Rhode Against the World, Olive Young Comes to LA, and RIP P50?

Summary

Gloss Angeles Podcast Episode Summary
Episode: Rhode Against the World, Olive Young Comes to LA, and RIP P50?
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan

In this vibrant episode of Gloss Angeles, co-hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan dive deep into the latest happenings in the beauty, pop culture, and entertainment spheres. From Super Bowl marketing strategies to significant shifts in the beauty retail landscape, Kirbie and Sara provide insightful commentary and lively discussions that keep listeners engaged and informed.

---

1. Super Bowl Commercials and Campaign Dynamics

Timestamp: 00:34 – 05:24

The episode kicks off with the hosts dissecting the Super Bowl commercial landscape of 2025. Unlike previous years, there's a noticeable absence of beauty brands taking center stage. Kirbie remarks, “I don’t feel like I’m hearing much about the Super Bowl this year” (00:59), highlighting a shift towards more gender-neutral advertising strategies.

Key Points:

• Cedar Fill’s Approach: Kirbie notes Cedar Fill's focus on football-themed, genderless campaigns rather than targeting women specifically (01:18).
• Cetaphil/Cerave Shifts: The conversation shifts to Cetaphil's latest campaign featuring Charli D’Amelio and Anthony Davis (01:25). Sara humorously critiques Anthony Davis's participation, imagining him begrudgingly promoting the Sarah V Campaign while dealing with his NBA trade to the Dallas Mavericks (02:06).

Notable Quote:

• Kirbie on Anthony Davis: “This poor guy just had to pick up my life and move to Dallas.” (02:17)

2. Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake: The Defamation Drama

Timestamp: 05:24 – 07:00

A heated discussion ensues حول التشهير الذي يقوله كندريك لامار عن دريك، مما قد يؤدي إلى دعوى قضائية ضد Universal Music Group (05:50). Both hosts express their opinions on the potential fallout and its impact on Drake’s career.

Key Points:

• Defamation Concerns: Kirbie speculates, “Could Kendrick get sued for defamation by calling Drake a pedophile on national television?” (05:50), while Sara supports the notion that Drake's legal team is prepared to respond (06:10).
• Impact on Careers: They discuss Drake’s current career slump and how this incident might affect his trajectory, with Kirbie asserting, “If you are calling someone a pedophile, that is defamation if they're not a pedophile.” (06:36).

Notable Quote:

• Sara on Drake’s Response: “He has so many fans. I really enjoy Drake's music. So, like, just take a step back, just enjoy your riches.” (07:00)

3. Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl Fashion Expectations

Timestamp: 07:00 – 09:28

The hosts shift focus to Taylor Swift's anticipated Super Bowl halftime show outfit. Kirbie expresses her desire for Taylor to "slay," reflecting on past mixed reviews of Taylor’s fashion choices.

Key Points:

• Fashion Critique: Kirbie shares her admiration for Taylor's Grammys look but criticizes her inconsistent style, stating, “Sometimes when I see paparazzi photos to her, like, this could be good.” (08:15).
• Hope for Improvement: Both hosts express hope that Taylor will deliver a standout outfit, with Sara noting, “Whatever she does wear ends up selling out.” (08:24).

Notable Quote:

• Kirbie on Taylor’s Style Evolution: “I need her to truly hire Pat McGrath to do her makeup.” (08:34)

4. Rhode’s Lip Products and Sephora Partnership

Timestamp: 09:28 – 21:56

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Hailey Bieber's beauty brand, Rhode, and its burgeoning relationship with Sephora. Kirbie and Sara analyze Rhode’s innovative lip products and the strategic move to partner with a major retailer like Sephora.

Key Points:

• Product Innovations: The hosts delve into Rhode's peptide lip products, addressing consumer criticisms about their creamy texture and lack of visibility compared to traditional lip liners (09:48). Kirbie defends the product's design, explaining, “It's supposed to be a little messy,” and Sara adds, “All of the shades are very neutral and natural lip color.” (10:19, 10:27).
• Sephora Collaboration: They reveal that Rhode is set to be stocked in Sephora stores, a move expected to amplify Rhode’s market presence and challenge existing beauty brands (15:07). Kirbie shares insights from Rachel Strugatz’s report in Puck, emphasizing Rhode’s impressive DTC success and the strategic benefits of partnering with Sephora (13:31).
• Market Implications: The discussion touches on potential tensions with Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty, another popular brand at Sephora, and the broader implications for the beauty retail market (18:16). Both hosts advocate for coexistence rather than pitting brands against each other, emphasizing the need for diversity in beauty offerings (19:16).

