Best Radiant Media Productions Podcasts (2025)

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OTL #974: Is Chicago prioritizing environmental justice?, The Secret History of Fred Below 33:33

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4d ago33:33

33:33

Mike Stephen gets an update on the struggle for environmental justice on the southwest side of Chicago from Anthony Moser, board president of Neighbors for Environmental Justice, and then discovers the Secret History of the local influential 20th century drummer Fred Below.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #973: A.I. in local journalism, Local immigrants are about to lose their healthcare 38:46

11d ago38:46

38:46

Mike Stephen discusses the ethical questions around using artificial intelligence in local journalism with Justin Kerr, publisher of McKinley Park News, and then talks with Enddy Almonord, director of the Healthy Illinois Campaign, about how 33,000 low-income Illinois immigrants are about to lose their healthcare.…

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OTL #972: Confronting student loan debt in Illinois, New music from AJ Rosales, The Secret History of The Radiants 43:09

18d ago43:09

43:09

Mike Stephen discusses the student loan debt problem in Illinois with Illinois Answers Project journalist Claire Murphy, gets the lowdown on new local music from AJ Rosales, and discovers the Secret History of the 1960s Chicago doo-wop group The Radiants.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #971: Civic engagement through the 100K Project, CPS selling vacant land, Labeling Illinois schools 39:52

25d ago39:52

39:52

Mike Stephen learns about recruiting candidates for local office through the 100K Project with lead organizer and steering committee member Tom Tresser and then gets an update on some local education issues with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #970: Books removed in local prison, New music from Ascendant, The Secret History of Chicago Music celebrates 20 years 39:33

1M ago39:33

39:33

Mike Stephen explores the removal of certain books in Danville Correctional Center with local author Vee Harrison, gets the lowdown on new music from the band Ascendant from vocalist and keyboard player Kael Mboya, and looks back on 20 years of The Secret History of Chicago Music in the Chicago Reader with its creator and author Steve Krakow.…

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OTL #969: The Chicago Lakefront: Protected, Yet Precarious, Second Glance Productions, Rob Moore’s new music 39:38

1M ago39:38

39:38

Mike Stephen discusses the future of Chicago's lakefront with Emily Reusswig, VP of Conservation at Openlands, talks about the importance of inclusion in media with Anthony Williams, the founder of Second Glance Productions, and gets the lowdown on new music from Chicago-based bluesman Rob Moore.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #968: Why everyone hates white liberals, The Secret History of Hot Mama Silver 57:02

2M ago57:02

57:02

Mike Stephen sits down with Kevin M. Schultz, chair of the history department at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the author of a new book called Why Everyone Hates White Liberals (Including White Liberals), and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s and 80s rockers Hot Mama Silver.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #967: The origins of gun violence in Chicago, Andy Madden’s new music 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

Mike Stephen discusses the origins of gun violence in Chicago with Jens Ludwig, author of the new book called Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence, and then sits down with local musician Andy Madden about his new music and upcoming record release performance.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #966: Bonuses for City Council aides on the rise, Greenlight Family Services offering support, The Secret History of The Notations 39:33

2M ago39:33

39:33

Mike Stephen talks to Illinois Answers Project investigative reporter Alex Nitkin about how Chicago City Council staffers are getting more and more bonuses, learns about the impact of Chicago’s Greenlight Family Services with CEO Dr. Maria Nanos, and discovers the Secret History of the Chicago-based soul band The Notations.…

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OTL #965: Funding cuts for Illinois Humanities, The future of journalism 39:40

2M ago39:40

39:40

Mike Stephen discusses the potential impact of federal funding cuts for Illinois Humanities with executive director Gabrielle Lyon and Macomb-based singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo and then chats about the future of journalism with Prospect High School multimedia teacher Jason Block and seniors Claire Wynkoop and Kenny Munao while attending this ye…

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OTL #964: Chicago’s immigration court, I Am Flytism, The Secret History of Jim Brewer 42:40

