What You Need to Know About the FDA Killing Talc Testing

Summary

Gloss Angeles – "What You Need to Know About the FDA Killing Talc Testing"

Hosts: Kirbie Johnson & Sara Tan
Date: December 5, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this Tuesday news round-up, Kirbie and Sara dissect widespread misinformation about the recent FDA withdrawal of a proposal mandating asbestos testing in talc-based cosmetics—a hot topic causing confusion and concern in beauty circles. The duo break down what the FDA actually did, the role of talc in cosmetics, and consumer worries about product safety. True to form, they also share current beauty favorites, pop culture tidbits, and a signature blend of humor, skepticism, and practical advice.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FDA, Talc, and Misinformation

[27:35 – 32:27]

• The FDA has withdrawn a proposed rule (via last year’s discussed MoCRA framework) that would have required standardized asbestos testing in talc-containing cosmetics.
• Many online misinterpretations suggested the FDA had stopped or rolled back actual existing testing—not the case.

  “Let’s just be very clear. The FDA never did this. Like, it is not a requirement by the FDA for brands to submit and then have them test to whether…there’s asbestos.” – Kirby [27:50]

• The proposal was not law—just a regulatory suggestion. Its withdrawal, while disappointing (“stupid to kill this”), doesn’t change the current state: there was never mandatory FDA talc/asbestos testing.
• Why was it withdrawn? Both hosts speculate on industry pressure.

  “In my head I go, who is paying this administration to kill this?” – Kirbie [29:14]

• Promises exist that a broader, future proposal may be crafted.

Consumer Safety Facts:

• The FDA did independent tests of top 50 talc-based products in 2023, finding NO asbestos contamination. (Charlotte Tilbury and One/Size specifically mentioned.)

  “There was no cross-contamination…they found absolutely no asbestos in talc.” – Kirbie [30:19]

• Online outrage is largely rooted in fear-mongering.

  "A lot of the videos I’ve seen … are people with no credentials in any type of beauty formulation... just decided to go on a crusade." – Kirbie [32:11]

2. Why Talc Is Still in Popular Beauty Products

[30:57 – 32:27]

• Some leading powders (Charlotte Tilbury, One/Size) still contain talc—explained as a reason for their unique performance.

  “If you like a powder and you like the way it looks on your face, guarantee… because of the talc.” – Kirbie [31:06]

• Brands are increasingly removing talc, but where it remains, no testing mandate exists unless self-imposed.

3. Beauty Favorites ("W.O.I.F.")

[17:43 – 27:32]

• Sara's Pick: Sarah Creal Moisture Source Essence – delivers an “instant juicy hydration” and “makes your skin just look so gorge.” ($95 for full size; prefers the pump on the mini.)

  "It is. So this is technically an essence. It’s her essence. But I use it like a moisturizer during the day and then I do use it as an essence at night." – Sara [17:53]

• Kirbie’s Pick: Chrom Micro Brush Set by Annie Kreighbaum – five artisanal Japanese-made miniature brushes with a compelling manual and tallow-based brush soap.

  “Annie was like, okay, I want to start this brand that’s all about the vanity... we’re going to kick things off with these little mini brushes.” – Kirbie [23:24]

• Both hosts revel in the return of “W.O.I.F.”, a lighthearted segment showcasing what they’re trying, testing, and loving.

4. Department Store Revamps & Pop Culture Tangents

[02:01 – 16:04]

• The evolution of Macy’s (millennial-driven management, layout focused on beauty sections) and the comeback of Toys R Us.
• Holiday shopping recaps: beauty at department stores is “looking a lot more like Sephoras.”
• Extensive Spotify Wrapped banter, celebrating what the hosts and their families listened to in 2025.
• TV/documentary recommendations (“The Beast in Me” with Claire Danes, Charlie Sheen doc; glow-ups of Denise Richards and Kris Jenner discussed).

5. Community Connection

[16:04 – 17:43]

• Appreciation for listeners (“Thank you to everyone who had Los Angeles as their number one podcast of the year.” – Kirbie [15:48])
• Reflections on how audio and visual perceptions of hosts can differ, leading to playful banter about listeners' mental images.
• Reminder of the support Slack community and transparency in beauty recommendations.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On FDA & Asbestos Confusion:

  “You’re getting mad about something that was never going to happen.” – Kirbie [28:43]

• Consumer Worries:

  “This is a talking point that is used to fear monger a lot of people, but I also…understand why people have their concerns, especially with all the Johnson & Johnson drama.” – Kirbie [30:27]

• On Beauty Product Testing:

  “It’s really just up to the consumer.” – Sara [31:25]

• On Vanity Nostalgia:

