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Eyewitness Beauty

Eyewitness Beauty·Hosted by Annie Kreighbaum and Nick Axelrod-Welk·36 episodes

ArtsFashionBeautyNewsEntertainmentBeauty insidersCo-host banterPop cultureBrand gossipStandalone episodesIrreverent

To hear full new episodes and to browse our four-year archive, subscribe to our Substack at eyewitnessbeauty.substack.com (https://eyewitnessbeauty.substack.com/) . “My favorite podcast.” — Emily Sundberg, Feed Me (https://www.readfeedme.com/) “This one’s for the Into The Gloss (https://intothegloss.com/) Day Ones.” — Vogue Brand founders, beauty editors, and creative-types Annie Kreighbaum (Glossier, Soft Services) and Nick Axelrod-Welk (Into The Gloss, Nécessaire) discuss industry news, start-up culture, and pop culture in their (mostly) weekly podcast, Eyewitness Beauty. www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

Why listen

Eyewitness Beauty is for listeners who want beauty industry gossip with actual insider context. Annie Kreighbaum and Nick Axelrod-Welk bring founder, editor, and brand-side experience to weekly conversations about cosmetics launches, startup culture, celebrity beauty lines, and the strange places pop culture and commerce meet.

Episodes

1 hr 19 min
Nov 14, 2025
The KRAUM Special Episode

Annie and Nick reunite to talk about Annie’s new company/vanity project, Kraum. Reporting in live from launch day, Nick grills Annie on how Kraum came to be. Also discussed: Nick’s clandestine project, famous people. This episode is brought to you by Kraum, Inc. Shop the Micro Brush Collection only at kraum.co. Also, it’s me, Annie. I touch on this in the episode, but I want to say it here, too: thank you all for every little bit of support and encouragement on Kraum. Even as small as liking something I post, or thinking a happy thought. I have been very touched and it’s been so energizing, probably more helpful than you even realize. That’s all for now! Send me any questions on Kraum, I love talking about it. -Annie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

1 min
Feb 28, 2025Episode 162
LinkedOut

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comThis week we discuss the darkest social media platform, LinkedIn and the LinkedIn-ification of Substack. Plus — Is Annie a b***h? Nick weighs in. Coffee with your cosmetics? We question why every single brand must now open a cafe.Sound off in the comments, let’s hear it!

1 min
Feb 20, 2025Episode 161
The 25th Biggest Brand At Sephora

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comFirst: an enthralling discussion on Nick’s Invisalign journey. Then: we hear from the #LEAVEGLOSSIERALONE movement as the precious brand gears up to launch a new fragrance. [link: Glossier’s New Exit Strategy via Puck News]Also:MAC creative director Drew Elliott (@drewpsie; formerly of Paper Magazine, “America’s Next Top Model”) leaves Lauder to go to A…

27 min
Feb 14, 2025Episode 160
Love, Salmon

Nick got something new injected into his face, Britney Spears has big plans for fragrance, problematic Super Bowl happenings, Comedians in Cars Getting Gooped. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

1 min
Jan 31, 2025Episode 158
Face Gloss Flop

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comNick’s back from Korea and chomping at the bit to talk beauty news: Violet Grey opening an **actual** NYC location, Ulta replaces a regular boss (man) with a #girlboss, Melania channeling her own inner #girlboss in her official portrait, someone let a Kardashian into the Chanel show, and Pat McGrath’s new launch is so two thousand and late. Products of …

1 min
Jan 24, 2025Episode 157
Republican Hair with Emily Sundberg

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comWhile Nick’s away, Annie is joined by the reigning Queen of Substack, Emily Sundberg. Her newsletter, Feed Me, is the premiere ‘stack to sub for all things business and culture. Emily was in DC for the Inauguration, and shared deets on rubbing shoulders with the children of Trump’s regime and MAGA martinis, and we talk Tiktok’s place in Meta country. Pl…

1 min
Jan 17, 2025Episode 156
A Lively Story

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comNick and Annie catch up after a whirlwind start to the new year. Updates on Blake Brown Beauty, Invisalign, and Annie’s product of the week is a facelift for $75.

1 hr 9 min
Dec 20, 2024Episode 155
Crumbls and Rumbls With Caroline Goldfarb

Annie’s out of town this week, but worry not: friend of the pod, comedy writer and tinned-fish evangelist Caroline Goldfarb joins Nick to explain the cult cookie-to-cosmetics pipeline, her current beauty faves, and more. Follow Caroline on Substack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

1 min
Dec 13, 2024Episode 154
Donut Flavored Deodorant

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comNick expounds on his theory regarding the raw milk consumption-to-Trumper pipeline. Annie paid $50 for a stranger on the internet to Looksmaxx her. Both are fascinated by the new Dunkin’ Donuts and Crumbl deodorants.

