The Beauty Lab Podcast

Velia of Velia Beauty Co + Monina of Moderne Beauty

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!

  1. 5D AGO

    78 | Brazilian Blowout, B3 Bond Builder & CBD Hair with Mary Loyer of Brazilian Professionals

    You've heard of Brazilian Blowout. You've probably heard it lumped in with keratin treatments. But they are not the same thing — and the difference matters. In this episode, Velia and Monina sit down with Mary Loyer, Regional Sales Director at Brazilian Professionals and one of the OGs who helped build the Brazilian Blowout brand from the ground up 16 years ago. She breaks down everything: the science behind the formula, why clients can wash their hair immediately after, how the brand has evolved in response to ingredient concerns, and what's behind two of their newer lines — B3 Brazilian Bond Builder and the CBD-based Leaf & Flower.  IN THIS EPISODE: • The real difference between Brazilian Blowout and keratin treatments (amino acids vs. full keratin molecule) • Why the amino acid formula means no over-proteinization, no waiting to wash, and no post-treatment restrictions • How much time clients actually save. Some go days without restyling • The $250–$400 price point broken down: roughly $3–4 a day for up to 3 months • The aftercare products that extend results from 2 months to 3–4 months • The methylene glycol controversy, OSHA testing, and California's 2025 beauty ingredient laws • BB Free: the new no-chemical, no-smell alternative with the same smoothing results • B3 Brazilian Bond Builder: how it improves gray coverage, color vibrancy, and actually makes hair healthier during blonding • Leaf & Flower: the all-natural, vegan, CBD-based line, and why CBD's 20 amino acids make it uniquely effective for hair and scalp • The Molecular Mender: scalp repair + frizz control + split end sealing in 15 minutes, lasting 10 washes • The Volumizing Treatment: rice amino acids that expand at the root and hold lift for 5 washes — with a built-in dry shampoo effect ALL THE LINKS:  🎙️ SUBSCRIBE, SHARE & LEAVE A REVIEW — it helps more beauty nerds find us! Don’t forget your Beauty Lab Podcast discount!  Get 20% off of your entire order. Use the discount code: THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST at Velia Beauty Co. If you're not sure what skin type you are, I have a quick skin type quiz. It'll tell you exactly what you're working with so you can shop with confidence. 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. Subscribe now, and let’s have some fun in the Beauty Lab! Podcast Management: Jen Vazquez Media

    27 min
  2. MAY 9

    77 | Why Your Skin Looks Dull Even with a Full Skincare Routine — Esthetician Monina Explains

    You're doing the routine. You're buying the products. Your skin still looks dull. Sound familiar?  In this episode, licensed esthetician Monina walks Velia (and all of us) through the real reasons skin loses its glow — and why the answer is almost never "buy more products." She covers the five root causes of dull skin, the biggest mistakes she sees over and over in her treatment room, and what a truly glowing skin routine actually looks like.If you've ever bought a $100 serum and felt like it wasn't doing anything, or wondered why your skin looks worse after adding more products — this one is for you. IN THIS EPISODE: The 5 root causes of dull skin: barrier dysfunction, dehydration, poor product absorption, inflammation, and slow cellular turnoverDehydrated vs. dry skin — they're not the same and they need different fixes• Why over-exfoliation is the #1 skin mistake right now (TikTok is partly to blame)What humectants are and why skipping them leaves skin looking flat — even under makeupThe pilling test: how to know you've officially put too many products on your skin• Skin cycling explained — and how to use it without confusing your barrierGlowing skin vs. oily/shiny skin: the actual difference and what each one means for your barrierWhy professional treatments can be completely undone by aggressive at-home routinesMonina's recommendation: infusion facials over aggressive resurfacing for most peopleALL THE LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.modernebeauty.com/why-your-skin-still-looks-dull-and-what-s-actually-missing-from-your-routine Don’t forget your Beauty Lab Podcast discount!  Get 20% off of your entire order. Use the discount code: THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST at Velia Beauty Co. If you're not sure what skin type you are, I have a quick skin type quiz. It'll tell you exactly what you're working with so you can shop with confidence. 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. Subscribe now, and let’s have some fun in the Beauty Lab! Podcast Management: Jen Vazquez Media

    20 min
  3. MAY 3

    76 | The Ingredients Your Hair Actually Needs After 40: Velia Beauty Co Founder Explains

