The Products, Trends and Headlines That Ruled 2024

Summary

Gloss Angeles Episode Summary: "The Products, Trends and Headlines That Ruled 2024"

Release Date: December 21, 2024

In the season finale of Gloss Angeles, hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan embark on a comprehensive retrospective of the beauty industry's most influential products, trends, and headlines that defined 2024. The conversation weaves through personal anecdotes, industry insights, and engaging commentary, providing listeners with an in-depth look at the year's standout moments in makeup, skincare, and wellness.

---

1. Reflecting on the Year and Personal Anecdotes

Kirbie and Sara kick off the episode by sharing personal stories about their high school reunion planning, setting a relatable and conversational tone for the discussion. They delve into the challenges of organizing reunions after two decades, touching on the dynamics of reconnecting with old friends and the nostalgia associated with such events.

Kirbie [02:30]: "I see everyone that I love from high school. And if I do go back to Austin, I make an effort to see the people that I know from high school."

This segment not only humanizes the hosts but also segues into the broader theme of embracing change and growth over the years.

---

2. The Year of the Pipsqueak

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to celebrating the "Year of the Pipsqueak," a theme coined by the hosts to highlight the accomplishments of shorter individuals in the beauty and entertainment industries. Kirbie and Sara enthusiastically list notable personalities who embody this category, fostering a sense of empowerment and representation.

Sara [07:54]: "No, I'm five two on a good, great day. So I'm happy, I'm thrilled."

Kirbie [08:14]: "Sabrina Carpenter, Pipsqueak of the Year. Ex-boyfriend Barry Keoghan... Short king."

The hosts credit Paige Desorbo of Giggly Squad for coining the term and discuss its cultural impact, emphasizing inclusivity and challenging conventional beauty standards.

---

3. Top Beauty Headlines of 2024

Kirbie and Sara employ a playful game of rock-paper-scissors to determine the order in which they discuss the year's top beauty headlines. This section is the core of the episode, where they dissect the most talked-about events and product launches.

a. Givenchy Powder Drama

The duo highlights the controversy surrounding Givenchy's powder product, which sparked widespread discussion due to formulation changes.

Kirbie [13:28]: "They removed the talc and then added a shimmer to it or something."

Sara [13:46]: "You basically look like Edward from Twilight when you wear it now."

The hosts lament the alteration of a beloved product, noting the shift in consumer perception and brand loyalty.

b. Rhode Phone Case Launch

Sara champions the innovative launch of Rhode's phone case integrated with skincare products, praising its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Sara [14:32]: "It was genius for a skincare brand to come out with a phone case to carry one of their most popular product launches."

Kirbie agrees, citing its influence on accessory trends within the beauty sector.

c. Pat McGrath Doll Skin Craze

Kirbie discusses the viral phenomenon of the Pat McGrath doll skin, which dominated TikTok feeds and inspired countless recreations.

Kirbie [17:54]: "This gave way to the younger generation to appreciate Runway shows."

Sara echoes this sentiment, recognizing how Pat McGrath revitalized backstage beauty interest among Gen Z.

---

4. Beauty's Integration with Major Events

The conversation shifts to the intersection of beauty and significant cultural events, particularly focusing on the Super Bowl.

Sara [19:33]: "This year when we were at the Super Bowl, how are we gonna kick off next year? How are we gonna beat that?"

They applaud the increasing presence of beauty brands in major sporting events, noting campaigns like Elf Cosmetics featuring Michael Cera and Cetaphil's collaboration with Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

Kirbie [20:03]: "Sarah V. Killed it with Michael Cera."

The hosts anticipate an even greater integration of beauty in future events, aligning it with the rising spotlight on women's sports.

---

5. Demure and Jules LeBrun: A Joint Highlight

Both hosts agree that the rise of Demure, spearheaded by beauty influencer Jules LeBrun, was the pinnacle headline of the year. They commend Demure for popularizing the term and advocating for a balanced approach to self-expression and self-care.

Kirbie [21:33]: "Put demure on the map."

Sara [22:00]: "There are things where you shouldn't be demure... but Jules would agree."

They explore Jules LeBrun's strategic moves, including her partnerships and media ventures, which solidified Demure's influence in the beauty landscape.

---

6. Viral Beauty Products of 2024

The episode concludes with an exploration of the year's most viral beauty products, categorizing them based on popularity and innovation.

a. Hot Thermal Brush

Sara highlights the Hot Thermal Brush's meteoric rise, attributing its success to influencer endorsements and its user-friendly design.

Sara [23:23]: "There is one sold every 10 minutes, which is crazy."

Kirbie shares her personal use and appreciation for the brush, emphasizing its versatility for both beginners and experienced users.

b. Bronzing Drops

Kirbie discusses the surge in bronzing drops, noting how major brands like Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe inspired a new category of liquid bronzers.

