say oh yes, you need reef safe sunscreen, I always reply with that's not even regulated or proven. I don't know the details, but I heard it on my beauty podcast.

[Sarah]

Great.

[Kirby]

Just send them the link to our episode and we can help you.

[Sarah]

I love that so much. Okay jihyun, no apologies if I'm pronouncing her name wrong, not wiggling your tubing mascara.

[Kirby]

That is such a good tip from Elise Renoux Renau.

[Sarah]

Yeah, Renaud, that was such a good one.

[Kirby]

Okay. Giselle says I loved the Chris Appleton color wow episode learning how he did JLo's iconic bombshell hair. Okay. Joanna says, you gals are so great at picking guests with great personalities, it's hard to narrow down a fav. Thank you. Because literally that is probably the hardest part of our job is making sure that the person coming on actually knows what they're talking about and has the personality to be able to describe what they are talking about. She says. I loved episodes with industry experts, founders, OG beauty people like Charlotte Palermino, Mark Townsend. I can listen to him for hours. Daniel Martin, Rose Siard, Javon Ford, which we're going to have Javon in studio soon, which we're really excited about. Also, the best thing I've learned from Los Angeles is how to think critically about products before buying. I've become conscious about my consumption and have had so much less buyer's remorse. The GA Slack Channels with my fellow glams is the best resource for honest product reviews. Love that.

[Sarah]

Amazing. Okay, Cecilia Meehan. My absolute favorite guest was Jumi Song. I loved her and her energy and more importantly, I learned so much about skin and the lymphatic system. The Japanese practice that estheticians follow compared to Western practices was fascinating and made me much more intentional with my own personal routine as well as what I look for in my estheticians. Her commentary on retinol, on cleansing, on facial massages had me looking at my skincare routine completely differently. Cecilia also says she does the exercises that Juhi showed near the end of the episode frequently and have added more and really like the results. Oh, I love that.

[Kirby]

Oh, that's great.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Okay. Sarah Steinfeld says favorite EP was with Sean Neff. What a cool guy. Super engaging speaker. I had no idea he was behind my favorite beanies I also really enjoyed the episode with the creator of Alpine Beauty, Kendra, as well as K18 souven. I have loved following the journey of both of you through the podcast and online. I've been following Kirby since her popsugar days. I am very picky with podcasts. I get bored but listen to Los Angeles every week. Thank you, Sarah, for listening.

[Sarah]

She's followed you since your guinea pig days.

[Kirby]

My guinea pig days? Yes.

[Sarah]

Okay, last we have Samantha Siegler. She said I began listening to in February 2020. Wow. Thank you. Samantha loved being introduced to Dr. Samilitis and became instantly addicted to following Bettina Goldstein. We need to have Bettina in the studio again. Trixie Mattel and the Lipstick lesbians are absolutely guest faves. Data Girl and Wife are all time favorite segments. The best tips I've picked up are the strategic powdering from Melissa Herkman and applying a tubing mas straight without wiggling from Elise Renau via Danielle Chinchilla. Bonus shout out to going bananas for all things bananas. What is when I text you, I said. I said guava girl. Summer. Banana girl year.

[Kirby]

Banana girl year. Last year was Pipsqueak girl year.

[Sarah]

Now it's gonna be banana.

[Kirby]

I'm telling you, banana is it. And we keep getting emails and I'm like, just screenshotting it and sending it to Sarah. I'm like, banana. It's banana, baby.

[Sarah]

Banana pudding. Banana flavored. This banana Y.

[Kirby]

If you like newsletters, subscribe to mine because I'm going to be doing a banana breakdown of all my favorite banana products because it's very important to me.

[Sarah]

I want to say it's sponsored by Chiquita Banana.

[Kirby]

No, literally, Chiquita.

[Sarah]

Where are you?

[Kirby]

Babes? Get over here.

[Sarah]

You should be the Chiquita Banana lady.

[Kirby]

For Chiquita Banana for Halloween. Well, is that, like, appropriation? I don't really want to, you know.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Okay. I'm scared.

[Kirby]

No, I am always here. I just don't want to just be a banana. I'll just be a banana.

[Sarah]

Banana. That's peanut butter Jelly dog.

[Kirby]

The children don't know what we're talking about. Oh, my God.

[Sarah]

Again?

[Kirby]

Okay, amazing. So that's. I guess that's it.

[Sarah]

I feel like I want to hear more, so please share more tips you've learned for us. We just did this on Slack, so I want to hear from, like, our Instagram family, Facebook everywhere. Tell us what you've learned from us or our guests. Lessons, things you've bought, all the things we want to know.

[Kirby]

Awesome. And thank you, guys. For listening for six years.

[Sarah]

Yay. We're still here.

[Capital One Bank Guy]

Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Ah, really? Thanks. Capital One Bank Guy. What's in your wallet? Term supply. See capitalone.com bank capital1na member FDIC.