The Beauty Brains
The Beauty Brains
Discover the beauty and cosmetic products you should use and avoid
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gotta dancing!
this theme music is my jelly
Tony4000
Great show
I’ve learned so much about personal care items by listening to this show. I spend so much less money on hair care and body care items now that I understand the basic technologies and common ingredients used in those products. I still like to dive a bit deeper into face products and think there is some more innovation and room for additional ingredients there but I’m much more discerning thanks to this podcast.
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MikeyMyke
Very interesting
I like the format in which they answer listeners’ questions. It’s great to understand a bit more the science and merketing behind beauty products.
LaurabeciO
Informational and Slightly Depressing
Perry and Valerie provide great insights into how different cosmetics products work and the chemistry underlying them. Perry and Valerie also describe all the ways that marketers try to convince people to buy products that don’t actually work (they lack evidential proof of efficacy). Hence I am a bit depressed about how much of the industry is marketing or placebo effect, rather than ingenuity from raw material chemists and formulation chemists. Nonetheless this podcast (and the accompanying blog and the book) are great sources of technical knowledge of the cosmetics industry. Also chit chat and kittens.
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Dr_pHrank
This show is for real information!!
I love it!! Very insightful!! It has changed the way I see skincare as a professional in the skincare business.
Jk12332145677
not just for the beauty obsessed
this is a great show to gather real information about skin & hair care ingredients and how they work (or don’t work) in a wide assortment of profucts. the show isn’t filled with useless details regarding trends and there is little to no pushing of brands. it’s quite the opposite. if you like primping, but you don’t appreciate being played like a fool when you go down the shampoo aisle, then this is the show for you. at times the hosts’ attempt at playful banter is cringey but it’s easy to forgive in exchange for niche-knowledge that is otherwise pretty hard to come by
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Fatlady44
Unique
Love this show. I’ve been listening for a few years especially while I am processing my hair, something I do myself. I’ve always been interested in content beyond marketing, backed by science. Love the scientific duo, as well! Thank you for offering listeners good advice.
CristinaSturm
Answers any and all questions about skin and hair care
I love this podcast. Been listening for a year or two now. I love that if I have any questions about ingredients, formulations, and if certain products are necessary, they’ve answered it. It really takes the guesswork out of shopping and keeps me from spending or removing products unnecessarily. It definitely helps that they speak in layman’s terms which makes it easy to understand. I love their humor as well it’s so cute. Definitely recommend to everyone so they can do more informed shopping.
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KimmyManors
Antidote to the scaremongers and super-hypers
Glad this show exists. Great to hear scientists talk for once. I think back about the scare we all had when spray sunblocks were recalled because of high benzene levels, and how listening to the two of them break it down gave it a lot of useful context and calmed me down.
sjk00
Ramblers
Couldn’t even get through an episode because they ramble about stuff I didn’t come to the show for. Beauty. Not about jury duty. Idk what they on.
Girl who eats
So Good
Love this podcast. Helpful. Informative. Fun.
Focused on weather
5 stars for Val
Love Val… Perry reminds me of a boomer that just found ai technology and needs to use it for everything. He seems nice but his jokes don’t convey well over audio and it feels awkward listening to him. I only listen because of the topics that they cover and because of Val.
sassafrass323
Save Money by Listening to This Show
I no longer spend lots of cash on worthless products.
lasvegasseattle
Cutting through the nonsense! ❤️
Love! I hope they’ll work on the sound. The music blares more than the speaking segments.
changagarcia
Interesting and informative
Interesting and informative podcast. I can’t think of another podcast with this much science backed beauty or skincare information.
Ashleyn44
Hairstylist gold mine
Found this podcast a week ago after doing a deep dive on specific ingredients, I’ve listened to 17 episodes in a week! It’s hard to sift through so much biased information on cosmetic products. It’s exhausting to try to decipher marketing schemes and weasely claims. So this podcast is MUCH appreciated as a hairstylist, it has helped me understand ingredient lists that are so frustrating to read and memorize. You guys have really done an amazing job at educating. I will say some of the earlier episodes were pretty cringe in dialogue but now much better with Valerie. Love the dorky jokes and hearing stories about all the kitties. Thanks for clearing up so many myths and breaking things down, it’s much needed.
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yurhairness
Thank you so much for helping me be a better cosmetologist
Your podcast has helped me so much in my career. I’ve been working in the industry in the beauty consultant world and your podcast has helped me understand products, why people should or shouldn’t use them and I appreciate that you guys help me develop better vocabulary when educating others. I feel as a licensed cosmetologist my duty is to educate not sell. So you guys really help with that. Keep doing what your doing :) Trisha.