Kirbie [24:16]: "Bronzing drops were created by Drunk Elephant influence. Elf duped them. Glow Recipe duped them."

Sara adds that influencers like Alix Earle played a pivotal role in educating consumers on the proper use of bronzing drops, driving their widespread adoption.

c. Pocket Blush by Rhode

Sara brings attention to Rhode's Pocket Blush, applauding its innovation and compact design that made it a must-have item.

Sara [25:28]: "The Pocket Blush is really freaking good."

Kirbie concurs, despite initial shade limitations, highlighting Rhode's commitment to expanding its range to cater to diverse skin tones.

d. Jelly Tint

Sara identifies the Jelly Tint as her top viral product, lauding its unique texture and lasting power that set it apart from traditional blushes and powders.

Sara [28:05]: "The milk jelly tint was so viral and it had such lasting virality."

Kirbie notes the social media frenzy it generated, including countless tutorials and user-generated content.

---

7. Closing Remarks and Future Anticipations

In their final moments, Kirbie and Sara invite listeners to share their favorite beauty moments of 2024 and tease upcoming content for 2025, including the proposed Los Angeles Awards.

Kirbie [31:52]: "Stay tuned for our Los Angeles Awards, which will happen during awards season of 2025."

They wrap up with warm wishes for the New Year, encouraging kindness and continued support for the beauty community.

Sara [32:18]: "Thanks. Happy New Year, everyone."

Kirbie [32:20]: "Show love. Be kind, please be kind, be demure."

---

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing Diversity: The "Year of the Pipsqueak" underscored the importance of representation and challenging traditional beauty norms.

• Innovation in Products: Viral products like the Hot Thermal Brush and Jelly Tint demonstrated the industry's shift towards multifunctional and user-centric designs.

• Strategic Branding: Collaborations and innovative launches, such as Rhode's phone case and Demure's initiatives, highlighted the significance of strategic branding in gaining consumer traction.

• Integration with Culture: The increasing presence of beauty in major events like the Super Bowl and the resurgence of Runway beauty showcased the symbiotic relationship between beauty and broader cultural phenomena.

This episode of Gloss Angeles offers a holistic view of 2024's beauty landscape, blending personal experiences with professional analysis to celebrate the year's achievements and anticipate future trends.

Transcript

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[Kirby]

Glam Los Angeles.

[Sarah]

Hi, Kirby. Hi, Sarah.

[Kirby]

Welcome to Los Angeles. The year is officially over. Bye bye. 2024.

[Sarah]

I was writing 2025 and it felt really weird. I know. It always does. But 2025 sounds like. Like a year. Like, it's like we are living in the future.

[Kirby]

This is our 20 year high school reunion.

[Sarah]

Yes, it is. And I'm. I'm technically supposed to plan it.

[Kirby]

Same.

[Sarah]

You have to plan it too.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Why?

[Kirby]

Because I'm. I was vice president.

[Sarah]

Oh, well, get your president to do it.

[Kirby]

I have told my friends who are also officers of our high school.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Student council. I will make a Facebook group if needed, but I won't be doing anything else.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Love y'all dearly. I don't live in Austin. I don't live.

[Sarah]

Yeah, it's too hard for you. Like, are you even gonna.

[Kirby]

Y'all pick everything? I. I didn't go for the 10 year because I went to a Taylor Swift concert instead. I just don't know. Like, everybody I see from high school, I see.

[Sarah]

Yeah, no, exactly. The people that you want to see, you see. And now because of social media, you can creep and stalk on the people that you like, are wondering about. And that's fine. That's it.

[Kirby]

Right?

[Sarah]

Like, I had to plan the 10 year and it was so much work. I hated it. I hated it. It was great to see everyone. There's so much freaking work.

[Kirby]

Our class was mad because people started commenting that, could it be another date? Could it be this place?

[Sarah]

No. It's like, no.

[Kirby]

I'm like, this is not a democracy. Like, we have to plan it and this is how it works. Sorry. Like, hope you'll have a good time, but this is how it worked out.

[Sarah]

I do not look forward to it. I think I might do the same and just be like, if someone else wants to plan it, if they have ideas, go for it. And maybe I'll Come.

[Kirby]

Yeah. I don't even live. My parents don't live in my hometown anymore.

[Sarah]

Right. So it would be like, so much work for you.

[Kirby]

It is like a whole ordeal to get there. Yeah. But. And again, I literally see, like, everyone that I love from high school. And then if I do go back to Austin, I, like, make an effort to see the people that I know from high school. So I don't think I'll be going, but it does feel. It would be a fun Romy and Michelle moment.