1 min
Dec 6, 2024Episode 153
Youthmaxxing with Casey Lewis

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comProfessional youth expert and author of the popular After School newsletter joins to talk teen fragrance flexing, the state of color cosmetics, and to finally unravel the mystery behind who is keeping Harry Styles’ Pleasing brand in business. Subscribe to After School by Casey Lewis!

0 min
Nov 29, 2024Episode 152
Gift Guide 2024

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comIt’s better to give than to receive—unless you’re on the receiving end of one of our ‘24 gift picks. Happy shopping!

51 min
Nov 15, 2024Episode 151
The Adults Are Talking

Annie and Nick talk trad-wifing, the luxury beauty slow-down, why we love Martha Stewart, and a new, expensive, and frightening Gen-x beauty brand in a Sephora near you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

1 min
Nov 8, 2024Episode 150
At Least We Smell Great?

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comRough week for half of America. Annie and Nick discuss coping mechanisms, Martha Stewart, the oily skincare fad of yore, and a posh beauty retailer’s physical future. Plus, some deliciously scented product of the weeks you WON’T want to miss.

1 min
Nov 1, 2024Episode 147
Speaking of Penetration... (Trailer)

To listen to the full episode, head to eyewitnessbeauty.substack.com. As Estée Lauder Companies announces a new CEO, Nick reminisces about his brief stint at the beauty conglomerate. Plus, Annie discusses her many similarities with mom-to-be Gisele Bündchen.

1 min
Nov 1, 2024Episode 149
Speaking Of Penetration

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comAs Estée Lauder announces a new CEO, Nick reminisces about his stint at the storied beauty conglomerate. Then, Annie discusses her many parallels to mom-to-be X3, Gisele Bündchen.

0 min
Oct 25, 2024Episode 148
Theranos Of Beauty

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comNick and Annie are suspicious of a yet-to-launch beauty startup founded by finance bros, which has already raised close to $75 million. Also: the troubling new trend of pet-grooming microwaves, and Nick comes out as a Mark Zuckerberg apologist.

1 min
Oct 18, 2024Episode 147
Victoria's Secret? She's Broke.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.comAnnie and Nick talk first impressions of Victoria's Secret's return to the runway; Walgreen's house brand goes full dupe; and unveil a new weekly segment, Roses & Thorns.

53 min
Oct 11, 2024Episode 146
Rhode Hard (And Put Away Wet)

Annie and Nick discuss the new Hailey Bieber launches, Naomi Campbell's latest (alleged) humanitarian misstep, and more. Plus, Nick cries real tears thanks to his Product of the Week (the excellent new film GOODRICH). And Substack is launching! Make sure to follow us and receive a free 1-month subscription. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

47 min
Oct 4, 2024Episode 145
The Tackiest Baby

Annie finds time in the midst of an Italian-baby-clothes shopping spree to log on with Nick to talk through the week’s top stories. They answer questions such as, Should We Feel Bad For Bernard Arnault? Did Nick Go To Sleepaway Camp With Céline’s New Artistic Director? And more… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

59 min
Sep 27, 2024Episode 144
The Popcorn Gallery

Annie and Nick dig into the news of the week, including Youthforia’s product development-slash-DEI hire, Glossier You’s new flanker fragrances, and the Menendez Brothers on Netflix. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

32 min
Sep 20, 2024Episode 143
No Buy-Backs!

Annie and Nick discuss the who, what, when, where, and why of Cassandra Grey's re-acquisition of Violet Grey; the past and future of 'content and commerce,' and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

54 min
Sep 14, 2024Episode 142
Bleached & Blessed

Annie and Nick talk going blonde in a crisis, Momtok, Bath & Body Works, and more. Plus, a huge moment for the pod: a brand partnership (and discount code EYEWITNESSBEAUTY) with friend-of-the-pod Amanda Chantal Bacon's MOONJUICE! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

41 min
Sep 6, 2024Episode 141
Like Getting Lip Filler From A Nail Tech

Annie and Nick dig into HBO’s new docuseries Chimp Crazy, Yolanda Hadid’s new personality/identity, and ask the question: was it AI bots…or publicists behind the It Ends With Us Blakedown? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

58 min
Aug 23, 2024Episode 140
The Butt Créme du Jour

Annie and Nick discuss the week’s top stories, including the launch of a new Bum Bum Cream competitor called…Twerk Créme, and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

26 min
Aug 16, 2024Episode 139
This One’s For The Mean Girls

While Nick’s away, Annie’s got the latest(ish) news on the never-ending Blake Lively (Brown?) drama, and has been boots-on-the-ground shopping and showering in Flamingo Estate. Plus, a major turning point for the pod—a day we thought would never come.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

46 min
Aug 9, 2024Episode 138
Are The Olympics Brat?

