ArtsFashion & Beauty

Mirror Mirror with Amy Chang

Amy Chang

Welcome to Mirror Mirror with Amy Chang, where we dive deep into the cutting-edge science of beauty and the complex psychological and cultural reasons behind why we pursue it. Join me for honest, insightful conversations where science meets self-discovery. Together, we’ll ask the important questions—What does it really mean to be beautiful? How does science influence our ideals? And how can we cultivate authentic self-acceptance from the inside out? New episodes Wednesdays.

Play

Open in

35 episodes
weekly
Avg 51 min
English

Episodes 35

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

S1 · E45
Thursday · 41 min
What I Wish More People Knew Before Getting a Facelift with Dr. Kian Karimi
What are you really paying for when a facelift costs $300,000 instead of $30,000? And does a higher price actually mean a better result? Dr. Kian Karimi joins Amy Chang to unpack the cost of facial rejuvenation, from the surgeon’s fee to anesthesia, facility charges, recovery support, and potential revisions. He explains how the scope of a surgical plan changes the price and why an expensive procedure cannot guarantee a particular outcome. They explore the differences between SMAS and deep plane facelifts, how additional procedures can change the overall cost, and what patients should ask about complications and revision policies. The conversation also covers choosing an injector, the importance of ongoing training, and how Dr. Karimi uses ultrasound in his practice. A candid conversation about looking beyond the price tag and understanding what you are paying for before making a cosmetic treatment decision. MATERA is a physician-led aesthetic clinic in Santa Monica, CA, founded by Amy Chang and medically led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Frederick. We help patients age beautifully through personalized care and the MATERA Slow Beauty Method™. Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/materaclinics/ Website — https://materaclinics.com/ Learn more or book a consultation: appointments@materaclinics.com → Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram → Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode. ABOUT MIRROR MIRROR Mirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare. Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means. #beauty #skincare #aesthetics #facelift #plasticsurgery #cosmeticsurgery
S1 · E44
October 29 · 31 min
I Tried Beauty Treatments for 16 Years. Then I Built Matera.
After 16 years of beauty treatments and visits to more than 25 clinics, Amy Chang knew what she wanted from an aesthetic appointment: time to ask questions, thoughtful recommendations, and a plan that didn’t involve doing everything at once. In this special episode of Mirror Mirror, Amy switches seats and shares the story behind Matera, the medical aesthetics clinic she founded in Santa Monica. She opens up about the experiences that shaped it, from her first laser treatments for acne scars to finding the medical team to bring her vision to life. Amy explains what “slow beauty” means to her: unhurried consultations, gradual treatment, and taking time to reassess. She also discusses working with Dr. John Frederick and Matera’s clinical team, and how her mother’s life and passing inspired both the name and the courage to begin. Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/materaclinics/ Website — https://materaclinics.com/ MATERA is a physician-led aesthetic clinic in Santa Monica, CA, founded by Amy Chang and medically led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Frederick. We help patients age beautifully through personalized care and the MATERA Slow Beauty Method™. Learn more or book a consultation: appointments@materaclinics.com → Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram → Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode. ABOUT MIRROR MIRROR Mirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare. Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means. LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/bh/podcast/mirror-mirror-with-amy-chang/id1876357199 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NcpTY7ObN43ugrGsZtxgl?si=dbeb2c865aec4b21 Instagram: @mirrormirrorwithamy #beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #cosmetics #cosmeticsurgery
S1 · E42
October 22 · 48 min
How Veneers Can Change the Way Your Face Looks with Dr. Jon Marashi
Veneers can change more than your smile. But what makes them look natural and what should you understand before permanently changing your teeth? Amy Chang sits down with her own cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jon Marashi, DDS, a Los Angeles cosmetic dentist and porcelain veneer specialist, for a candid conversation about veneer regret, natural-looking smiles, and the decisions that matter before permanently changing your teeth. They explore how tooth size, bite height and lip support influence facial appearance; what can happen when too much enamel is removed; and why planning matters before committing to cosmetic dental work.Amy also shares her experience with veneers and bite correction, while Dr. Marashi walks through his approach to temporary veneers, reviewing the final result before