[Sarah]

Totally. Yeah. And like, 20 years is definitely more of, like, people have accomplished more, you know, they have more to be proud of. You look a lot more different than, like, the 10 year. But you're also at a place where you're like, I don't. I don't need to see these people.

[Kirby]

Some people have kids.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

A lot of them.

[Sarah]

Yep. Second, third marriages, whatever. Yeah, yeah.

[Kirby]

I just don't want to do the.

[Sarah]

Small talk of, I know.

[Kirby]

What have you been up to?

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Or having to answer. Oh, are you married? I remember when I went from college back to. To my hometown when my parents still lived there, and I went to my local Starbucks, and a girl who I went to high school with, I came in and she was the barista, and I said hello and asked for a drink, and then she looked at my ring finger and goes, oh, you're not married yet.

[Sarah]

Oh, my God. So Texas.

[Kirby]

I was like, you're like, no, I'm not. I'm not.

[Sarah]

Oh, my God.

[Kirby]

It's just like one of those things where it's like, I don't care, but I also just don't want to hear it.

[Sarah]

No, you're right. And it's like, that'll be the que. It's like, are you married? Do you have kids?

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

And. Yeah, you don't need to know.

[Kirby]

No, I don't care.

[Sarah]

Yeah, I would just go on a trip with your girlfriends.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Yeah, you should just do that.

[Kirby]

I have a bunch of different groups of girlfriends from high school and college, and my college group is right now trying to figure out a big trip, which I would rather go to homecoming for my college versus the class reunion. You know what I mean?

[Sarah]

No, I agree. I agree.

[Kirby]

Even though. What, this would be 14 years, I guess. Not 20. No, no. 16 year reunion. Cause we graduated college in 2009. But yeah, maybe we'll do homecoming at TCU this year.

[Sarah]

That would be so fun. And I will just crash Jovi's next party at Santa Barbara.

[Kirby]

The parties in Santa Barbara.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

No, I'VE heard from you and her.

[Sarah]

Wow. But also the parties that Jovi posts and, like, is hosting in her apartment. I'm like, you guys are so chic.

[Kirby]

Oh, the Friendsgiving.

[Sarah]

Yeah. I was like, let me show you, Jo. I texted her. I was like, let me show you pictures from the Friendsgiving that we hosted. It was like a fucking hot mess.

[Kirby]

You know, it was like it's Franzia slapping the bag.

[Sarah]

Exactly. And then Jovi posted them, like going around in a circle, like, talking about what they were thankful for. I was like, what?

[Kirby]

You guys are so hammered and incoherent.

[Sarah]

Oh, my God. No. Yeah, yeah.

[Kirby]

You guys have changed.

[Sarah]

You guys are doing great.

[Kirby]

You know what? I went to this place called Frosty's in la. It's this Christmas themed pop up bar. It is kind of a shit show, but also amazing. It's all decked out for the holidays.

[Sarah]

So cute.

[Kirby]

And when we went, they were playing all of this music from 2005 when we were in college and stuff like that. And one of my girlfriends was going, well, you know, like the youths these days, they don't go to the club anymore. So, like, these are like their club songs. These are like their Turn up songs. Like, they don't make turn up songs like this anymore.

[Sarah]

Do they really not go to the club anymore?

[Kirby]

No, they don't.

[Sarah]

They just go to the bar or they just stay home.

[Kirby]

I think they stay home or go to the bar. They don't have real club experience. I mean, maybe they have a club experience, but it's nowhere near what it was.

[Sarah]

That's crazy.

[Kirby]

But then I posted about it, them playing all of our college songs. And Frosty's responded to me on Instagram and said it was actually Y2K night.

[Sarah]

Stop.

[Kirby]

I was like, okay. There was a reason why we were hearing all of these. It wasn't just because the Turn up songs are from our era.

[Sarah]

That's so you're like, thanks.

[Kirby]

I was like, cool, thanks. We were definitely the oldest people there.

[Sarah]

Whatever, you're welcome. That was a great era of music.

[Kirby]

We had great music. We really did. We really threw it down. So as the end of the year is upon us, we figured, let's reflect.

[Sarah]

Let'S reflect, let's reflect.

[Kirby]

On the biggest headlines, what was the big theme? What was the big theme? And what were the biggest themes? Big theme, small theme, or the most viral beauty products? Sarah and I have listed out what we think. We want to hear what we missed. So by all means, comment.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Especially on Spotify because you can Comment now. Comment on Spotify or in the Slack or on our YouTube channel if you're watching this. Or on our Instagram DM Slack. I feel like we've abandoned the Facebook.

[Sarah]

Group, but it's, like, fully functioning.

[Kirby]

Yeah. They're like, you guys don't need it.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

So we have a theme. We've mentioned it before, but this was the year of the pipsqueak. The pipsqueak. The pipsqueak reigned supreme. Who do we have? Sabrina Carpenter, Pipsqueak of the Year.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Queen. Queen of the year. Pipsqueak.

