Which Brands Have Clout with Gen Z According to a 22-Year-Old

Summary

Gloss Angeles Podcast Summary

Episode: Which Brands Have Clout with Gen Z According to a 22-Year-Old
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
Guest: Jovi Stonin, Social Media Manager and President of the Women in Media Club at UCSB

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Introduction of Guest: Jovi Stonin ([00:38]-[01:05])

Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan kick off the episode by warmly welcoming Jovi Stonin, their social media manager and a representative Gen Z voice. They emphasize Jovi's pivotal role in managing social content, video clips, and overall social media strategy.

• Kirbie: "If we didn't have her, there would be no social. It would not be happening."

Jovi’s Top Beauty Product Recommendations ([03:04]-[07:02])

Jovi shares her top three beauty products that resonate strongly with Gen Z:

1. Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Coconut Oil Micro Exfoliating Shampoo ([03:04]-[04:09])

• Jovi: “My hair has never felt cleaner in my life. It's so nice.” ([03:16])
• She highlights the shampoo’s effectiveness in cleansing and its generous product size. Jovi appreciates the brand’s engagement, mentioning her direct message to founder Nancy Twine.

2. Personal Day Salicylic Acid Toner ([05:07]-[06:17])

• Jovi: “Salicylic acid. 2%, and it’s a toner.” ([05:30])
• This product is praised for its acne-fighting properties, featuring ingredients like BHA, AHA, Niacinamide, and Azelaic Acid. Jovi notes noticeable improvements in her skin overnight.

3. Bastide Perfume ([06:18]-[07:02])

• Jovi: “I never received more compliments on this perfume in my life.” ([06:48])
• She describes the scent as a warm amber sandalwood tangerine blend, highlighting its unique presence and the luxury feel of the fragrance.

Favorite Beauty Brands Among Gen Z ([15:18]-[21:19])

Jovi discusses the top beauty brands that hold significant clout with Gen Z:

1. Glossier

   • Renowned for its minimalist and effective products.

2. ROAD

   • Valued for its innovative formulations and brand presence.

3. Haus Labs

   • Celebrated for inclusive and high-quality foundation products.

4. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

   • Applauded for its wide shade range and high-performance products.

5. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

   • Esteemed for its commitment to mental health and inclusive beauty solutions.

• Jovi: “I use [Fenty’s] setting spray... I have a bottle in every room.” ([20:49])

Brands Losing Clout with Gen Z ([22:12]-[30:59])

The conversation shifts to brands that were once popular but are now seeing a decline in Gen Z’s preference:

1. Tarte

• Jovi: “We as Gen Z loved Tarte, but it’s not as cool anymore.” ([23:14])
• Reasons include newer brands emerging and shifting trends.

2. Urban Decay

• Jovi: “I’ve outgrown Urban Decay; they didn’t grow with me.” ([36:05])
• Issues cited include product size changes and brand identity shifts.

3. Drunk Elephant and REM Beauty

• Jovi: “Drunk Elephant is too expensive... REM Beauty lacks recent impactful launches.” ([29:52]-[30:59])

• Kirbie: “I’ve seen their booths filled in Sephora, but interest fluctuates.” ([24:20])

Influencers vs. Celebrities in Brand Influence ([33:05]-[36:32])

Jovi emphasizes the trust Gen Z places more in friends and relatable influencers over traditional celebrities when it comes to beauty product recommendations.

• Jovi: “Our number one influencers will forever be our friends. If we see a passionate review, we believe you.” ([33:05])

• Discussion on the skepticism towards paid partnerships and the preference for authentic endorsements.

Current Beauty Industry News and Opinions ([42:52]-[54:31])

Pat McGrath Joins Louis Vuitton’s New Makeup Line ([42:52]-[48:13])

• Sarah: “Pat McGrath being named creative director for Louis Vuitton’s makeup line raises questions about her dual roles.” ([42:52])

• Hosts and Jovi discuss the potential conflicts and excitement surrounding Pat McGrath’s influence on a luxury brand like Louis Vuitton.

• Jovi: “I’m excited to see what the packaging is gonna look like.” ([47:00])

Mikayla Naguera’s New Brand: Point of View ([48:13]-[54:31])

• Sarah: “Mikayla Naguera is launching Point of View, a skin prep brand inspired by K-beauty.” ([49:11])

• Jovi: “I think it’s smart... I'm curious about the pricing and how they'll market it beyond her core fans.” ([53:30]-[53:59])

• Discussion on the authenticity of influencer-led brands and their potential market impact.

Closing Remarks and Personal Notes ([56:17]-[57:17])

The episode concludes with celebratory notes for Jovi’s birthday and sharing of personal social media handles.

• Jovi: “You can find me on LinkedIn. Please find me there anytime.” ([56:48])

• Kirbie: “Race the sails.” ([57:32])

---

Notable Quotes with Attribution

• Kirbie Johnson: "If we didn't have her, there would be no social. It would not be happening." ([00:54]-[00:57])

• Jovi Stonin: “My hair has never felt cleaner in my life. It's so nice.” ([03:16])

• Jovi Stonin: “Our number one influencers will forever be our friends. If we see a passionate review, we believe you.” ([33:05])

• Jovi Stonin: “I’m excited to see what the packaging is gonna look like.” ([47:00])

• Jovi Stonin: “You can find me on LinkedIn. Please find me there anytime.” ([56:48])

---

Conclusion

In this insightful episode of Gloss Angeles, Jovi Stonin provides a Gen Z perspective on current beauty trends, favorite and fading brands, and the evolving influence of influencers versus celebrities. The discussion also delves into significant industry movements, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of what drives Gen Z's beauty choices today.

Transcript

[Jovi]

Race the rudders.

[Kirby]

Race the sails.

[Jovi]

Race the sails. Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching. Over. Roger, wait. Is that an enterprise sales solution? Reach sales professionals, not professional sailors. With LinkedIn ads, you can target the right people by industry, job title, and more. We'll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Get started today at LinkedIn.com results, terms and conditions apply. G L A M Los Angeles.

[Sarah]

Hi, Kirby.

[Kirby]

Hi, Sarah. Welcome to Los Angeles.

[Sarah]

Okay, this is a really exciting episode.

[Kirby]

We are so excited about this episode.

[Sarah]

Because she's our favorite person.

[Kirby]

We love her dearly.

[Sarah]

She keeps shit running for Los Angeles.

[Kirby]

If we didn't have her, there would be no social. It would not be happening. No clips, no video clips. It would not happen.

[Sarah]

This would continue to be an audio medium. And she's just the sweetest ray of sunshine. Jovi, our social media manager and the voice of a generation.

[Kirby]

She is gonna be the voice of a generation today. She's laughing. She's gonna be the voice of a generation today because she is Gen Z and she has some opinions, and we're gonna be asking her about them. Jovi, welcome.

[Sarah]

Welcome to GOS Angeles.

[Jovi]

Wow. I don't even know what to say. Thank you so much for having me. That was such. Wow, what an introduction.

[Kirby]

Also, I just have to say, y'all, she is so. She's made my life significantly better since she's entered it. It hasn't even been a year. And let me tell you, when I'm like, I need you to clip this out, she says, say less. I will handle it. I will figure it out. Sometimes I don't even have to tell her. I go, there's this part where we talk about this thing. She clips it out. She makes it funny. She knows how to edit. Okay, not just edit in terms of the actual video, but what to cut out, right? She goes, we don't need this information.

[Sarah]

Totally.

[Kirby]

She's a good editor.

[Sarah]

She also makes these incredible decks for us that are gorgeous.

[Kirby]

Stonin.

[Sarah]

Stonin. Like, we don't want to reveal her last name for fear that someone.

[Kirby]

She's going to get pillaged, but we.

[Sarah]

Want someone to steal her when the time comes. When she graduates, which is soon.

[Kirby]

She's a senior at ucsb.

[Sarah]

This is technically, like, your video resume.

[Jovi]

Wait, guys. This is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I need to reciprocate because you're the best bosses I've ever had in my life. And anyone listening knows that this is probably the coolest job ever. And so I'm just so flattered to even be here and to even, like, this is crazy to be. Wow.