Notable Quotes:

• Kirbie on Rhode’s Sephora Launch: “This is not a rumor, this is something that's actually happening.” (15:24)
• Sara on Brand Coexistence: “They both have their own empires. … They are allowed to coexist in the world as successful women.” (18:38)

5. Olive Young’s Expansion to Los Angeles

Timestamp: 21:56 – 25:29

Kirbie and Sara express excitement over the arrival of Olive Young, Korea's leading beauty retailer, in Los Angeles. They discuss the potential impact on the U.S. beauty market and the accessibility of K-beauty products for American consumers.

Key Points:

• Market Entry: Olive Young’s decision to open in LA is celebrated, with Sara highlighting the significant Korean immigrant population in the area as a strategic choice (23:36).
• Retail Experience: The hosts anticipate a revamped U.S. version of Olive Young stores, featuring enhanced user experiences, versatile payment options, and interactive product displays (25:29).
• Product Accessibility: They discuss the limitations due to U.S. regulations, such as the unavailability of certain products like sunscreens, but remain optimistic about the influx of popular K-beauty items like eyelid tape and cushion compacts (24:44).

Notable Quote:

• Sara on Olive Young’s US Strategy: “They are going to refine the user experience, payment options and product information display for U.S. consumers.” (25:29)

6. Clarifying the RIP P50 Rumors

Timestamp: 25:29 – 29:28

The conversation addresses misleading headlines about the discontinuation of Biologique Recherche’s P50 toners. The hosts clarify that only the P50 1970 version is being retired, dispelling widespread misinformation.

Key Points:

• Misreported Discontinuation: Kirbie clarifies that the original P50 1970 toner is being phased out due to regulatory changes, not the entire P50 line (25:58).
• Community Reaction: They discuss the strong fan base and emotional response from loyal consumers, including endorsements from beauty experts like Caroline Hirons (27:05).
• Regulatory Factors: The discontinuation is attributed to evolving FDA regulations regarding phenol concentrations, which were previously restricted in Europe (28:16).

Notable Quotes:

• Kirbie on the Misunderstanding: “It’s the P50 1970 version being discontinued.” (26:57)
• Caroline Hirons on the Change: “As with anything that is discontinued, it's sad, but it should be seen as progress.” (27:13)

---

Conclusion and Upcoming Content

Timestamp: 29:28 – End

Wrapping up the episode, Kirbie and Sara tease the upcoming Friday episode focused on Valentine's Day self-care, promising a soothing and special guest to enhance listeners' holiday preparations.

Final Note:

• Sara on Future Content: “We will see you on Friday for a little Valentine's Day self-care episode with a very soothing guest.” (29:28)

---

Overall Insights: Kirbie and Sara expertly navigate through a variety of topics, providing a blend of humor, critique, and informed opinions. Their discussions not only highlight current trends and controversies but also offer listeners valuable perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving beauty and entertainment industries.

Engaging Elements:

• Balanced Dialogue: The hosts maintain a dynamic and conversational tone, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.
• Relevant Commentary: By addressing both high-profile news and niche product details, they cater to a broad audience interested in beauty and pop culture.
• Clear Structure: Organized sections with timestamped highlights allow listeners to easily follow and revisit specific discussions.

This episode of Gloss Angeles is a must-listen for anyone keen on staying updated with beauty trends, celebrity endorsements, and the intricate dynamics of the beauty retail market.

Transcript

[Verizon Ad]

There are some things you wouldn't mind being stuck with, like a large unexpected inheritance. An always on the verge of death phone that has to be plugged in just right so it charges is not one of those things. Switch to Verizon and we'll pay off your old phone up to $800 via prepaid MasterCard so you can get a new one. Just trade in any phone from our top brands on any unlimited plan with new line on my plan. Additional terms, apply for trade in and pay off your phone offer. See verizon.com for details.

[Kirby]

G L A M Los Angeles.

[Sarah]

Hi, Kirby.

[Kirby]

Hi, Sarah. Welcome to Los Angeles.

[Sarah]

We made it to another day in 2025.

[Kirby]

Sarah did kick this off acting like it was not the first, like the second week of February.

[Sarah]

No, I really don't know what day it is.

[Kirby]

I mean, I don't either. Also, the fact that the super bowl, by the time this has. This will run has come and gone crazy. I don't feel like I'm hearing much about the super bowl this year. I know. I know.

[Sarah]

Because we're doing. Not in a commercial.

[Kirby]

I know. We don't care because we are not super bowl stars. Nicks is doing something with Brittney Broski. I saw. I saw the cedar fill spot with Wheezy.

[Sarah]

Yep.

