Podcast

The Beauty Lab Podcast

Arts, Education, Fashion & Beauty, How To

Welcome to The Beauty Lab Podcast, where beauty meets expertise and fun! Hosted by licensed beauty professionals Velia Ramson and Monina Wright, this podcast is your go-to resource for uncovering the truth behind beauty myths, trends, and products.

With over 40 years of combined experience, Velia and Monina bring you:
💄 Honest product and tool reviews
💡 Ingredient insights to empower your beauty decisions
🎙️ Interviews with industry leaders in beauty, health, and wellness
📖 Real talk about trending topics and FAQs from their listeners

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Are sulfates really bad for my hair?
• What anti-aging treatments actually work?
• Should I try that viral TikTok trend?

We’ve got the answers! Let us test the trends and share what works (and what doesn’t), so you don’t have to.

❤️ Follow us on Instagram @thebeautylabpodcast to share your questions and suggestions for future episodes.

🎧 Subscribe now and join us each week for empowering beauty advice and plenty of laughs!

Episodes
102
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
26 min
On air since
2024
Latest episode
2 days ago

Episodes

102 episodes, newest first

  1. 102 | Fall Skincare Reset with Esthetician Monina: Fix Dry, Flaky, Sensitive Skin and Simplify Your Routine

    Season 2, Episode 102

    Show notes

    It is getting colder, and Velia wants to know whether she really needs to change her skincare routine. Esthetician Monina explains why fall can leave skin tight, flaky, and sensitive, how to simplify instead of adding more products, and what to do about exfoliation, retinol, and sunscreen as the seasons change.

    This episode is for education only and is not medical advice.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • Do you really need to change your skincare routine in fall?
    • What fall weather and indoor heating do to your skin barrier
    • Easy fixes for dry, tight, or irritated skin
    • What to do about flaking, exfoliants, and retinol
    • Sunscreen in fall and a simple routine to level up

    ALL LINKS MENTIONED:

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom
    • Osmosis Skincare (Monina's Favorite)

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare,...

    21 min
  2. 101 | Fall 2026 Hair Trends with Hairstylist Velia: Boyfriend Bobs, Bixie Cuts, Evolved Bangs, and Warm Color

    Season 2, Episode 101

    Show notes

    Trends are always changing, so Monina asks hairstylist Velia what she is actually seeing behind the chair this fall. They cover the boyfriend bob and the bixie, what is replacing the wolf cut and curtain bangs, the warm color trends clients are asking for, and simple ways to freshen up your look without a big commitment.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • The haircuts and shapes trending this fall
    • Bangs: what is replacing curtain bangs
    • Fall hair color trends for blondes, brunettes, and reds
    • Why effortless hair is everywhere right now
    • Easy ways to refresh your look without a big change

    ALL LINKS MENTIONED

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom
    • Osmosis Skincare (Monina's Favorite)

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare,...

    22 min
  3. 100 | Top Episodes, Audience Surprises, and Lessons From 100 Weeks of Beauty Podcasting

    Season 2, Episode 100

    Show notes

    We made it to episode 100! Velia and Monina celebrate with a recap of 100 weeks of The Beauty Lab Podcast: the episodes that surprised us, how our YouTube audience differs from our Apple and Spotify listeners, and what it really takes to show up every single week.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • Our top episodes on YouTube versus Apple and Spotify
    • Who is really watching and listening, in 111 countries
    • The biggest challenges of running a podcast
    • Advice if you want to start a podcast
    • A thank you and what you want to hear next

    Thank you to our editor and photographer, Jen Vazquez (jenvazquez.com), for making all 100 episodes happen (Thanks Ladies!!).

    ALL LINKS MENTIONED:

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    26 min
  4. 99 | Peptides 101 with Wellness Expert Kathy Burgett: NAD, GLP-1 Microdosing, Gut Health, and Safety

    Season 2, Episode 99

    Show notes

    Peptides are the buzzword of the year, and there is a lot of noise out there. In this episode, Monina and Velia sit down with Kathy "KB" Burgett to cover what peptides are, how NAD and GLP-1 microdosing fit in, and why gut health, protein, and a good doctor matter more than any shortcut.

    This episode is for education only and is not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor before starting anything we discuss.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • What peptides are, in simple terms
    • Injections, nasal sprays, and creams: how the forms differ
    • GLP-1 microdosing and what to expect
    • Gut health, hair, skin, and protein
    • Where KB suggests women start in perimenopause

    ABOUT OUR GUEST: Kathy Burgett is the founder and CEO of KB Fitness Exercise Studio in the Bay Area. She has a doctorate in health science from the University of the Pacific, is ACE certified, and has more than 20 years of experience in fitness and wellness.