    If you've ever switched to a "professional" brand and still ended up with flat, heavy, or inexplicably dry hair — this episode is for you. This week on The Beauty Lab Podcast, Monina interviews her co-host Velia — licensed cosmetologist and founder of Velia Beauty Co — about the product line she built specifically for women whose hair is starting to change. Because after 40, it does change: the scalp produces less oil, hair becomes more porous, texture gets wiry or thin. And most products on the market — at every price point — were not designed with that in mind. In this episode you'll learn why Velia created the line and who it's really for; what sulfates, parabens, and heavy waxes are doing to your hair even at salon prices; why sunflower seed extract functions as UV protection for color and gray hair; how quinoa reinforces the structure of a weakening hair shaft; the difference between coconut milk and standard conditioning agents; everything about the Liquid Amethyst Trio and why the formula includes actual pulverized amethyst crystal; and how to start the switch with just two products. Grab the free guide and all other links: https://veliabeautyco.com/blogs/news/whats-inside-velia-beauty-co-ingredients-explained Don’t forget your Beauty Lab Podcast discount!  Get 20% off of your entire order. Use the discount code: THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST at Velia Beauty Co. If you're not sure what skin type you are, I have a quick skin type quiz. It'll tell you exactly what you're working with so you can shop with confidence. 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. Subscribe now, and let’s have some fun in the Beauty Lab! Podcast Management: Jen Vazquez Media

    26 min
  4. APR 26

    75 | Permanent Brows 101: Microblading, Powder Brows & Skin Type with Cosmetic Tattoo Artist Shauna Nasri

    If brows have ever been a pain point for you — whether you over-tweezed in the nineties, lost hair through hormones or health changes, or just spend way too much time filling them in every morning — this episode is going to feel like a gift. Shauna Nasri, founder of Nasri Aesthetics in Orange County and a cosmetic tattoo artist specializing in natural, soft brow enhancements, joins Monina and Velia for a full breakdown of the permanent brow world. She explains techniques, how she matches the method to your skin type, what the process actually looks like, and why her most rewarding client moments involve the words "I feel like myself again." IN THIS EPISODE: Shauna's origin story — from childhood sketching to founding Nasri Aesthetics six years agoThe four main permanent brow techniques: microblading, nano brows, powder brows, and hybridWhy skin type is the most important factor when choosing a technique (oily skin + microblading = a problem)How brow shape is mapped using facial structure — the nose bulb method, arch placement, and tail lengthWhat to expect during your first appointment and the one-to-two-week aftercare windowPain level: lidocaine before + during, and why most clients rate it a 2 out of 10What it means to "feel like myself again". Shauna's most emotional client storiesThe aging conversation: why brows and hair are the two things that most change how women see themselves in the mirrorGet all the links mentioned including how to find Shauna and access her discount. ALL THE LINKS:  Don’t forget your Beauty Lab Podcast discount!  Get 20% off of your entire order. Use the discount code: THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST at Velia Beauty Co. If you're not sure what skin type you are, I have a quick skin type quiz. It'll tell you exactly what you're working with so you can shop with confidence. 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. Subscribe now, and let’s have some fun in the Beauty Lab! Podcast Management: Jen Vazquez Media

    24 min
  5. APR 19

    74 | Toners, Brazilian Waxing & Retinol vs. Exfoliating Masks — Listener Q&A with Esthetician Monina

    You asked, Monina answered. In this listener Q&A episode, licensed esthetician and co-host Monina tackles three of the most common beauty questions she sees — and she does not hold back on the details.Whether you've been skipping the toner step because you didn't know why it mattered, wondering if you can still get a Brazilian wax when your period shows up uninvited, or confused about the difference between your exfoliating mask and your retinol serum — this episode has you covered. IN THIS EPISODE: ✔️ Why modern toners are nothing like the alcohol-heavy witch hazel of the past ✔️ The four toner categories ✔️ How to figure out your skin type ✔️ The honest answer to: can I get a Brazilian wax on my period? ✔️ Why you're more sensitive during your period ✔️ Mid-cycle is the sweet spot for waxing — here's why ✔️ Hair length before a Brazilian ✔️ Exfoliating mask vs. retinol serum ✔️ How to schedule them in your weekly routine without over-exfoliating ALL THE LINKS: https://www.modernebeauty.com/toners-brazilian-waxing-retinol-your-skincare-questions-answered Don’t forget your Beauty Lab Podcast discount!  Get 20% off of your entire order. Use the discount code: THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST at Velia Beauty Co. If you're not sure what skin type you are, I have a quick skin type quiz. It'll tell you exactly what you're working with so you can shop with confidence. 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. Subscribe now, and let’s have some fun in the Beauty Lab! Podcast Management: Jen Vazquez Media

    19 min
  6. APR 12

    73 | What Is PRP? A Naturopathic Doctor Explains Platelet Rich Plasma for Skin, Hair & Joints