Annie and Nick are still processing Blake Lively’s bathroom decor, plus Charli xcx’s birthday, Pommel Horse Guy, Pole Vault D*ck, and more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

1 hr 4 min
Aug 2, 2024Episode 137
How Now, Blake Brown?

With love in their hearts, Annie and Nick dissect the launch of Blake Lively’s hair care brand, Blake Brown Beauty; plus, more top stories and products of the week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

1 hr 1 min
Jul 20, 2024Episode 136
A Garage-Full of Leggings

We’re baaaaack! Annie and Nick make their triumphant return to the pod for … season 4? Topics discussed: Joe Biden in Annie’s backyard, Rare Beauty’s latest launch, docking, soaking, halal brows, and the demise of everyone’s fave MLM-in-sheep’s-clothing, Beautycounter.We missed you! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

42 min
Jun 7, 2024Episode 135
#BOYBOSS

Youthforia is hiring, should one of us apply? Nick also reminds us who you should ask when seeking fiber advice, and Annie wants Reformation to reform its retail experience.Check out Nick & Annie’s Products of the Week:Metamucil Premium BlendSaatinsight Soft Watery Cream Primer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

1 hr 21 min
May 31, 2024Episode 134
This Is Not A Scam with Caroline Calloway

Annie and Nick welcome back to the pod an all time favorite guest, author Caroline Calloway. She shares the success of her self-published book “Scammer,” how to use anger to overcome one’s creative parasite, and what it takes to survive going viral (in a bad way). For more Caroline Calloway, check out her Website, Instagram & Tik Tok. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

41 min
May 24, 2024Episode 133
A Single Date

Apparently $350k in the first few hours is not impressive if you’re Bella Hadid. Nick also weighs in on age restrictions for beauty products, plus Annie shares her foot look for the summer. Check out Nick & Annie’s Products of the Week:Dieux Skin Air Angel Hydrating Gel CreamOPI Cosmo-Not Tonight Honey! Nail LacquerVictoria Beckham Bitten Lip Tint This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

43 min
May 17, 2024Episode 132
Equinox Breaks Up With Kiehl’s

Nick and Annie discuss how Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Beauty may be a victim of its own success. Plus, Kiehl’s is out at Equinox, but the non-vegan OG formula is back at Glossier. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

50 min
May 10, 2024Episode 131
You Say Pinault, I Say Arnault

How was your Met Gala? If we’re being honest, it was a sleeper. Annie also shares that she is an equal opportunity flirter, and Nick (hopefully) clears up any remaining Arnault/Pinault confusion.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

1 hr 12 min
May 3, 2024Episode 130
Don't Blame Bella

Orebella just launched, and we have thoughts. Plus, Youthforia’s foundation feels like a f*** you to the Euphoria generation… This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

1 hr 12 min
Apr 26, 2024Episode 129
Lipstick Lesbians

Annie reminds us that not everything the Kardashians touch turns to gold. Plus, Nick can’t tell the difference between Victoria Beckham Beauty and Westman Atelier... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

30 min
Apr 19, 2024Episode 128
Bless This Pod

Ulta shares are down, but the beauty industry still carries the weight of luxury fashion on its shoulders. Nick has more bad news about microplastics, plus Annie’s instagram algorithm has become entirely evangelical christian content. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com

41 min
Apr 12, 2024Episode 127
Jenna Lyons on 'Life After Death,' Reality TV, and Getting Scrappy [Re-Release]

Annie and Nick talk with fashion icon turned beauty entrepreneur (and newly minted TV star) Jenna Lyons. The former president and creative director of J. Crew (she invented an entire 2000s aesthetic) speaks candidly about disentangling her identity from the preppy retailer she spent 27 years working for, her new false-eyelash venture, and the harsh reality of building a business from the ground, up (all on a HBO docuseries). Follow Jenna Lyons at @jennalyonsnyc on Instagram and shop Loveseen lashes at loveseen.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.eyewitnessbeauty.com