Style-ish Podcast Episode Summary: "A Facelift in Your 30s" Released on March 25, 2025

Hosted by Shameless Media, "Style-ish" delves into the latest trends and discussions in fashion, brand development, business, and beauty. In this episode titled "A Facelift in Your 30s," hosts Madison Sullivan Thorpe, Joanna Fleming, and Annika Joshi Smith explore the growing trend of younger women opting for facelifts, the resurgence of the IT sweatshirt among Gen Z, the launch of influencer Michaela Naguera's beauty brand, and the evolving attitudes toward takeaway food.

1. The Rising Trend of Facelifts in Your 30s

The episode opens with a deep dive into the increasing number of women in their early to mid-30s opting for facelifts—a procedure traditionally associated with individuals in their 50s and above.

Key Points:

• Shift in Perception: Historically, facelifts were viewed as treatments for aging visible in later decades. However, recent trends indicate a shift, with younger women seeking the procedure earlier.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Weight Loss Drugs: The rise of medications like Ozempic, used for weight loss, has led to unintended skin sagging, prompting some to consider facelifts as a corrective measure.
  • Virtual Interactions: Increased reliance on virtual presence means individuals are more conscious of their appearance on-screen.
  • Early Cosmetic Procedures: More young women are starting with fillers and Botox in their 20s, making the transition to facelifts by their 30s seem less drastic.

Notable Quotes:

• Joanna Fleming ([02:10]): "Facelifts have evolved with shorter recovery times, longer-lasting results, and a more natural look, making them more appealing to younger women."
• Annika Joshi Smith ([03:05]): "It's a bit of a catch-22 for influencers like Kimberly, who share their facelift journeys and then face backlash for it."

Psychological Implications:

• Body Image Pressure: The hosts discuss how social media and constant exposure to curated images contribute to body image issues, pushing individuals toward cosmetic procedures.
• Audience Reactions: A poll conducted by Shameless Media revealed that 36% of listeners feel negatively about themselves when exposed to facelift content on social media.

Expert Insights:

• Dr. Mike Nayak: Mentioned in the Wall Street Journal feature, he notes that starting Botox at 25 can make a facelift by 40 seem like a natural progression rather than a drastic step.

Discussion Highlights:

• Normalization vs. Stigmatization: The hosts debate whether openly sharing facelift experiences normalizes the procedure or perpetuates negative perceptions about aging.
• Future Predictions: With the projected increase in use of weight loss drugs, the demand for facelifts and related cosmetic procedures is expected to rise.

2. The Resurgence of the IT Sweatshirt Among Gen Z

Shifting gears, the conversation moves to the fashion world, specifically the comeback of the IT sweatshirt and its popularity among Gen Z women.

Key Points:

• Historical Context: References to past trends like Dobson's and Juicy Couture tracksuits illustrate the cyclical nature of fashion.
• Current Trends:
  • Oversized Fits and Bold Logos: Modern IT sweatshirts feature slouchy, oversized fits with prominent branding.
  • Limited Drops: Brands employ scarcity strategies by releasing limited batches, creating hype and exclusivity.
  • Brand Expansion: Successful brands like Sporty and Rich have diversified their offerings beyond sweatshirts, including outerwear, denim, beauty products, and more.

Notable Quotes:

• Madison Sullivan Thorpe ([15:18]): "Emily Oberg of Sporty and Rich said, 'If you have a strong identity and world you've built, you can literally put a logo on anything and people will buy it.'"
• Joanna Fleming ([17:58]): "The scarcity strategy is such a psychological play. Limited drops make people crave exclusivity."

Consumer Behavior:

• Gen Z's Engagement: Gen Z consumers actively engage with brands online, eagerly participating in limited releases to be part of exclusive communities.
• Dopamine Effect: The act of securing a limited item provides a sense of belonging and instant gratification.

Discussion Highlights:

• Comparison to Previous Generations: The hosts contrast Gen Z's understated fashion choices with the bold styles of millennials, noting a shift towards minimalism paired with strategic branding.
• Psychological Drivers: The use of scarcity and brand identity taps into deeper psychological desires for exclusivity and self-expression.

