Style-ish Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Layering, lace, and rope necklaces: Anika's NY trend report
Host/Author: Shameless Media
Release Date: June 24, 2025

1. Welcome Back and Episode Overview (00:00 – 02:05)

Madison Sullivan Thorpe, Anika Joshi Smith, and Joanna Fleming kick off the episode after a break, expressing excitement to reconnect with their audience. They hint at covering significant beauty developments that occurred during their hiatus, including the Ultraviolet and Choice sunscreen saga, advancements in biological age technology, and a critical look at the costuming in Ryan Murphy's latest TV show.

2. Major Brand Acquisitions (02:06 – 04:33)

The hosts discuss recent high-profile acquisitions in the beauty industry:

• Rhode Sold to ELF Cosmetics: Madison clarifies misconceptions about Hailey Bieber's involvement, explaining the deal's structure: “USD 600 million of that was cash. 200 million of that was in ELF shares to Hailey and Lauren Ratner who is her co-founder” (02:26).
• Ultraviolet Acquired by L'Oréal: Annika highlights Medicaid's sale to L'Oréal for 1.6 billion AUD, emphasizing the significance of these acquisitions in shaping the beauty landscape.

Notable Quote:

"We were talking a five-year-old brand for a billion dollars." – Madison Sullivan Thorpe (02:26)

3. Ultraviolet and Choice Sunscreen Controversy (04:34 – 26:33)

A significant portion of the episode delves into the scandal involving Ultraviolet sunscreen and Choice's recent report on Australian sunscreens.

• Choice's Findings: Joanna explains that Choice, formerly the Australian Consumers Association, tested 20 sunscreens and found only four met their claimed SPF 50 protection. Ultraviolet's "Lean Screen SPF 50 Plus Mattifying Zinc Sunscreen" scored an SPF of 4, far below the advertised 50.

  Notable Quote:

  "The worst performer out of those tests was a cult favourite sunscreen by Ultraviolet... it received an SPF rating of 4" – Joanna Fleming (03:50)

• Ultraviolet's Response: Ultraviolet contested the findings, claiming their own tests showed an SPF of 61.7. Ava Matthews Chandler, co-founder of Ultraviolet, addressed the controversy in an eight-minute video statement, emphasizing their adherence to stringent testing protocols.

  Notable Quote:

  "There is a lot of nuance to SPF testing. We have the data to support testing results." – Ava Matthews Chandler (13:36)

• Impact on Consumers and Industry: Madison and Joanna express concerns about the erosion of consumer trust in sunscreen products. They discuss the strict SPF standards in Australia and the need for uniform testing protocols to prevent misinformation and protect public health.

  Notable Quote:

  "If it's not cancer that scares you, let it be the vanity metric of aging." – Madison Sullivan Thorpe (26:00)

• Industry Professionals' Perspectives: Both hosts share their professional insights, emphasizing the complexity of SPF testing and the responsibility of regulatory bodies like the TGA to ensure consistency and reliability in product claims.

4. Biological Age and Beauty Innovation (26:34 – 35:27)

The conversation shifts to the emerging trend of biological age in the beauty industry, particularly focusing on L'Oréal's new technology.

• L'Oréal's Cell Bioprint: Anika discusses L'Oréal's upcoming "cell bioprint" technology, a lab-on-a-chip device slated for early 2026, which assesses biological age based on skin cell health and predicts future skin concerns.

  Notable Quote:

  "We've received really interesting... we just thought this was really bloody juicy, so we're including it." – Madison Sullivan Thorpe (28:49)

• Comparison with Existing Technologies: Joanna compares L'Oréal's innovation to existing tools like Vizier analysis machines, highlighting the enhanced precision and personalized insights offered by the new technology.

• Personal Reflections: Both hosts share their personal views on the implications of knowing one's biological age, balancing the benefits of preventive skincare with the potential psychological impact of such information.

  Notable Quote:

  "I don't wanna know if like, biologically I'm 40. It'll just give me intense anxiety and fear." – Madison Sullivan Thorpe (34:04)

5. Fashion Trends from New York (06:48 – 08:07)

Anika shares her observations from her recent trip to New York, highlighting current street fashion trends.

• Red Flip Flops: A prevalent trend of red flip flops reminiscent of Havianas has garnered attention, despite controversy over their high price point.
• Lace and Layering: Feminine lace pieces and layering techniques are widespread, echoing the iconic style of Carrie Bradshaw.
• Statement Necklaces: Unique necklaces, including silver shells and black rope designs with beads or tassels, are on the rise.

Notable Quote:

"So there's a little swap for you to get a red flip flop, even if it's just a heavy A or something from Target." – Anika Joshi Smith (05:47)

6. Critique of Costuming in Ryan Murphy's Latest TV Show (35:28 – 47:11)

Joanna and Madison critique the early costuming choices for Ryan Murphy's "American Love Story," which portrays Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr.

• Inaccurate Representation: Initial stills revealed Carolyn Bessette Kennedy being portrayed in attire inconsistent with her iconic minimalist and high-quality wardrobe. The use of a satin skirt and Converse sneakers sparked backlash for not reflecting her sophisticated style.

  Notable Quote:

  "I defy anyone to find a photo of CBK wearing anything remotely like a cheap satin skirt and Converse high tops." – Anika Joshi Smith (39:03)

• Ryan Murphy's Defense: Murphy responded, asserting that all costumes are original or exact replicas of CBK’s actual outfits. Despite this, skepticism remains among the hosts regarding the accuracy and authenticity of the costuming.

• Impact on Production Credibility: The hosts express concern that such missteps could undermine the show's credibility and the portrayal of a beloved style icon. They draw parallels to other meticulously costumed biopics like "The Crown" and "Succession."

  Notable Quote:

  "She transcends trend into what it means to be stylish. I would honestly put her next to Lady Diana." – Madison Sullivan Thorpe (43:29)

7. Conclusion and Looking Ahead (47:12 – 48:05)

The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing their hopes for future episodes, reiterating their commitment to delivering insightful content on fashion, beauty, and business trends. They encourage listeners to stay connected via email and social media.

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