[Sarah]

The honor is ours.

[Jovi]

Thank you so much.

[Kirby]

Okay, G. So we ask all of our esteemed guests. Selena Gomez. Hailey Bieber.

[Sarah]

Jovi.

[Kirby]

Jovi, what is on your face?

[Jovi]

Okay, well, I came here with a mission to influence the glams on my three top products at the moment.

[Sarah]

Ooh.

[Jovi]

So everyone listen up. Number one, Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal Coconut Oil Micro exfoliating shampoo. Have you tried it?

[Kirby]

No, but how did you remember the entire name of it?

[Jovi]

Because I stared in the shower, and I'm just so happy it's there. And also, I. You gave it to me, so everything I use, you guys probably gave to me in some way or influenced me in some way. But it's so nice. It's like you're supposed to use it once a week, obviously. Exfoliating shampoo. But my hair has never felt cleaner in my life. It's so nice. And also, it has a good amount of product. And also, I love that brand. Like, I was so obsessed with it and shocked with the results that I dmed the founder, Nancy Twine. Yeah. I said, hey, Nancy, this is so awesome. And I love it so much. And she answered. So I love her. And I love this product. So if you have any buildup or really anything, you should just. You should use it. I'm trying to be. Trying to influence here.

[Sarah]

How often are you using it?

[Jovi]

Well, you're supposed to use it once a week, but I was so obsessed that I started using it more.

[Sarah]

Okay, so like, twice a week.

[Jovi]

I know. But then it was kind of. You know, you shouldn't. Cause I was kind of getting irritated and stuff. So once a week. But it's my favorite day of the week is that day.

[Sarah]

Oh, wow.

[Kirby]

I do love Briogeo. I like their concentrate, their shampoo concentrate. That's my go to.

[Sarah]

So I also like their spray, the scalp spray. It's like you use it before you shampoo. That helps also break down. But I have not tried that. You influenced.

[Kirby]

Yeah. We're gonna have to try it.

[Jovi]

Okay, That'll be next on the list.

[Kirby]

Okay, what's next?

[Jovi]

Next is. Oh, personal day. Salicylic acid. Why? Love personal day.

[Kirby]

It's a very good celebrity brand seen on Los Angeles.

[Jovi]

Yes.

[Kirby]

You know what? We. When we did. So we have an episode coming up, Spoiler alert. Which is. We've been talking about it for a while. The. What are we calling it? The celebrity State of the Union.

[Sarah]

Or something.

[Kirby]

It's about celebrity brands and what we think, how we think they' we forgot. Personal day.

[Sarah]

We forgot.

[Kirby]

But I think it's okay because it's.

[Sarah]

A newer brand, it's new, it hasn't been around for a year. Not established.

[Kirby]

Yeah, not established.

[Sarah]

But I love what she's doing. And you really like the product.

[Kirby]

So it's a. Which product is it?

[Jovi]

It's the salicylic acid. It's called. Oh, my gosh. It has a name.

[Sarah]

Is it like the toner?

[Jovi]

Putting in the work. Put in the work. Salicylic acid. 2%, but it's.

[Sarah]

It's a toner.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Jovi]

And then they have the moisturizer and the cleanser, like the powder cleanser, but. And like two little masks.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

I love that product, too, because if I am breaking out, it will, without fail, get rid of my pimple.

[Jovi]

Immediately, though, like, overnight, I notice a difference. And I've been breaking out way less.

[Sarah]

And it has. It has bha. Aha. Niacinamide and azelaic acid.

[Kirby]

Yeah. It's a good product. And I've seen formulators on TikTok talking about this product or this brand not necessarily affiliated with it, all saying the formulations look really good in terms of being acne safe and acne clearing. So that kind of made me feel better about the fact that I'm, like, obsessed with it.

[Sarah]

Okay, Lily Reinhart, you are Jovi approved.

[Jovi]

Yeah. And it's for all skin types. It's just awesome.

[Sarah]

Okay, last product.

[Jovi]

Okay, last product is a perfume, and the brand is Bastide. And I don't know anyone who follows it, but it's so. I've never received more compliments on this perfume in my life. Bastide B, A S T I D E. And the. The scent is Ombre Maquis. It's, like, French. Like a M, B, R E a M, Q, U, I, S. And it's kind of like a warm amber sandalwood tangerine in there somewhere. But it's so nice. And people like my friends or even acquaintances have smelled me before I arrived. Like, they'll be like, I didn't even know you were in this coffee shop, but I knew you were here because I could smell your perfume.

[Kirby]

Oh, is it so eau de toilette?

[Jovi]

Yeah, we honestly. What's the difference?

[Sarah]

Yeah, so it's a little bit lighter than a perfume. Yeah.

[Kirby]

It's not a body mist. Yeah, it's not a body mist, but it's probably, like a step up from that which one did you like? Amber McKees.

[Jovi]

Yes.

[Kirby]

And that's the best seller. I've never heard of this brand.

[Sarah]

Yeah. How'd you find it?

[Jovi]

I found it in a boutique in Montecito randomly when I was with my mom. No, I know. Seriously, I was scouting her house, her neighborhood, and then I went in there and I just found. Found it. And I've gone through, like, two bottles already. It's so nice.

[Kirby]

Made in France.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Wow.

[Sarah]

I love this. Okay. She's not cheap, but she is worth it.

[Kirby]

Well, she's 140, which, for 3.3 fluid ounces, I think is fair.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

I think that's kind of almost similar to Replica Maison Margiela.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Kirby]

Right. So I feel like in terms of fragrance, this is, like, actually on the lower end, like, not. Not in, like, could be worse quality, but. But I think of, like, Tom Ford.

[Sarah]

It's like, yeah, yeah, yeah. But I wasn't wearing that when I was in college student, so I was.

[Kirby]

Wearing Britney Spears because you know what?

[Sarah]

Jovi's working. She's working.

[Kirby]

She's working late.

[Sarah]

Okay. As we mentioned, you are a college student. You're a senior at ucsb. Go, Gauchos. I'm also very proud. It's an Argentinian cowboy.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Woo.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

So, like, at games sometimes, do you still throw tortillas? Yes. Yeah.

[Kirby]

You're kidding me.

[Jovi]

I'm like, is that, I don't know, politically correct?

[Sarah]

I don't know. But it's cowboys.

[Kirby]

Okay. Yeah.

[Jovi]

They get really into it.

[Sarah]

Yeah. So we found you because you are still currently the president of the Women in Media. What is the Women in Media? Women in Media Club. So she's an overachiever. And I reached out to you because I was like, los Angeles is looking for a social media manager. Can you please post this job description? And you were like, I would like to apply.

[Jovi]

I won't post it because I'm literally here, and I will do it.

[Sarah]

And I was like, oh, okay.

[Kirby]

I remember. I was like, okay, she's in college, so, like, does she have that much work experience? And also, does she understand what we're trying to convey here? Ye of little faith. Kirby was shocked, a little bit delighted with the results of this hire.

[Sarah]

We are thrilled. Like, your presentation during your interview.

[Kirby]

We're like, yes.

[Sarah]

Say less.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

We're like, yes. But you've, like, gone above and beyond since then. You've just kept impressing us.

[Jovi]

This is. This is too much.

[Kirby]

Just send this to any future employer.

[Sarah]

I'm just telling you this is your resume.

[Jovi]

Listen to this episode, please.

[Sarah]

But. Okay, so you're a senior. You love Beauty, obviously. Big fan of Selena Gomez.

[Kirby]

Loves Selena Gomez. Like, loves. We have some video footage that rolls tapes.

[Sarah]

You are a communications and sociology major. You're originally from Italy.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Feel like it's a fun fact.

[Jovi]

That's fun. Yeah.

[Sarah]

Okay, tell us. Just tell us more about you. Tell us more about your background.