  “Vanities have kind of died. Like, there’s…not like the old school vanity that kind of looks like a desk, that it’s made out of wood, that it has, like, the three panel mirror.” – Kirbie [21:04]

• Personal Touch:

  “It makes me…my friggin heart so emoji warm my friggin heart.” – Kirbie (on podcast listener enthusiasm) [15:48]

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Important Timestamps

| Segment/Topic | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Macy’s, department stores & beauty layout chat | 02:01–05:24 | | Spotify Wrapped/pop culture chatter | 06:27–09:41 | | Recommendations: TV docs/facelifts glow-up | 12:20–14:18 | | Slack community & audio/visual identity talk | 16:04–16:49 | | Revival of “W.O.I.F.” segment (favorite products) | 17:43–27:32 | | FDA Talc Testing Proposal—core discussion | 27:35–32:27 |

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Summary Takeaways

• The FDA did NOT “kill asbestos testing in cosmetics.” No such regulation previously required testing; a proposal for future standardization was withdrawn but not replaced with a ban or rollback.
• Consumers should remain informed but not panic—2023 FDA tests on popular talc products found ZERO asbestos.
• The talc-in-cosmetics conversation is complex, driven by consumer worry and online misinformation. The hosts urge skepticism toward fear-based beauty content from non-experts.
• Alongside headline news, Kirbie and Sara champion thoughtfully tested product recs (Sarah Creal Moisture Source, Chrom Micro Brush Set) and the return of relatable, honest beauty chat.

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For anyone new to the topic:
The FDA news is more about bureaucratic inaction than actual regulatory backtracking. Your current talc-based favorite is, per latest tests, likely asbestos-free—but stay tuned for any future shifts in cosmetic safety policy.

Transcript

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[Sarah]

Foreign.

This week is my official deep breath between holidays. The candles are lit, the tea is hot, and guess what? I'm living in Cashmere.

[Kirby]

Okay, cashmere mention. Cashmere mention. Cozy isn't just staying home. It's a state of mind you can wear anywhere. And Macy's cashmere, second mention is. Is the everyday luxury that makes even grocery runs feel fabulous.

[Sarah]

Are you wearing cashmere to Trader Joe's?

[Kirby]

Maybe.

[Sarah]

Maybe. Maybe we should. You have definitely heard us talk about this time and time again. Macy's goes deep on cashmere. They've got 70 silhouettes in 40 plus colors. Bold, bright, soft pastels, warm neutrals. There is literally a perfect cut for every story your season brings. I took a picture of the cashmere selection last time I was at Macy's and I sent it to Kirby.

[Kirby]

She did. And great news. You can get it on sale. Macy's Friends and family is on December 2nd through the 11th, 30% off the best brands plus 15% off beauty and fragrance.

[Sarah]

Also peep 30 to 50% off fine jewelry because why not add a little sparkle to that cashmere moment?

[Kirby]

Shop Macy's Cashmere and friends and family@macy's.com.

[Verizon Announcer]

Glam los angeles.

[Sarah]

Hi, kirby.

[Kirby]

Hi, sarah.

[Sarah]

Welcome to los angeles.

[Kirby]

Y'. All. I know we talk about Macy's a lot.

[Sarah]

Oh, my gosh.

[Kirby]

Recently. But I think we were on to something when we started this partnership with them because the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

[Sarah]

Was lit and the most views it's gotten in, like years.

[Kirby]

So the guy that's in charge is a millennial.

[Sarah]

I knew that. I absolutely freaking knew that.

[Kirby]

People love him because he's on threads. Oh, and they're giving him his flowers.

[Sarah]

Which is he love giving like any bts.

[Kirby]

He's just excited that people are excited. And I guess Macy's hired him two years ago and he was like, we want this to be, you know, Fun and inclusive. And I got dragged all over the Internet because I said Joffrey the giraffe in regards to the mascot for Toys R Us. When it's Jeffrey the Giraffe. And I know that Jeffrey can also be spelled with.

However, I swear. And maybe I am Mandela affecting myself. There was a song where they said Joffrey. So of course, Texas thing, in true tick tock style, you got dragged. People are dragging the hell out of me. And I'm like, you know what? At least I know proper words and can say them within the actual context they're supposed to be.

[Sarah]

Yeah, you're like one of the most articulate people I know. That's crazy.

[Kirby]

Sorry, Joffrey. But honestly, it should be Joffrey. I like Joffrey the Giraffe better than Jeffrey the Giraffe.

[Sarah]

And I bet you that they are not even millennials. I bet you they're Gen Z and they.

[Kirby]

No, they have no idea.

[Sarah]

They have no idea.