bonding, and coordinating dental work with other aesthetic treatments. In this episode: • What makes veneers look too big, too white or unnatural • Tooth preparation and preserving enamel • How teeth, lips and facial proportions work together • Temporary veneers and inspecting the final porcelain before bonding • Veneer regret, revision work and replacement • Questions to ask when choosing a cosmetic dentist Learn more from Dr. Jon Marashi: Explore his practice and services: https://www.drmarashi.com/ Follow Dr. Jon Marashi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjonmarashi/ MATERA is a physician-led aesthetic clinic in Santa Monica, CA, founded by Amy Chang and medically led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Frederick. We help patients age beautifully through personalized care and the MATERA Slow Beauty Method™. Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/materaclinics/ Website — https://materaclinics.com/Learn more or book a consultation: appointments@materaclinics.com → Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram → Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode. ABOUT MIRROR MIRROR Mirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang, LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare. Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick while still questioning what perfection means. #beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #Veneers #CosmeticDentistry #PorcelainVeneers
S1 · E43
October 15 · 48 min
Why You Don’t Feel Like Yourself in Perimenopause with Dr. Taz
Waking up at 3 a.m., struggling with brain fog, or noticing changes in your skin and hair? What should you ask when you no longer feel like yourself? Amy Chang sits down with Dr. Taz Bhatia, integrative medicine physician and author of The Hormone Shift, for a candid conversation about perimenopause, women’s health, and the experience of feeling dismissed when something feels wrong. Dr. Taz shares her own health journey, while Amy opens up about noticing changes at 38 and navigating treatment with her clinician. Together, they explore the questions women bring to appointments, the debate around hormone testing, and Dr. Taz’s perspective on nutrition and individualized care. Topics in this episode: • Perimenopause, sleep changes and brain fog • Feeling dismissed and advocating for yourself • Hormone testing and treatment conversations • Protein, nutrition and changing needs • Skin, hair and hormonal changes • Amy’s personal experience with perimenopause Learn more from Dr. Taz: Explore Dr. Taz’s integrative health practice and services: https://holplus.co/ Find more of her work, resources, books, and education: https://doctortaz.com/Follow Dr. Taz on YouTube: @DrTazMD MATERA is a physician-led aesthetic clinic in Santa Monica, CA, founded by Amy Chang and medically led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Frederick. We help patients age beautifully through personalized care and the MATERA Slow Beauty Method™. Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/materaclinics/Website — https://materaclinics.com/ Learn more or book a consultation: appointments@materaclinics.com → Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram → Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode. ABOUT MIRROR MIRROR Mirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang, LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare. Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick while still questioning what perfection means. #beauty #skincare #hrt #hormones #hormonehealth #perimenopause #pcos #drtaz #menopause
S1 · E42
October 8 · 1 hr 8 min
Why Chasing Perfection Is Costing You Your Confidence with Nazanin Mandi
What happens when you’re praised for your beauty but still don’t feel good enough? Nazanin Mandi joins Amy Chang for a candid conversation about body dysmorphia, life after her divorce from Miguel, and rebuilding an identity she felt she had lost. Scouted as a model at 10, Nazanin shares how an early comment about her body stayed with her and how insecurity later affected her work, confidence, and willingness to be seen. She reflects on a music video she never released, anxiety before red carpets, and the difference between receiving compliments and believing them. Nazanin also opens up about the loneliness of starting over after a relationship that spanned nearly two decades. She shares the role therapy, family, solitude, and returning to music played in reconnecting with herself. In this conversation: • Childhood beauty pressure and body image • Losing your identity in a long-term relationship • Life after divorce and learning to be alone • People-pleasing, perfectionism, and the inner critic • What helps Nazanin when old thought patterns return • Building connection through her wellness community, You Bloom This isn’t a story about becoming someone else. It’s about remembering who you are. Subscribe to Mirror Mirror with Amy Chang for honest conversations about beauty, identity, and self-worth. Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/materaclinics/ Website — https://materaclinics.com/ MATERA is a physician-led aesthetic clinic in Santa Monica, CA, founded by Amy Chang and medically led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Frederick. We help patients age beautifully through personalized care and the MATERA Slow Beauty Method™. Learn more or book a consultation: appointments@materaclinics.com → Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode. ABOUT MIRROR MIRROR Mirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang, LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare. Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick while still questioning what perfection means. #beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #beauty #filler