[Jovi]

Oh, my gosh. Wow. You really. I'm so impressed that you know that much about me. I'm. Yeah, I was born in Italy originally, but I grew up in NorCal. I'm. Yeah, I'm 22 now, but I think my earliest memories of like, Beauty specifically are I used to be a theater kid. If you couldn't tell, I was a theater kid. And I remember I was like 10 years old in my first show and I had no idea what I was doing. And everyone was like 16, 18, and I was like, what do I do with my face and my hair? And I went into this, like, costume shop and got a Ben Nye stage makeup kit. And like, the older girls taught me how to do it and did my pin curls and I was like, oh, my God, I love this. But then when I really fell in love with, like, a brand was when Glossier launched. Like, I was obsessed. Every product, every reformulation, every CEO, every flagship store, like I was. And no, actually, I need to pull this out because I had a feeling that I did something weird when I was younger. So I went into my DMs to Emily Weiss.

[Kirby]

No, you did not.

[Jovi]

This was 2018, so I was 15. Okay, just want to congratulate you on your incredible company, incredible products, impeccable customer service, no bullshit. Five exclamation points, all caps. I love Glossier.

[Sarah]

Did yours wonder.

[Kirby]

Okay, she should have Emily Weiss, first of all, come on the podcast. Second of all, yes, please hire Joby at Glossier. I mean that you should apply and that should be a screenshot and attached with your resume. I'm not kidding. I feel like that's an instant interview.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Kirby]

At the very least.

[Sarah]

Also, 15 year old DMing the CEO and saying no bullshit.

[Kirby]

I don't think I have ever. I don't think I've ever DMed a CEO ever.

[Jovi]

Oh, I've DMed all of them.

[Kirby]

I'm trying to think of name my CEO.

[Jovi]

They're in my dms.

[Sarah]

It's incredible how access everyone has now to these people that. And like, Nancy, read your.

[Jovi]

I know, that's amazing. I just want to tell you like, you're awesome, even though everyone tells you, but I hope you can read it. I love it.

[Kirby]

No, they need to hear it because they get a lot more negativity than positivity, I'll tell you that much. That's amazing. So, G, what do you want to do with your life? What are your aspirations?

[Jovi]

Such a real question. Okay. I would love to work in marketing or in social media. I am very aware that there's, like, a ton of jobs out there. Like, through women in media, we actually invite a bunch of professionals to come speak. You were invited, but you're not coming. So that's. But basically I was. I learned about so many roles I didn't know. I didn't know existed. Chloe hall came and. Oh, my God, everyone adored her, by the way. But I would love to work in the beauty space. I'm really drawn. Like, I think the reason I'm drawn to brands like glossier and Rare Beauty is that they're doing things beyond just product. Like, I like all the grants, all the initiatives, the campaigns, partnering with the WNBA before it was cool. I know you guys talked about that too. Like, I just crave being in that room where those decisions are made and being on that set, like, where all the road campaigns, for example, that's just my dream. I don't know what position exactly that looks like, but I will take it. I just want to be there. So, yeah, I'm really just open, but would love to be in the beauty space. Something creative. But, yeah.

[Sarah]

Do your other friends also have these dreams? Because I feel like there's this perception that your generation just wants to be creators or YouTube stars or whatever, but obviously not. You guys are all really, really smart and you're going to college for something. Do all of your friends and have, like, similar hopes and dreams?

[Jovi]

I mean, yeah, honestly, if you're in communication, probably every person there wants to do marketing or. Okay, I can't generalize, but I will be in class and the person in front of me will be applying to Road on LinkedIn. Like, that's what it is in my lecture. Wow. So everyone. I think beauty specifically is just. Everyone wants to be in this industry. Everyone does want to create in some way. Like, we kind of have micro influencers on campus or not even micro, just like, influencers that you see walking around. And it's just. Yeah, like, people want to be in that world. And I mean, it's exciting. It's fun.

[Kirby]

Oh, yeah, you were sharing that. There was a girl who got sent the Road Press.

[Jovi]

McKenna yes, McKenna.

[Kirby]

And we were like, how did she. We were like perplexed. We were like, how did she get this? And you were like, she's an influencer. And then we went to her profile and I was shooketh to my core, bringing that one back out. I mean, good for her.

[Jovi]

Yeah, good for her.

[Sarah]

And also good for the brands because like having college ambassadors, quote unquote, or just having a really strong community, smart.

[Kirby]

And getting them, you know, at this younger age where they can grow with the brand, I think was pretty genius.

[Jovi]

And like you said, with students, we really try a lot. Like, if you, if using her as an example, if you watch her videos, they're so curated, like, well thought out. You can tell she took a lot of time, filmed it high quality. It's like, I would want these people to show off my product too. So I applaud those brands too. And hey, I'm here too.

[Kirby]

Yes. So let's talk about brands since we're on that subject. We want to know which ones are on your radar and the ones that your friends are obsessed with. And obviously Rhode is on there. You mentioned them. Glossier, Rare beauty. Rare beauty. But which ones are you guys waiting in line for? Which ones are you, like going to pop Ups or trying to get their limited edition? Is there like a communal sense of like, these are five brands that we all love?

[Jovi]

I will say, Rhode, I live on that wait list. Like, they need to send me a lease to sign because I live there and I don't. I can't leave.

[Sarah]

Digital wait list. Yes.

[Jovi]

So if it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't have tried anything. Oh, I didn't see a makeup product. The Blush is my favorite blush ever.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Jovi]

And I use it every day.

[Sarah]

What shade?

[Jovi]

Sleepy girl.

[Sarah]

Oh, sleepy girl.

[Jovi]

But I actually did. I conducted some research with my friends on this question.

[Kirby]

This is why we love her above and beyond.

[Sarah]

We love data.

[Jovi]

I have some data. It's a small non representative sample, whatever. But it's like, we'll give you a good idea. No way. But I want to know if you can guess the number one favorite because it's none of the ones you said.

[Sarah]

Okay, Producer. Okay. Skin. Skincare or makeup?

[Jovi]

Both. No, makeup.

[Sarah]

Makeup.

[Kirby]

The number one that's in skin care. That's makeup. It's not glossier, it's not road, and it's not rare beauty.

[Sarah]

Okay, wait. Kosas Huda Milk. Makeup.

[Kirby]

Makeup by Mario Charlotte Tilbury.

[Jovi]

No.

[Sarah]

Okay, wait, let's. Let's take a step.

[Kirby]

Hold on.

[Sarah]

Do we talk? We Talk about it on the pod. Not really. Not really.

[Jovi]

Like, I was looking Los Angeles.

[Sarah]

Il Maquillage.

[Jovi]

No. Oh, what is that?

[Kirby]

I'm like, an mlm.

[Jovi]

No.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

Has it been in existence for a while?

[Jovi]

You know what it is?

[Sarah]

Yeah, yeah.

[Kirby]

Can you get it at Sephora?

[Jovi]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

Okay, hold on. I'm, like, literally walking through Sephora. Sephora.

[Jovi]

I'm trying to see when it launched, because I think it's fairly new compared to.

[Kirby]

Okay, okay. That's actually some good information.

[Jovi]

2019.

[Sarah]

Oh, and it's not rare. Yeah.

[Kirby]

Because rare was in 2020, and it's.

[Sarah]

Not something that we've featured on the podcast.

[Kirby]

Can you give us a hint of what their hero product is?

[Sarah]

Like, type, like, specific. Are they a blush? Like, are they.

[Jovi]

It's a glow. Glowy.

[Kirby]

Say yes.

[Sarah]

Oh, okay.

[Kirby]

No way.

[Jovi]

Yes.

[Kirby]

We have talked about them, but not.

[Sarah]

We haven't had Lainey on.

[Kirby]

We haven't had Lainey on. I do love their Glowy Gel Serum. Like, I put that all over my body.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

That is like a body product to me.

[Sarah]

Their concealer is one of my favorites. Love their concealer.

[Kirby]

So they launched a foundation a couple years ago, and when I went to try it, I was obsessed with how it looked, but then my skin ate it. And I think I talked about this.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

It just disappeared on my skin.

