Gloss Angeles: "Tarte's Gone Wild. (Again!) Plus: An Exclusive K-Beauty Moisturizer and The Perfect Lip Liner"
Released on January 21, 2025

1. Week in Review: Fires and Social Media Turmoil

The episode opens with Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan diving into the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Sara shares a personal connection, discussing her friend Bailey's ordeal during the Eaton fires and the challenges faced by those displaced. Both hosts express their concerns over the ongoing crisis and the community's resilience.

Notable Quote:

• Sara (05:12): "Anybody listening to this that has been displaced from their homes, I am thinking about you."

They transition to discuss the broader impact of the fires, highlighting the logistical nightmares faced by affected families, including issues with insurance and FEMA protocols. The conversation underscores the importance of sustained community support and the need for long-term assistance.

2. Social Media Landscape: TikTok's Future and Platform Ownership

Kirbie and Sara shift their focus to the evolving landscape of social media, particularly TikTok's uncertain future. They debate whether Elon Musk will acquire the platform and express their reluctance to engage with it under his ownership.

Notable Quotes:

• Kirby (02:23): "Elon Musk is not gonna buy it."
• Sarah (03:10): "Our country is going to be run by Elon Musk in a few years. Mark my words."

The hosts also touch upon the challenges of balancing personal usage of platforms like X (formerly Twitter), especially amidst political and social unrest.

3. Exclusive K-Beauty Spotlight: "Oh, Dear" Moisturizer

Transitioning to beauty topics, Kirbie introduces an exclusive K-Beauty moisturizer from the brand "Oh, Dear," emphasizing its unique formulation based on epidermal growth factors. She shares her personal experience with the product, praising its lightweight yet hydrating texture.

Notable Quotes:

• Kirby (13:07): "I just absolutely love the texture of the cream. It's almost like a pressed moisturizer."
• Sarah (16:25): "It's not a gel cream, but there's a water-based component in there."

Sara echoes Kirbie's sentiments, adding her thoughts on the product's effectiveness and its potential impact on the skincare market in 2025.

4. The Perfect Lip Liner: Sachu Peel-Off Stain

Sara introduces the Sachu Lip Liner Stain, a product inspired by Billie Eilish's flawless lips. She details her application process and the product's long-lasting, non-migrating properties, making it ideal for those seeking fuller-looking lips without the hassle of traditional liners.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah (20:59): "This is just the perfect blush. Super blendable. Creamy, but not so creamy that it's gonna go away."
• Kirby (24:14): "No, it's gonna pick up pigment if there's rough spots."

The hosts discuss the versatility of the product, recommending it for various skin tones and highlighting its affordability, especially during sales.

5. Tarte's Controversial Influencer Trip: A Critical Review

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to scrutinizing Tarte's recent influencer trip to Necker Island amidst the LA wildfires. Kirbie and Sara express their disappointment over the brand's decision to host a celebratory event during a time of crisis, labeling it tone-deaf and out of touch.

Notable Quotes:

• Kirby (28:31): "Nobody's watching these going, oh, I really want to try Tarte products now."
• Sarah (35:39): "They are always. They are a very generous brand. However, there feels like there's this huge disconnect between that and these trips."

They dissect the company's response, which included donations to various organizations and disaster relief funds. Despite these efforts, the hosts argue that the manner in which the trip was presented—complete with celebratory themes and influencer excitement—overshadowed the charitable intentions.

6. Call to Action and Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, Kirbie and Sara emphasize the importance of mindful consumerism and supporting brands that align with genuine altruism. They encourage listeners to share their opinions on Tarte's actions and foster a dialogue on responsible brand behavior during crises.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah (43:38): "We welcome her on. We have been welcoming her on. We are nice people, but we have questions."
• Kirby (44:14): "Are you like, hell, yeah, tart? If y'all are like, hell, yeah, tart, then we're just curmudgeons, apparently."

The hosts wrap up by reiterating their commitment to bringing authentic beauty insights while advocating for community support and ethical brand practices.

Conclusion

In this episode of Gloss Angeles, Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan navigate a blend of pressing societal issues and beauty innovations. From addressing the impact of wildfires and the precarious state of social media platforms to reviewing exclusive skincare products and critiquing brand behaviors, the hosts deliver a comprehensive and engaging discussion. Their balanced approach ensures that listeners are informed, inspired, and encouraged to participate in meaningful conversations both within the beauty industry and the broader community.