    ALL LINKS MENTIONED

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    32 min
  5. 98 | We Put Gemini to the Test -- Hair Products, Rosacea, Home Color, and Teen Acne

    Season 9, Episode 98

    Show notes

    What if you could fact-check the beauty advice AI gives you with an actual hairstylist and esthetician? That is exactly what this episode is.

    Velia and Monina each ask Gemini the most common questions they get from clients, live and unscripted, and grade the answers in real time. The AI scored about 90 to 95 percent. Here is what it got right, what it missed, and why that last 5 to 10 percent matters more than you think.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • A hair routine for long, flat, color-treated hair, and the one thing Gemini missed
    • How to prep a bride with active rosacea, plus a new treatment that changes the usual timeline
    • Why going from dark brown to light brown at home is a bad idea
    • The best foundation approach for a teen with acne heading to prom
    • Why use AI as a starting point and then verify with someone who knows you

    ALL LINKS MENTIONED

    Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more beauty nerds find us!

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    42 min
  6. 97 | The Most Googled Hair and Beauty Questions -- Answered by a Hairstylist and Esthetician

    Season 3, Episode 97

    Show notes

    We Googled the most searched hair, skincare, and makeup questions of all time. Then we answered every single one.

    Also: Velia has officially moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, which means the podcast is now on split screen. Nothing changes for listeners -- but if you are watching, you will notice the new setup.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • How to curl your hair with a flat iron -- the beveled edge requirement, the clamp-turn-slide technique, and who should not be using a flat iron to curl at all
    • Why flat irons at 450 degrees are destroying hair -- and what temperature to actually use
    • The one exception: coarse, curly hair that needs smoothing before curling
    • Why you should never cut your own hair -- and the one narrow exception for bang trims
    • The fingertip test for knowing when it is actually time to wash your hair
    • Why wearing unwashed hair as a badge of honor is bad for your scalp long-term -- and the T-shirt analogy
    • Always double wash, 60 seconds each time
    • Do you need separate morning and night skincare routines? Yes -- here is why each one serves a different purpose
    • Why makeup starts looking worse as you age -- it is the skin, not the makeup
    • Less is more after 40: shifting away from matte formulas, heavy powder, and overdone brows
    • What to actually spend money on in skincare: sunscreen, cleanser, barrier support, evidence-based corrective ingredients, liposome delivery, and professional treatments
    • Why a cream will not fix melasma -- and what actually will
    • The app we like for reading skincare labels

    ALL THE LINKS

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    36 min
  7. 96 | Lost Luggage Beauty Haul: What a Hairstylist and Esthetician Buy at Target for $100 (TARGET CHALLENGE)

    Season 3, Episode 96

    Show notes

    The scenario: airlines lost your luggage. All your hair and skincare essentials are gone. You have $100 each and Target is the only option. What do you buy?

    In this episode, Velia and Monina walk every aisle and build complete hair and skincare routines from scratch -- on a real budget, with professional reasoning behind every pick and every pass.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • Why Monina chose the Good Molecules line over Thayers -- and what the ingredient comparison actually looked like
    • The full Good Molecules skincare haul: double cleanse, toner, pre-cleanse pads, hydrating mask, eye gel, and moisturizer
    • Why she skipped the St. Ives Apricot Scrub -- the crushed pit under a microscope explanation
    • Why the Neutrogena makeup remover wipes did not make the cut
    • The sunscreen oversight Velia called out immediately -- and Monina's defense
    • Velia's full Kristin Ess hair haul: shampoo, conditioner, air dry cream, leave-in primer, Denman brush, and Conair curling iron
    • Why Velia chose a smaller barrel curling iron over the larger one
    • The sulfate-free conditioner label that made Velia roll her eyes -- and why it is misleading
    • What both of them would have added with a slightly bigger budget

    ALL PRODUCTS MENTIONED (coming)

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    27 min
  8. 95 | The Newest Skincare Treatment Getting Real Results: What Monina Found at the ICES Skincare Show

    Season 3, Episode 95

    Show notes

    Monina just got back from the ICES skincare show and she has a lot to say.