    What does it actually mean to age well — and is it possible to reverse the damage? Dr. Josh Donaldson, naturopathic physician and founder of Longevity Medical Institute, joins Monina and Velia to break down some of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) therapies in regenerative and anti-aging medicine. From how PRP is made and injected, to why the "vampire facial" works, to real cases where stem cells helped patients given months to live — this episode is packed with information that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about healing and aging. IN THIS EPISODE: Dr. Josh's unlikely path from architecture school to naturopathic medicine after a traumatic rope swing injuryThe chronic conditions he treats — from pain and hormones to autoimmune and cancer supportOzone therapy — what it is, how it oxygenates the blood, and why it's used for everything from COVID to athletic performancePRP (platelet rich plasma) — the full step-by-step process from blood draw to injectionWhy connective tissue doesn't heal the way skin and bone do — and how PRP changes thatThe vampire facial — microneedling + PRP injections to tighten, tone, and rejuvenate skinPRP for hair restoration — once a month for three months, then good for 1–2 yearsAllogeneic stem cells — where they come from, how they're screened, and what Dr. Josh has seen them doExosomes — the nanoparticles that cross the blood-brain barrier for neurological repairRed light therapy + Retatrutide (a GLP-1 peptide) for fat mobilization and weight lossNAD, glutathione, methylene blue, CoQ10 — the mitochondrial support lineupALL THE LINKS Don’t forget your Beauty Lab Podcast discount!  Get 20% off of your entire order. Use the discount code: THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST at Velia Beauty Co. If you're not sure what skin type you are, I have a quick skin type quiz. It'll tell you exactly what you're working with so you can shop with confidence. 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. Subscribe now, and let’s have some fun in the Beauty Lab! Podcast Management: Jen Vazquez Media

    38 min
  7. APR 5

    72 | Your Hair Questions Answered: Hairsprays, Scalp Conditions & Conditioner vs. Hair Mask

    Ever feel totally lost in the hairspray aisle? You're not alone — and Monina didn't even know the answers to these listener questions before hitting record! In this fun and surprisingly educational Q&A, host Velia answers three of your most-asked hair questions in under 30 minutes. She breaks down every type of hairspray from lightest to strongest hold (yes, the number system is real), explains what scalp conditions a stylist legally can't work with, and finally demystifies the rinse-out conditioner vs. leave-in conditioner vs. hair mask situation that has everyone confused. IN THIS EPISODE: The number system on hairsprays — what 14 vs. 32 actually meansThermal spray: what it is & why it goes on DRY hair, not wetWhy finishing spray is "you better be committed" holdLice, ringworm & fungal infections — the conditions that send clients home• Psoriasis, eczema & dandruff — totally fine to work with (as long as it's not inflamed)Rinse-out conditioner = pH balancer & cuticle smoother (it's your hair's toner!)Leave-in conditioner = moisture lock, UV protection, and a non-negotiable• Hair mask = intense structural repair — and you skip the conditioner when you use oneThe pro trick for applying spray leave-in without overdoing it🛍️ EPISODE SPONSOR: Velia Beauty Co.  Get 20% off your entire order at veliabeautyco.com with code THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST🎙️  SUBSCRIBE, SHARE & LEAVE A REVIEW — it helps more beauty nerds find us! Don’t forget your Beauty Lab Podcast discount!  Get 20% off of your entire order. Use the discount code: THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST at Velia Beauty Co. If you're not sure what skin type you are, I have a quick skin type quiz. It'll tell you exactly what you're working with so you can shop with confidence. 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. Subscribe now, and let’s have some fun in the Beauty Lab! Podcast Management: Jen Vazquez Media

    27 min
  8. MAR 29

    71 | 2026 Makeup Trend Report: The Art of Blurred, Soft, and Strategic Makeup

    In this episode of The Beauty Lab Podcast, host Velia and co-host Monina break down the most important makeup shift of 2026: Blurred Beauty. Gone are the days of sharp contour lines, heavy lip liners, and the ultra-minimal Clean Girl look. What's taking over is something softer, smarter, and honestly — more flattering for real life. Monina walks us through everything from blush placement (yes, it's moved up!) to how to use one product on your eyes, cheeks, and lips for a unified, glowing look. This trend isn't just for the TikTok crowd — it's especially brilliant for busy professional women and anyone with mature skin who wants to look polished without feeling "made up." What We Cover: The definition of blurred beauty and how it differs from the Clean Girl trendWhy makeup artists on runways and in editorials are shifting to softer texturesThe new blush placement that replaces contouring (and actually looks more natural)How to use one product — blush, bronzer, highlight — across your entire faceWhy this trend photographs beautifully and helps soften fine linesSkin prep tips for mature skin before trying any new trendCream vs. powder textures: which to use and how to combine themThe "bare lips" blush color test Monina swears byQuick application tutorial: three dots, blend up and outALL THE LINKS: https://www.modernebeauty.com/blurred-beauty-is-the-2026-makeup-trend-you-actually-want-to-try Don’t forget your Beauty Lab Podcast discount!  Get 20% off of your entire order. Use the discount code: THEBEAUTYLABPODCAST at Velia Beauty Co. If you're not sure what skin type you are, I have a quick skin type quiz. It'll tell you exactly what you're working with so you can shop with confidence. 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. Subscribe now, and let’s have some fun in the Beauty Lab! Podcast Management: Jen Vazquez Media

    22 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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!

You Might Also Like