

Gloss Angeles
Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan
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 Gomez; Dr. Jason Diamond, Danessa Myricks, Mario Dedivanovic, The Lipstick Lesbians and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2025 • 30min
Sara’s Big News + e.l.f. Cosmetics's Big Drama
Big news, Glams: Sara is stepping away from Refinery29 and putting more time and energy into Gloss Angeles! She shares what this new chapter means, what’s ahead, and why this moment feels so surreal.Then, we’re diving into one of the buzziest (and most controversial) beauty headlines of the week: comedian Matt Rife teaming up with e.l.f. Why would a major beauty brand collaborate with someone surrounded by controversy? Is this “rage marketing” at play? We break it all down. Note: at filming, e.l.f. had not posted an apology or spoken with the press. CMO Kory Marchisotto spoke with Business of Fashion about the ad here. Watch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 15, 2025 • 44min
Mary Phillips on Underpainting, Glam Secrets, and Working With Hollywood’s Biggest Stars
She’s the queen of underpainting, the mastermind behind some of the most *chef’s kiss* red carpet glam, and now she’s adding “founder” to her already stacked résumé. This week, we’re sitting down with celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips — the woman responsible for sculpting faces like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Jennifer Lopez — to talk about her new brand, m.ph, and the art of making high-level techniques accessible to everyone. (P.S. It’s available exclusively at Sephora now!) Mary spills her kit must-haves, the secrets to her signature look, and the beauty mistake that actually changed the course of her career. We get into what people are getting wrong about underpainting, the product from her debut lineup that’s about to have a sleeper-hit moment, and why even with her access to everything, she still saw a gap in the market. She’s the queen of underpainting, the mastermind behind some of the most *chef’s kiss* red carpet glam, and now she’s adding “founder” to her already stacked résumé. This week, we’re sitting down with celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips — the woman responsible for sculpting faces like Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Jennifer Lopez — to talk about her new brand, m.ph, and the art of making high-level techniques accessible to everyone. (P.S. It’s available exclusively at Sephora now!) Mary spills her kit must-haves, the secrets to her signature look, and the beauty mistake that actually changed the course of her career. We get into what people are getting wrong about underpainting, the product from her debut lineup that’s about to have a sleeper-hit moment, and why even with her access to everything, she still saw a gap in the market. Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 5, 2025 • 27min
DIBS Drops Mascara, Sara’s Toenail Drops Off, and Expert-Lead Beauty Brands Take Over
Our Glamgelenos got first dibs on DIBS Beauty’s new Double Standard Mascara Duo through Gloss Angeles Confidential — and the reviews are glowing. Kirbie shares why this dual‑ended lash MVP (primer + lengthener on one side, bold volumizer on the other) has become her ride‑or‑die. Use code GLOSSANGELES 8/1-8/31/25 to get 15% off your order on their website!TW: Feet! Sara gets real about a runner’s nightmare: losing toenails. She reveals how she ended up with fake toenails (yes, that’s a thing), plus tips to prevent it and care for your feet post‑race.We’re also talking the rise of expert‑led beauty brands, from Chris McMillan’s debut haircare line to Mary Phillips’ m.ph. This is the next big wave in beauty.And a friendly reminder: if you love the pod and enjoy testing new beauty products with us, please drop us a review on Apple!Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 1, 2025 • 45min
Harry Styles Vibrators and Estée Laundry’s Grand Return
This week, we’re kicking things off with our latest Gloss Angeles Confidential test‑drive: K18’s new HeatBounce Conditioning Heat Protectant. It’s a leave‑in that claims to go deeper than your average spray to protect against up to 450°F heat, UV damage, and breakage. Our Glamgelenos gave us the real tea on how it performs (and how to actually use it without overdoing it).In beauty news: Phlur is the latest brand to be acquired and we’re digging into what this could mean for the fragrance world. Plus, Harry Styles’ Pleasing is stepping into the sex toy business. A surprising pivot… or a move that’s been in the works all along? Last but not least, industry watchdog Estée Laundry has re-emerged, and we revisit some of the scandals they broke in their early years.Shop this episode Watch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 29, 2025 • 46min
The Scent of Rare Beauty: How Selena Gomez’s Brand Created Its First Perfume
Joyce Kim, Chief Product Officer at Rare Beauty, shares her journey collaborating with Selena Gomez to launch their latest fragrance, Rare Eau de Parfum. The discussion reveals the intricate process of product development, emphasizing inclusivity and genuine emotional connections to beauty. Joyce highlights the importance of consumer feedback and accessibility, even in packaging design. She also shares amusing behind-the-scenes stories that capture the excitement and challenges of launching a new scent. It's a deep dive into how authenticity resonates in the beauty world.