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xxtr1shxx
Great podcast
I’m a licensed esthetician and love this podcast such great info. Keep it up and yes Valerie does make the show amazing. Perry is a little weird.
carmencita120
Great Cosmetic talk from Real professionals
Valerie is the best! Teaching an old dog new tricks, I feel like a real insider! 5*****
dewey123735
Mansplaining
Second update: Apparently this is a show about abandoning animals and whining when you can’t shirk your responsibilities because you want a vacation. Perry seems to think people are mean because the don’t have space in their overcrowded, underfunded shelters for him to just abandon the kittens he took in and couldn’t be bothered to plan ahead and find a sitter for. Also ps Perry: city shelters are kill shelters. They try to find adopters, but 80% of abandoned animals are euthanized each year because people like you are irresponsible and feel animals are just an accessory you can throw in a cardboard box when you’re feeling inconvenienced. Also Valerie: abandoning a cat for five days is actually neglect and animal abuse. Would you abandon a child that long? I’ve loved this podcast for years but much like I can’t tolerate fear marketing, I also can’t tolerate the blatant promotion of entitlement and animal abuse. Unsubscribe. Update: the show is SO MUCH BETTER with Valerie over that other guy. Perry is still a little condescending to products he doesn’t use, but Valerie often calls him out. Also, Perry seems to know nothing about cruelty free other than what PETA has told him. Real cruelty free consumers NEVER follow PETA. PETA is an exploitative corporation that kills more animals than it rescues. No real animal advocate would take their word for anything. It’s only celebrities who want followers and people wanting to make vegans and cruelty free consumers look bad who pay them any real attention. Look at Leaping Bunny standards of you want real information and not a tabloid propaganda of cruelty free culture. I like the basic content of the show, but up until a couple months ago when they finally added a female host, it seems to have been two men speaking condescendingly at the people who actually use these products. The format seems to have changed since they finally had the brains (pun intended) to bring a woman on board, because it’s difficult to sit and listen to a sausage fest explanation of cosmetics the hosts would never use.
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hamsa381745
Real deal
So informative. As objective and unbiased as it gets. No marketing, no misinformation, no nonsense. The best of the best.
alicia virginia
Thank you!
Such helpful information
Nurseneska
My new bffs!
Love perry and valerie! I found this podcast a week ago and have listened to 20 episodes. I really like the chit chat in the beginning that they do and love their friendship. Learned so much too! Thinking about becoming a patron so i can ask questions… oh i also love the news and recall sections - i havent seen any other chemist influencers that do that
fqn tightt
Been listening for years!
It’s so refreshing to listen to cosmetic chemists instead of cosmetic marketers! I’ve worked in the beauty industry before the rise of “clean” beauty and witnessed the degradation of product quality as the market gets saturated with product without effective preservatives and other useful synthetics. I love makeup, I love skincare products. The knowledge I get from this show helps me spend money more effectively and help me guide my clients to choose the best products for them. Their books are great too!
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buttonpusher
Good content, uneven audio volumes
Great content (I fast forward past the conversations at the beginning of the show). Unfortunately Perry and Valerie don’t come through at the same volume, which is really distracting and unpleasant to listen to. Better mixing please. At least Perry doesn’t seem to be interrupting Valerie as much recently.
tragus
5 stars all around
Valerie and Perry are a wholesome duo that are obviously knowledgeable experts that answer listener questions and chat about what’s in the news related to beauty. They are as non-biased as it gets and they’ve opened my eyes to the manipulative world of marketing. I’ve learned so much that I’ve applied to my skin and hair care routines - they’ve saved me money and have made me a more wise and suspicious consumer. They bust common myths (think parabens and other fear-mongered ingredients) with actual research and science. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Currently bingeing all their episodes, but I must say I much prefer the shows that have Valerie vs Randy as Perry’s co-host. Randy picked on Perry too much to the point of it degrading the quality of the show’s content and it’s enjoyable-ness.
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Lizzzie0408
One of my favorites!
Good information in an entertaining format. Love listening before bed. The hosts’ banter is relaxing 😊
Kate San Diego
Pulling back the curtain
I am so grateful for this podcast as it provides an accessible yet scientific account of the beauty industry. The explanations of effective products versus marketing and hype helps me become a more conscious consumer. This podcast is a refreshing antidote to misinformation and false advertising — good for my self-esteem and my wallet! Thank you!
sveltelan
Obsessed
I’ve been on a journey learning about skin care and and everything Beauty related, and since I love podcasts this has been heaven sent. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
AdrioMM
Love Valerie soooo much!
Valerie is awesome! Thanks guys!!
splred
I am a fan!
I love that they are so grounded in the SCIENCE, instead of the marketing. They advocate for safe cosmetic products which is to all of our advantage. The intelligent discussions about the importance of preservatives is so welcome. I look forward to every new episode, and console myself in between by listening to old ones. I hear something new every time. I have listened since the Randy and Perry days, I think the addition of Valerie was a big boost —she uses the products and I appreciate that perspective. Perry’s healthy skepticism helps me to challenge the marketing stories and that helps me save money. Thanks Perry and Valerie! Susan C.
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Susan from Long Island
It is a very good postcard.
I love this podcast. Valery has experienced and knowledgeable about the beauty industry and the chemistry behind it. Perry pits the spicy! I just love it.
Facastro_c
Every beauty fan needs to listen!