2M ago42:40

42:40

Mike Stephen talks to Injustice Watch reporter Kelly Garcia about how Chicago’s immigration court works, learns about I Am Flytism, an organization on the South Side of Chicago that helps those impacted by autism, from founder Stephanie Butts, and discovers the Secret History of 20th century local bluesman Jim Brewer.…

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OTL #963: Living as a profitable author, The Surabhi Ensemble unites through art, The West Side Book Fair 40:23

3M ago40:23

40:23

Mike Stephen talks to Conspire Creative founder Sharon Woodhouse about her new book The Profitable Author: 1,001 Ways to Build a Business You Love Around Your Books, previews the Surabhi Ensemble’s live performance with guitarist Carlo Basile, and gets the lowdown on the upcoming West Side Book Fair from Bridgett McGill.…

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OTL #962: The immigrant experience in Chicagoland, New music from Steve Knight, The Secret History of Bobby McClure 42:41

3M ago42:41

42:41

Mike Stephen talks to Sandra Diaz, co-founder of the Center for Immigrant Progress, about the efforts to help Chicagoland immigrants in the wake of a hostile federal government, learns about the new album from local jazz guitarist Steve Knight, and discovers the Secret History of Chicago soul singer Bobby McClure.…

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OTL #961: The importance of the Freedom of Information Act, Proposed legislation to regulate homeschooling in Illinois 41:07

3M ago41:07

41:07

Mike Stephen talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning local journalists Sarah Conway of City Bureau and Trina Reynolds-Tyler of the Invisible Institute about the importance of the Freedom of Information Act and then gets an update on a proposed bill to regulate homeschooling in Illinois from Capitol News reporters Beth Hundsdorfer and Molly Parker.…

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Sensitive vs Sensitised Skin with Dr Ritu Gupta 52:13

3M ago52:13

52:13

When it comes to skincare, it seems like we just can’t stop talking about compromised skin barriers, sensitive skin and sensitised skin. But what does it all mean? Is there a difference between them? But most importantly, can sensitive skin be fixed? All very good questions, so in this week’s ep we have Dr. Ritu Gupta (MBBS (Hons), PhD, FACD), to h…

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OTL #960: The Illinois nuclear power controversy, The Flamenco Quartet Project returns, The Secret History of Donald Rafael Garrett 41:32

3M ago41:32

41:32

Mike Stephen discusses the controversial push to increase nuclear power production in Illinois with David Kraft, director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service, previews the return of the Flamenco Quartet Project with Wendy Clinard, founder of Clinard Dance, and discovers the Secret History of local avant-garde bassist Donald Rafael Garrett.…

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Skincare That Works with Peter Thomas Roth 53:22

4M ago53:22

53:22

This week's guest launched his brand pre-computers and the internet. Now, his products go viral on Tiktok! We’re joined by skincare industry legend Peter Thomas Roth - founder, formulator and genius behind Peter Thomas Roth skincare. We discuss founding a brand, staying ahead of trends, making products that go viral and the importance of ingredient…

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OTL #959: Bridging the wealth gap in Chicago, Supporting local nonprofits 42:12

4M ago42:12

42:12

Mike Stephen learns about efforts to bridge the wealth gap and to provide worker dignity at the local level from Julian Posada, President & CEO of LiftUp Chicago, and then discusses supporting the important work of local nonprofits with Jessica Nepomiachi, Director of Special Projects for the Real Estate Solutions Team at IFF.…

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From Preventative Botox to Mouth Taping: Which Trends Really Work? 59:19

4M ago59:19

59:19

It seems like every other week there’s a new beauty trend popping up promising to be the *thing* to help us achieve our beauty goals - LED masks, LED scalp devices, wrinkle patches, mouth taping, preventive botox, and the tip stitch are just a few. Understandably, it’s become quite hard to tell what actually works and what’s just clever marketing. …

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OTL #958: Continuing the fight against homelessness, The Secret History of Ruffian, Chicago Women of Color Fest 43:28