[Sarah]

Here's the thing that I think that about Saie and maybe why it's so popular with the younger demographic. It is like, the glossier. When Glossier launched, we were like, these products aren't for us, like, late 20s, early 30s, or I guess we were early 30s at that point. You know what I mean? Wait, Glossier? Yeah.

[Kirby]

No, we were in our 20s. Were we in our 20s?

[Sarah]

Okay, but, like, the skin tint, like, the no makeup.

[Jovi]

Makeup thing.

[Sarah]

Yes. Like, it wasn't, like, we wanted a little bit more coverage. Right. You know, like, the skin tint when it launched.

[Kirby]

Like, I can't just have, like, Lash slick mascara. Like, the Lash. Like, mascara is, like, beautiful on a baby angel. But I need, like, something a little.

[Sarah]

Bit va va voomy or, like, skincare. And maybe that's why we haven't fully, like, been on, like, the Saie Train. However, like, it's an incredible brand that is highly successful. Obviously.

[Kirby]

Lainey's amazing. We've both met her, very smart. We also. I love the initiatives that SEIE does where they will partner in terms of the environment or political ventures and things of that nature. So I think they're one of the brands that is Actually, most vocally forward in that aspect.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

But it is interesting.

[Sarah]

Surprising. Maybe not surprising, but what do you like to use of theirs?

[Jovi]

Well, my roommate has the creamy bronzer.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Jovi]

And it's so nice. I think that's. That actually was people's favorite product, along with the glowy. I don't know the name, but what you were describing.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Jovi]

And then I had tried their lip glosses, but I wasn't, like, obsessed. Like, I think I was going for the wrong products, but I know that I think yesterday they launched their, or relaunched, I guess, their makeup cases. They have them in, like, three different colors.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Jovi]

Like, that's something I wasn't aware of that moment, but I would have been on that way.

[Sarah]

That's so crazy, because when I got that pitch, I was like, who's gonna buy this? I guess, what do I know?

[Jovi]

No, but to be fair, it doesn't really make sense because how are you gonna travel or move?

[Sarah]

No, I mean, I think, like, they know their consumer. It's super cute.

[Kirby]

The Zoone is adorable.

[Jovi]

It's adorable.

[Sarah]

It's super cute. But I just, you know, you never know when you're making these product launches when you're going out almost outside of just your original lineup or whatever. But that's so interesting.

[Kirby]

So SEI was number one.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Okay, can you tell us the rest?

[Jovi]

Road was probably number two.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Jovi]

Then we have Haus Labs.

[Kirby]

Interesting.

[Jovi]

Yeah. I love their foundation. Same fenty.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Jovi]

Oh, speaking of. Because you guys talked about the statue lip stain and the wonder skin.

[Kirby]

Yeah.

[Jovi]

Did you guys try the fenty one?

[Sarah]

No.

[Kirby]

Oh, they have a lip stain now.

[Jovi]

They've had it. I've had it for, like, over a year. I think it's older than that, and I love it.

[Sarah]

Really?

[Jovi]

Yeah. It's like, it's not a peel off. It's like you leave it on and it's. It's liquidy, but then you just wipe it off and it stays on.

[Sarah]

Oh, wait, that's ringing a bell.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Okay. I'll have to give it a say now.

[Kirby]

I want to try it.

[Sarah]

Okay. Okay.

[Jovi]

Then Rare beauty.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Jovi]

Tower 28, makeup by Mario Amica.

[Kirby]

Oh, okay.

[Jovi]

And then. And then I have lists. Oh, Charlotte Tilbury. Sorry.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Jovi]

Glossier K18.

[Sarah]

So I'm hearing a lot of makeup.

[Jovi]

Makeup.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Jovi]

But Lia, who's my best friend, obviously, who went to beautycon, she. When we got all the JVN stuff, she was like, I think this is the best thing, the best products I've ever used on my hair. And if all My friends knew about it. I think they would all use it too. Like, I don't know if we're being reached in that way by jvn, because I don't know a lot of people that use it, at least in my, like, circle, which is not, you know, the whole world. But I think people would love it. Everything smells amazing. Like, I love all of his products.

[Sarah]

Wow, look at that endorsement.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Okay, but then, like, skincare, what are you guys using, you think? Or are you road? Oh, right. Is skin care. I forget that. Are you guys drunk? Elephant girlies?

[Jovi]

That's on our falling off list.

[Sarah]

Oh, okay, wait, wait, wait. You have a falling off list?

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Okay. Because I did ask this. I said, we want to know who's fallen off. So don't. Don't reveal too much yet. We want to still finish out this.

[Sarah]

Sorry, sorry. Like, skincare.

[Kirby]

Skincare wise. What are you, like, what are your go tos?

[Jovi]

Okay, mine recently. Okay. ELTA MD foaming cleanser from Amazon. Then personal day recently. Before that, Road. But I love personal day. It really works for my skin.

[Kirby]

I also think it's interesting that there's a lot of celebrity brands.

[Sarah]

Yeah. So it is working.

[Kirby]

So it's not for us. We're like, is the oversaturation a problem? But it seems as though, no, not.

[Sarah]

A problem at all. I'm surprised summer Fridays isn't on the list.

[Jovi]

Me too. I love summer Fridays.

[Sarah]

Okay, I was expecting that.

[Jovi]

I didn't ask enough people. I'm sure they would have said, yeah.

[Sarah]

No, no, it's okay.

[Jovi]

But I love summer Fridays.

[Sarah]

Okay, are we moving on now to the falling off list?

[Kirby]

Okay, so this is the moment of truth. What brands were high on the list and then have fallen off? In your humble opinion poll?

[Jovi]

The first one is tarte.

[Kirby]

So you guys used tarte. You guys have, like, used or use.

[Sarah]

You like, and maybe when you were in high school.

[Jovi]

Oh, yes.

[Sarah]

Classic tape.

[Jovi]

Shape tape. Maracuja lip. I loved tarte. Well, we. We as Gen Z loved tarte.

[Kirby]

So then what happened?

[Jovi]

Let me speak for everyone. You know what? I don't know. Well, okay. Because at first I was asking my friends, do you guys think this has to do with recent trips up in Tart? All the drama or whatever, or, like, feeling like it's out of touch. And a lot of people were like, that is weird. But no, I mean, it's not really keeping me from buying their products. I just feel like it's not. I've just found things to replace it, I think, especially, like, I guess the staple concealer. Then, I don't know, new brands came. Like, I love Kosas. A bunch of my friends use that, too, actually. And you just find it's not, like, cool anymore.

[Kirby]

But I will say this. When I was in Orlando, I went to a Sephora, as one does, and there were a lot of young, like, younger than you girls at the Tarte. And it's still a huge gondola. I mean, it's still like. It's an own entire gondola.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

You know what I mean? It's one of the biggest offerings that they have at Sephora, so there's, like, ebbs and flow.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

And it could be, like, a regional thing, too. Right.

[Jovi]

I also.

[Kirby]

Yeah. I also think it's interesting that y'all were like, okay, yeah, this trippin with tart stuff is weird. And, like, whatever. But that wouldn't keep me from buying it. Like, I think that actually makes sense.

[Sarah]

Yeah. I would have guessed that.

[Kirby]

Because if you love something, it's like, I love Coca Cola.

[Jovi]

Same.

[Kirby]

The people that own Coca Cola have made some donations that I'm not very thrilled with. But, like, I'm not gonna go to Pepsi because of that. Like, I'm still gonna drink my Coca Cola. I'm still gonna fly Delta.

[Sarah]

I have to sell my Tesla, but I'm still driving it.

[Kirby]

We have to sell off to order.

[Jovi]

On Amazon, you know?

[Kirby]

No, people are still. That's the thing. It's like, we talk a lot about the consumerism under capitalism and all of that stuff, so. But I think that this Tarte discussion is actually very interesting because even though, for me, like, I love the Maracuja Juicy Lips, I think that's a great product. But to your point, I also have a million other products that I love more, so I don't feel like I. You can't be without it.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Jovi]

Yeah. Also, I don't know, maybe it's also, like, as we're getting older, we're trying new, like, trying new products, cycling through, like, old ones that we've had, like, our whole childhood or whatever, and then you want to try new things, and then maybe you just find something you like better.

