The ugly side of the beauty industry with Jess DeFino

The ugly side of the beauty industry with Jess DeFino

June 22, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

Jess DeFino discusses the extreme practices of the beauty industry and its impact on societal beauty standards.

Botox, vampire facials, bone smashing and now cadaver fat fillers: the beauty industry is expert in selling extreme (and painful) treatments in our endless pursuit of perfection and eternal youth. For years, Jess DeFino worked at the heart of this machine as an assistant editor for the Kardashian family. She saw firsthand how the goalposts of beauty are constantly shifting, making it out of reach, no matter how much time, money and energy we pour in. Now Jess is calling bullsh*t on the beauty industrial complex and the ever more bonkers methods being employed. This episode will answer questions like: What is looksmaxxing? How do beauty standards change over time? Do children need skincare? Is the beauty industry growing? What’s it like to work with the Kardashian-Jenner’s Why is skin care so expensive? Is the beauty industry designed to make you buy more? Can you trust skincare reviews? Is the beauty industry built on insecurity? What to listen to next: Botox and fillers – facing up to the new normal How pop culture messed us up, with Sophie Gilbert Is your attachment style messing with your love life? One true love or many: Monogamy vs. open relationships What to read next: Why…

People in this episode

Guest: Jess DeFino

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Organizations: Kardashian, Jenner

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