[Kirby]

But you know what was so interesting? So I did a little TikTok of like, why millennials were running Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Because they had Lil John on the Toys R Us float. Yes. And I was like, didn't Toys R Us die? It went bankrupt. It's back, baby. Standalone stores and in shop in a Macy's.

[Sarah]

Yesterday I was at Macy's cause I needed to buy something for an event. I ended up buying, what do you know, a jacket that is not for the event because it was so cute. From Vivek Lafi. That clipping. So cute. Then I went to the kids section. They have Abercrombie and Fitch kids At Macy's. At Macy's. I was like, this is so cute. And then Toys R Us.

[Kirby]

No way. I was reading that Macy's and a few other department stores have completely overhauled their layouts so that shoes and accessories are not at the front of the store. It's beauty. And if you go to the Century City one, it's beauty right out the gate.

[Sarah]

I mean, the beauty at the department stores are looking a lot more like sephoras. Like, it's really impressive.

[Kirby]

Anastasia Beverly Hills.

[Sarah]

It's no longer traditional counter service. Like, remember, it was squares and it was like that woman or that man. They were working that square and it was. They can only speak to the brands within their square.

[Kirby]

The Mac department was popping.

[Sarah]

Oh, wow.

[Kirby]

The Mac department was popping. I was trying to get a gigablack lash for 30% off. I ultimately had to go to the actual Mac store to get that yeah, Because I was like, I am stocking up on this.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

But it was a frenzy over there. And then the fragrance section.

[Sarah]

Oh, I. Yes.

[Kirby]

Was crazy.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

I was like, I'm just looking for a Prada Paradox refill. They did not have it in store. So. Yeah, that was deeply upsetting. But the Thanksgiving parade was amazing. Next year is the centennial.

[Sarah]

Oh, we gotta be there.

[Kirby]

I'm like, how do we get there? I want to be like Bow and Yang and Matt Rogers sitting in the background.

[Sarah]

Totally. Like 100.

[Kirby]

Here we are. We're here.

[Sarah]

I do have one comment. The.

I love the Santa. As you know, he's iconic. Too much snow. I couldn't see him. It was too much. No, there was too much snow.

[Kirby]

There was a really funny moment where Tom Turkey. Oh, yeah. Oh, my God, that. And it's Hoda and Savannah, and they're like, bring out Tom Turkey.

[Sarah]

And it's like, baby.

[Kirby]

Why does he say they have the opportunity to do the absolute funniest thing of all time for, like, years to come, decades to come? Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, when Tom Turkey shows up, Always. It's always raised, where is my husband? Which, by the way, that song will be number one next year on my Spotify wrapped. Speaking of Spotify wrapped.

[Sarah]

Oh, I don't even. Okay.

[Kirby]

I know it's on your own anymore.

[Sarah]

I have a note for some people.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

Because every year I, you know, share that it is not mine anymore. My Spotify. It is Zoe and Kate's. And then people like, well, didn't you know you could hide the songs? Do you think I have time? I am cooking in the kitchen, and I'm like, google, play Golden. Because someone's like, can I hear golden? Can I hear golden?

[Kirby]

And then I'm like, driving one hand.

[Sarah]

On the steering wheel and then the back.

[Kirby]

Can I listen to. Can I listen to K Pop D?

[Sarah]

Can I listen to Wicked? I don't have time.

[Kirby]

So. So what were your top songs?

[Sarah]

Golden.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

Literally all the songs from Wicked, wizard, the wizard, and I popular. And then there's, like, moments where I'm. I'm still there. So, like, Justin Bieber swag. I'm there. Sabrina. Sabrina Carpenter and Dustin were the only ones who.

[Kirby]

Who made it. They survived.

[Sarah]

They've survived. But it's Cynthia, Huntrix, Ariana, Justin, Sabrina.

[Kirby]

That is hilarious. I'm gonna say something controversial, and I think that some of this may be rigged, and maybe that's going too far.

[Sarah]

How is. Yeah, how's Sabrina not on yours?

[Kirby]

Sabrina is top album and Top artist for not the top top. But Taylor Swift is above they said the Life of a Showgirl. I listen to more than Man's Best Friend. That is physically.

[Sarah]

Receipts.

[Kirby]

Show me the minutes because you go down and when they make your playlist, it'll be like play 20 times played. Whatever. They're claiming that like, like Taylor Swift does not even break my top 20 with the exception of one song. And it's not even from Life of a Showgirl. It's from Reputation and it's called so it Goes. And it's one of my favorite songs of all time. And I did listen to that a lot this year because it's a very sexy song. But I'm like, how is. I need to know how they're computing what your top albums are because I think I listened to the Life of a Showgirl on repeat for three days straight when it came out to decide what I thought about it and I have not listened to it since. Yeah, Man's Best Friend, I was for sure thinking was gonna be number one her or Mayhem from Gaga. It ended up being Gaga. Gaga had my most streamed song.