[Sarah]

And I do feel like marketing is still really important. And, like, when you're talking about these other brands that you were mentioning, that you guys are obsessed with, like, the marketing around all of those launches and campaigns and the initiatives that they have are so cool. It's, like, gets you excited. Excited.

[Jovi]

Yeah. It really does.

[Kirby]

It feels more editorial.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Than like, a QVC almost.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Tarte does make great products, though. I will say this, I do think we're going to see a lot of people going back to the tried and trues that they're used to, which is maybe because I'm personally feeling that way. But I agree. I do think that there's so much out there, especially for your age group, where you're thinking, okay, I already know what this brand has to offer. Let's see what else is out there that's a little bit more sexy.

[Jovi]

Yeah. Also, I'm not one to shame Tarte because I did enter that giveaway maybe 30,000 times.

[Kirby]

Oh, we know.

[Jovi]

No, like, if you go on, I, I, if you go on there, my.

[Kirby]

Comment, she was gonna be tripping with tarte.

[Jovi]

I entered so many times. I should have had like a 99 chance statistically of getting one of the spots.

[Kirby]

It's upsetting that you didn't.

[Jovi]

No. But thank God, because that, that was bad. That was bad.

[Kirby]

It was. Yeah, that was a problem. We would have had you on earlier so you could discuss it literally at length.

[Sarah]

We would have.

[Jovi]

Okay, wait. Oh, Urban Decay. We loved. Literally everyone would agree or the people. I asked. The setting spray. All nighter was just go to setting spray. But now we're obsessed with one size.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Jovi]

Patrick Starr.

[Kirby]

Wow.

[Sarah]

Same.

[Jovi]

Love that setting spray.

[Sarah]

I have a bottle in every room.

[Jovi]

Yeah, same. It's so nice. So Urban Decay. Yeah. Milk was actually on the falling off.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

Really? Even though last year they had the.

[Sarah]

Cooling jelly tints and now everyone loves their skin tint.

[Jovi]

Well, weren't saying that. They're like, they got way smaller. The, like the actual product.

[Kirby]

So. So the components that they are offering now are smaller than what they originally had launched. When they launched many years ago, they were these big, fat, huge, huge things.

[Sarah]

But it was too big.

[Kirby]

It was too big. You could never get through it before it would, like, turn.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

And then they ended up launching these tiny sizes which were for travel, but then they made those the actual size of their products. But I personally like it because I'm still not getting through them like they are. It's still a lot of product.

[Jovi]

Okay, we don't like that. Okay, please give me the full original size.

[Sarah]

We don't like that.

[Jovi]

I know. I'm just kidding. But honestly, I wasn't ever a huge Milk fan in general.

[Sarah]

Mascara?

[Jovi]

No.

[Sarah]

Brow.

[Jovi]

I mean, no. The highlight. Maybe the sticks. The sticks. But yeah.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

And you don't do the primer. The, the hydro grip primer.

[Jovi]

Oh, that was at one point. Yes.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

I really Want to try their skin tint? Apparently, it's so good.

[Jovi]

Okay, well, I need to revisit these, and I'm gonna put everyone back on. So if you're cons, if you're a brand that's on this list, don't worry.

[Kirby]

Don't worry.

[Jovi]

I'm gonna go back.

[Kirby]

It's like I say about the housewives. You're down, but you'll go back up again. You will have your redemption.

[Sarah]

These are facts. You're just delivering the data that you collected.

[Kirby]

One thing about urban decay I agree with. I really want them to figure out who they are again. Because when Wendy Zomner was a part of the brand, me too. It was so cool. It was so edgy. It was so Almost rock in a way. Now I think they do things just to be bold.

[Sarah]

It's hard.

[Kirby]

The brow product they launched called Bush something or another, I just. I'm like, guys, I don't want to wear anything that has Bush in the game.

[Sarah]

I just don't like they're going through an identity crisis. Like, they're figuring it out.

[Kirby]

I do love the brow products, though. The brow blade, whatever. Nana is a really good shade. And I still use All Nighter. All Nighter is my preferred setting spray.

[Jovi]

Okay. This is good to know. Hoping for a comeback for and maybe some renames.

[Kirby]

You said Drunk Elephant. Yeah, it's not happening. It's more of a Gen Alpha brand now.

[Jovi]

Well, yes. Well, I remember when does that.

[Sarah]

Is that the turn off that they're.

[Kirby]

That's her actual children?

[Jovi]

No. Okay. I think it's really expensive.

[Kirby]

It is.

[Jovi]

Why would I. That's just a lot to spend. But also, I remember when. I think it was Alex Earl put the bronzing drops on the map. Yeah, on the map, I bought them everyone. And I couldn't even find them for a really long time. Like, I was influenced by that, but then I was kind of unimpressed, and I was like, I don't know what the hype is. And then everything else was just. I. I would only ever get it in a kit, like, as a gift because it was so expensive to buy by myself. And then I. I just didn't. I don't know. I couldn't be consistent with it because I would run out, and then it's too expensive. So.

[Sarah]

Yep. Okay.

[Jovi]

It's not really a staple there.

[Kirby]

Fair. Fair. Criticism feedback.

[Sarah]

Is that it? Was that the entirety of the list? Is there more?

[Jovi]

No. Well, okay. REM Beauty is on here.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Jovi]

But it says in parentheses Was it ever up the T?

[Kirby]

Okay, that is.

[Jovi]

I'm not trying to be mean.

[Kirby]

No, no, you're not serious. That is fair.

[Jovi]

Do you guys own and use REM Beauty?

[Sarah]

I think that is a. That is a general census of the podcast.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Because we, we've always been critical of.

[Kirby]

It because when they were owned by Morphe, this is pre your time when they were owned by Morphe, we really had questions about what this brand was and that Ariana was not as invested as say, a Lady Gaga or Selena Gomez or a Rihanna, which we know is like the queen of these celeb lines. But however, the past two years she has retained ownership of R.E.M. oh, we talked about this a couple weeks ago. We do think she is very invested in this now.

[Sarah]

Yes. She's primed for a comeback.

[Kirby]

Yes. I just don't think there's been a launch recently that I've been like, I need to try this. And I'm really intrigued.

[Sarah]

I don't even know like what.

[Kirby]

It's been a lot of wicked stuff.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Which fair.

[Sarah]

Which fair? She's been busy.

[Kirby]

License the hell out of it. You should. But I. There's not been a product recently that I've looked at and thought, okay, this is really interesting to me. I want to try it.

[Jovi]

That's how I feel too.

[Kirby]

Yeah, I wanted to have it stay in the sun. I just don't know if. If it will. Did we include her in the celebrity list? Maybe we can.

[Sarah]

Whoops. She launched a Dream Glow highlight serum in January and a glossy balm and an blush and lipstick, which I'm like, I haven't even heard of any of these things.

[Kirby]

Yeah, interesting.

[Jovi]

But I'm glad to hear that, like, now I'm. Now I'm gonna be more.

[Kirby]

We'll all keep an eye also.

[Jovi]

I love her, by the way.

[Kirby]

And I love her same. She's a gem of talent.

[Sarah]

We are obsessed with her talented multi hyphenate.

[Kirby]

We just want more for the brand, I think.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Okay. Well, I feel like you sort of answered this question and like Kirby mentioned, we are hearing a lot of like celebrity led brands, which is maybe a little bit surprising to us. But let's also talk about influencers because I feel like your generation is very tapped into the Alex Earls or, I don't know, you tell me who else you guys are following. Like who is influencing you to purchase the product? Is it the celebrities? Is it the influencers? Is it anyone else that we're not aware of?

[Jovi]

Yeah, well, it's funny I was talking to my friends, asking them about this, and all of us agreed that, like, our number one influencers will forever be our friends. Like, it's literally going to their houses, going in their vanities and their closets. Like, if we will buy things based off of our friends and. Or some rando on TikTok that has zero followers but is just so passionate about a product that you're like, okay, well, I'm gonna try it because I believe you. I think we're much more skeptical of, like, influencer, like, ads in particular. If we see the paid partnership label, it's kind of like, you ruined it for me, obviously. I know that's their. That's their job. They have to do that. And sometimes they really do like the product, obviously.