    Every year the show reveals what is next in professional skincare. Last year it was exosomes. This year the treatment that stopped her in her tracks -- and that she had done on her own face before leaving -- is called Bio Microneedling. No needles. No device. No wound response. And results she could see the next morning.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • What Bio Microneedling is and how it is fundamentally different from traditional microneedling
    • What spicules are -- the microscopic silica structures that do the work -- and why they create 3 to 7 million microchannels vs the 600,000 to 700,000 from traditional devices
    • Why it compresses cellular turnover from 28 days down to 7 days
    • Why it can be used on skin types that traditional microneedling cannot -- active acne, inflamed rosacea, lupus
    • Why it does not create a wound response or trigger excess melanin production
    • What the treatment actually feels like -- and Monina does not sugarcoat it
    • The four formulations: nourishing hydrating, anti-aging, resurfacing, and revitalizing
    • Aftercare: what you can and cannot do for 7 days after treatment
    • When to wait if you do Botox or fillers
    • Also in this episode: Velia's big announcement -- she is moving to Knoxville, Tennessee. The podcast continues, nothing changes for listeners.

    Monina is now certified in Bio Microneedling and offering it at Moderne Beauty in San Jose

    ALL THE LINKS MENTIONED

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    24 min
  9. 94 | What a Hairstylist and Esthetician Would Never Do (And Why You Should Not Either)

    Season 3, Episode 94

    Show notes

    Two beauty professionals. A list of things they would never do to themselves -- and the honest explanation of why.

    In this episode, Velia and Monina go through their personal never-do lists: the hair and skincare practices that look reasonable until you understand what actually happens when they go wrong.

    ALL THE LINKS

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    27 min
  10. 93 | What We Would Tell Our 25-Year-Old Selves - Honest Beauty Advice from a Hairstylist and Esthetician

    Season 3, Episode 93

    Show notes

    Monina was in the shower thinking about everything she wished she had done differently for her skin. Velia was thinking about her hair. This episode is what happened when they decided to share all of it.

    Two beauty professionals. Decades of experience. A lot of hindsight. This one is personal, honest, and very relatable.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • Monina: the acne, antibiotic, and gut health connection she wishes she had understood at 25
    • Why picking at your skin is one of the most damaging things you can do -- and why she did it anyway
    • Retin-A, photosensitivity, and the hyperpigmentation she did not see coming until her 40s
    • Velia: why her mom was right about eye cream at 13. When to actually start using eye cream
    • Sunscreen -- and the olive oil sunbathing era neither of them is proud of
    • Stop over-plucking your brows. You will miss them.
    • What eyelash curlers and mascara buildup actually do to your lashes over time
    • Velia's confession about thick hair complaints -- and why she regrets every word
    • Widow's peak envy: a thing apparently
    • Why heavy makeup on active acne makes everything worse
    • Stretch every single day. Your 50s will thank you.

    THE LINKS MENTIONED

    Get 20% off your entire order at veliabeautyco.com with code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    23 min
  11. 92 | We Tested 3 Viral Color Adapting Foundations: Honest Reviews from Two Different Skin Tones

    Season 3, Episode 92

    Show notes

    Monina got suckered into not one, not two, but three color adapting foundations. Velia tested them all on her skin in real time so you could get two honest perspectives.

    Color adapting foundations promise to match any skin tone by adapting to your unique complexion. We have been seeing this claim for a while now and wanted to find out once and for all whether any of them actually deliver.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • What color adapting foundations are actually supposed to do -- and what they actually do
    • Real time test on two different skin tones: medium olive and fair
    • Which of the three had the best coverage, best feel, and best color match
    • Why the word universal on any makeup product should make you pause
    • What skin tones and makeup preferences these products might actually work for
    • Whether any color adapting foundation is worth buying

    ALL THE LINKS MENTIONED

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    18 min
  12. 91 | Good Trends, Bad Trends, Total Scams - A Hairstylist Reviews the Viral Ones

    Season 3, Episode 91

    Show notes

    In this episode, licensed cosmetologist Velia goes through the viral hair trends she hears about most and gives her honest professional take. Some of them are genuinely dangerous for your hair. Some are flat-out scams. And two she actually likes.

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • Hair growth shampoos and serums -- what the before and afters are not telling you
    • What hair actually needs to regrow and how long it realistically takes
    • The at-home split end tool and why it makes the problem worse
    • Viral steam brush claims -- why it is physically impossible
    • Halo-style extensions -- what separates a good one from a $60 disaster
    • What Remy hair means and why it matters
    • Tight sleek ponytails and the traction alopecia risk most people do not know about
    • Texture irons -- the bridal industry secret weapon that is finally going viral
    • Heatless curls -- when they work, when they damage, and how to use them safely

    EPISODE SPONSOR: Velia Beauty Co Haircare Line. Get 20% off your entire order at veliabeautyco.com with code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST

    SUBSCRIBE, SHARE AND LEAVE A REVIEW -- it helps more beauty nerds find us!