[Kirby]

And by the way, we're saying this affectionately, not derogatory.

[Sarah]

No. I'm five two on a good, great day. So I'm happy, I'm thrilled.

[Kirby]

I don't think I count as pipsqueak.

[Sarah]

You don't?

[Kirby]

Because I'm 34.

[Sarah]

No, you're not.

[Kirby]

I'm not.

[Sarah]

Sorry. You're too tall.

[Kirby]

I'm unfortunately cannot qualify.

[Sarah]

But you're an ally.

[Kirby]

I am an ally of the pipsqueaks. So Sabrina Carpenter, Pipsqueak of the Year. Ex boyfriend, Barry Keoghan.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Pipsqueak of the Year. Her potentially new boyfriend, Marcelo.

[Sarah]

Also a pipsqueak. Yeah. Like.

[Kirby]

Oh, not Pipsqueak of the Year, but like, pipsqueak. Yeah.

[Sarah]

A pip squeak. He's a pipsqueak. Yeah. Short king.

[Kirby]

Short king.

[Sarah]

Short king.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Pipsqueaks and short king.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

However you want to describe yourself.

[Kirby]

What? Who else did. Didn't we write this down?

[Sarah]

Okay, well, okay. The whole cast of Wicked.

[Kirby]

Right? Oh, my God. Ariana. Cynthia.

[Sarah]

Which I had no idea Cynthia Eriva was so tiny.

[Kirby]

They're both five'one or something. Yes.

[Sarah]

And like, they were wearing, like, platform stacked heels on the carpet. And they are not as tall as Jonathan Bailey, who is also a pipsqueak person.

[Kirby]

Pipsqueaks galore. We love our pipsqueak people.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Who else? Who else?

[Kirby]

I thought we made a note about this because we started talking about it. We were laughing so hard about how everyone this year has just been short.

[Sarah]

So tiny.

[Kirby]

Everyone is tiny and short. I have year of pipsqueak people. Sabrina, Barry, Ari. Cynthia. Jonathan. Josh O'Connor.

[Sarah]

Josh O'Connor.

[Kirby]

But he's not. No, he's not.

[Sarah]

No.

[Kirby]

No, he's not.

[Sarah]

Super. Yeah. He's not like a book definition pipsqueak.

[Kirby]

Right.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Right.

[Sarah]

How tall is Bone Yang?

[Kirby]

I don't think he's that short. I think he's taller than Johnny Bailey.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Kirby]

You know.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

I mean, in perspective. Charli xcx. Not a pipsqueak.

[Sarah]

Not a pipsqueak. But not tall.

[Kirby]

Chapel Roan, also probably not a pipsqueak, but also not tall. Yeah, I'm trying to think of other. Taylor Swift's a tall person.

[Sarah]

Taylor Swift is tall. Taylor Swift is tall. Nicola Coughlin. Not that tall.

[Kirby]

Pipsqueak person.

[Sarah]

Pipsqueak person.

[Kirby]

Kacey Musgraves came out with an album this year. Pipsqueak person. She's five'two she is.

[Sarah]

Wow.

[Kirby]

I know. The pipsqueak people really made the world go round this year.

[Sarah]

Yeah. And you know Kim.

[Kirby]

Kim is always.

[Sarah]

Kim's always continually a pipsqueak queen.

[Kirby]

She and Kourtney are the two small ones.

[Sarah]

Yep.

[Kirby]

Little pipsqueak people. So if you are pipsqueak, say it loud, say it proud. 2024 was your year. Now 2025 is the year of the mid sized people.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Me.

[Sarah]

Yes. Great. Love that.

[Kirby]

Short and sweet. More like mid size and horny. There we go.

[Sarah]

2025.

[Kirby]

That's me. And then we'll get back to tall people.

[Sarah]

Yeah, it's always. It's always.

[Kirby]

It's always a tall person here. Yeah.

[Sarah]

We're just living in a tall person's world, so.

[Kirby]

Totally.

[Sarah]

Let us have a moment.

[Kirby]

It's actually crazy because when I was dating Patrick, it was bonkers to see how he saw me in a photo, like basically from the top of my head.

[Sarah]

Yeah, yeah, I know. It's.

[Kirby]

Yeah, that's like how Matt sees you.

[Sarah]

Yeah, I know. It's really unfortunate this is unrelated, but he had a great year. I'm talking sports. Kirby. His name is Yuki Kawamura. He's the shortest player in the NBA and he joined the Memphis Grizzlies this year. And he is a pipsqueak.

[Kirby]

How tall?

[Sarah]

I think he's like five, seven or five. Which for like a NBA player.

[Kirby]

Right?