S1 · E41
October 1 · 45 min
Why Fixing Your Face Doesn’t Always Fix How You Feel With Dr. Evan Rieder
How does “just a little filler” turn into a look you never intended and why can it be difficult to notice the change? Amy Chang sits down with Dr. Evan Rieder, a dermatologist and psychiatrist, to explore perception drift: how our surroundings, social feeds, and cosmetic experiences can shift what looks normal or beautiful to us.They discuss the pressure of pretty privilege, why the satisfaction of a treatment can fade, and how the pursuit of one improvement can become the search for the next. Amy also shares her own experience with being overfilled and how it changed what she looks for in an injector.In this conversation:• How repeated exposure can reshape beauty preferences• Why your injector’s judgment matters• When a practitioner should say no• The relationship between appearance, identity, and satisfaction• Why perception drift and body dysmorphic disorder are not the same thing• Four areas to reflect on before pursuing another treatment Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/materaclinics/Website — https://materaclinics.com/MATERA is a physician-led aesthetic clinic in Santa Monica, CA, founded by Amy Chang and medically led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Frederick. We help patients age beautifully through personalized care and the MATERA Slow Beauty Method™.Learn more or book a consultation: appointments@materaclinics.com→ Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #beauty #filler
S1 · E41
September 28 · 29 min
Is a $40,000 Deep Plane Facelift Actually Worth It?
What is facelift recovery actually like beyond the before-and-after photos? Catt Sadler opens up about choosing a deep plane facelift in her 40s, the recovery surprises she didn’t expect, and what she actually paid. In this focused conversation from Mirror Mirror with Amy Chang, Catt walks through her decision to have a deep plane facelift, neck lift and upper blepharoplasty with Dr. Steve Kim. She shares how she chose her surgeon, prepared for surgery and navigated the first days at home. Catt also discusses the period when she struggled to chew and speak normally, the swelling and tingling she experienced, and why she says it took around 14 months for her results to fully settle. Plus, she explains her discounted surgery arrangement, the pricing her surgeon later quoted, and why she chose to be transparent about having work done. In this conversation: Why Catt considered a facelift in her 40s Choosing a surgeon she trusted Combining a facelift, neck lift and upper eyelid surgery Preparing for surgery and arranging support at home The physical and emotional realities of recovery What she paid versus the prices discussed today Why she says she has no regrets Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/materaclinics/ Website — https://materaclinics.com/ MATERA is a physician-led aesthetic clinic in Santa Monica, CA, founded by Amy Chang and medically led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Frederick. We help patients age beautifully through personalized care and the MATERA Slow Beauty Method™. Learn more or book a consultation: appointments@materaclinics.com → Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram ABOUT MIRROR MIRROR Mirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare. Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick, while still questioning what perfection means. #beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #deepplanefacelift #faceliftrecovery #facelift
S1 · E40
September 24 · 37 min
Chriselle Lim on Life After 40 + The Science of J-Beauty with Nathalie Broussard
Looking your best doesn’t have to mean looking younger. What changes in your skin as you age and what changes when you stop believing your best years are behind you?In this special Mirror Mirror conversation with Shiseido, Amy Chang explores aging well from two perspectives: skincare science and personal reinvention. First, Dr. Nathalie Broussard, PharmD and Shiseido’s Director of Scientific Communication for EMEA, discusses skin aging, collagen, sagging and the relationship between skin, stress and lifestyle. She also introduces the brand’s research behind the Vital Perfection Sculpt-Define Serum. Then, Chriselle Lim joins Amy to talk about starting over after divorce, questioning the expectations she grew up with, and finding confidence through lived experience. They discuss simplifying skincare, wanting to look good without chasing youth, and why Chriselle wouldn’t trade her 40s for her 20s. In this episode: • How skin changes with age • Shiseido’s research into collagen and skin’s support network • Skincare, SPF, stress and daily routines • Reinvention after divorce and cultural expectations • Why confidence can come after taking the leap • Looking your best without trying to look younger MATERA is a physician-led aesthetic clinic in Santa Monica, CA, founded by Amy Chang and medically led by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. John Frederick. We help patients age beautifully through personalized care and the MATERA Slow Beauty Method™. Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/materaclinics/ Website — https://materaclinics.com/ Learn more or book a consultation: appointments@materaclinics.com→ Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram → Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode. ABOUT MIRROR MIRROR Mirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare. Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means. #beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #ChriselleLim #AgingWell #aging #Shiseido
S1 · E39
September 16 · 56 min
Can You Actually Trust the SPF on Your Sunscreen? with Ava Matthews
What does the SPF number on your sunscreen actually tell you and how is it tested?Amy Chang sits down with Ava Matthews, co-founder of Ultra Violette, to explore sunscreen labels, mineral versus chemical filters, and why sunscreen formulas differ around the world. Ava shares her perspective on the CHOICE sunscreen testing controversy, Ultra Violette’s product recall, and the changes the brand made to its testing process. They also discuss bemotrizinol (BEMT), sunscreen texture and wearability, and the everyday questions that make SPF feel more complicated than it should.Topics covered in this episode:• How SPF testing works and why results can vary• Ultra Violette’s experience with a sunscreen recall• Mineral versus chemical sunscreen filters• Why American, Australian, European, and Korean sunscreens differ• Whether makeup with SPF and over-makeup mists are enough• Sunscreen for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin• Tinted sunscreen, reapplication, and common sunscreen misconceptions→ Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #sunscreen #spf
S1 · E38
September 9 · 39 min
Are Regenerative Skin Treatments Worth the Hype? with Dr. John Frederick
Filler, Botox, Sculptra, PRP, PDGF and exosomes are everywhere, but how do these treatments differ, and what should you understand before trying one?In this episode, Amy Chang sits down with board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. John Frederick to unpack the rapidly changing world of aesthetic medicine. They discuss why filler can remain in the face longer than patients expect, where filler may be appropriate, the risks associated with nose filler, and why your treatment history can matter when planning a future facelift.Dr. Frederick also explains the differences between filler and collagen-stimulating treatments, including Sculptra, PRP, PRF, topical PDGF and exosomes. Plus, they examine Botox and other neuromodulators, the trade-offs of longer-lasting treatments, and how aesthetic priorities can change as we age.→ Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #dermalfillers #prp #collagen #sculptra #prf #exosomes #beauty
S1 · E37
September 2 · 1 hr 10 min
Why Social Media Makes It Harder to Find Your Style with Mandy Lee
Social media gives us endless fashion inspiration, so why is it making personal style harder to find? Fashion trend forecaster Mandy Lee, known online as @oldloserinbrooklyn, joins Amy Chang to unpack why fear of looking wrong, being “cringe,” or changing in public can keep us from developing a style that actually feels like our own. Mandy explains why people online increasingly dress alike, even when real life remains much more diverse, and how TikTok and Instagram can turn aesthetics into rigid rulebooks. Amy and Mandy explore trending topics like why personal style requires vulnerability, experimentation and the willingness to make mistakes. They also discuss how politics, economics and regional culture shape fashion; why copying an aesthetic isn’t the same as developing taste; clean-girl fatigue and the return of indie sleaze; Pinterest versus genuine trend forecasting; accelerating trend cycles; and how internet culture is changing beauty and body standards. Mandy’s most practical advice is surprisingly simple: stop shopping. Wear what is already in your closet, photograph your outfits and pay attention to what you naturally repeat. That process can reveal what you genuinely like—and what your wardrobe actually needs. → Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #personalstyle #fashiontrends #styletrends
S1 · E36
August 26 · 59 min
Why We’re All Starting to Look the Same with Lauren Sherman