    ALL THE LINKS

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    24 min
  13. 90 | Clean Girl Makeup Era Explained What's Changing, What's Staying, and What's Next

    Season 3, Episode 90

    Show notes

    The clean girl era is over -- or is it? Velia came in with questions and Monina came in with answers.

    In this episode, licensed esthetician and makeup artist Monina breaks down exactly what the clean girl era was, what is shifting, and what the trends she is seeing right now actually look like in practice. She also gets into the question that matters most: how do you figure out which trends actually work for your face?

    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • What the clean girl era was and how it started post-COVID
    • Why it is evolving rather than disappearing entirely
    • The summer trends replacing it -- beach skin, blush placement, glossy lips, metallic accents
    • Why trends do not work the same way for everyone -- face shape, undertones, skin type, age, and lifestyle all matter
    • How to find your signature look and why you do not have to chase every trend

    Monina's free color guide app -- upload your photo and a palette and get a personalized color guide. Link in the show notes.

    ALL LINKS MENTIONED Including the FREE app that helps you with the best colors for makeup.

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    19 min
  14. 89 | Why Does Your Hair Look Better at the Salon? A Hairstylist Answers the Biggest Hair Questions

    Season 3, Episode 89

    Show notes

    You leave the salon feeling amazing. By day three, the magic has completely worn off. Why?

    In this episode, licensed cosmetologist Velia answers the three questions clients ask her most -- why salon hair feels so different, what most people get wrong when styling at home, and how to choose a blow dryer without spending a fortune.

    • The real reason salon hair feels cleaner and lighter -- it is probably not the products
    • How long you should actually be shampooing and why most people stop too soon
    • Where styling products should and should not go on your hair
    • The blow-drying mistake that makes your style fall flat within 20 minutes
    • What to look for in a blow dryer -- wattage, weight, and heat settings
    • Whether drugstore blow dryers can actually get the job done
    • Velia's free hair type guide is in the show notes -- find out your hair type and get product recommendations matched to it.
    • Velia's blow dryer recommendations are linked in the show notes and Amazon store.

    ALL THE LINKS/PRODUCTS

    SUBSCRIBE, SHARE AND LEAVE A REVIEW -- it helps more beauty nerds find us!

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    25 min
  15. 88 | Your Most Googled Summer Skincare Questions: Answered by a Licensed Esthetician

    Season 3, Episode 88

    Show notes

    Your summer skincare routine might be doing more harm than good and Monina, licensed esthetician, is here to set the record straight.

    In this episode:

    • Whether you actually need to overhaul your routine for summer (and what you do need to adjust)
    • The four biggest summer skincare mistakes, including one that makes oily skin produce even more oil
    • Why UV damage doesn't show up right away, and the ABC method for checking your skin for cancer warning signs
    • The SPF layering myth: why adding SPF numbers together doesn't work the way you think
    • Post-sun skincare: what to do when you've been outside longer than planned
    • Simple swaps for summer, lighter textures, mineral SPF, tinted moisturizer, and fewer layers
    • Antioxidants in summer: how vitamin C and niacinamide strengthen your skin barrier alongside sunscreen

    A practical, no-fluff episode perfect for anyone trying to take better care of their skin this season.

    ALL ITEMS MENTIONED:https://www.modernebeauty.com/summer-skincare-tips

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    19 min
  16. 87 | Your Most Googled Hair Skin Questions Answered By A Cosmetologist and Esthetician

    Season 3, Episode 87

    Show notes

    Two hair questions, two skincare questions — Velia and Monina answer real listener submissions on this week's episode.What's covered:

    • Leave-in conditioner vs. rinse-out conditioner: why you actually need both, and what each one does for your hair
    • Skincare actives you should never combine, including the retinol + benzoyl peroxide issue and how to alternate instead
    • Hair brush hygiene: how often to clean, what products to use, and why curly hair tools need different care
    • At-home vs. professional dermaplaning: the blade difference, who shouldn't do either, and how to stay safe if you do it at home

    A practical episode with answers you can actually use this week.

    ALL THE LINKS: https://veliabeautyco.com/blogs/news/do-you-need-leave-in-conditioner-if-you-use-regular-conditioner

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    28 min
  17. 86 | Beauty Dupes Worth the Switch And Some Dupes of Dupes

    Season 3, Episode 86

    Show notes

    Velia and Monina round up their favorite high-end beauty dupes, including one that saves you $420, and Monina goes one step further with dupes of the dupes.