[Sarah]

Love that.

[Kirby]

How Bad do youo Want Me to Very on Brand Biebs is in there and Ariana Grande. I had a great little pop trifecta going. Yeah, it was great. But I was like, oh, also, were you completely read to Filth by your Spotify wrapped?

[Sarah]

Oh, yeah, totally.

[Kirby]

Mine was like, you're old. You're old. Your listening habits. Age is just a number. But by the way, you're 67 based off of your listening habits. I'm so young because of the K pop. I was like, yeah, I think.

[Sarah]

No, I think I was 20. But I was like, all right, that's fine. But like, this is not accurate.

[Kirby]

No, I was laughing. I was like 67. It's because my number two genre, yacht rock.

[Sarah]

Oh, yeah.

[Kirby]

Love me some Michael McDonald's shouldn't feel ashamed of that.

[Sarah]

Whoever does it, though, kudos, because they do love it every year.

[Kirby]

It makes me happy.

[Sarah]

Yeah. And I love to see what other people are listening to. What was your number one podcast last Cult? Mine was good Hang. I got a message from Amy.

[Kirby]

I also got a message from Amy. I did not get a message from Bowen and Matt. Oh, that's weird. Last year I got a message from Matt Baloney of the Town.

[Sarah]

Do you think it'? They're not on Spotify because they're on like, I Heart.

[Kirby]

Oh, well, yeah, well, maybe I don't.

[Sarah]

Know because Amy is a Spotify.

[Kirby]

Oh, you know what? Why? Also, it's not Matt Baloney. It's Matt.

[Sarah]

Melanie.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

Baby bells, baby bell hive rise. No, I got a message from Gaga.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

I got a message from Amy.

[Sarah]

I got a message from Huntrix.

[Kirby]

You got a message from Huntrix?

[Sarah]

They were like, hi. And, like, animated.

[Kirby]

Yeah, it was really cute.

[Sarah]

It was very cute.

[Kirby]

That's actually really adorable.

[Sarah]

No, Justin. Waiting for my message.

[Kirby]

Listen, Biebs, can you imagine what Bieber's Spotify rap message would have been?

[Sarah]

Gosh. Have you been watching?

[Kirby]

Not clocking to you that I am your number one artist of 2025.

[Sarah]

Matt's gonna hate me for saying this, but he was Matt's number one this year.

[Kirby]

You know what? That's why we love Matt.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Because he just, you know, it's good music. It's good music. Have you been listening or.

Performances? No, his rehearsals.

[Kirby]

But some people are, like, so chronically online that I've seen a bunch of, like, really, really dumb takes of, like, what has happened or hasn't happened during these live streams. And I'm like, y' all need to truly get a job.

[Sarah]

Oh, I think I know what you're talking about. No, just.

[Kirby]

He's rehearsing. Just don't think too deep. I'm like, y' all need to get a job quickly.

[Sarah]

Yes. Get offline.

[Kirby]

Which is leave him alone.

[Sarah]

Every year. My resolution. But it really is going to be my resolution this year. I need to, like, I saw that really scary stat on, like, I think it was New York Times or whatever, where it's like, how often we're checking our phones. It's like, that's not good for our brains.

[Kirby]

Not good for anything. I also read a story about how people that are writing television and, like, made for TV movies and stuff are getting directives from higher up executives saying, you have to consider that people are watching these shows with their phones in their hands.

[Sarah]

I hate that.

[Kirby]

So they're almost, like, dumbed down what you're trying to do here. And I'm like, actually, I love getting invested in a show, putting my phone down and being like, this is all I'm focusing on.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

If there's something that piques my interest in terms of, like, oh, is she wearing a wig? Or, like, what does this word mean that I haven't heard before? I'll pick up my phone and look it up. But I pause.

[Sarah]

Yeah, I've been doing that a lot with Stranger Things because it's just so much time has passed and, like, there's little, you know, I'm like, who was that? I know what happened there.

[Kirby]

I know. I'm like, I really need some context here. Have you watched the Beast in Me?

[Sarah]

Is that. Which one is that?

[Kirby]

It's a new series on Netflix. It's a limited series with Claire Danes and Matthew Reese. No, he's amazing. She's amazing. Really, really good show.

[Sarah]

Oh, okay.

[Kirby]

Easy binge.

[Sarah]

Okay, Great.

[Kirby]

Highly recommend.