Why are people in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and London starting to look more alike and what does Instagram have to do with it?Puck fashion correspondent Lauren Sherman joins Amy Chang to decode the hidden beauty and style codes of the world’s most influential cities. Lauren explains why cities still have recognizable beauty codes in an algorithmic world, how online aesthetic tribes are replacing local culture and why social media can make personal taste feel increasingly standardized. She also shares how art, film, books, nature, vintage shopping and time away from the feed can help us develop a style that actually feels like our own.Plus, Amy and Lauren go rapid-fire on Botox, facelifts, quiet luxury, glass skin, vintage shopping and the cities shaping global beauty now.In this episode:• Why New York is about “optimizing everything”• Why LA beauty culture is so focused on the body• What makes Parisian beauty look effortless• Why London is more comfortable with imperfection• How fashion operates as code-switching and belonging• Why people dress differently in different cities• How Instagram is flattening local style• Why online aesthetic tribes are replacing geography• How to develop personal taste away from an algorithm• Which cities do Botox, facelifts, quiet luxury and vintage best• Why Lauren believes LA still shapes global beautyLauren Sherman is Puck’s fashion correspondent, the writer behind Line Sheet and the host of Fashion People.Follow Lauren:Puck: https://puck.news/author/lauren-sherman/→ Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics
S1 · E35
August 19 · 1 hr 14 min
What Actually Works in Skincare with Charlotte Palermino
Why has skincare become harder to understand when we have more information than ever?Charlotte Palermino, co-founder and Chief Brand Officer of Dieux Skin, joins Amy Chang to unpack how fear, outrage and insecurity shape what beauty companies sell—and what consumers buy.From sunscreen conspiracy theories and “clean beauty” to ingredient-rating apps, luxury pricing, retinoids, K-beauty and kids at Sephora, Charlotte separates useful information from marketing noise. She explains why a longer routine is not necessarily a better routine, why expensive does not automatically mean effective and why your skin is not a trend.In this episode:• Why sunscreen misinformation thrives online• How fear and “non-toxic” claims drive beauty sales• Whether ingredient literacy is helping or overwhelming consumers• Charlotte’s perspective on Yuka and EWG• Why most people can build an effective three-to-four-step routine• What luxury skincare can—and cannot—deliver• What K-beauty gets right about texture and prevention• Whether children actually need skincare routines• Why beauty can function as social currency• Who should—and should not—use retinoids• How Dieux grows without chasing every viral trend• PDRN, PRP and other heavily marketed treatments→ Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics #sunscreen #skincareroutine
S1 · E34
August 12 · 53 min
What Really Happened to Crystal Kung Minkoff on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Ten hours of filming can become seconds of television. For Crystal Kung Minkoff, that meant even close friends watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills were left asking: “Who am I watching? This is not you.”Crystal opens up about becoming RHOBH’s first Asian American Housewife and what she learned about the gap between who you are, what gets filmed, and the version of you audiences ultimately see.She explains why Housewives isn’t scripted but how scheduling, selective moments, omission, and editing can still construct a powerful story around a person. Crystal also reflects on the pressure of feeling responsible for representing an entire community, while being judged through two familiar stereotypes imposed on Asian women: being either too forceful or too submissive.In this conversation, Crystal discusses:• Why nearly everyone told her not to join RHOBH• How 10-hour filming days become only minutes of television• Being portrayed as quiet and cold when she was actually frightened and frozen• Her mother encouraging her to appear “softer” on television• The impossible pressure of representing every Asian woman• Growing up wanting to look like everyone else• Breaking her lifelong habit of people-pleasing• Raising culturally confident children through food, travel, and honest conversations• Whether she would ever return to The Real Housewives of Beverly HillsFollow Crystal on Instagram: @crystalkungminkoff → Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics
S1 · E33
August 5 · 53 min
Why Tradwives and Dating Apps Sell the Same Fantasy with Dr. Sarah Banet-Weiser
Tradwives promise simplicity. Dating apps promise effortless love. Media scholar Dr. Sarah Banet-Weiser explains why both can turn identity into a product—and what Love Island, swipe culture and AI relationships reveal about modern womanhood.In this episode of Mirror Mirror, Amy Chang and Dr. Sarah Banet-Weiser unpack how media becomes a “script” for real life. They examine why repeated images start to feel normal, the production and paid labor hidden behind tradwife content, and the crucial difference between choosing to be a stay-at-home mother and prescribing that life for every woman.Then the conversation turns to Love Island and online dating: how profiles turn people into products, why swiping can feel like a casino, and whether dating-platform incentives reward lasting connection or continued searching. They also explore why technology creates efficiency—not necessarily intimacy—and what AI companionship may remove from relationships: friction, vulnerability and growth.IN THIS CONVERSATION:• Why repetition changes what feels normal and desirable • The hidden labor behind the tradwife aesthetic • Stay-at-home motherhood versus tradwife ideology • How Love Island and dating apps turn romance into a marketplace • Dating-app fatigue and the casino logic of swiping • Why efficiency is not the same as fulfillment • AI companionship, vulnerability and human connection • Three ways to build a healthier relationship with media ABOUT THE GUEST:Dr. Sarah Banet-Weiser is the Walter H. Annenberg Dean and Lauren Berlant Professor of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research examines gender, consumer culture, popular media, identity and race.Subscribe to Mirror Mirror with Amy Chang for more conversations examining beauty, identity, culture and the stories shaping how we see ourselves.