[Sarah]

That's short. So five, eight. Sorry, five'eight which is not, you know, that's tall to me. But he is the shortest active player in the league.

[Kirby]

Wow.

[Sarah]

We are embracing short kings.

[Kirby]

Pipsqueak proud.

[Sarah]

Pipsqueak proud. Love it. You don't need to be tall to achieve your dreams.

[Kirby]

I also need to say that we have co opted the term pipsqueak from Paige Desorbo of Giggly Squad.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

Because she is the one that initially mentioned that Sabrina and Barry are pipsqueak people. And I could not get it out of my head. And then I realized the whole year was pipsqueak pride.

[Sarah]

If they made merch, I'd buy it.

[Kirby]

Listen, is Paige a pipsqueak? I think Paige might be. Paige Sorbo. Are you A pipsqueak. I think she's. I don't know if she's. Maybe she's taller than I give her credit for.

[Sarah]

So are we saying it's like five, two and under or five, three and under?

[Kirby]

I think it's five, two.

[Sarah]

Five, two. Okay. For women.

[Kirby]

For women, yes. Barry Q. Again, is not five two.

[Sarah]

And then for men it's like five.

[Kirby]

Five, eight and under.

[Sarah]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that sounds right. So anyways, if you, like me, have always wanted to be five, four, or a couple inches taller, embrace your shortness.

[Kirby]

And embrace your pipsqueakness.

[Sarah]

It's a power.

[Kirby]

We love it. Little pip squeakus. Pip squeakus. Non long stocking. Okay, so craziest headlines of the year. What happened in beauty this year? A lot. So many things, but okay, let's do Rock, Paper, scissors to see who's gonna go first because we have to pick between this list.

[Sarah]

Okay. Okay.

[Kirby]

Okay. So rock, Paper, scissors.

[Sarah]

Oh, sorry. Okay. Oh, well, I won.

[Kirby]

No, you didn't. Okay, okay, okay, okay, we'll do.

[Sarah]

Is it.

[Kirby]

Okay, let's do one. We'll do one, two, three, and then one, two, three.

[Sarah]

Damn it.

[Kirby]

Okay, now I won. Haha. Let's start with our third top and then go to the most.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

Okay. This is gonna be fun because we might be stealing each other's. I think that the third biggest headline of the year was the Givenchy powder drama.

[Sarah]

Okay. Okay.

[Kirby]

I think this caused a lot of people to lose their minds, myself included. I still don't think we understand. Well, we do. They removed the talc and then added a shimmer to it or something.

[Sarah]

It is no longer what it was intended to be. It's not what we want.

[Kirby]

You basically look like Edward from Twilight when you wear it now, which, if.

[Sarah]

That'S your intention, go off.

[Kirby]

But it was the best powder and now it has been put on the back burner. In my humble opinion, I am using what I have left of it. But now I am a Chanel Girly and a makeup by Mario Girly. Those are my two loose powder recommendations.

[Sarah]

The makeup by Mario Powder. Actually, I feel like it was like sort of. It came out around the same time as the drama. As the drama. And I feel like it sort of like overshadowed that launch, but I think a lot of people figured it out and did it. It was really, really good.

[Kirby]

Okay, what's your third?

[Sarah]

Okay, I want to pick the Rhode phone case. The birth of the road phone case.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

Because I feel like this to this day when I still. I use it. I always get stopped. People fricking love this thing. It was genius. It was genius, like, for a skincare brand to come out with a phone case to carry one of their most popular product launches. And I can't remember the name of the, like, agency of the firm that she. They worked with, but it was, like, this was, like, obviously, like, very intentional. Like, they wanted to make something that looked really cool, that was really functional and that was different and set them apart. And Hailey Bieber really did that thing.

[Kirby]

I think that this was gonna be my number one.

[Sarah]

This was gonna be your number one.

[Kirby]

This was gonna be my number one headline of the year.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

Because I think it changed so many things. It gave way for people to start accessorizing their phones or their beauty products.

[Sarah]

Yes. Cause now everything is a charm.

[Kirby]

Everything has a charm. People started to make memes and viral videos off of taping lip tints and stuff to their phone.

[Sarah]

Yes. Also, you can buy dupes of this unknowingly. I know some people who thought they bought the original one, and I'm like, how did you get that color? And they're like. Because I was like, you bought a fake one.

[Kirby]

Wow.

[Sarah]

Yeah. I know.

[Kirby]

That is crazy. But I. I think that Rhode has this now new category that they can lean into in terms of accessories versus it just being straight beauty.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

And we've already kind of been teased that she's gonna come out with lip liners at some point.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

So I love that they saw how many people were obsessed with the actual product and wanted to go ahead and make some. Something that they could show it off all the time.