[Sarah]

I have been on a documentary kick, and I watched the Charlie Sheen one against my will. Cause Matt was like, someone said it was really good. Now I know way too much about Charlie Sheen.

[Kirby]

Did I tell you that I submitted an application to be his intern when all that crazy shit was happening with him?

[Sarah]

Like, it was already happening. And you were like, I want to be his intern.

[Kirby]

They were like, charlie Sheen's looking for an intern. And I was like, let's see what happens. And I got an email back being.

[Sarah]

Like, thank God you did it.

[Kirby]

You're making it to the next level. And then I was like, do I do this? And everyone I talked to was like, you will be addicted to drugs.

[Sarah]

No.

[Kirby]

Do not do it.

[Sarah]

No. I can't believe the man is alive. I can't. But it is sweet just to know how much his father loves him. I will just say that.

[Kirby]

Oh, Martin.

[Sarah]

Yeah. He really goes to bat for his son time and time again. Very sweet.

[Kirby]

We gotta respect Martin.

[Sarah]

Yeah. But then, like, Denise Richards, the very end, she's like, I still love him. And then she's like, starts to cry. I'm like, this is. Oh, my God.

[Kirby]

Okay, maybe I do need to watch this. By the way, Denise, Richard has an amazing facelift.

[Sarah]

She looks really good.

[Kirby]

She literally looks like she did 20 years ago and just want to put it out there. I saw Kris Jenner last night yet again and tight, looking snatched. I don't care what everybody on the Internet is saying. People are like, to this day, still commenting on my Kris Jenner facelift video. This is highly edited. She doesn't look like that. I've seen an actual picture. I'm like, an actual picture that the contrast was upped on. And everyone's. This whole new narrative of her face is it's dropped. It is not. Her face and neck still look amazing.

[Sarah]

Does that happen? The facelift? It drops.

[Kirby]

Some plastic surgeons say, like, it will. It won't be as hot. Like, it'll. Like, you'll settle into it. But that doesn't mean it completely falls.

[Sarah]

Because then what are you paying for?

[Kirby]

Get a grip.

[Sarah]

Yeah, she looks amazing.

[Kirby]

I hate the peanut gallery to Be totally honest.

[Sarah]

So again, let's get offline.

[Kirby]

You may recall that we had Tatcha's founder, Vicky Sy on the show a little bit earlier this year for the second time. And I'm still thinking about how she builds rituals of daily self love, little pauses that restore calm and joy.

[Sarah]

And honestly, the product that nails that feeling for moi is the Dewy Skin Cream. It is this decadently rich moisturizer that plumps the look of fine lines and seals in moisture for that signature dewy glow.

[Kirby]

I got to say, when you said moi, you said plump, you said glow. There was someone that came to mind. There was someone came to mind. And I'll let you all figure out who that is. It literally cocoons my skin in a comforting replenishing feeling. And the glow lasts, like even under makeup.

[Sarah]

It's truly the best. And no wonder. It is their best selling moisturizer, a Dewy Skin cream, is sold every 30 seconds.

[Kirby]

Not surprised though. Ready to join the dewy side? Enjoy. 15% off your first purchase at tatcha.com with code GLOSSANGELAS15.

[Sarah]

That's GLOSSANGELIS15 for 15% off your first [e-mail].

[Kirby]

Everyone I know. What if in 2026, you and I don't even have to look at Instagram? TikTok. None of it. We just have someone else handling all.

[Sarah]

That and you're just. Everyone still though, is listening and maybe watching this, but.

[Kirby]

And like they've all just converted to Slack instead. Yeah, I'd rather be with our people on Slack. And by the way, thank you to everyone who had Los Angeles as their number one podcast of the year. Makes me like my friggin heart so emoji warm my friggin heart.

[Sarah]

Thank you.

[Kirby]

Well, if you're here, you, I don't know if you're a new listener. Someone commented on TikTok and said, I have been listening to you guys for months. Saw that and I had no idea what you look like. And the voices do not match the faces.

[Sarah]

Like, what do you think we were supposed to look like? I'd love.

[Kirby]

But I get it. I get it. Because Bobby Bones, when I was growing up, there was a DJ in Austin, Texas, Bobby Bones and his team, Jill Lunchbox. I remember being like, what do they look like? And then when you see them in person and you hear their voice, you're like, this does not compute.

[Sarah]

No, that's how I feel about all the NPR reporters and hosts. I actually don't like looking at what they look like.

[Kirby]

Yeah, because you're like, that is vision.

[Sarah]

That's not what it looks like in my head. But I'd love to know.

[Kirby]

I would love to know if you're good at drawing.

[Sarah]

I'd love to know what we look.

[Kirby]

Do not under any circumstance send me or describe it to me. Do not send me a drawing of what you think I look like.