[Sarah]

But if it feels like you can feel organic, if it feels like on brand, whatever.

[Jovi]

Yeah. Like, sometimes you can tell, but then sometimes it's like, I don't know. Bretman Rock will forever be my number one favorite influencer of all time.

[Kirby]

Same amazing hair, but I follow a.

[Jovi]

Lot of, like, Brooke Puth.

[Sarah]

Who's that?

[Jovi]

Charlie Puth's wife.

[Sarah]

Oh, okay.

[Kirby]

Charlie Puth's wife.

[Jovi]

She is style. Same. Yes. Same with Claudia. Well, I don't know if she's an influencer on purpose, but she. No, she is. She is. She posts someone else's wife.

[Kirby]

No, Finneas's girlfriend.

[Jovi]

Phineas's girlfriend.

[Kirby]

Claudia's cycloar.

[Jovi]

Have you. You guys got it? I'm guessing.

[Kirby]

I have not even tried cycloar yet, but we met her at the road pop up and I said, I am dying to try your products. She's an actress as well. She was in the last. She was in shrinking. She's beautiful.

[Sarah]

Did she say she was gonna send it to you?

[Kirby]

Well, her team is. Yeah. In my email. So, yes, we gotta figure it out. But I hear people are just like, this smells freaking incredible.

[Jovi]

I know. See, like, I'm influenced. Well, I didn't buy it. But also, you can't buy everything you like. Okay? We're college students. Wait, okay, but love that.

[Sarah]

So Charlie Puth's wife.

[Kirby]

I looked up Brooke Puth. I am fascinated by this Brooke Puth.

[Jovi]

Oh, also, when you say Alex Earle, now it's cooler to, like, Ashton Earl.

[Sarah]

Yeah, the younger sister.

[Jovi]

Okay, so Ashton is the cool. Wait, Alex is really cool. Okay. Not shaming. Anyway, that's cute. Ashton Earle is just. Just cool. College. She just did a partnership with Princess Polly or something. Okay, so. And all of us shop there for everything. Basically. Oh, Princess Polly. Yeah.

[Kirby]

Really?

[Jovi]

Princess Polly? Addicted.

[Sarah]

Addicted. Okay. I need. I have questions about addicted because my nieces also are obsessed with it. And I was like, what is it? And then I like, went to the store with them at the Grove, which I was like, get me out of here. There are too many people in here. It wasn't that. It wasn't cute. It was very cute. Cute, but I was like, oh, my God. What? Where did this come from?

[Kirby]

So it's not Aritzia. Princess Polly and adjective.

[Jovi]

No. Okay. We love Aritzia. Actually, this is on the list of brands.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Jovi]

Is Aritzia. Aritzia was on the list of brands because I also did brands and like, free people. Okay. Pepper Mayo is super popular. All of our spring break outfits are from Pepper Mayo.

[Sarah]

Do you guys still shop at Urban?

[Jovi]

Urban's on the Down.

[Sarah]

Oh, down the down. On the down.

[Kirby]

Wow.

[Jovi]

You know what? I. I'm not loving. I went the other day, I was like, this is. Wasn't doing what it did for me before.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Jovi]

I've outgrown. I grew up, and Urban didn't grow with me.

[Sarah]

Ooh.

[Jovi]

You know what I mean?

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Jovi]

Pepper Mayo. No, but Addicted. Princess Polly. Oh, Polly. All these Polly, whatever poly names are all like, just affordable. Like college, going out clothes, basically.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Jovi]

But also I got a skirt from Addicted and it broke three times. So I'm not. I'm kind of anti. That.

[Kirby]

This is.

[Sarah]

It's like addictive. Feels to me like the. The new Forever 21.

[Kirby]

I was gonna say the same thing.

[Jovi]

Yeah. We also.

[Sarah]

Forever 21 felt cheaper. Like, I mean.

[Jovi]

Or.

[Sarah]

Sorry, more affordable. I feel like Forever 21. Wow.

[Jovi]

It's a really over stimulating experience.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Wait, okay, is Pepper Mayo strictly online or do they have.

[Jovi]

Yeah, because it's Australia.

[Sarah]

Oh, so you guys are ordering.

[Jovi]

It's actually a nightmare.

[Kirby]

That's kind of beautiful, though. This stuff is gorgeous.

[Sarah]

Look at this dress.

[Jovi]

That's what we love. Gap in Old Navy.

[Sarah]

Yeah. Okay. Gap for sure.

[Jovi]

Gap.

[Kirby]

I love Gap.

[Sarah]

Gap.

[Jovi]

Gap is back.

[Sarah]

Is back. In a very, very strong way.

[Jovi]

In all senses of the word.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Jovi]

Like, that doesn't make any sense. Like the marketing, the clothes.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Jovi]

I love everything. The campaigns.

[Sarah]

And Old Navy is also super cute too.

[Jovi]

I love Old Navy.

[Kirby]

Is it?

[Jovi]

I love their pajamas too.

[Sarah]

Yes.

[Kirby]

Wow. I haven't been in an Old Navy in a decade.

[Sarah]

I think it's better to shop online.

[Kirby]

Okay.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Jovi]

No, but I need to go back to this influencer thing because I think Brooke Puth is too niche. That's just like, kind of a me thing.

[Kirby]

But now I'm gonna follow Brooke Puth, but obviously not.

[Jovi]

Also, my favorite is Mika Wirt. M E C A H W I R H T. She's fully a mother with three kids, but she has the best.

[Sarah]

Wait, what is that?

[Jovi]

Well, not butt, but I'm saying we don't have much in common.

[Kirby]

She was the first person to pop up when I put in N E.

[Jovi]

C A h. She has the best style. She links everything. I love when people just link every single part of their outfit on their story. That's what I need. Click. Maybe add to wishlist, because usually it's way too expensive. But I'm influenced in that way by. By these, like, cool style and then beauty. Beauty. Tony Bravo.

[Sarah]

Yep.

[Kirby]

Love Tony.

[Jovi]

Gloria.

[Kirby]

Yep.

[Jovi]

Oh, I love Tony's Instagram. And who else? Oh, we love Kelsey Anderson from the Bachelor.

[Kirby]

Oh, she is so cute. I started following her too. I really like her.

[Jovi]

Love her. Katie Fang.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

Love Katie Fang.

[Jovi]

Los Angeles alum. Well, I love Chris Clements on here. I don't know why he's influencing me to buy. I just love Chris Clements.

[Kirby]

I mean, we love him, too. I don't have Larry influencing me either, but we love him.

[Sarah]

You just are looking for being entertained.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Okay.

[Jovi]

Oh, Sofia Richie. Maybe that's more like celebrity.

[Sarah]

No, that's great. We want to know, too. So are you reading anything? Like, I mean, this is the best way.

[Jovi]

Like, no, we don't really read.

[Sarah]

No, you were talking. I think I was talking to you about this separately. About, like, substacks and newsletters, and then also, like, websites, like an allure, a refinery, like, product reviews. Are you guys reading any of those? I know that's broad. That's very broad.

[Jovi]

I fear that reading is going down and literacy is going down for America.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Jovi]

And. And Listen, I adore TikTok. I read less than I used to, which everyone probably does. But I think if you're not outwardly searching those things or passionate about those things, like, for example, allure or editorial, I'm interested in that. I do her campus or whatever at school. So I'm actively seeking these things and reading them. But to be honest, I don't know anyone who is reading those things for pleasure, unfortunately, which is sad.

[Kirby]

So if, let's say you're on Instagram and you see. Do you get on Instagram often?

[Jovi]

Oh, I love it. Yes. We're all just.

[Kirby]

I have to ask at this point. I don't know.

[Jovi]

No, I love Instagram.

