The Who What Wear Podcast: The 2025 Who What Wear 100 Beauty Awards
Release Date: June 25, 2025
In this engaging episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, host Erin Johns teams up with beauty editors Jamie Schneider, Katelyn McClintock, and Maya Thomas to unveil the second annual Who What Wear 100 Beauty Awards. The discussion delves deep into the crème de la crème of beauty products across various categories, highlighting both emerging innovations and time-tested favorites. Below is a comprehensive summary of their insightful conversations, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.
1. Overview of the Who What Wear 100 Beauty Awards
Erin Johns sets the stage by explaining the meticulous process behind the awards:
"We start getting submissions for these products in the fall. So thousands and thousands of products are submitted to us and we have to create a shortlist. This year I think we got it down to maybe 800 products and then from there we start actually testing everything." (01:42)
The team emphasizes their rigorous evaluation, involving experts like makeup artists, nail artists, and dermatologists to ensure each winner is deserving and versatile.
2. Hair Care
Standout Products:
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Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse
- Jamie Schneider praises its lightweight formula ideal for wavy and curly hair:
"The term effortless texture gets thrown around a lot in the hair care space, but that's really the only phrase I can use to describe what it does to my hair." (02:57)
- Jamie Schneider praises its lightweight formula ideal for wavy and curly hair:
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Vegamore Grow Advanced Serum
- Katelyn McClintock shares her positive experience combating hair thinning:
"I've been using that on and off for about a year now, and I can see actual growth coming in, which is so exciting." (04:10)
- Katelyn McClintock shares her positive experience combating hair thinning:
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K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo
- Erin Johns highlights its invisible formula, especially beneficial for color-treated hair:
"It is completely invisible. And I also want to give a shout out to the Rose Milk Hair Serum because I think that's another one that lots of people like." (05:11)
- Erin Johns highlights its invisible formula, especially beneficial for color-treated hair:
-
Rose Milk Hair Serum
- Praised for its versatility and lightweight hydration by Erin Johns:
"It's really lightweight, but also hydrates and smooths and does all the things." (05:11)
- Praised for its versatility and lightweight hydration by Erin Johns:
Universal Recommendations:
-
Fenty Heat Protectant Styler by Jamie Schneider:
"Everyone should be using heat protectant. But this one is also a detangler and a smoothing cream." (06:46)
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Shea Moisture Rosemary and Vegan Collagen Oil by Maya Thomas:
"I've always recommend it to anyone. Any hair textures, any different hair types can benefit from this." (07:30)
3. Skincare
Essential Products:
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ULA Henriksen Strength Trainer Moisturizer
- Jamie Schneider commends its versatility and hydrating properties:
"It makes your skin look perfect. I have literally gone through four jars since testing." (08:50)
- Jamie Schneider commends its versatility and hydrating properties:
-
Mother Science Retinol Synergist
- Jamie Schneider highlights its dual-action benefits for skin brightness and anti-aging:
"It combines retinol with the hero ingredient malassezin, which has incredible dark spot benefits." (08:50)
- Jamie Schneider highlights its dual-action benefits for skin brightness and anti-aging:
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Brown Kind Dark Spot Corrector
- Maya Thomas shares her success in combating hyperpigmentation:
"In about three to four weeks, I really started seeing a difference, and I honestly can't really imagine my skincare routine without it now." (10:02)
- Maya Thomas shares her success in combating hyperpigmentation:
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Sophie Pavitt Moisturizer
- Erin Johns praises its non-comedogenic formula, ideal for breakout-prone skin:
"It's really, really rich, really hydrating, and is the only thing that has never broken my skin out." (10:40)
- Erin Johns praises its non-comedogenic formula, ideal for breakout-prone skin:
-
In Beauty Project Extreme Cream Eye Cream
- Katelyn McClintock lauds its comprehensive approach to eye care:
"It really does, like, target 360 degrees. It's like a holistic approach to eye aging." (11:16)
- Katelyn McClintock lauds its comprehensive approach to eye care:
Add-Ons:
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SK-II Sheet Masks by Jamie Schneider:
"They will make your skin look unbelievable. I recommend people treat themselves to the pack of 10." (12:29)
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SkinCeuticals Ptox by Erin Johns:
"It's marketed from SkinCeuticals as like Botox, basically in a bottle." (14:49)
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Allies of Skin Peptides and Antioxidants Daily Firming Treatment by Katelyn McClintock:
"I have low grade melasma and I get a lot of dark spots. I think that product has done more for me within like a year of using it than probably any other vitamin C or antioxidant serum I've used." (15:26)
4. Makeup
Foundation and Primers:
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Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
- Jamie Schneider hails it as a perennial favorite:
"It really just makes your skin look airbrushed." (16:34)
- Jamie Schneider hails it as a perennial favorite:
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Refi Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer by Maya Thomas:
"It sculpts your face as you're priming it. I'm a round face girl and I always love those extra Moments where I can make sure I'm nice and sculpted." (18:04)
Cheeks and Contours:
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Glow Recipe Tinted Cheek Serum by Jamie Schneider:
"It has so many treatment level actives that can actually brighten and improve your skin tone over time." (18:53)
