Gloss Angeles
Society & Culture
About
Co-hosts and longtime beauty journalists Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan give their perspective on all things makeup, skincare, and wellness at the intersection of pop culture and entertainment. Experts in the field and friends IRL, they pull back the curtain on trends, treatments and popular products — all the things you're likely searching or watching on TikTok. (They'd know — they've spent 10 years creating and optimizing editorial content for mainstream digital beauty publishers.) Tuesday episodes reveal the most notable beauty headlines with informed takes while Friday episodes feature guests from experts in the industry to celebrity spokespeople, including Hailey Bieber, Halsey, Selena Gome...
Episodes
- The Hidden Costs of a Glam Squad, Featuring Makeup Artist Jenna Nicole
Jenna Nicole, a celebrity makeup artist, discusses her career journey, signature soft glam, and the realities of the beauty business. She also shares product recommendations and touches on topics like the cost of glam squads.
- From Sculptra to Stem Cells: The Treatments We’re Trying Right Now + Susan Yara’s New-ish Brand, Playa
Sara and Kirbie from Gloss Angeles discuss their recent beauty treatments, including Sculptra, Skinvive, PRFM, and stem cell retrieval. They also review Susan Yara's brand, Playa.
- Inclusive Beauty Isn’t Easy—or Cheap. Live Tinted Founder Deepica Mutyala Explains Why
Deepica Mutyala, founder of Live Tinted, joins Gloss Angeles to discuss inclusive beauty. She shares her experiences building a brand, insights on the complexion category, and strategies for standing out at Ulta Beauty.
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Updates, Plus The Over-the-Top PR Trend We’re Bowing Out Of
This episode of Gloss Angeles covers the return of Marc Jacobs Beauty in 2026, the trend of elaborate brand mailers, and discontinued beauty products. The hosts also provide an update on Pat McGrath.
- The Truth About Sustainable Beauty with AORA Mexico Founder Nour Tayara
Nour Tayara, founder of AORA, joins to discuss making beauty plastic-free and lessons learned about waste and overconsumption in the beauty industry. The episode covers AORA's approach to sustainability and the role of Mexico in its brand…
- Ulta Beauty World 2026 Recap: The Behind-the-Scenes Truth
This episode of Gloss Angeles recaps Ulta Beauty World 2026, discussing the brands, booths, and overall experience. The hosts share behind-the-scenes details, including logistics, costs for brands, and address common criticisms of the even…
- Alexandra French Returns: Inside Her Makeup Bag, Euphoria Makeup, and Her Must-Follow Beauty Tips
Alexandra French, a makeup artist, returns to the Gloss Angeles podcast to discuss her makeup essentials, "Euphoria" makeup, and beauty advice. She also talks about the impact of TikTok on her work and her experiences in the film and fashi…
- The Coachella Brand Olympics, A New Euphoria Makeup Collection and Big News From Us
Gloss Angeles announces they are hosting Ulta Beauty World. They also discuss Donni Davy's new Euphoria makeup collection launching at Ulta Beauty and recap brand activations at Coachella, including insights into influencer "theme houses"…
- How Dianna Cohen Built Crown Affair Into a Sephora Haircare Favorite With a Dry Shampoo
Dianna Cohen, founder of Crown Affair, joins the podcast to discuss building her haircare brand, including its aesthetic, key products, and experience scaling with Sephora. She shares insights from her time at other major brands and her ap…
- Breaking Down Alix Earle’s Massive Skincare Launch + What We’re Loving Right Now
This episode of Gloss Angeles discusses Alix Earle’s Reale Actives skincare line, its launch, and the marketing surrounding it. The hosts also share their current favorite beauty products and spring fashion trends.