[Sarah]

Please. I would love to. I want to know.

[Kirby]

What if they all thought you were white?

[Sarah]

Oh, I could be. Could be.

[Kirby]

No, you couldn't.

[Sarah]

I mean, I talk about it being Asian, but you know, you never know.

[Kirby]

But if you've been here long enough, you know, we do wife. We retired. What's on your face or wife? Because we wanted to be conscious about over consumption. We also were like, we're having to recommend things every week, but like we're.

[Sarah]

Using the same thing. Testing things for weeks at a time.

[Kirby]

It's just a lot. Or we're just starting to use something and haven't had time to test it. And we don't think that's like a valid review. But then we brought it to the slack and the slack was like, no, we miss wife. We don't even care. It doesn't have to be a full on endorsement. We just want to know like what you guys are using and trying. So we said, guess what, let's talk about it. Let's do some wife. So, Sarah, what are you woifing today?

[Sarah]

Okay, what I have been wifiing today and also ever since Sarah Creel was on the podcast is the Sarah Creel moisture source.

[Kirby]

It's amazing.

[Sarah]

Oh my God. Where have I been? How could I have gone all my life without this? It is. So this is technically an essence. It's her essence. But I use it like a moisturizer during the day and then I do use it as an essence at night. But goodness, my skin just soaks it up and it just looks so nice and like glowy and juicy after. I love using it in the morning, especially because I feel like no matter what, no matter how glazed of a donut I am, when I go to bed, I just, I wake up dry. Like I think it's probably age. It's also like we have the heater on, you know, so I, you know, rinse my face and then I put it on and I feel like my skin is back to life. Like it's like instant juicy hydration and the texture is really unique because it's kind of like a gel, like a liquid gel cream.

[Kirby]

So it's a bi phase formula. It has the oil and then it has the more like. Is it water soluble? I can't remember if it's, like, water based, but you have to shake it.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

In order for it to mix together.

[Sarah]

Yeah. So it's just a really. It's, like, cushiony. So then you push it into your face, and your skin just feels, like, bouncier and plumper. Um, so in the morning, I will put that on, and then I'll put on either a really light moisturizer. Cause I won't need something thick. Or it's a really great base for under your makeup when you don't want, you know, to put a ton of moisture on because then your makeup's, like, slipping.

[Kirby]

Yep.

[Sarah]

It's great underneath your sunscreen. It just. It. It feels really good. It looks really good. I have the big version, which is. It's expensive. It's $95.

At Sephora. But she gave us those mini ones with the pump. And I actually like the pump. Like, I've been pouring the big one in the small one because I like being able to squeeze it out and then rubbing it on my face. So I've gone through that. Like, I've, like, filled it up, like, three times now.

[Kirby]

I love the travel size. I think it's so cute. And I agree. I prefer the pump. I think that if they'd made any changes to the actual.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Full size, they should make it a pump. Like a spritz kind of thing where you can just shake it and spray it on your face.

[Sarah]

Right. Oh, God, it's just so good. I swear, like, even if you aren't super dry, like, even if you are, like, combo, like, I think it's just a nice, juicy hydrating boost for your skin. I think everyone needs it, and it makes your skin just look so gorge. So thank you, Sarah.

[Kirby]

Sarah Creel, a real one.

[Sarah]

She knows what she's doing.

[Kirby]

People loved that episode. Did people that even listened to Los Angeles loved the clips of her, like, Real Deal. Fantastic, fantastic episode. If you haven't listened yet. Okay. I want to shout out a brand that launched mid last month. It's really interesting to me because it's a makeup brush brand, but the whole ethos behind the brand in general is, like, the vanity and how vanities have kind of died. Like, there's, like, Glamcore and, like, all those different versions of vanities, but there's not, like, the old school vanity that kind of looks like a desk, that it's made out of wood, that it has, like, the three panel mirror.

[Sarah]

Which I always wanted growing up. Same.

[Kirby]

I wanted something like, really pretty. Now it's like very like, clean and hard lines.

[Sarah]

Everyone's doing their makeup in the bathroom.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

And like, it's not really. There's not. Yeah. There's no vanities in people's, like, get ready with me's anymore. Really? Or like it.

[Kirby]

Well, I think that there's a lot of people that for a living, have a vanity.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But it's the glam course.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Right. It's like the big shiny lights.

[Sarah]

It's like studio.