-
Tom Ford Illuminate Contour Duo
- Jamie Schneider describes it as a magical contour tool:
"The Contour shade is just the most natural looking pigment I've ever used." (19:00)
- Jamie Schneider describes it as a magical contour tool:
Lips:
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Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Lip Glossy Balm by Maya Thomas:
"It doesn't feel like a lip gloss or a lipstick. It really is just a super glossy balm." (20:06)
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Wonder Skin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Mask by Erin Johns:
"I'll put it on in the morning if I'm wearing makeup or I'm not wearing makeup for the day, and I let it sit on my lips for maybe a minute or two, then wipe it off with a washcloth and the color stays probably through the next morning." (21:33)
Blush:
- Rhodes Pocket Blush by Katelyn McClintock:
"It gives you like, the perfect sunburn blush. It's gorgeous." (20:56)
Versatile Tools:
- Make Up Forever Pencils by Erin Johns:
"You can use them as well. An eyeliner, you can use it as a lip pencil. The shade anywhere." (38:14)
5. Body Care
Moisturizers and Lotions:
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Oak Essentials Luminous Body Lotion by Maya Thomas:
"I love the glow it gives my skin. I'm always complimented on how nice and glowy my skin is." (25:12)
-
Vacation Classic Whip Body Sunscreen by Erin Johns:
"It literally looks like whipped cream out of the can and it is the best body sunscreen I've tried by far." (26:24)
Deodorants and Self-Tanners:
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ACT Deodorant Balm by Jamie Schneider:
"It's the only natural deodorant that works all day for me. I've been to workout classes in it. I've sweat in the summer in New York... and you don't smell." (22:55)
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Luxe Unfiltered Tanning Lotion by Erin Johns:
"It smells amazing. ... It's not tinted, but it's a gradual self tanner." (23:59)
Body Wash:
- Naturium Glow Getter Body Wash by Katelyn McClintock:
"It makes your skin feel petal soft. It's so soft and soothing." (26:33)
6. Fragrance
Top Picks:
-
Amouage Guidance by Jamie Schneider:
"It's the most elegantly sweet fragrance. It's very feminine, but also sophisticated." (28:14)
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Henry Rose Dave by Maya Thomas:
"It's extremely layered. Like upon first spritz, you do get those nice kind of vanilla notes, but there's something darker lurking beneath that I really, really love." (29:28)
-
Chloe Low de Parfum Intense by Erin Johns:
"It's very classic. Like, I can picture myself wearing that for the rest of my life." (30:41)
Layering Recommendations:
- Katelyn McClintock suggests pairing Torn by Henry Rose with Dave for a sophisticated scent combination:
"They do layer, like, exceptionally well." (31:22)
7. Nails
Care and Maintenance:
-
epray EPHD Treatment by Jamie Schneider:
"Imagine like a repairing serum for your nails, which is amazing if you use a lot of gels and acrylics." (32:30)
-
CND Top Coat by Erin Johns:
- Recognized by nail artists as a favorite for durability.
Quick-Dry Solutions:
- OPI Rapid Dry by Maya Thomas:
"I absolutely love those OPA Wrappy dry when I'm doing it at home because it makes me feel like I'm saving a few minutes." (33:24)
8. Beauty Tools
Skincare Tools:
-
Things We Do Microcurrent Wand by Jamie Schneider:
"It has a blue light to kill acne-causing bacteria. And it's been a game changer for my hormonal breakouts." (34:33)
-
NuFace Fix Micro Wand by Maya Thomas:
"It just has helped address some of those finer lines under my eyes as around my mouth as well." (36:50)
-
NIRA Pro Laser by Katelyn McClintock:
"I've been using that nightly and it's made a pretty crazy difference over the course of a couple of months." (37:15)
Hair Tools:
-
GHD Kronos Max Flat Iron by Jamie Schneider:
"There's only one heat setting which is preset to 365 degrees, which prevents you from over frying your hair and makes it really easy to use." (35:34)
-
Hot Tools Wand by Erin Johns:
"It's such an OG product. Almost every hairstylist I've ever gotten a haircut from... has on them." (36:10)
9. Editor's Top Standouts
Jamie Schneider:
"The Mother Science Retinol and the Amouage fragrance. For me, total surprise hits where I wasn't expecting to love them as much as I did. And now I genuinely can't imagine my routine without them both." (38:14)
Erin Johns:
"The Chloe perfume... balances florals with some fruity, I think raspberries in it. It's another favorite." (38:14)
Maya Thomas:
"Henry Rose Dave. Just because I'm now a certified gourmand girl and I was not before I was introduced to it." (39:31)
Katelyn McClintock:
"Rhode Pocket Blush... the allies of skin peptides and antioxidants... the wise Beauty eye masks." (39:50)
Conclusion
The Who What Wear 100 Beauty Awards showcases a curated selection of products that excel in their respective categories, blending innovation with reliability. From transformative skincare serums to versatile makeup essentials and groundbreaking beauty tools, the editors provide invaluable insights for beauty enthusiasts seeking products worth their investment. Whether you're revamping your routine or looking for that one must-have item, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to elevating your beauty regimen.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
Erin Johns on the selection process:
"We start getting submissions for these products in the fall..." (01:42)
-
Jamie Schneider on Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse:
"I'm convinced. Diana Cohen, who's the founder of Crown Affair, literally made it for me." (02:57)
-
Katelyn McClintock on Vegamore Grow Advanced Serum:
"I'll see little baby hairs growing back." (04:10)
-
Erin Johns on K18 Air Wash Dry Shampoo:
"It is completely invisible. And I also want to give a shout out to the Rose Milk Hair Serum." (05:11)
-
Jamie Schneider on ULA Henriksen Strength Trainer Moisturizer:
"It makes your skin look perfect." (08:50)
-
Maya Thomas on Henry Rose Dave Perfume:
"It's extremely layered... This musky, almost woodsy scent." (29:28)
-
Katelyn McClintock on OPI Rapid Dry:
"I absolutely love those OPA Wrappy dry when I'm doing it at home." (33:24)
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