[Sarah]

Yeah. And I think that we've seen a lot of beauty brands, especially this year, try to branch out of just, like, beauty products. They're, like, making merch. They're, like, expanding into different categories outside of literally just skincare and makeup. And it's not ever. It's not always successful.

[Kirby]

Right, right, right.

[Sarah]

But this. I mean, I think every brand, founder and brand was like, God damn it. Why didn't I think of that?

[Kirby]

Totally.

[Sarah]

Why didn't I think of that?

[Kirby]

Very, very smart.

[Sarah]

It could have been. Yeah, no, you're right. It could have been higher. But there's so many good ones on this list. Okay, you're next.

[Kirby]

Okay. My second top headline is the Pat McGrath doll skin craze. When this happened, it was the only thing on my TikTok feed for weeks. People were recreating it. There were people trying to figure out how she did it, what products she used. She eventually did a live where she did show, like, a bunch of different masks being mixed together, essentially, and airbrushed onto the face, although her team never would clarify, because I missed that live. And they. I said, can you tell me what? And they would never. They did not clarify, which is why we were like, yeah, was this a product that they were going to end up making? And then they did. I think that this gave way to the younger generation to appreciate Runway shows.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

I feel that for a long time, Runway shows have not been super relevant in the beauty sphere, especially when we started reporting on them, which was this no makeup. Makeup that nobody really cared about. Obviously, there were some shows that did do something really fun and really exciting, but it felt almost like we were returning back to 2016 in a way, with this more glam makeup, this very. Remember when crazy transformations would go viral in 2016, and then they kind of just slowed down. I feel like this kind of revived that for the new younger gen. Zers.

[Sarah]

Yeah. She sort of, like, put backstage beauty at fashion shows back on the map, even though she's been doing it forever, obviously. Or like you said, she gave the younger generation a reason to pay attention. And I think, like, that that's really hard in this, like, TikTok, Instagram, social media time, where I think for a lot of us publications, we choose to not even cover it anymore. Because you're like, well, if people are gonna post it on social media, there's no point in writing about it or trying to even capture backstage or whatever anymore, because it's already on once the show hits. It's already on there. But she gave us something to be excited about.

[Kirby]

Yes. And I think as a brand, they were able to remind people who she is.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Maybe people just know her as making amazing makeup, but they don't realize the actual artistry that she has been bringing to so many Runway shows throughout the years in terms of how many designers she works with. And I thought it was the perfect complement to her business.

[Sarah]

Totally.

[Kirby]

So a very smart move on their part.

[Sarah]

Okay. I know what I want to be my number one. So for number two, I'm gonna go with beauty taking over the Super Bowl.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

And us being. Was that this year?

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

I was like, this year when we were at the super bowl, how are we gonna kick off next year? How are we gonna beat that?

[Kirby]

Give us a TV show. We'll beat speaking parts in a Super bowl commercial.

[Sarah]

Oh, my gosh. But no, I think, like, there were so many major beauty brands that showed up at the super bowl this year that Were so obviously elf. We were in the elf cosmetics commercial.

[Kirby]

Sarah V. Sarah V. Killed it with.

[Sarah]

Killed it with Michael Cera.

[Kirby]

Michael Cera.

[Sarah]

I hope they continue that. I feel like it just. It was so short, and I need more of it.

[Kirby]

Same.

[Sarah]

It was so funny. Nicks.

[Kirby]

Nicks was a big one with Cardi B. Cetaphil did one that was regional, but it was very much revolving around Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift and the Chiefs.

[Sarah]

Yep.

[Kirby]

I think those were the main ones.

[Sarah]

The main ones. And I'm very curious to see what Super Bowl 2025 is gonna have. I feel like there'll be even more beauty, but I think this also leads to not so much a headline, but more of the theme of, like, sports and beauty.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Having such a huge year and thanks, you know, to the Olympics and all this attention to women's sports, like, you know, the wnba, tennis, tennis, women's soccer. Like, finally, the time has come where women are having the spotlight, and then also beauty is stepping into this role of being their partners and supporting them in ways that they should. Just makes sense. So I'm really, really excited to see what that is gonna look like in 25.

[Kirby]

Okay, so now we have hit our number one headline. Even though I said mine would be Rhode, I think I know what you're gonna pick.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

So I feel like this should be a joint number one, which is demure. And Jules LeBrun.

[Sarah]

Yes. It was really her year.

[Kirby]

Put demure on the map.

[Sarah]

It's in the dictionary. Well, I mean, it wasn't in the.

[Kirby]

Dictionary, but people were not using the word demure.

[Sarah]

No.

[Kirby]

Before her.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

And I think that we should actually start implementing more demureness in our lives, because if you are demure, you are not getting on TikTok and complaining about your hair when you should be just writing a Yelp review and not going back to that person again.