[Kirby]

It's old and geriatric. Now, I don't know. But if you're scrolling Instagram and you see a publication post about something and they're like, they tease something and they say, read it. So you do link in bio and we'll go read it. Because I do that a lot. With the Cut or the New York Magazine.

[Sarah]

Are there any publications that you and your friends like, follow and read?

[Jovi]

I love Allure. I always click their. Their link in bio. Washington Post, like, I just like, follow News, New York Times. I love substack, but substack. I use more to like, follow brand founders or see what they're saying.

[Kirby]

I also, you mentioned the literacy problem. We need Hooked on Phonics back. I. I will die on this hill. I can't take one more influencer saying, what was it It? Solace. Solace. They were calling it supposedly saying soulless instead of solace, saying divisive instead of divisive. It's. It's getting scary out there.

[Jovi]

Yeah, it's unfortunate.

[Sarah]

I also just feel like with like, chat, GPT and AI. Like, why are. Why is this an issue? Like, aren't we. Like, that is the issue. No, but like, why is it.

[Kirby]

They're not listening to the words. They've never heard the word.

[Sarah]

But for me, it's like, if I have a question about a word or something, let's say like. Or I'm like, does this make sense? Like, I. I am using it to like, fact check or grammar check or something like that. But I'm like, why aren't people using it the same way?

[Kirby]

So I guess maybe it is because they are reading these words and they've never actually heard it said out loud. So perhaps reading is still happening.

[Jovi]

Yeah. I hope that the average person, like, I do the daily podcast, the New York Times, she's informed reading the New York Times, like, you know, have the morning update in the morning so you can educate yourself on the nightmares of whatever's happening. But I think you. I think people are more. If they're specifically passionate about beauty, like Refinery 29 Allure. Like, we're clicking on those things, but it just depends on the person. And Chad, GPT is horrifying. Like, for. I don't know, people are graduating and it's scary.

[Sarah]

Yeah. So you're. But mostly you're consuming your content, being influenced by the social media.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Yeah. I mean, who. Me too.

[Jovi]

Yeah, me.

[Kirby]

Same. I mean, same. I bought Rejuran. Well, I bought Rejuran because of Fariha, but then. Yeah, no, Saw it online. Okay. All right. We actually have some news that we're gonna cover real quick with G. We want her thoughts on these headlines. And, you know, feel free to chime in as much or as little as you would like. Okay, so the big news of the past week is that Pat McGrath was named creative director for Louis Vuitton's new makeup line. Sarah and I have known about this makeup line for a while and Pat Matt's inclusion in it, and we've had some time to think, how in the world is this going to work? She has her own brand. What is going on here? Sarah, do you want to just list a few things off?

[Sarah]

Yes. Okay, so this is what we know. We know that La beaute Louis Vuitton is launching this fall and that, yes, Pat McGrath is the creative director of the brand. She has been working with the brand for over 20 years, but she also has her own namesake brand, which she launched in 2015 and which just so happened to be the subject of a Business of Fashion article.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Sarah]

That was basically analyzing the state of the business and saying that it's quiet, it's been quiet. It's a little bit quiet. They had a Candy Crush collaboration, which is like the last thing that we.

[Jovi]

Interesting.

[Sarah]

Which, and we will say this, we are big, huge Fans of Pat McGrath. Whatever she does, we will follow and believe we love her products. But the launches as of late have felt a little. It's been a miss.

[Kirby]

I agree. So again, we love Pat. She is a dame. She is an icon. So there's no disputing that. But one thing that I think that we can bring to this conversation is we've had time with Pat. We have been in rooms with her. We have seen her at events and how she operates. But to me, it's felt seemingly the last couple of years like that she's not as invested in this brand as she once was. Maybe she should just truly be the creative director and then figure out who else is going to keep the brand running if they want the brand to keep running. Because there's been a lot of conversation. I do not know if this was in the Business of fashion article that Brennan Kilbane wrote, but there is a lot of discussion online from cast members at Sephora that have said, we've been told she is not expanding her footprint in Sephora doors. Like, there's no plans to do that. And typically, if you're at Sephora, the goal is to keep expanding doors until you decidedly go to an Ulta and expand there. Is she at Ulta? She's At Ulta now, right?

[Sarah]

I think they're at Ulta, yes.

[Kirby]

So in my opinion, I think that all of these things together have kind of made me think to myself, okay, she's already. Her exclusivity at Sephora is done. She's at an Ulta, so now she's getting a bigger footprint. She has this weird mask launch that I remember talking to several people about going. Yeah, they announced it, but then they didn't have inventory to even have it for people to buy, so it felt really discontrued. And then she's doing a Candy Crush licensing deal, which is so bizarre, the timing is weird.

[Sarah]

And then the news officially comes out that she is creative directing and heading another makeup brand, which I think a lot of people obviously have so many questions, like, how is she going to be able to do both? What are the, like, rules of, like, what she's allowed to. You know what I mean?

[Kirby]

She has said. I think I saw a quote where she said, I have a lot of ideas. I have a lot of creativity in me. But did you read the article Brennan wrote?

[Sarah]

No, I didn't.

[Kirby]

I didn't get a chance to read it because I was traveling. But I think based off the conversation, I saw online, that there was some discussion of whether or not Pat was fully invested in this brand or not and what she could or couldn't do with Louis Vuitton.

[Sarah]

Okay. It just feels like someone mentioned. I think it was Tynan who mentioned, like, is this, like, do we need. First of all, do we need a Louis Vuitton beauty line? And is she cannibalizing herself by being part of both?

[Jovi]

I think someone said, maybe the creative director role isn't as big a scope as it's as people think it is. But I'm like, what does that mean? Because aren't you. I mean, if you're the creative director, I don't know that I saw that, too. The big concern about, how are you gonna.

[Kirby]

I mean, you're the creative director. You are driving the visuals and the innovation for the brand. I mean, she came up with 55 lipsticks for this Louis Vuitton.

[Sarah]

Yeah. So there is 55 lipsticks, 10 lip balms, and eight eye palettes.

[Kirby]

So then, G, what are your thoughts when you hear something? Does this matter to you? Like, is this something that you care about?

[Jovi]

I care about Pat McGrath. Okay. Let's not be mistaken.

[Kirby]

Yes.

[Jovi]

But I will say luxury beauty. I mean, I don't think we're the targets of. So, like, I'm not that invested. Also, Just because if, like, it needs to be really spectacular to justify spending that much money on a lipstick or I'm gonna borrow it from my mom or. But I am really fascinated to see, like, I feel like if you are gonna launch a beauty extension, whatever beauty line, you might as well do it with like the icon that is Pat McGrath. So I'm really excited about what everything's gonna look like. I really wanna know what the packaging is gonna look like.

[Kirby]

Same.

[Jovi]

And no, I'm excited to see. I don't know if I'll be there purchasing yet. Maybe when I graduate.

[Sarah]

Your mom will be purchasing, I think.

[Jovi]

Well, my mom uses some luxury beauty, but I don't think she's a huge Louis Vuitton fan. But she always tries. She's obsessed with lipstick, so I'm sure I wouldn't be surprised if she ended up getting it.

[Kirby]

This is actually a brand I'm very interested in because I love the Louis Vuitton. So I'm very curious. I'm excited to see what the packaging is gonna look like.

[Sarah]

And I think even if no one cares here, this is gonna just do bonkers in Asia. Like bonkers.

[Kirby]

Yeah, that's a good point. Okay, last piece of news is Mikayla Naguera is launching her own brand called Point of View. Point of View is a skin prep brand which is a very strategic way of marketing skincare. There are five products, four of them traditional skincare, an essence, a serum, I think a moisturizer, a traditional primer that you could, I guess, consider makeup and glossy. Has this article. She wants this to be a legacy brand for her. She has a co founder and the brand is backed by Imaginary Ventures which has invested in brands like Skims, Glossier and Kosas. So there is some money behind it and it was developed in Korea. So this is a very K beauty inspired line. Last year she was teasing that she was going to Korea. This is what it was for. I have thoughts on this, but what are yours, Sarah?