- Makeup That Works at Any Age, According to Celebrity MUA Jamie Greenberg
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg joins the podcast to discuss her career, the evolving role of makeup artists, and shares her best tips for women 40+. She covers common mistakes and small tweaks that make a difference in makeup rout…
- SEPHORiA: How It Paid Off (And What Didn't)
Gloss Angeles discusses the SEPHORiA event in Los Angeles, covering VIP dinners, press previews, and swag bags. The episode also details outfits worn and features information on Rare Beauty's new True To Myself Natural Matte Longwear Found…
- Spencer Hedges on Choosing to Get a Facelift, Fatherhood, and Mental Health
Spencer Hedges, also known as Painted by Spencer, joins Gloss Angeles to talk about his career, becoming a father, and his mental health. He also discusses his Cuban heritage and his experiences teaching masterclasses globally. Spencer als…
- We Met Jacob Elordi & Michael B. Jordan… Plus Cardi B’s Brand Launch and Scentbird Founder Drama
The Gloss Angeles podcast features a recap of a L'Oréal Groupe event where the hosts met Jacob Elordi and Michael B. Jordan. The episode also covers news regarding Cardi B's beauty brand launch and drama surrounding the Scentbird founder,…
- Fake Beauty Products Are Everywhere — Plus the Rise of Rhode-Themed Kids’ Parties
This episode of Gloss Angeles explores the widespread issue of fake beauty products, detailing how to spot counterfeits versus dupes and the potential safety hazards. Additionally, the hosts discuss the emerging trend of beauty-themed chil…
- From Beauty Director to Influencer — Emira D’Spain Breaks Barriers and Shares Influencer Secrets
Emira D’Spain, former beauty director at PAPER magazine, joins Gloss Angeles to discuss her career transition to a full-time influencer. She shares how her editorial background influences her approach to content creation and reveals insigh…
- GLP-1s, “Fibermaxxing,” and Pooping: A Gastroenterologist Explains the Gut-Brain Connection
Gastroenterologist Dr. Trisha Pasricha joins Gloss Angeles to discuss GLP-1s, fiber intake, and the gut-brain connection. She explains how stress affects digestion, answers listener questions about probiotics, and shares habits for digesti…
- The Lipstick Lesbians Leak the Industry’s Most Innovative Products — Straight From the Lab
Alexis and Christina from Lipstick Lesbians return to Gloss Angeles to discuss exciting brands, the upcoming Great Reformulation of 2026, and their new company, Leaked Labs. They also introduce their first product, Amplify Flexi Powder.
- Celebrating Aging in a Youth-Obsessed Beauty Industry With Julee Wilson
In this episode, Julee Wilson discusses her views on aging in the beauty industry, her preferred products, and current beauty news. She also shares her experiences as a Black woman in the beauty industry.
- The Key to Healthy Hair Color with Julia Roberts’s Go-To Colorist Kadi Lee
Kadi Lee, celebrity hair colorist, discusses her wellness-first approach to hair. She shares her journey, philosophy, and essentials for healthy, dimensional hair color, including insights from working with clients like Julia Roberts.
- Why This Founder is Shutting Down Their Brand — And What It Says About Beauty in 2026
David Yi, founder of good light, discusses the closure of his beauty brand and the financial realities of running an independent beauty company. Kirbie and Sara also share their favorite beauty finds from Macy's, including eyeliner and fou…
- Meet the Woman Revolutionizing the Wig Industry
Aasiyah Abdulsalam, founder of The Renatural, joins Gloss Angeles to discuss revolutionizing the wig industry with her patented skin-replica hairline technology. She covers ethical hair sourcing, the economics of wig production, and the im…
- Beauty and the Epstein Files: Access and Accountability
This episode of Gloss Angeles covers a new foundation launch, the return of Marc Jacobs Beauty, and a discussion about newly surfaced correspondence linking beauty industry figures to Jeffrey Epstein, examining power, access, and accountab…
- Molly Sims Gets Real About Aging as a Celebrity, ‘90s Beauty Standards, and Melasma
Molly Sims joins Gloss Angeles to talk about aging as a celebrity, 90s beauty standards, and melasma. She discusses her modeling career, body pressure, and how those experiences shaped her relationship with aging and self-confidence. Sims…
- Celebrity Hairstylist Chris McMillan on Britney Spears, The Rachel, & His Biggest Hair Secrets
Legendary hairstylist Chris McMillan joins Gloss Angeles to share stories from his decades-long career, including working with A-list clients and creating iconic looks like "The Rachel." He also discusses the evolution of the hair industry…
- Plastic Surgery Mom Guilt & What Pat McGrath’s Bankruptcy Might Mean
This episode of Gloss Angeles discusses plastic surgery mom guilt and the legacy of Shirley Raines, founder of Beauty 2 the Streetz. The hosts also break down the news of Pat McGrath Labs filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and quiz Kirbie on…
- Sephora Teams Up With Olive Young: What This Means for K-Beauty in the U.S.