[Kirby]

And I think that cedar fill. The way they've been going about the super bowl is not so much focusing on women.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

It's more of genderless. They really are catering to, like, the football thing.

[Sarah]

And then with Cetaphil, I, you know, excuse me. I don't know if it's Cetaphil or Cerave. Cerave was with Michael Cera. Yes, Michael Cera. But this. This year, it was with one of the D'Amelio sisters.

[Kirby]

So this year they're doing the D'Amelio.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

It's the Charli D'Amelio.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

And someone else.

[Sarah]

Okay. And then I saw Anthony Davis walking into the arena carrying.

[Kirby]

Oh, yes, that's the other person. Anthony Davis.

[Sarah]

Oh, Anthony Davis.

[Kirby]

It's Anthony Davis. I don't know. I'm sorry.

[Sarah]

Which is so sad because the state of NBA and Anthony Davis's career, which, like, for those who don't know, he was traded to. To Dallas Mavericks.

[Kirby]

That's that guy.

[Sarah]

Yes. This is Anthony Davis. So imagine being Anthony Davis and being like, f I have to do this Sarah V Campaign. And he's probably really sad and he's walking into the arena with this giant. I don't even know what it is. It's like a box of stranded Sarah V. Yeah. Cause, you know, usually when the basketball players come through the tunnel, they have their, like, Louis Vuitton bag or, you know, you know, they're flexing their style, but he's carrying this giant Sarah V thing.

[Kirby]

I'm not. I don't know much about the Sarah V Campaign this year, obviously. I did the Michael Cera campaign last year. They did reach out to me again, and then they said they were going in a different direction. And then I've been seeing some things, like the Charlie and then Anthony.

[Sarah]

I'm gonna show you.

[Kirby]

I saw them do something a couple weeks ago with some influencers that they were promoting. So I'm not really sure what the big thing is gonna be this year, because last year they didn't. This poor guy. He's like, this poor.

[Sarah]

Just cut me my check and leave me alone. That's what I'm. I'm like, okay. It's a. Okay. Yeah. It's like a cooler.

[Kirby]

This poor guy.

[Sarah]

This, like, poor guy just had to pick up my life and move to Dallas.

[Kirby]

So he got. Okay, so he got traded to Dallas. And then Dirk is coming to Lakers.

[Sarah]

No, Luka, Luke is retired, not Dirk.

[Kirby]

Wow. Sorry. Sorry, sorry. Wrong. Wrong guy.

[Sarah]

Both Texas and D.C. no, no.

[Kirby]

I should know this because there is a song about Luca called Hallelukah.

[Sarah]

Yes. Yes.

[Kirby]

Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes. Patrick's former colleague wrote that song. And his former colleague performed that song. And then they, like, flew. Dallas. Flew them. The Mavericks. Flew them to Dallas to perform that song.

[Sarah]

Oh, my God. They're gonna have to perform it in la. But, like, look at Anthony.

[Kirby]

He's just like, this my life fucking guy.

[Sarah]

But maybe not, because maybe the check is fat.

[Kirby]

Listen, he's like, I got traded, but I'm still gonna get the bag.

[Sarah]

Yeah. So congrats. Good for you.

[Kirby]

But, yeah, I haven't really seen much else or heard much else. I know that Elf. Elf is not activating at the super bowl this year. Right. They're doing the Puppy Bowl.

[Sarah]

They are doing the Puppy bowl, which is so cute.

[Kirby]

So cute.

[Sarah]

Is the Meghan Trainor campaign going to be airing as a commercial?

[Kirby]

I do not know.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

I haven't really heard. I feel like it's been kind of mum's the word in terms of integrations of the super bowl now.

[Sarah]

Well, there's Dove. Dove will have their.

[Kirby]

Dove will have theirs. But Dove always activates at the Super Bowl.

[Sarah]

Right? Right. And it's not ever, like, beauty.

[Kirby]

Beauty.

[Sarah]

A big, like, Celebrity pull.

[Kirby]

It's always tied to a sport.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Or some type of sports theme.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Yeah. I'm interested mostly in the halftime show. Seeing Kendrick and then Sza. We will see her beauty there. And then whoever else he decides to.

[Kirby]

SZA confirmed. Yes. Right. Okay. They did that commercial.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

So there was a rumor that potentially either Bob Dylan or Timothee Chalamet is going to perform with Kendrick. Because there is a song that both Bob Dylan and Kendrick sample from another artist. The artist's name escapes me. I heard this this morning really quickly. And then Timothy Shell did this Apple commercial promoting it.

[Sarah]

Okay. And I was so confused what that was about. Cause I was like, what is the tie?