4M ago43:28

43:28

Mike Stephen discusses ongoing efforts to fight homelessness in Chicago despite the chaos in the federal government with Carolyn Ross, president and CEO of All Chicago: Making Homelessness History, learns the Secret History of 1980s rockers called Ruffian, and then chats about a new local festival highlighting marginalized voices with festival foun…

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The High & Low Cost Skincare Products We Actually Buy Pt2 1:00:22

4M ago1:00:22

1:00:22

We're back with round two of our skincare faves! We’re sharing the products we actually buy, from exfoliants and face masks to eye creams and lip balms. Plus, we’ve got our weekly beauty MVPs—a best-selling shampoo and a high-fragrance candle that transforms any space into a home. Stick around for some beauty news headlines and tips on finding the …

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OTL #957: The history and impact of Fitzgerald’s, New music from Falling Stars 42:57

4M ago42:57

42:57

Mike Stephen sits down with Jess King and Will Duncan, the owners of Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn, to learn about the venue's history and impact on Chicago and then gets the lowdown on new music from the local band Falling Stars with guitarist and vocalist Mark Sheehy.By Mike Stephen

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How To Nail Fresh, Radiant Makeup As Your Skin Changes 1:15:44

4M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

We all have our go-to makeup products and techniques, but what happens as we get older and suddenly it doesn’t seem to work like it used to? Today, we’re joined by Australian makeup artist, Amanda Ramsay, who’s on a mission to help women of any age feel fabulous and confident in their own skin. In this ep, we cover why it's important to reassess yo…

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OTL #956: The future of the Chicago Reader, The Secret History of The Monteras 37:58

4M ago37:58

37:58

Mike Stephen talks to Amber Nettles the publisher of the Chicago Reader and Salem Collo-Julin, the paper's editor in chief, about the dire financial situation of the publication and its future and then discovers the Secret History of the local 1960s garage rock band The Monteras.By Mike Stephen

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Teeth Whitening 101: What Works & What Doesn’t with a Dentist 51:44

4M ago51:44

51:44

In this episode we’re diving deep into all things teeth whitening. From professional treatments to at-home products, we’re joined by top dentist Dr Gama Verdian to break down what works and what doesn’t when it comes to achieving a brighter smile. Plus, we’re sharing our latest beauty MVPs—a high-performance tubing mascara and a compact blush that …

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OTL #955: The future of electric vehicles in Illinois, Restorative justice in North Lawndale 40:10

5M ago40:10

40:10

Mike Stephen explores the potential impact of the Trump administration’s position on environmental funding with Brian Urbaszewski, director of environmental health programs at the Respiratory Health Association, and learns about the impact of restorative justice practices in the North Lawndale neighborhood from Cliff Nellis, president and CEO of th…

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How To Truly Protect Your Skin From Ageing 49:16

5M ago49:16

49:16

Ageing skin comes with getting older, but did you know that 80% of it is actually caused by sun damage and could be preventable? In today’s ep, we’re joined by Dr Eleni Yiasemides to take us through photoageing - what it is, how we can prevent it, and the very accessible ingredients that can help treat lines, wrinkles, dullness, textured skin and t…

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OTL #954: The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, The Secret History of Yama & The Karma Dusters 38:59

5M ago38:59

38:59

Mike Stephen learns about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative renewal in Congress from Don Jodrey, director of federal relations at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and then discovers the Secret History of the 1970s counterculture band Yama & The Karma Dusters.By Mike Stephen

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The 2025 Beauty Trends We’d Actually Recommend 1:07:37

5M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

Welcome back to Season 12 and a new year of beauty. We're diving into the beauty trends of 2025—the ones that are exciting, practical, and actually achievable. Because let’s be real: some beauty trends can feel a bit wild and click-baity. We’re also sharing our summer beauty saviors that got us through the holidays, the best value facial we’ve trie…

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OTL #953: Chicago’s “Taping Guy,” The Surge Institute’s civil rights work 42:54