[Sarah]

Exactly. There are things where you shouldn't be demure, and I think Jules would agree. Like, you know, if you're standing up for yourself.

[Kirby]

Correct.

[Sarah]

Like, do not be demure. Fighting for something. Speak for yourself. Advocate for yourself. However, agree. I think we could all practice a little bit more demureness in our lives. We would all benefit from it. And Jules is, like, so crazy successful now.

[Kirby]

Yeah. She was able to move her and her friend out of a apartment that wasn't, you know, she said wasn't, like, safe into this really nice area. She's been making tons of money through beauty brands sponsoring her doing stuff. She. Did she have, like, a hulu section. She had some kind of branded streaming section of Jamir show.

[Sarah]

It was like on Netflix or something like that.

[Kirby]

It was something crazy. But we're really happy for her. But by far, I have never heard the word more in my life.

[Sarah]

Yes, same or a word actually more.

[Kirby]

In my life than demure. So live your life demurely and celebrate the year of the Pipsqueak.

[Sarah]

That's the big takeaway?

[Kirby]

That's the big takeaway. Before we go, we gotta talk about some viral products of the year. What products really made an impression this year? What were people crazy over? Sarah, I'm gonna let you go first.

[Sarah]

Okay? Okay. I'm gonna talk about this. Cause I added it and I sort of forgot about it. But the main hot thermal brush, I feel like I saw Jen Atkin post. She said something like, there is one sold every 10 minutes, which is crazy. And like, there are so many other brands that have, you know, the thermal brush or hot thermal brush. But when you talked about it, you influenced me to talk about it. Literally everyone was talking about it. It's such a good brush that I feel like it just had such a big moment this year. And I mean, I still can't live without it.

[Kirby]

It's great. I used mine on my hair today.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

And I love it.

[Sarah]

And it's like, you don't need to be advanced at all. Like, you can be easy beginner and not know how to use a hair tool. And you can figure it out.

[Kirby]

Totally. Okay, mine. I'm going to go with bronzing drops galore.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Drunk elephants influence. Elf duped them. Glow recipe duped them. So many brands came out with a version.

[Sarah]

Kelly Rae name a brand. They have one now.

[Kirby]

Yes, now everybody has bronzing drops. Alix Earle really put these on the map. When we talked to Tiffany, she said that Alex taught people how to properly use them. I remember when they first launched, when drunk Elephant first launched, and I thought, what the hell are these? I'm never gonna use this. And now I use them all the time. And it's kind of crazy that they have become an entirely new category. Yeah, it's bronzing, but it's not a cream.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

It's not a powder.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

So I just think everybody, this year, at least at the top of the year, it was just nonstop PR emails about a new bronzing drop liquid serum being launched.

[Sarah]

So nuts. So nuts. Okay. I hate to keep talking about her, but I'll talk about her again. The Pocket Blush. The Road Pocket Blush. I feel like it Was the first. It was their first entry into, like, color cosmetics outside of the tinted peptide tint, and it was so good. And I think there are a lot of people that we've talked about this that hate on her, that don't wanna like her products, but they use it and they're like, oh, my God. It's actually really good.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

And that pocket blush is really freaking good.

[Kirby]

Yes. There was an issue with the shades as Gloria called out for deeper skin tones, but they remedied it, fixed it. I'm curious to see when they're gonna launch those and how those will come out.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But I still use piggy and freckle.

[Sarah]

Yep.

[Kirby]

And love them toasted.

[Sarah]

Sleepy girl.

[Kirby]

Sleepy girl.

[Sarah]

And then Kirby, like you mentioned, they're probably gonna launch their lip liners next year. Right. So we're only seeing the beginning, but I feel like she really had a moment this year.

[Kirby]

Yes. For sure. All right, my next one, my number two is going to be easy blur from huda beauty. And I'm gonna say it's number two because so many people talked about it.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

It started off with Mikayla saying that it looked like makeup.

[Sarah]

Yep.

[Kirby]

And then because people wanted to prove Mikayla wrong, they went out and bought it and made videos about it. I received it. This product is by far and away. This would be my gold standard foundation if I could wear it. But I can't wear it because the niacinamide breaks me out. It is so unfortunate. It is so beautiful.

[Sarah]

She needs to take it out. She has to take out. It's not serving any purpose.

[Kirby]

And I know I'm not the only one.

[Sarah]

No.

[Kirby]

I had many people still saying thank you. I tried this, and I realized that it was the culprit for the breakouts.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

It's such a beautiful finish. It looks good on your skin.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

It's so, so gorgeous. I'm just. I can't. I break. I get pustules on my actual face. It's crazy.

[Sarah]

I texted Kirby and I was like, I'm gonna start using it again. I just. I need to. And I'm gonna see if my skin can tolerate it. And it's been fine.

[Kirby]

It has.