[Kirby]

No, I was also confused, but I'm like, he really is gunning actor at the Oscars. So maybe this is like Smith.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But then someone on TikTok did this whole thing being like, is Timothy gonna perform as Bob Dylan on this song? We will know by the time this comes out. Obviously, we will not be able to, like, come back and be like, that's what happened.

[Sarah]

Interesting.

[Kirby]

But that would be wild. I can't see them doing that. The other headline around Kendrick I saw was, can he call Drake a pedophile on national TV?

[Sarah]

Yeah. Because I was listening to NPR this morning, and they were like, there's like, three, 30 words that in just that song. Not like us. That is like, profanity or like, pedophile.

[Kirby]

Is pedophile considered a profanity?

[Sarah]

I mean, I don't think that they want to air that.

[Kirby]

The story I saw was, could Kendrick get sued for defamation by calling Drake a pedophile on national television?

[Sarah]

I 100% believe that Drake's lawyers are on the line.

[Kirby]

Drake ready. I want Drake to take the L. I. I want him to accept it. Don't even think about just, if this man's calling you a pedophile and you're not either, sue him.

[Sarah]

Yes, I know.

[Kirby]

He's suing, I think Universal Music Group.

[Sarah]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Kirby]

I mean, if you are calling someone a pedophile, that is defamation if they're not a pedophile.

[Sarah]

But, like, even beyond. Beyond that, which. That's like the worst offense, obviously. But, like, Drake's career is, like, not doing great right now at this moment. But I agree with you. I feel like he should just, like, take a step back, like, let a, you know, a year or two.

[Kirby]

He will bounce back.

[Sarah]

Yeah. He has so many fans. I mean, I really enjoy Drake's music. I know so many people do. So, like, just take A step back, just enjoy your riches.

[Kirby]

Focus on your tour that you're currently on.

[Sarah]

Make some good music.

[Kirby]

Also, Kendrick winning Grammys for a song that's defaming Drake when Drake already hates the Grammys is like.

[Sarah]

And also wearing a Canadian tuxedo.

[Kirby]

You could not be. It could not be me. I would literally be irate. I would be, like, ready to go.

[Sarah]

But then it's like, Kendrick's face is just the cutest.

[Kirby]

So you're like, he's also a tiny person.

[Sarah]

He's a tiny, cute, little, little guy that just loves to drag. Yeah. A little Muppet baby. Yeah, we'll see. Everyone will know by now, but we shall see.

[Kirby]

We shall see. We have to see if Taylor Swift will slay her super bowl outfit or not. Traditionally, it's been a no, so.

[Sarah]

But whatever she does wear ends up selling out.

[Kirby]

So I just want her to commit to slaying. I don't understand why she doesn't commit to slaying. Like, it's always something partially off. I did like her Grammys look. I thought that was the first look in a really long time where she nailed it. She looked hot. I liked the hair. I liked the makeup all together.

[Sarah]

I like the thigh chain.

[Kirby]

Yes. I thought the thigh chain was awesome.

[Sarah]

It was an elevated version of, like, her style.

[Kirby]

But then last year when she did the black and white, the hair was terrible and the red, it was all bad. And then she continued. Sometimes when I see paparazzi photos to him, like, this could be good. And I understand her plight because I always have one thing off with my outfit that I'm like, can someone help me? But she has the money.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Yeah, she has the money.

[Kirby]

Someone said the theory is that she likes to be basic to.

[Sarah]

No, I think that's. I think that is the theory. She's just not a fashion girly. She's never gonna be a fashion girly. She doesn't want to. And why. Why does she need to be? She doesn't.

[Kirby]

No. I disagree. In the past, she was a fashion girly, and she really did, like, have with the. With the fuck ass Bob era.

[Sarah]

Yes. There was that one year at the Grammys when she had the fuck ass Bob. She wore that two tone, two piece. It was like a tube top, little, you know, exposing of the midriff, and then a skirt that was probably her best look ever. And then she was just like, never mind.

[Kirby]

I need her to truly hire Pat McGrath to do her makeup.

[Sarah]

And then she just needs. Yeah, she needs, like, Carla Welch to.

[Kirby]

Be hair stylist 2019 British Vogue cover. That's the vibe I want to see. Let's talk about some retail news. There's a lot of retail news. There's a lot of product news, actually, so we're going to dive right into it. So obviously, we talked about the Rhode peptide lip shape. I think we explained this. But it's like, don't call it a lip liner. People got mad because they were like, this is a lip liner. And I'm like, it's not. Because when you buy a Makeup for ever artist pencil, that is a lip liner. That is a lip liner.

[Sarah]

This is like a lipstick lip liner hybrid.