5M ago42:54

42:54

Mike Stephen talks to Aadam Jacobs, a Chicagoan who has recorded thousands of local live music performances, about why he’s making his collection public and then discusses the ongoing civil rights work of The Surge Institute with executive director Ulric Shannon.By Mike Stephen

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OTL #952: Are we in dark civic times?, The impending “TIF Cliff,” HelloBaby expands 39:03

5M ago39:03

39:03

Mike Stephen explores the impending "TIF Cliff" and its ramifications for Chicago with civic educator Tom Tresser, discusses the state of local civic life, and gets the lowdown on the expansion of HelloBaby on the South Side of the city with founder Debbie Frisch and Leva Family Foundation president Craig Leva.…

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OTL #951: Local education issues in 2025, Illinois corrections’ programs that work, New music from Poi Dog Pondering 46:30

5M ago46:30

46:30

Mike Stephen gets an update on important education issues in the new year from Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin, discusses the positive impacts of a few Illinois Department of Corrections programs with Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director of the John Howard Association, and previews an upcoming show by the local band Poi Dog Pondering with…

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OTL #950: A look back on Chicago in 2024 41:52

6M ago41:52

41:52

Mike Stephen highlights a few local conversations from the show in 2024. See you in 2025!By Mike Stephen

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Salon Etiquette: Cancelling, Greasy Hair & Not Loving The Result 1:01:03

6M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

We’ve all been there with hair appointments: unexpected cancellations, struggling to explain the look you want, or pretending to love a finished style when you secretly want to hide under a hat. These situations are so common—but what’s the best way to handle them? Today, we’re diving into salon etiquette with hairstylist and salon-owner Charlene F…

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How Your Skin Routine Should Change When You’re Pregnant 56:52

7M ago56:52

56:52

Worried about what’s safe and not safe to use in your skincare routine? Have you found your normally-clear skin is suddenly breaking out every 3 seconds? Are you experiencing the joy of a ‘melasma moustache’? Trying to manage your skin and skincare routine when you’re pregnant can feel confusing and overwhelming, so we asked Dr Yalda Jamali to join…

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All The Hair Products We'd Actually Spend Our Money On 1:05:55

7M ago1:05:55

1:05:55

Hair is a huge part of our identity. It has the power to set us up for a great day, or a sh*t one. We take hair seriously here at TBP, so this week we’re sharing the hair products we personally choose to spend our own money on. From shampoos to scalp serums, treatments and hairsprays. Plus, Carli gets an expert to weigh in on the 30-minute oil clea…

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How To Avoid Congestion, Pigmentation, Oily Skin & More This Summer 1:04:53

7M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

It’s about to get hot and sweaty, but that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer this summer. In this week’s ep, we’re helping you tackle the biggest skin, body and makeup issues with some product recs along the way. Plus, Bettina’s latest body care routine, how Carli is (mostly) successfully managing her congestion and our MVPs of the week. Links b…

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The Making of a Beauty Product with Industry Expert Rohan Widdison 58:40

7M ago58:40

58:40

Have you ever wondered what it actually takes to make a beauty product? Or how much it’s even tested before it hits shelves? Does the cost of a product really correlate with tis efficacy? Maybe you’ve even considered starting your own beauty brand? Our guest Rohan Widdison, the Managing Director of New Laboratories, is lending his product developme…

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Holiday Gifts Ideas For Every Budget 52:31

7M ago52:31

52:31

Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find the perfect beauty gifts to spoil your loved ones, we've got you covered. In this week's ep, we're sharing our picks of the best budget beauty buys (hello, office Kris Kringle!), the ultimate holiday splurges, and the advent calendars you should snap up before the gone. Also in this ep - the top-sell…

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A Derm-Approved Teen Skincare Routine Plus Skin Tips We Should All Live By 59:09

8M ago59:09

59:09

Navigating skincare as a teen or tween, or a parent of one, is tough especially with the whirlwind of TikTok beauty trends that are so influential and eye catching. So today, we’re diving into all things teen skincare with Dr. Leah Ansell, a mother of three, a board-certified dermatologist. Dr Ansell’s advice isn’t just for teens. We cover acne (an…