[Sarah]

It's been fine. Yeah.

[Kirby]

So I'm not risking it.

[Sarah]

Yeah, don't risk it.

[Kirby]

I've already tried it three times.

[Sarah]

Even if you put it on top of a primer.

[Kirby]

Yes. I've tried it on top of their primer and a different primer.

[Sarah]

Yeah. My skin does not like it. Huda, please.

[Kirby]

We're begging.

[Sarah]

We're begging you don't need it.

[Kirby]

We need a version without the skincare. I guarantee you it does not make it better. No, no, it does not. But I feel like that product really had its moment in the sun based off of just the conversation around the Michaela of it all, for sure.

[Sarah]

Okay. Is your number one also my number one, which was the jelly tint?

[Kirby]

No.

[Sarah]

Oh, okay. Okay. I'm gonna pick the milk jelly tint because I really feel like that was so viral and it had, like, lasting virality and it was sold out, and everyone was asking me how to get it. And it was so fun and innovative because I felt like it was so different from all of the blushes that had been coming out this year, where everything was, like, creamy. There were a lot of powders that came out, but this was really. It felt like jello and jelly, and it was so much fun to use. So I think that that product had a really, really big year.

[Kirby]

I agree. I think that they milk is constantly duped. Their primer is duped.

[Sarah]

A lot of their stuff is their contour sticks.

[Kirby]

Yes. Yeah, a lot of their stuff is duped. So they obviously know what they're doing over there. I do think this was a huge, huge moment. And I remember the same thing. Everybody wanted it. People were making videos pretending like they were eating them. It was actually jello and stuff like that. And it truly was innovative in that it's a cooling, bouncy product. It' a hard stain, like the tarte cheek stains. Very different, small. And I know they have extended their shade range because people have just been obsessed with them. But for me, I think this was Sabrina Carpenter's year. I think that the Sabrina Carpenter hair and cherry cola lips were super popular because of Sabrina.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

I saw Selena Gomez a picture of her at an event. She had this dark lip line with this pinkish reddish lip. And I was like, wow. Cherry cola lips continue to endure Sabrina Carpenter hair. If you Google it, search it, get on TikTok. Countless tutorials, countless searches for it. People wanted to emulate her bangs.

[Sarah]

The volume, her.

[Kirby]

The volume, the layers, the color. Then when she went on tour, people were like, is she wearing a wig? Is she not? I mean, her hair was a topic of conversation for everyone. She then partnered with Redken. And now you can literally go and get the Sabrina Carpenter exact color, the blonde through Redken shades eq. And you don't have to say, don't take a picture in and say, I want to look like this. You just say, give me the Redken The Sabrina Carpenter Redken color. And there you go.

[Sarah]

That one influencer should have just done that.

[Kirby]

Yeah, yeah. She should have said, I want Sabrina Carpenter Redken shades, eq and then just cherry cola lips. Like, even me. Like, I have now been doing more of this, like, reddish pinkish thing with a darker lip line because of that. And I personally became obsessed with cherry this year. Cherry was like a big. I already liked the cherry vanilla from Lawless, the gloss, but now anything cherry, I want glossier to bring back their cherry balm dot com.

[Sarah]

That was my favorite one.

[Kirby]

Yes. I'm obsessed with all things cherry now. If it says cherry, I will probably buy it.

[Sarah]

Yeah. And I like. I very much welcome and was excited about that because I feel like we are coming off of, like, a very beige brown aesthetic for a while. Especially in terms of lips, which is like, you know, obviously, like a brown liner is still like, sorry, what is the color of the year? Mocha mousse.

[Kirby]

Yeah, mocha mousse.

[Sarah]

Mocha mousse. Like brown neutrals. Not going anywhere. But, like, I just think it encouraged people to play with red in color a lot more, which I always love. I think it always looks good on someone.

[Kirby]

So agreed. All right, that's it.

[Sarah]

That was 2024.

[Kirby]

That was 2024. But we want to know what were your biggest beauty headlines? What were your best beauty products? What was your favorite episode of the pod? Let us know anywhere you can. Anywhere you can.

[Sarah]

Comment. Just comment and stay tuned for our.

[Kirby]

Los Angeles Awards, which will happen during awards season of 2025. I think we should do an award. The Los Angeles Awards, the listener voted ones. But then do our own.

[Sarah]

Okay, great.

[Kirby]

That are, like, completely unhinged. Like, most psychotic beauty brand, most psychotic beauty founder. That could be a good one. Scent bird's the winner.

[Sarah]

Jeez.

[Kirby]

Anyways, thank you guys for listening to the pod.

[Sarah]

Thanks. Happy New Year, everyone.

[Kirby]

Happy New Year. Stay safe. Stay safe. Stay healthy and show love. Be kind, please be kind, be demure.