[Kirby]

Yes. Studio level. I also know a lot of teenage girls ask for vanities of that nature for the holidays. So there's that element. So there's this brand that launched by Annie Cray Bomb. She is known best for being the brains behind Glossier. She is co founder of soft services and she is launching a new brand called Chrom. And it's a mix of her last name. Okay. Just the K and the Omni. And she also is one of our sistren in the podcast world. She co hosts Eyewitness Beauty with Nick Axelrod. And she reached out to me a couple weeks ago and was like, hey, if I were to send you something, like, what would your address be? And I'm like, here it is. Would be happy to receive if you send it. And so I got this beautiful box that kind of reminded me of an iPhone box in that, like, when you pull the lid off, it makes that pop noise.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

And that's like a specially, like, patented thing. I think that iPhone does. Yeah, it's like a very. But it has this beautiful texture to it. It kind of looks like stationary when you get it. And then you open it up and it has the most beautiful display of these teeny, tiny little brushes. Ooh, there are five of them. I don't have all five of them with me today because I left one at home. But these brushes were made essentially like if you were writing, you know, writing a letter with the ease of writing a letter, how you would use these brushes.

[Sarah]

I love how tiny they are.

[Kirby]

They're so small. And I always. My favorite brushes I have. I could name you a laundry list of brushes that I love. But some of my absolute favorite are detail brushes that I buy from beauty supply stores in the Valley for film and television. And they're from brands that I like, could not name.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But Annie was like, okay, I want to start this brand that's like, all about the vanity. We're going to kick things off with these little mini brushes and so it's called the micro brush set. As you can see, they are so small, it, like, fits in the palm of your hand. So, like, you could essentially put them in your purse, travel with them, whatever. And each of them are meant specifically for, like, very fine details. So this one right here, it's called the micro saber. This one, you can make brush strokes, so it's like you can fill in your brows with it. You could also do, like, a teeny, tiny wing. Then you have the micro angle, which is, like, what I did my liner with today. They have a flat one that you can also use in your brow. But I use it to tight line my eyes. And I mean, these are the most tiny, most delicate. They're so, so cute.

[Sarah]

And then, like, why do brushes need to be bigger than that? It's like, you really, like, when you do your makeup with precision brushes like that, you're like, oh, I just look better. Because it's like.

[Kirby]

You do. Yeah, you do. And these were specially made in Japan, which, if you know, you know, like, in the beauty world, you go to Japan and you get your makeup brushes. Makeup brushes. That's, like, what all the makeup artists do. I know, like, Alexandra French is there right now, like, having a heyday, and then she makes these two other ones, the micro taper and the micro swab. The micro swab I keep with me and in my purse because it helps with cleanup. You could use it with, like, makeup remover, micellar water. You could even just, like, use it to buff out shadow into a wing. And then the taper is kind of the same thing. Like, you can use these for so many different things, but they're so small, so tiny. I'm obsessed with them to come in.

[Sarah]

Like, a little bag or, like, it.

[Kirby]

Doesn'T come in a little pouch. That's the only thing I would say is, like, I wish that there was a pouch for them to, like, put them in so I could really just throw them in my purse.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

I've been using the Charlotte Tilbury velvet pouch. So cute. To, you know, keep them contained. These five are mostly synthetic, except for one of them is, like, a mix of, like, goat hair. And. And there's a reason why she uses that type of brush, hair versus others, which she explains in this incredible manual. And it's like, we have lost the art of educating ourselves when it comes to beauty. You open up this manual, and it's like, okay, here's the history of the brush. Here's the history of, like, here's the anatomy of What a brush is and what how it's put together and like, why a brush falls apart or not. She has face maps in there to help you with, like, your looks. And then she goes into detail about like, every single one of these brushes. I'm like, saving the manual because it's so beautiful and it's chic, but also necessary because, like, people just don't know what they're doing.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

And then all five of the brushes come with this little tiny tin that has brush soap made out of tallow. And I guess this formula is meant to be like a double cleanse for your brushes.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

I'm not only using it on these brushes, but all of my smaller brushes that I have. It encourages you to clean them every day. Yeah. Because of how easy it is to use, but also because of how tiny these are.

[Sarah]

Like, it gets.

[Kirby]

There's too much buildup. You have to clean them every day.

[Sarah]

Right.

[Kirby]

And because you're not submerging them within like a liquid, it keeps the barrel safe. Yeah. I'm fully obsessed with these.

[Sarah]

They're so cute.

[Kirby]

They're so cute. I feel like they would be a great gift for the holidays.

[Sarah]

How much are they?

[Kirby]

They are $149 for five. The five micro brushes, the soap, and then the manual.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

So definitely like a beauty investment. But these are built to last. Yeah. And I'm just obsessed.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

They're so cute.

[Sarah]

They are.

[Kirby]

I know. The smallness really gets me every time.

[Sarah]

Really cute. I like the color too. They're beautiful.