This episode of Gloss Angeles covers the partnership between Sephora and Olive Young, which will introduce K-Beauty zones in Sephora stores across the U.S. and Canada starting in 2026. The hosts discuss the potential impacts on the K-Beaut…
- Inside a Beauty Patent Dispute With Shhhowercap Founder Jacquelyn De Jesu
Jacquelyn De Jesu, founder of Shhhowercap, discusses her background, the development of her patented shower cap, and the importance of protecting inventions. She also shares insights into a 2023 patent dispute and jury trial related to Shh…
- Why Beauty Hurts: Waxing, 2016 Makeup Trends, and Kendall Jenner Nose Discourse
This episode of Gloss Angeles explores the pain associated with waxing, examines 2016 makeup trends, and delves into the online discussion surrounding Kendall Jenner's nose and plastic surgery denials. The hosts also share their current fa…
- Being an “Influencer” After 40, Plus Makeup Education With Erica Taylor
Erica Taylor, a professional makeup artist and influencer, joins Gloss Angeles to talk about simplifying makeup for mature skin and her experiences as a "midlife makeup guru" on social media. She also covers aging within the beauty industr…
- Sarah Michelle Gellar on Buffy, Beauty, and Being the Ultimate ’90s It Girl
Sarah Michelle Gellar joins Gloss Angeles to discuss her beauty journey, favorite products from the 90s and early 2000s, and her experience as an "It Girl" before social media. She also shares insights on raising Gen Z children with the in…
- Stranger Things Set Stories and "Cool Danish Girl” Style With Hair Designer Sarah Hindsgaul
Sarah Hindsgaul, hair designer for Stranger Things, talks about her work on the show across five seasons, her early beauty influences, and her new haircare brand. She also shares behind-the-scenes stories and discusses memorable moments fr…
- Pat McGrath Labs: The Warning Signs We Can’t Ignore
This episode of Gloss Angeles discusses the beauty industry, covering topics such as Pat McGrath Labs, Rare Beauty's expansion to Ulta Beauty, stress-busting supplements, and oral care. The hosts also share their current beauty product obs…
- Saie Founder Laney Crowell on Building a Gen Z Beauty Powerhouse
Laney Crowell, founder of Saie, shares insights on creating a Gen Z beauty brand, including its growth, presence at Sephora, and strategies for TikTok virality and community building. The discussion also covers Saie's new CitySet setting s…
- The 7 Biggest Beauty Moments of 2025
This episode of Gloss Angeles covers the seven biggest beauty moments of 2025. Topics include significant brand acquisitions, the emergence of expert-led beauty brands, the K-beauty boom, and the impact of misinformation on skincare trends.
- The Top Hidden Acne Triggers, Especially For Women
This episode of Gloss Angeles features CLEARSTEM founders Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina, who discuss hidden acne triggers, adult breakouts, and surprising food and supplement triggers. They also talk about their BOUNCEBACK Repair…
- Here’s Everything We’d Gift For the Holidays (and Why)
This episode of Gloss Angeles features a holiday gift guide. The hosts discuss various gift ideas including advent calendars, splurges, hostess gifts, cozy presents, and gifts for teens and tweens.