    What's covered:

    • Milk Hydro Grip Primer vs. e.l.f. Power Grip ($30 vs. $11) side-by-side tested
    • Rhode Pocket Blush vs. Ulta Too Cheeky in Debut ($25 vs. $13)
    • Tarte Shape Tape vs. e.l.f. 16-Hour Camo Concealer ($32 vs. $8), including a note for mature skin
    • MAC Chestnut Lip Liner vs. NYX Retractable in Cocoa ($25 vs. $6)
    • One/Size Powder Melt Setting Spray vs. Ulta Dewy Glaze ($34 vs. $13)
    • Tom Ford Lost Cherry vs. Finery Not Another Cherry ($450 vs. $30)
    • Bonus: e.l.f. Putty Primer vs. Maybelline Baby Skin, e.l.f. Halo Glow vs. L'Oreal Lumi Glotion, and more.

    ALL THE LINKS: https://www.modernebeauty.com/best-beauty-product-dupes

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    17 min
  18. 85 | Brazilian Waxing Basics: Prep, Pain, Process and Aftercare

    Season 3, Episode 85

    Show notes

    Still nervous about getting a Brazilian wax? Monina, licensed esthetician, answers every question first-timers actually have, from hair length requirements to how much it really hurts to what you should absolutely not do afterward.

    In this episode:

    • The difference between a bikini, full bikini, and Brazilian wax
    • Exactly how to prepare your skin (and what to avoid before your appointment)• Why hard wax makes a significant difference in comfort
    • A step-by-step walkthrough of what happens during the appointment
    • Pain management tips, including OTC numbing options
    • Post-wax care and how to prevent ingrown hairs
    • Why consistency with your appointments actually reduces discomfort over time

    Perfect for first-timers, or anyone who wants to get more out of their waxing appointments.

    ALL THE LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.modernebeauty.com/brazilian-wax-101

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    27 min
  19. 84 | The Real Difference Between a Blow Dryer, Blow Dryer Brush & Multi-Styler

    Season 3, Episode 84

    Show notes

    Confused by all the hair tools on the market? Velia breaks it all down; blow dryer with round brush, blow dryer brush, and multi-styler — so you can finally stop guessing and start styling smarter.

    In this episode:

    • What makes the concentrator attachment so important for frizz control
    • Why blow dryer brushes are causing breakage for so many people
    • How to use an Air Wrap attachment correctly (the step nobody tells you)
    • Which hair types each tool actually works for
    • Velia's ratings on hair health, efficiency, and styling longevity for all three tools
    • Why the blow dryer + round brush combo still wins for lasting results

    ALL THE LINKS: https://veliabeautyco.com/blogs/news/blow-dryer-vs-blow-dryer-brush-vs-multi-styler

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    34 min
  20. 83 | Skincare Product Audit: Keep, Toss, or Trade: An Esthetician Reviews Velia's Full Routine

    Season 3, Episode 83

    Show notes

    Last episode Velia audited Monina's hair products. This time Monina audits Velia's skincare, and Velia admits upfront she has absolutely no idea what one of her serums does or why she is using it.

    In this episode, licensed esthetician Monina goes through every product in Velia's routine and gives a verdict on each one. Keep, toss, or trade, based on ingredients, skin type fit, and whether each product is being used correctly.

    WHAT IS COVERED:

    • Which cleansers and exfoliants work together -- and which ones cancel each other out
    • The serum that was in the wrong place the whole time and why the order matters
    • How to layer serums correctly (most people get this wrong)
    • When your skin has too many products and what to do about it
    • The simplified version that works for almost everyone

    ALL THE LINKS: https://www.modernebeauty.com/skincare-product-audit

    • Shop at Velia Beauty Coand use code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST for 20% off.
    • Our Amazon Store
    • Monina's Color App
    • Monina's Skincare Analysis
    • Custom blended foundation and consultations with Monina, in the Bay Area or by Zoom

    Welcome to the Beauty Lab Podcast! Your go-to podcast for beauty, health, and wellness tips during your drive time! Hosted by Velia Ramson, licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co., and Monina Wright, licensed esthetician and founder of Moderne Beauty and Aesthetics, we bring you:

    ✨ Expert insights on beauty trends and the science behind products.
    💡 Myth-busting chats about what really works in beauty.
    👩‍🔬 Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness.
    🧴 DIY skincare and haircare tips to try at home.
    🤔 Answers to your beauty questions and honest product reviews.

    Join us every week as we share over 40 years of combined experience and passion for education. Whether you’re curious about skincare, scalp health, evolving makeup routines, or the latest beauty trends—we’ve got you covered!

    🎙️ New episodes weekly. Subsc...

    26 min