[Kirby]

I agree. And it's too creamy. It's too creamy to be a traditional lip liner. The whole point is that it's not supposed to be perfect. It's supposed to be a little messy. So that diffused look on your lips. A lot of people were complaining that anytime we see somebody apply this product to their lips, we can't see it. And I'm like, are y'all just so used to lip liner being, like mine today? Like, so dark? Because these are meant to look like your actual lip color so that it makes your lips look bigger and that way.

[Sarah]

Exactly.

[Kirby]

Not that it is a very stark contrast holding your lips in place.

[Sarah]

Totally.

[Kirby]

Essentially with a lighter color.

[Sarah]

Yeah. I mean, all of the shades are, like, very neutral and, like, natural lip color.

[Kirby]

Like, so if you wanted it to be more prominent, you would have to go up a shade.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Deeper.

[Sarah]

Which you can totally. There's, like, a very good variety of shades. So if that's your mo, Then. Yeah. Buy, like, the deeper shades.

[Kirby]

I personally love them. They are very creamy, though. So there's. They're not long lasting. They're not gonna stay on your lip that long. I wish that they would dry down a little bit so that.

[Sarah]

But I feel like that's part of the deal because then you're just always applying it, and those girlies are just walking around school, walking around town, just reapplying it, and that's more product placement. I personally really like it because my lips are always really dry. And I feel like I really liked the Refy.

[Kirby]

Refy.

[Sarah]

I sing Defying Gravity.

[Kirby]

Refy. Yes, Refy.

[Sarah]

I really loved those. And I still love those. This is just like, they don't have the same shades as the Rhode, and I do feel like the Rhode is a little bit creamier.

[Kirby]

Yes. Katie Jane Hughes said the same thing.

[Sarah]

Oh, did she? Okay, great. Oh, that makes me.

[Kirby]

Yes. The end. The smudger that's actually not a smudger.

[Sarah]

It's to clean.

[Kirby]

It's to clean. I think they missed the mark on the marketing around that because I think they did call it a silicone tip.

[Sarah]

I think they called it a smudger.

[Kirby]

I thought they called it a smudger, but then I looked back at the materials and I couldn't really find it.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

So I think everybody just saw it and was like, this is a smudger. It's because Haley was talking about her fingers and, like, using her fingers to diffuse around the lips. It's a cleanup.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

And Hailey basically was like, by the way, this is a cleanup. So if you, like, go outside the line, you can, like.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Which makes way more sense as to why it's a silicone tip.

[Sarah]

Yes. Because if you blend with it, it actually sort of just like, takes it off.

[Kirby]

Yeah. But I think that. I mean, Rhode is always going to be criticized because it's Rhode. Yeah. And I've seen just a lot of really unfair criticisms. I saw a horrible, hateful video from a woman saying, anybody that's wearing this, your lip combo looks like shit. This is a terrible product. Blah, blah, blah. And I'm like, why does this brand get so much heat when other brands are doing almost the exact same thing?

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Like, where is this heat with Refy? Where is this heat with these other lip. Like, I remember this one makeup artist, like, completely turned all of the product. Like, they twisted all the product out.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

And they're like, this is how much you're getting. I'm like, that's how much you get with every lip product. And by the way, that doesn't look like a lot, but that's gonna last you six months.

[Sarah]

Yes. Yeah. Also, this is a different category of lip liner. Like, she's trying to innovate and make something new. So it's like, yeah, it's not gonna be the same as your traditional lip liner, but that's the point.

[Kirby]

K Beauty does have options like this. So it's not necessarily that she created this entirely. No. Barstadt. This is available in the U.S. yes. And it's now easy for people in the U.S. to get a product like this.

[Sarah]

And it's her. It's what she uses and it's what she likes, and everyone loves her, and she has the most beautiful lips. So it's like, yeah, I'm gonna buy whatever she's using.

[Kirby]

I just. I think that the heat that comes along with anything road related does have to do with the Selena Haley Drama which like, will never die. And that leads me into this next story, which is Road in Sephora. How will this affect other brands? So our girl, Rachel Strugatz, who always gets the scoop, she has a story in Puck. If you are not subscribed to Puck and you care about anything entertainment or beauty or fashion related or politics or sports, whatever, you should subscribe. It's amazing journalism and it's really, really good. I'm gonna read the first paragraph. Never before has a celebrity owned DTC beauty company cracked the marketing code quite like Hailey Bieber's Road. According to yipit data, the two and year old brand made about 90 million in revenue from its website in the final two months of 2024, close to what Rhode was once projecting for the entire year. I can't think of another DTC beauty brand that's been able to generate these kinds of numbers so early or really ever. So Rachel in the past has written about how Rhode is really kind of mimicking the skims model in terms of promotion by hiring top tier talent and like really having these like editorial esque.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Campaigns. And she says that regardless of its strength as a DTC business, the path to critical mass requires a major retailer. And for months she was hearing that Rhode was going to partner with Sephora. Where else would it. Yeah, it couldn't have gone anywhere else.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

And a person close to the retailer confirmed that the deal was finally official and that you'll be able to get RD at your local Sephora later this year. Sarah gave me some scoop in January that this was happening and we have it on very good authority.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

So this is not a rumor, this is something that's actually happening.