Jul 25, 2025 • 30min
Lip Liner STAY‑N and the Rise of Sacheu: Sarah Cheung’s Founder Story
This week, we’re joined by Sarah Cheung: beauty content creator turned founder of the viral brand Sacheu Beauty. You’ve probably seen (or worn) her game-changing Lip Liner STAY-N (Billie Eilish, Kirbie, and Sara are all fans!) which sells every six seconds and has redefined what it means for makeup to actually last.We chat with Sarah about the journey from filming beauty tutorials to formulating hit products, what inspired her leap into entrepreneurship, and how she built a loyal community in a crowded market. She shares the story behind Lip STAY-N, how personal frustration sparked innovation, and what makes Sacheu’s formulas truly innovative. Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 22, 2025 • 27min
Ami Colé’s Goodbye, Urban Decay’s Gamble — and What It All Means for Beauty’s Future
We kick off this episode with a quick trend report before diving into the news about Ami Colé. ICYMI, the brand is shutting down after four years — a major loss for the industry. We unpack what this means for beauty as a whole and how it reinforces our (unpopular) take on patronizing your favorite minority-owned brands at Target.On the flip side, Urban Decay might finally be entering a new era. We break down their bold ambassador pick and the campaign that’s bringing real edge back to a brand that’s been struggling to stay relevant.Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 41min
How to Look Better in Photos, According to Beauty Photographer Max Bronner
Max Bronner, a talented beauty, fashion, and editorial photographer, shares his expertise on looking great in photos. He reveals how his background in beauty retail influences his aesthetic and identifies common photo mistakes with quick fixes. Max provides insightful tips on natural lighting and flattering angles, while also sharing surprising iPhone tricks for capturing better images. With anecdotes from celebrity shoots and a discussion on the evolution of beauty photography, he offers valuable advice for anyone wanting to elevate their photography game.

Jul 15, 2025 • 25min
Retail Report: Rhode’s Sephora Era + Ulta’s Big Space NK Buy
Rhode is officially landing at Sephora — but what does that mean for other brands at the retail store? Kirbie and Sara dive into Rachel Strugatz’s report on Puck and unpack how Hailey Bieber’s buzzy brand could disrupt the Sephora ecosystem. Plus, Ulta Beauty has acquired beloved UK beauty retailer Space NK — is this the first step toward UK expansion, or a move to solidify Ulta Beauty’s luxury ambitions stateside? Tune in as we explore what’s next in the beauty retail landscape.Shop this episodeWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 11, 2025 • 41min
Recapping the Top Headlines of the Year, Plus Our Mid-Year Brand Winners
We’re officially halfway through 2025, so Kirbie and Sara are breaking down the biggest beauty headlines of the year so far. From Rhode’s major sale and Drunk Elephant’s decline, to Kylie Jenner getting real about her boobs and the rise of Caveman Skincare, we’re recapping it all. Plus, we’re talking sunscreen drama, Lashify lawsuits, Tarte trips, Old Lady Energy, blephs, facelifts, and the brands we think are winning 2025.Shop our episodesWatch our episodes!CALL or TEXT US: 424-341-0426Instagram: @glossangelspod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanTwitter: @glossangelespod, @kirbiejohnson, @saratanEmail: glossangelespodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.