In this week’s episode, we talk with the scientist behind Lab Muffin, Michelle Wong. Michelle started her blog in 2011, while she was getting her PhD, because she was frustrated by the misinformation on the Internet with regards to skincare and beauty products. In this week’s episode, she gives us a crash course on how to look at clean beauty critically, discusses the racism and colorism inherent in skin-lightening products, and teaches us how to be better beauty consumers. Also in this episode: the latest beauty news, makeup removal dos and don’ts, and a listener calls in with her thoughts on skin-lightening and whitening products.
Below, you’ll find links to the people, topics, and products mentioned in this episode. If you have any questions (or just want to say hi) reach out to us on Instagram, Twitter or via email (info@fatmascara.com). And please email us voice memos of your beauty questions and Raise A Wand favorites so we can share them on the show. You can call us at 646-481-8182, and leave us a message. We love hearing from you.
This week in beauty news:
China has plans to eliminate animal testing on imported cosmetics
Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens will no longer lock up Black beauty products
D.S. & Durga’s FumeTruck
The BABE wines manicure truck
Hairstylist Andrea DePauw started a mobile hair salon in Florida
Alpyn Beauty pledges to become plastic-neutral
Floratropia is disrupting the perfume world
A listener asks about makeup removal, and we respond:
Nick Barose - makeup artist that taught Jenn to be more patient when she removes her eye makeup
Almay Longwear & Waterproof Makeup Remover Pads - one of Jenn & Jess’s favorite makeup removers (hold gently on your eye for at least 10 seconds before you wipe!)
Lancome BiFacil
Glossier Milky Oil Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
The Body Shop Chamomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover
Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
In her interview, Michelle Wong talked about:
Lab Muffin blog
The Evy SunMousse - the company claims their SPF will not wash off
Caroline Hirons - we interviewed her in Ep. 193
Fair & Lovely - the skin-lightening brand that’s changing its name to Glow & Lovely
Why do we still use whitening products? - the Lab Muffin article from June 7, 2020
Ep. 213 with Dr. Sobel’s advice for underarm discoloration - he recommends hydroquinone, and we discuss how the ingredient can be used differently—and is subjected to different cosmetic labeling & drug laws—depending on your skin issue and your country
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA liquid - this is one of Michelle’s favorite products
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm - Michelle loves this cleanser
Rosehip oil - the first product Michelle fell in love with (the link is to one of Jenn’s favorite versions of the oil, from Trilogy)
Alaska from RuPaul’s Drag Race
Toum Lebanese Garlic Sauce - a recipe for toum, the Lebanese garlic spread that Michelle can’t get enough of
Wiley - listen to Michelle’s favorite British grime artist
#RaiseAWand:
Listener Vish Gupta shares her personal experience with skin-lightening products, then raises a wand to Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream
Jess: Moroccanoil Dry Body Oil
Jenn: Sinecchi Arnica Capsules