[Sarah]

Yes. And something that unfortunately is worrisome to a lot of brands that already are being carried at Sephora.

[Kirby]

Yes. We have heard concerns by many people of what this is gonna do for a lot of different brands.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

I think that if you have a brand that primarily sells lip products and that's the majority of your business, it's going to be a problem.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But I also think that Rhode has got to figure out their Peptide Lip products. The treatment. They have to figure out the treatment and the tint because the graininess is not going to fly. I don't know if they're just trying to get rid of inventory that they already have before reformulating, but I'm hoping before they get into a Sephora, they change that user experience because we should not have to put our treatments in.

[Sarah]

Like in the sun.

[Kirby]

Yeah. And like try to warm Them up in our hands.

[Sarah]

Side note, someone was complaining about Naturium's lip products, saying that it does the same thing.

[Kirby]

I talked to Susan about this. Yeah, she essentially said the same thing, like warm it up in your hands or whatever. But she was also saying, you know, people love this product. We're not gonna reformulate it because people love it so much.

[Sarah]

Right? Yeah.

[Kirby]

Yeah. So it's one of those things where you kind of have to weigh the benefits to the risks. So why did it take so long? I mean, is it so long?

[Sarah]

I don't think so.

[Kirby]

I mean, I guess compared to other brands. Yeah, like some brands really enter a retailer, but it's only two and a half years.

[Sarah]

And I really think that part of the success for Rhode is the fact that it was DTC and it was doing that its own drops like, you know, a la Kylie Cosmetics so long ago. Like, I think that really built up the buzz because we know so many people who are like, oh my God, I logged on like the minute that they released product and I couldn't even get it. It sold out immediately, you know, so that obviously creates this buzz. So she's at this place now and she probably. It probably also helped her with negotiating the contract with Sephora.

[Kirby]

Right. And it also made it more interesting for Sephora.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

So Rachel reports that one theory is that it was related to the drama around Selena Gomez, once a potential. Oh my God. Rachel. Once a potential Mrs. Bieber herself. Dear God. Rare Beauty, after all, is one of Sephora's most important brands. Which it is. I mean, we've talked about. They sold $70 million worth of blush in 2023. Last year it was the best selling Blush at Sephora. Yeah, it is a great blush.

[Sarah]

It is.

[Kirby]

And that bringing in a rival could upset the partnership that they have with Rare. And it says this is a quote. If it's the right business decision, Sephora will navigate the drama. One person close to Sephora's business told me. But another high level source confirmed that Gomez was definitely the reason for the delay. Plus, quote unquote, general reticence overall with respect to celebrity brands.

[Sarah]

Can't we all get along? I feel like there's enough space for the both of them. I don't consider them competitors competitors at this time. Maybe Haley and Rhode has a plan to create more makeup, which I'm sure they do because what else are you going to do? But I definitely. I think of Rhode as skincare and lip and I guess cheek. I don't know.

[Kirby]

I don't know, I don't see them as competitors. I don't.

[Sarah]

I don't.

[Kirby]

I don't. Rachel reports that someone told her. The source said it took them close to a decade to bring in Ariana Grande's fragrance. So they are kind of seeing how these celebrity brands are doing. And what this reads like to me is Haley essentially came in and her team, obviously, and said, okay, proof is in the pudding. Do you want us or not?

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Like, what is happening here? This is what they said about Rare. Although Gomez's rare beauty is great, the business is still maturing. They need new hits constantly.

[Sarah]

Sephora needs new hits.

[Kirby]

Rare.

[Sarah]

Oh, rare. Okay, got it, Got it.

[Kirby]

But Sephora did not respond for a request for a comment. I will say this. I do think Rare launches a lot of products. Like, I barely just got acquainted with their contour product before they just now launched this new Blush.

[Sarah]

Oh, yeah.

[Kirby]

That she launched at a Galentine's event with Jennifer Aniston.

[Sarah]

And that was cute.

[Kirby]

It was cute, but I. It was very cute. It's interesting to me just even how the common person wants to pit Haley and Selena against each other.

[Sarah]

Yeah. It's so stupid.