#Tradwives #DatingApps #LoveIsland #MediaLiteracy #MirrorMirror→ Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.LISTEN ANYWHEREApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/bh/podcast/mirror-mirror-with-amy-chang/id1876357199#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics
S1 · E32
July 29 · 51 min
Why This Billionaire Heiress Stopped Chasing Beauty Perfection with Dorothy Wang
Dorothy Wang had the access, the doctors and the budget, but she still said no. In this candid conversation with Amy Chang, Dorothy discusses the pressure she felt during Rich Kids of Beverly Hills and Bling Empire, what happened when she no longer looked like the version of herself audiences expected, and why she eventually stopped trying to perfect every feature.Dorothy opens up about living with eczema, managing PCOS and insulin resistance, facing public criticism while filming Bling Empire, and learning that health and happiness matter more than chasing every beauty trend. Dorothy also discusses Botox, lip filler, Sofwave, beauty trends from Korea and why sharing the same aesthetic as your doctor may be more important than choosing the most famous name.→ Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.LISTEN ANYWHEREApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/bh/podcast/mirror-mirror-with-amy-chang/id1876357199#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics
S1 · E32
July 22 · 51 min
The Status Game: How Presentation Shapes Who Gets Ahead with Alison Fragale
Five years ago I made a few TikToks where I leaned hard into self-deprecating humor — playing into every stereotype I thought my audience already had about me. Vain. Superficial. Not that smart. They went viral. Millions of views. So I did it again. And again. For four years. It worked. I built a large audience on it. And I was exhausted from shrinking myself into a box that had almost nothing to do with who I actually am. This week on Mirror Mirror, I sit down with Alison Fragale — organizational psychologist, professor, and author of Likable Badass — to unpack what's actually happening when women make themselves smaller to be liked, and what it costs them. This is the follow-up to my conversation with Vivian Tu about the "pretty premium" — the research showing attractive people earn 10 to 15% more over their careers. But looking the part only gets you in the room. What Alison studies is what happens next: how you're perceived, how much people respect you, and why two women with identical qualifications can walk into the same room and get completely different outcomes. We also get into the three verbal habits Alison says are quietly eroding women's credibility every day — and I admit to doing all three. → Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.LISTEN ANYWHEREApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/bh/podcast/mirror-mirror-with-amy-chang/id1876357199Instagram: @mirrormirrorwithamy#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics
S1 · E31
July 15 · 48 min
Why So Many Women Are Secretly Losing Their Hair with Christine Chiu
Christine Chu had so much hair she had standing salon appointments to thin it out. Her ponytails were too thick to manage. Hair loss was never on her radar. 1 Then in the fall, her hair started shedding like autumn leaves. By November, it was coming out in clumps. By December, bald spots. By New Year's — almost entirely gone. She was filming Bling Empire, Dancing With the Stars, and RuPaul's Drag Race at the same time. Getting glammed up to three times a day. And quietly going bald underneath it all. This week on Mirror Mirror, I sit down with Christine Chu for one of the most honest and detailed conversations about female hair loss we've had on the show. She walks through everything: what triggered it (a suspected inside-job home invasion attempt that sent her nervous system into chronic fight-or-flight), what the testing revealed (borderline anemia, low ferritin, low magnesium, nutrient deficiencies across the board), and every single thing she threw at it — prescription medications, PRP, steroid injections, LED caps, stem cells, exosomes, RF microneedling, diet overhauls, bone broth, and more. She also shares what nobody tells you about some of these treatments. Including that oral minoxidil at men's dosage levels gave her a full beard. While she was simultaneously wearing a wig at a friend's wedding in Hawaii, praying it wouldn't blow off in the wind or catch fire from a tiki torch. → Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.