- What You Need to Know About the FDA Killing Talc Testing
This episode of Gloss Angeles addresses the FDA's decision to discontinue required asbestos testing for talc in cosmetic products. The hosts aim to clarify misinformation and discuss the implications of this change.
- The ‘Marked Safe from MAHA’ Campaign & The New Lash Economy
This episode of Gloss Angeles discusses the "Marked Safe from MAHA" campaign, exploring its connection to anti-vax and anti-science rhetoric and its influence on beauty and wellness brands. It also delves into the evolving lash economy, no…
- The Black Friday & Cyber Monday Beauty Deals That Could Save You Big Money This Year
This episode of Gloss Angeles discusses Black Friday and Cyber Monday beauty deals, focusing on discounts from brands like MAC Cosmetics and Kiehl's at Macy's. It also highlights savings on beauty tools from Shark and Dyson to help with co…
- Everything to Know about Jeuveau, Plus More of Your Questions Answered
This episode of Gloss Angeles features Vanessa Lee, RN, who discusses Jeuveau, including its benefits and comparisons to other neuromodulators. The hosts also answer audience questions about various beauty and skincare topics, such as cele…
- Avoiding Counterfeit Products This Holiday Season and Diving Into the World of Dupes with MCO Beauty
This episode discusses avoiding counterfeit products and the rise of beauty dupes, featuring MCO Beauty. It also covers updates on sunscreen regulations in the U.S. and encourages listeners to be aware of fraudulent products.
- Sarah Creal on Developing Some of the Beauty Industry’s Most Iconic Products
Sarah Creal, founder and product developer, joins Gloss Angeles to discuss her influence in the beauty industry. She shares her journey, including developing iconic products and creating a brand for women 40+. Creal also talks about workin…
- A Hair Journey from The Look on IMO
This episode features Michelle Obama in conversation with her hairstylist Yene Damtew and actress Marsai Martin. They discuss their personal hair journeys and how Michelle Obama's hair evolution has inspired others. The conversation also t…
- Shay Mitchell’s Sheet Masks for Toddlers, Dua Lipa’s New Skincare Line, and Skims Beauty’s New Hire
This episode of Gloss Angeles covers the announcement of Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye joining Skims as EVP of Beauty & Fragrance, the launch of Dua Lipa's skincare line with Augustinus Bader, and Shay Mitchell's K-beauty-inspired children's line,…
- Dr. Muneeb Shah Returns to Talk Sunscreen Drama, Derm Misconceptions, & Retinol Myths
Dr. Muneeb Shah discusses sunscreen, common dermatology misconceptions, and retinol myths. He also shares insights on creating his skincare line, Remedy, and life as a dermatologist on social media and in clinic.
- Nobody Wants This’ Egregious Ad Placements, MAC Enters Sephora & ULTA Beauty’s New Invite-Only Marketplace
This episode of Gloss Angeles covers product placement in "Nobody Wants This," MAC joining Sephora, and Ulta Beauty's new invite-only marketplace. The hosts also discuss K-beauty trends, LVMH's potential sale of Fenty Beauty, and FDA commu…
- Brand Graveyard 2025: Who Left Us, Who Ghosted Us, and Who Came Back from the Dead?
Kirbie and Sara discuss brands that have been discontinued or have returned, along with updates on Kirboween and a robot video. They also share anticipation for the Wicked films and discuss RSVP culture.
- Establishing an Eye Care Routine, Blepharoplasties, and Which Beauty Products and Treatments Can Affect Your Vision
This episode of Gloss Angeles features Dr. Ashley Brissette, who discusses establishing an eye care routine, blepharoplasties, and the impact of beauty products on vision. She addresses myths about sensitive eyes and explains what "ophthal…
- Luxury Beauty Worth the Investment: Our Must-Have Picks
This episode of the Gloss Angeles podcast focuses on luxury beauty products and whether they are worth the investment. The hosts discuss R&D, efficacy, and overall experience of various brands, answering listener questions about dry skin,…