[Kirby]

I got DMs when the lipshaper launched from people in the industry, from random people going, isn't it kind of weird that she launched a lip contour when Selena Gomez also launched a contour? I go, what are you talking about? Like, what?

[Sarah]

They're so different.

[Kirby]

I'm like, this is complete. These are completely different products. They don't even. They're not even the same category. It is so weird.

[Sarah]

It would make more sense if they said, like, her lip oil or, like, a lip product in general. But even that. It's like, what, she's not allowed to create a lip product because Selena has a lip product?

[Kirby]

And then I remember when the. The Blushes launched last year. Oh, my God, she's coming for Selena. I'm like, please be dead serious right now, guys.

[Sarah]

She does not.

[Kirby]

This is not even close. It's like this. Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber are allowed to coexist in the world as successful women.

[Sarah]

They both have their own empires.

[Kirby]

I just think I'm so tired of this narrative. Okay, so then it says Sephora commands 30% of the US beauty retail market. It has huge implications for Bieber's business. You know, Sephora will essentially cannibalize Rhodes E. Commerce, which, you know, that's. That's the natural progression. Yes. And that is an inevitable downside. Rachel says, but the exposure to new customers and the opportunity to get in front of millions of people. I have heard that so many people go into Sephora and say, where's Rhode? And they're like, we do not carry road.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

So this will probably save a huge headache for these Sephora cast members.

[Sarah]

I also think that this is just another play for Sephora to attract. They already attract the younger consumer. But, like, this is like, okay, we have Rare, we have Rhode, we have Glossier, they have Emij now coming in for, like, fun hair accessories. And the hair products, they have got, like, the whole K beauty focus. Like, I really think that Sephora is just like, okay, we have the young consumer, but we need to keep them. So, like, come on in.

[Kirby]

Who are we bringing in?

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

And again, Road has proven to be successful. So I'm really curious to see when it's gonna roll out, when it's gonna get there, what it's gonna look like.

[Sarah]

Yeah. And like, oh, no. I was gonna be like, where is the gondola gonna be?

[Kirby]

It's rare. And then right across from it, it's road.

[Sarah]

I. I don't know.

[Kirby]

I mean, I would really love next year for Galentine's date, for it to be a rose rare, just to get people to shut the fuck up.

[Sarah]

I'm so. And be like, this is the last time we talk about this.

[Kirby]

I don't think it will ever happen, though, because remember they took that picture at the Academy Awards gala and then. And then the next. Literally the next year, it was like the end of. End all. End. All of Internet beefs about eyebrows.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

I mean, I gotta say, I think both of them have issues with each other. Rightfully so. But I just want the narrative.

[Sarah]

Yeah, let's stop pitting.

[Kirby]

Justin Bieber is married and he's married to Hailey Bieber and he's a father now.

[Sarah]

They have a child.

[Kirby]

And Selena Gomez is engaged to a man that is not Justin Bieber. This is literally akin to people shipping Britney and Justin.

[Sarah]

Yeah. No, it is.

[Kirby]

It's like.

[Sarah]

And it's forever going to be that way.

[Kirby]

Unfortunately, was never better than when she was with Justin. She was 18 fucking years old.

[Sarah]

Yeah. And also, hello. Jessica Biel exists. They have two children.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

They're happily married for so long. Like, just everyone leave everyone alone.

[Kirby]

I really need it. I know that we got on our high horse and, like, soapbox and all of the things about this, but I really do. It really is like, if you're a feminist, we have got to stop. Yeah, we have to. We can't keep Pitting these women against each other, it's absurd.

[Sarah]

There is room for everyone.

[Kirby]

Okay, let's move on to a different retailer. There is a new little show pony in town.

[Sarah]

Okay. This is very, very exciting. So Olive Young, which is the biggest beauty retailer in Korea, is officially coming to the United States, and they are coming to la. I heard from friends who are friends with the brand that they were excited to come to the United States, but they were, like, deciding where they were gonna, you know, set up shop, New York or la. And obviously it had to be in la. I mean, I think there's the biggest Korean immigrant population outside of Korea in Los Angeles. I think Koreatown is, like, bigger than Seoul or something like that. Don't quote me on that. But, like, there is a huge, huge audience for all of Young here in la. And I'm so excited. I feel like the timing couldn't be more perfect. Well, we don't know when it's coming, but I think, you know, with the tariffs and all of that, if we can get, you know, easier access to these K beauty products, then, you know, by all means. Thank you. Will we be getting the sunscreens? Probably not, but that's okay because like I told Kirby, I'm gonna be getting all my K beauty makeup, my eyelid tape, my eyeliners, my cushion compacts.