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7 New Ways to Wear Sunscreen 1:02:34

8M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

Welcome to the next phase of the sunscreen-ification of our beauty routines! New hybrid products are making it easier than ever to wear sunscreen every day so here are all the ways you can be adding more sunscreen into your routine. Also: the new boom in fragrance, products we’d rebuy place if we lost our makeup bag, and our MVPs - a triple threat …

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The Skincare Secrets For Ageing Gracefully 46:30

8M ago46:30

46:30

In 2024, can we actually age gracefully? In the world of beauty, there's an increasing pressure to always look younger. But for a lot of us, we just want to look great for our age. Today we’re joined by expert aesthetician, Lisa Rush, who is going to help us do just that. We’re talking about how to look after your skin through your 20s, 30s, 40s, 5…

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Our Fave Blushes & How to Find Yours 1:06:56

8M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

Are you overwhelmed by blush and how to find the right one for you? What was once a simple makeup step now has so many formats, textures, shades and product options that it feels hard to choose. So in today’s ep, we’re breaking down the different blush types and which ones may work best for you, plus some tips on picking your shade (or shades), too…

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A Big Ol’ Beauty Chat with Emma Guns 1:16:58

10M ago1:16:58

1:16:58

Another season has come to an end, and to finish off with a bang, we brought in Emma Guns - podcast host, beauty editor, writer and best friend of some of the industry’s most impressive experts and founders - to pick her brain on all things beauty. From her favourite products, to how to overcome an overwhelming routine and why beauty is not, in fac…

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The Most Effective Way To Layer Your Skincare with Dermatologist Dr Katherine Armour 51:28

11M ago51:28

51:28

Have you ever thought, how many serums is too many? Or what happens if you use too many skincare products? If you've accumulated countless skincare products and want to know how best to apply them so your skin actually benefits...this episode is for you! Friend of the show, dermatologist and found of Bespoke Skin Technology, Dr Katherine Armour is …

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TikTok Beauty Trends Worth Trying (& Which Ones to Avoid) 56:11

11M ago56:11

56:11

Whether we like it or not, TikTok has become one of the most influential places for our beauty routines - from the products and trends we want to try, to the ingredients we need to know and the hacks we think will change everything. But not all TikTok trends are created equal, so in this ep we’re taking you through which TikTok trends and hacks are…

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Why You're Addicted To Lip Balm With Lip Expert Sara Happ 47:26

11M ago47:26

47:26

Do you ever think about your lip health? Do you have a lip care routine? Why are your lips dry even though you apply a lip balm every couple of hours? Wonder no more! Today, we have lip expert, brand founder and - let’s be honest - lip scrub pioneer - Sara Happ, who is often credited with creating the first commercially successful lip scrub way bac…

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How To Expertly Cover Greys With A Box Dye, According To A Top Sydney Colourist 49:57

11M ago49:57

49:57

When it comes to at-home hair colour and box dyes, we’re often advised to steer clear. But there are a lot of benefits of being able to colour your hair yourself and at home ($$$ anyone?). In this week’s ep, we called on award-winning Sydney hair colourist and ambassador for Clairol’s Root Touch Up box dye, Belinda Jeffrey, to share her tips on how…

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Why Your Skin Needs Antioxidants & How To Find The Right Ones 50:38

11M ago50:38

50:38

Antioxidants are universally loved in skincare for their calming, brightening, and protective benefits. Most skin experts will recommend you use an antioxidants product in your routine every day, but how do you find one that works best for your skin? Today, we'll explore what antioxidants are, which ones to look for, and some top products containin…

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Beauty Products We’d Actually Buy: Makeup Edition 1:01:41

12M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

Welcome to a bumper ep of product recommendations! This week we’re taking you through the makeup products we’d actually buy, and we have something to suit all budgets. So if you’re on the hunt for a new foundation, concealer, mascara or blush, this one’s for you. Also in this ep - the TBP Roadtest product that gave us both juicy, bouncy skin, how t…