I’m SOOOO happy I found this podcast. It was recommended to me via a website I visited that actually deconstructs what cosmetic products are legit or not. This podcast does SO much more. I’m so happy to have found such an intelligent podcast that can make me a better informed consumer. There are LOTS of products who’s main ingredient is truly just good marketing. Catch up with Beauty Brains to avoid getting duped or falling for myths!
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ash294
I love you guys!
Wish I could be a patriot but since I can’t at this time I’d just like to say this is my favorite podcast & Perry you are super I’ve been meaningTo give you guys a shout out for a few months now I just figured out how LOL April Haynes April.home4ya #beautybrainslover #nerdychicka
nerdychicks
Much Love!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Much Lashin’ & Waxin’ Love to ya! ❤️ Best to you, Samantha Hardin @BeautyJamBySam
@BeautyJamBySam
Alluring Academics
Perry and Valerie are enabling me to make such better decisions about the skin, hair and makeup products I love to buy. What’s kind of a waste? What’s tried and true? What’s just marketing? I love being an educated shopper and consumer. I really enjoy and appreciate this podcast! The more I get to know them the more they crack me up too, so, bonus!
Yotabunny
Addicting!!
This is an incredible insight into the beauty industry. If you’ve ever wondered what is actually achievable in health/beauty/wellness and especially anti-aging products, this podcast is for you! The science is broken down in an easily digestible way and Valerie and Perry make a great team who balance each other out nicely. Highly recommended!
jessb717
Been in the Beauty industry since birth
I have generations of my family in the beauty industry. This is mandatory listening for anyone working in the beauty industry. I seriously binged, Netflix style for several days over Christmas break to get caught up.
fendi55
My Beauty Bible
I wish pictures were part of this review input because you can literally see the difference in my skin since I started learning from the Beauty Brains! Thank you both for all the wisdom, I really wish there were a search feature so we could pinpoint products or ingredients we want to go back and listen about instead of asking a repeat question! You two bring a lot of joy and listening to your special brand of banter is hilarious and refreshing.
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Kittykatrr
Body shop?
Hi ,new to podcast,but I really would like to know if the body shops brand is good for your skin as im living on an island(bermuda) and need something reliable and easy come by ... we also have osea on the island.any sugeestions?
The sugar star
One of my favorite beauty podcast
I listen to quite a few beauty podcasts but this one stands out by having a scientific perspective on products. It’s nice they aren’t sponsored and give a good neutral look on things. I have become a smarter consumer listening to this podcast. Keep up the good work!
minizebra5
Science at its best
Perry & Valerie work hard to dispel the marketing nonsense contributing to increasing chemical phobia in our society. What might seem like a frivolous focus on beauty is actually an important introduction to logic and scientific evaluation for many listeners that can be applied in other areas of life. Plus, this duo is adorable & fun to listen to! Highly recommended ❤️ p.s. i’ve been listening since the old days with Randy...but Valerie makes the pod so much better, lol
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overelle
Binge worthy
I binged every episode like a Netflix series. Candy for the brain I say! Fun, realistic and good to know if you’re a consumer of cosmetics, which most people are, if not everyone... maybe mountain man is not... maybe
morberid
No more lies
I can’t tell you how incredibly excited I am to have found these guys. I am a hairstylist and have been behind the chair for close to 30 years. I’ve always known that so many products were marketing schemes. I’ve made it my mission to only sell what I am passionate about and what I know to be truth. This is going to help take my business to the next level! I think I may have missed my calling as a chemist. I get so excited listening to these podcasts. Thank you guys for taking the time to educate us.
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Hytinenhairgirl
The Only Beauty Podcast I Listen To
Perry and Valerie are wonderful! I love that they are ad-free so you know that their opinions are truly unbiased! They are also highly intelligent, great communicators and very funny. I find myself laughing out loud a few times during every podcast. I love their humor and they compliment one another during their interactions. You need to subscribe and hopefully provide support through Patreon so they can continue to be as-free!
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NinerGal
Expert advice , they give the real truth of beauty products , take time to answer your questions.
I can’t believe that the beauty brains answered my questions two times. My questions felt dumb but they answered without making fun of me.
ajmom010420
Long time subscriber
Thanks for providing such great information! I appreciate you!
kbeatle
Perry please stop interrupting Valerie
Great, informative podcast but I wish Perry would stop interrupting Valerie with inane jokes, puns or asides. Many times it also seems like he’s trying to be wrong with his asides, like when he “confused” Kate Middleton and Sarah Ferguson and said Kate Ferguson because “he can’t keep up with all these royals”...Sarah Ferguson hasn’t been a name in the popular lexicon for years. It detracts from the flow and as a female myself, it’s irritating how often it happens, please let Valerie speak!
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panda92726394
So interesting!
I recommend this pod to everyone! I’ve gotten my stylist to subscribe too. You guys have saved me lots of $$$!
Sammy430
Love this show!!!!
As a former Beauty Marketeer, this shows brings back wonderful memories of developing new products/formulas and concept writing. Thank you for making beauty transparent to the masses :)
Natividad groupie
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