[Kirby]

Yeah. The brand obviously, like, she understands branding better than anyone. And so I'm just really excited to have gotten the opportunity to test them out.

[Sarah]

Amazing.

[Kirby]

So if you're looking for brushes. Oh, this is what I'll say last thing. This is not for the person that gets ready in their car. Like, these are great for on the go. Like, for like touch ups and stuff. Like, I love to use them to like smudge my lip and stuff. But, like, this is for the girl, like, wants to sit down and like, she dedicates time to doing her eyeliner.

[Sarah]

Yeah, I love that. We all deserve that.

[Kirby]

Totally. Okay, we're going to just wrap things up with one big piece of news that we've been seeing rampant online in terms of misinformation. So you may have heard that the FDA is poised to kill a proposal that would require asbestos testing for cosmetics. This somehow got turned into the FDA is killing testing of asbestos and cosmetics. Let's just be very clear. The FDA never did this. Like, it is not A requirement by the FDA for brands to submit and then have them test to whether. See there to see there's asbestos. There is a rule that was proposed last year by the FDA to require standardized testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos and talc containing cosmetic products. And this was through Mocra, which was. You know, we've talked about that in the past. But then last week it comes out that, surprise, surprise, the FDA is withdrawing this proposal. Part of me is like, I get why people are upset because the asbestos talk conversation is rampant. And it's like, you know, rightfully so, like, you should be looking into stuff like this. But the other part of me is like, you're getting mad about something that was never going to happen. Yeah, I mean, it was a proposal.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But it was killed by this administration. So. Yeah, like, truly. I mean, yeah, it's stupid to kill this. Like, this is only going to help people. So in my head I go, who is paying this administration to kill this?

[Sarah]

Like, you know, yep, big conglomerams.

[Kirby]

Right? Like, what's going on here? But it says, apparently it's. It's been said that they're looking to bring it back in, like a different proposal or something. So I don't know. But it just. This is from Beauty Matter. It says, in a regressive regulatory pivot, the US Food and Drug Administration withdrew its proposed rule requiring standardized methods for detecting asbestos and talc containing cosmetic products. Published in the Federal Register on November 28th. And this is, It's. It's just funny because it's like, make America healthy again, Robert F. Kennedy. But like, let's not implement this rule that would actually be helpful for people. Like, asbestos and talc is like a very common concern for people right now.

[Sarah]

Oh, my God, Totally.

[Kirby]

But I do want to say too, that the FDA did do a test in 2023 of the top 50 talc containing beauty products on the market. And I'm talking like Charlotte Tilbury, one size. There was no cross contamination of.

[Sarah]

They didn't find any asbestos.

[Kirby]

They found absolutely no asbestos in talc. So I do think that this is a talking point that is used to fear monger a lot of people. But I also, again, all understand why people have their concerns, especially with all the Johnson and Johnson drama.

[Sarah]

Right, Right.

[Kirby]

But then the FDA said that it plans to craft a broader proposal in the future.

[Sarah]

We're seeing a lot of brands then take talc out of their formulas, but if a product still has talc in it, they're not required to test it. And they're not also just voluntarily testing the talc, like, what, what? But what products even still have talc?

[Kirby]

Charlotte Tilbury.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

The reason why it's my number one powder of all time, because it has. Yes. Like, if you like a powder and you like the way it looks on your face, guarantee.

[Sarah]

Because of the talc.

[Kirby]

The talc.

[Sarah]

But then we know that it was tested and it was fine.

[Kirby]

Yes, we know that there. And you can look this up on the FDA's website. They tested like either 100 or 50 of like the top performing talc based beauty products and there was zero cross contamination of asbestos.

[Sarah]

So. So it's really just up to the consumer.

[Kirby]

I understand why people are like, what the hell? But then I'm also like, but you guys know that this was never something like a lot of the, A lot of the conversation I've seen around it has just been people being like, they're taking away this thing that was going to help us, you know, be healthier. And it's like. But it was never enacted in the first place.

[Sarah]

Totally. Yeah. Okay. All right. I haven't seen people. I need to go online and see what people are saying.

[Kirby]

Yeah, so there's that. If you guys have any more questions about it, let us know. We can definitely cover it a little bit more in depth in the future. But just wanted to put this out there because I was getting a lot of DMS from people like, can you cover this? What does this mean? I'm scared. And I'm like, it's a free for all again in terms of the fear mongering going on.

[Sarah]

And there's nothing to be scared about because it's the same thing.

[Kirby]

Right. A lot of the videos I've seen over the past, you know, however many days are people that have legitimately no credentials in any type of beauty formulation development, nothing. They're just like randos that like decided to go on a crusade.

[Sarah]

So sounds right.

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