[Kirby]

We're not getting the sunscreens unless. I don't know if there's a way around that. No. Because they can't sell them here.

[Sarah]

No.

[Kirby]

So that's a huge bummer. But Sephora did activate in Korea, right?

[Sarah]

Did they? I don't know.

[Kirby]

I believe Sephora did try to launch in Korea, if I'm not mistaken, and then they eventually left because they could not compete with all of Young.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

So this is the place that you go.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

And in K Town, there are plenty of beauty stores that you can go hit up. But I'm excited to see, like, where exactly this is going to be situated. I have to think it's probably going to be somewhere more central and it's going to be huge. And they're going to. They want it to be a place, a tourist destination, for sure.

[Sarah]

100%. Yeah. And so they said that they are going to refine the user experience, payment options and product information display for U.S. consumers. Like, this is not going to be like an Olive Young store you see in Seoul. This is going to be a US Version. I feel like it's going to be really shiny, very fancy, lots of activity activations. I'm so excited. I Don't know when again this is happening, but I'm sure that, you know, it's in the works, so fingers crossed we get it in, like, the next year.

[Kirby]

Okay. I am a little confused by this next headline because I don't think that it is correct. Oh, so P50 Biologique Recher P50, it's a toner product. Everyone's obsessed. There's like a million different versions of it. And I think we even went down and explained different versions in an episode many eons ago. Okay. However, so P50 is not being discontinued. So Allure. Love you guys. That needs to be updated swiftly. I don't know if you did it just for search engine, but it's not the P50. It's the P50 1970, which is not the same at all as, I mean, there's similar makeups, but that is the original version they launched that they felt was maybe a little too harsh. And it's probably not even close to keeping up with the P50.

[Sarah]

Wow. You heard it here first.

[Kirby]

So the story. No, you didn't hear it here first. You didn't, because this is like a very. This is widely reported.

[Sarah]

This was definitely for search engine purposes.

[Kirby]

Yes. Because when I first heard about this, I remember going, there's no way they're getting rid of.

[Sarah]

It's like their best seller product.

[Kirby]

It's their hero product. The P15 1970 version is being discontinued. So in this town and country article, it says P50 1970 is technically a toner, but in company parlance, it's referred to as a lotion and has been one of Biologique Richer's most beloved and controversial items. That's because it contains phenol, an antiseptic and antibacterial compound that numbs and stings the skin in ways people have come to love, but it also carries safety concerns. And then Caroline Hirons is quoted in this story that says, I think we all knew the day was coming where the 1970 formula was no longer a viable product for the brand. She's been a vocal proponent of all P50 formulas for years. And she just said, as with anything that is discontinued, it's sad, but it should be seen as progress. And then Rescue Spa, which was like, one of the only places you could buy P50 online, also was quoted. And they said it's the end of an era. And that they have been fielding thousands and thousands of phone calls and emails and chats since they sent an email on Friday announcing that the P50 1970 was being retired.

[Sarah]

Wow. So it still had a huge audience.

[Kirby]

Yes. P5 1970 hasn't been available in Europe for over a decade due to EU regulations that ban phenol, making the United States the only place you could purchase it. But in January, the company quietly shared plans to phase it out entirely, citing realignment regarding worldwide existing and evolving practices and regulations. And it says phenol has been allowed in cosmetics at low concentrations in the US but there is word that the FDA regulations are changing and the other six P50 lotions are still available. Are still available.

[Sarah]

All right. So do not take a deep breath, everyone.

[Kirby]

Likely if you've bought P50 before, you've bought.

[Sarah]

Yeah, P50. Yeah, yeah.

[Kirby]

You have not bought P50. 1970.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Just saying. Throwing it out there. But it's a. It's a big headline because people think of P50 and they don't. They don't really know that there's like several. Oh, my God. On the cut rip to Biologic Richer's P50 1970 toner. They must have updated a story about all of the different toners because it says you visit often underneath. This is. This is like my bible about all the different versions of P15 1970.

[Sarah]

That's so funny.

[Kirby]

That is hilarious.

[Sarah]

Wow. All right.

[Kirby]

Okay. That's it. That is it for the news this week. We will see you on Friday for a little Valentine's Day self care episode with a very soothing guest.

[Verizon Ad]

There are some things you wouldn't mind being stuck with, like a large unexpected inheritance. An always on the verge of death phone that has to be plugged in just right so it charges is not one of those things. Switch to Verizon and we'll pay off your old phone up to $800 via prepaid MasterCard so you can get a new one. Just trade in any phone from our top brands on any unlimited plan with new line on my plan. Additional terms apply for trade in and pay off your phone offer. See verizon.com for details.