S1 · E30
July 8 · 48 min
The Hair Restoration Treatment Beverly Hills Surgeons Are Using with Dr. Ben Talei
Most clinics draw 10cc of blood, spin off 5cc, and call it PRP. According to Dr. Ben Talei, that's not PRP. It's plasma. Plasma, without a concentrated yield of platelets and signaling factors, doesn't do much for hair loss. The entire PRP industry, he says, is largely built on protocols borrowed from studies that weren't actually measuring what the industry claims to be selling. This week on Mirror Mirror, I sit down with Dr. Ben Talei — Beverly Hills-based facial plastic surgeon, founder of the Beverly Hills Hair Group, and the surgeon behind more than 3,000 lip lifts and the Cupid lip description system — for one of the most technically detailed and honest conversations about hair restoration, facial fat, lip surgery, and facelifts this show has produced. We also get personal: I had one round of Morpheus8 done. The heat melted the fat in my temporal region and left a visible vein at my temple. Dr. Talei explains exactly why that happened — and what can and can't be done about it.
S1 · E29
June 30 · 41 min
Redefining Beauty After Motherhood with Jasmine Tookes
Three weeks before the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Jasmine Tookes got a call: they wanted her to open it. She was nine months pregnant. Her doctor said no.She begged him anyway. She flew from LA to New York with a private doctor monitoring her vitals the entire flight. She walked the runway in four-inch heels, praying her water wouldn't break under the lights — and became one of the most talked-about moments in the show's history: the first visibly pregnant model to ever open it.Ten days later, she went into labor on the steps of her own foyer. Alone. Her husband was out driving the neighborhood trying to get her older daughter to fall asleep. She called 911, got on all fours, felt the top of the baby's head, and started pushing. It happened in twenty minutes. She passed out right after.This week on Mirror Mirror, I sit down with Jasmine — Victoria's Secret Angel of over a decade, founder of body care brand Brunel, and mother of two — to talk about what it actually felt like inside her body walking that runway, the birth story that came right after, breastfeeding for three years, getting shingles from nutrient depletion, and what two decades in the fashion industry have taught her about confidence, beauty standards, and what she wants her kids to understand about how she sees herself.→ Have a beauty question you want me to tackle on the next Inbox? DM @mirrormirrorwithamy on Instagram→ Subscribe so you don't miss next week's full Mirror Mirror episode.ABOUT MIRROR MIRRORMirror Mirror is a podcast that cuts through the noise and uncovers the science shaping beauty and the psychology driving our desire for it. Hosted by Amy Chang — LA Times contributing writer, Marie Claire 2024 Power Player, and a trusted authority in beauty, with over 2.4 million followers who turn to her for insights on cutting-edge treatments and science-backed skincare.Expect unfiltered conversations, expert insight, and the freedom to love your lipstick — while still questioning what perfection means.LISTEN ANYWHEREApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/bh/podcast/mirror-mirror-with-amy-chang/id1876357199#beautymyths #skincare #aesthetics

Showing 1–20 of 35 episodes