[Sarah]

Well, my initial thoughts when I was texting with Kirby was why is she doing skincare and not makeup? And Kirby made a great point because she makes so much money off of her partnerships, obviously and branded content. So okay, that sure, that makes sense. But to me as a. Well, I can't say me because I'm not a fan or follower of hers, but she obviously has a huge following and if I were one of her fans, it would feel not organic and not on brand for her to launch a skincare line. That's what I would think. And Then I went into the comments of all these people that were posting the News, Trend, Mood and other publications, and people were not nice. They had not nice things to say about her and about her launching this. This skin prep brand. And a lot of people were saying that she was not trustworthy. Like, why would they buy skin prep from her mascara gate? Which I'm like, I don't know if that's totally fair because, you know, there's so many influencers that are launching who, you know, are of the same, like, caliber and level as Michaela. But I just. I was actually, like, shocked by how negative the comments were.

[Kirby]

Instagram, completely different than TikTok. Yeah, TikTok. Way more positive.

[Sarah]

Oh, good.

[Jovi]

I saw that.

[Kirby]

A lot more positivity. People. People saying they were willing to give it a try. People saying they did feel it was on brand for her. Because she does talk a lot about skin prep in general. She does use skincare, but when she does use skincare, it's from a priming your skin for makeup aspect, which is exactly what this launch is. And I had mentioned that she was not gonna launch with makeup because of all the things you just said. But then there is a makeup artist. Her name is Michelle. She does makeup for women over, I think, 50. She has mature skin, and she is a former film and television makeup artist. She is actually a part of this POV campaign for Mikayla's brand, and she's the mature model in it. And she had commented on the video that I posted about whether or not Mikayla's new brand is smart, saying, is it a quote, unquote, skin prep brand, or is it foreshadowing what's to come? And initially I was like, you know, Sarah and I have all the information on this. So I was like, well, it's skincare for right now. And she goes, yeah, but what I'm saying is, like, is there more? And I don't wanna say that a model knows everything about what a brand is about to do, but what makes me think that she might be alluding to Makeup Is Coming is that she was on the set and perhaps they did use makeup that she created as a part of POV and they are launching.

[Sarah]

Is she allowed to be leaving?

[Kirby]

I don't think she's. Yeah, I don't think she's allowed to be saying that. But, I mean, it's intel, so I'm sharing it. So it makes me wonder. She launched with this unique pov, if you will, instead of saying, I'm launching a makeup line which Everybody has done. Or I'm launching skincare, which maybe people are like, well, I don't really watch her for skincare. I don't look to her for skincare. This is like something she has talked about consistently, which is skin prep. I'm curious, G. Do you find Mikayla? I mean, you never mentioned Mikayla in terms of makeup. So do you watch Mikayla? Is this brand something that you would be interested in even trying?

[Jovi]

I don't watch Mikayla. I mean, I know who she is, obviously, and I've seen. I mean, she's a huge creator on TikTok. So I. I do watch her videos and I did follow Mascara Gate or whatever and all the things Lash Gate. Like, I don't know. I think it's smart considering all the avenues that she could have gone down. Like, I think this was right. It makes sense, like, what you guys are saying for skin Prep. She talks about it. She can partner with big brands. Still. I don't know if this is something I would necessarily reach for. Especially, like, I don't know, the. The priming milk. It's like, what would make me reach for that over road? Like, I'm curious to know the prices. I don't know. But it's. It's not. Nothing personal against her, you know, like, it's. It's not that she's the reason I wouldn't purchase. It's just. I don't know if I'm convinced yet. I would have to see. But also, like, oh, I can definitely see how this would be successful on TikTok shop for sure.

[Sarah]

If the price is right. Right.

[Kirby]

I think the price has to be right. I also think that they have to focus on how they're gonna reach an audience outside of her core fans. And also they're gonna have to figure out how to make Skin Prep something sexy for people that don't wear as much makeup as Michaela. Because right now, I don't think people are wearing as much makeup as a lot of people like Mikayla.

[Jovi]

That's what I was gonna say. Like, I don't wear that much makeup. It wouldn't really make sense for me to buy it.

[Sarah]

I was just gonna say all of the influencers and celebrities you've mentioned, it's like, still like the very no makeup makeup. Not saying that you. Again, no.

[Jovi]

Of course, it depends on the person.

[Kirby]

But even for me, I know skin prep is important. Makeup by Mario has preached about this since we were baby beauty editors, so I really had that hammered into my brain. I don't wear. I wear a lot of makeup, but not as much as a lot of these influencers like Mikaela do. So it is gonna be, I think, an interesting. She's gonna really have to go into the content explaining why skin prep is important.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

Like, no matter who you are, whether you're wearing a, say, concealer or like a full beat down. So I'm interested to see more. I'm actually curious if they end up going into makeup, then I honestly think this is her way out of the beauty world and content creation world. I think she's really. I mean, we know that it's done a lot to her mental health, so I think maybe she's trying to find an avenue to sustain making a living without having to constantly be online, which is fair.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Sarah]

Are there any influencer brands that you like or that you and your friends talk about?

[Jovi]

Influencer brands? Honestly, even when James Charles had makeup. Okay. I'm not the average person though, because that morphe palette was. Was selling, but no, like, not really. And also, I don't see anyone like Jeffree star did that whole, like a million part documentary, whatever, about his brand. And I've never seen it ever. Like, I don't know. I don't know what it looks like. I don't know. I don't think we're really in with the influencers.

[Kirby]

I will say, in terms of influencer brands, there is one that comes to mind that I'm obsessed with, and it's Lunar Beauty by Manny Mua. He makes amazing eyeshadow palettes, and I highly, highly recommend them. And then Laura Lee makes a brand called Minna Melee, and it's. It's body. And there's a beautiful shimmer oil. It smells incredible. I think those two, they're like small independent brands, but they do a really beautiful job. And the eyeshadow palettes that Manny makes are incredible.

[Sarah]

Oh, I guess you mentioned one size.

[Jovi]

Oh, yeah.

[Kirby]

Oh, yeah. That's an influencer brand, obviously. And obviously Patrick Starr is doing great.

[Sarah]

Yeah.

[Jovi]

Yeah.

[Kirby]

G, thank you for joining us today. Thanks for having me. Before we let you go, we have to do something which is wish you a happy birthday.

[Jovi]

Thank you.

[Sarah]

Are you turning 23?

[Jovi]

22.

[Sarah]

22, 22. Okay.

[Kirby]

A little Pisces.

[Jovi]

I'm the last day of Pisces.

[Sarah]

Oh, my gosh. Oh, you're a cusp.

[Kirby]

What are your. What's your big three?

[Jovi]

Pisces, Sun, Libra, Moon, Gemini Rising.

[Kirby]

Oh, my gosh. Gemini Rising is so you.

[Jovi]

Wait, guys, do you remember when this is so nice. Do you remember when at. At the Nobu thing, I was obsessed with this cake?

[Sarah]

Oh, yes.

[Jovi]

I was like, this is the best cake I've ever had in my life.

[Kirby]

And now you get to go home with four.

[Jovi]

Thanks. Oh, it says my name.

[Kirby]

G. Where should everybody find you?

[Jovi]

You can find me on LinkedIn. Please find me there anytime. I will be open and accepting to whatever you're willing to offer. And.

[Sarah]

And you'll find our. What do you call it? Recommendations there, too. Too.

[Jovi]

Oh, thank you for your recommendation.

[Sarah]

I haven't done that yet. Oh, okay.

[Jovi]

Well, you'll find mine, and so that'll be linked below. And my Instagram is Jovi Andreasi, and you probably don't know how to spell it, so it doesn't even matter.

[Kirby]

It'll also be linked. Thank you.

[Jovi]

Thanks, guys. Race the rudders.

[Sarah]

Race the sails.

[Jovi]

Race the sails. Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching. Over. Roger, Wait. Is that an enterprise sales solution? Reach sales professionals, not professional sailors. With LinkedIn ads, you can target the right people by industry, job title, and more. We'll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Get started today at LinkedIn.com results. Terms and conditions apply.