3. Launch of Michaela Naguera's Beauty Brand

The episode spotlights beauty influencer Michaela Naguera's transition from content creation to entrepreneurship with her new makeup prep brand, Point of View.

Key Points:

• Brand Overview: Point of View is a direct-to-consumer beauty brand launching with five products:
  • Drench It: Hydrating primer
  • Drip It: Serum and moisturizer
  • Glaze It: Attack primer
  • Amp It: Lip treatment
• Inspiration and Development:
  • Personal Journey: Michaela was inspired by frequent customer questions during her time at Ulta Beauty about makeup preparation.
  • Korean Skincare Influence: All products are manufactured in Korea, emphasizing high-quality textures and skin-centric formulations.
• Collaborative Efforts: Michaela partnered with Annie Hajanian, a seasoned executive with experience in major beauty brands, ensuring strong brand foundation and strategic positioning.

Notable Quotes:

• Michaela Naguera ([21:57]): "Beauty is a makeup prep brand that addresses the fundamental question: How do you prep your skin for makeup?"
• Madison Sullivan Thorpe ([25:44]): "If someone like Jeffree Star is raving about it, and she's partnering with people from Tom Ford and Augustine Esbarta, this brand is poised for success."

Brand Strategy:

• Inclusivity: Michaela emphasizes an inclusive approach, ensuring the brand appeals across multiple demographics.
• Market Positioning: By focusing on skincare as the foundation for makeup, Point of View differentiates itself from typical color-centric brands.

Discussion Highlights:

• Overcoming Past Controversies: Michaela's previous scandals, such as the false lashes accusation in a L'Oréal ad, are addressed, with the hosts expressing confidence in her authenticity and commitment to quality.
• Retail Prospects: The brand is expected to secure retail partnerships, potentially launching in stores like Ulta to maximize accessibility.

4. Is the Doggy Bag Dead? Changing Attitudes Toward Takeaway Food

In a lighter segment, the hosts examine changing behaviors around taking leftovers home from restaurants, often referred to as "doggy bags."

Key Points:

• Industry Observation: Restaurant owners like Emmett Burke have noted a decline in customers requesting takeaway boxes for leftovers.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Social Stigma: Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, may perceive asking for doggy bags as socially awkward.
  • Convenience of Ordering Fresh: With the prevalence of food delivery apps, there's less incentive to take home leftovers.
  • Portion Sizes: Especially in places like New York, where portion sizes are significantly larger, diners may feel overwhelmed by the idea of taking food home.

Notable Quotes:

• Emmett Burke ([30:05]): "I assume most people would love to have a quarter of a pizza in their fridge, but they're just not asking."
• Madison Sullivan Thorpe ([32:16]): "If I'm on a date, I would rather die than ask for a doggy bag to go."

Personal Anecdotes:

• The hosts share their own experiences and hesitations about requesting doggy bags, highlighting the discomfort and perceived social awkwardness associated with the act.
• Joanna Fleming ([30:33]): Shares an amusing anecdote about declining a doggy bag despite having untouched food.

Discussion Highlights:

• Cultural Shifts: The decline of doggy bags reflects broader cultural shifts in dining etiquette and personal habits.
• Economic Factors: Amidst cost-of-living concerns, some listeners express a desire to resume taking leftovers home as a practical measure.

Conclusion

In this multifaceted episode of "Style-ish," the hosts navigate through the complexities of modern beauty standards, evolving fashion trends, influencer-driven entrepreneurship, and shifting social behaviors. From the psychological underpinnings of cosmetic procedures among young women to the strategic branding that captivates Gen Z consumers, and from the entrepreneurial journey of a beauty influencer to the subtle changes in dining habits, "A Facelift in Your 30s" offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary issues in fashion and beauty.

Listener Engagement:

• The hosts encourage listeners to share their experiences and opinions, fostering a community dialogue around topics like doggy bags and cosmetic procedures.

Upcoming Topics:

• The episode promises further discussions on beauty brand launches and other current trends in future installments.

Note: This summary omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the core discussions and insights shared by the hosts.