Mila's Thoughts Lately

Hosted by Mila Duffy
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Where beauty, ambition, and culture meet. Hosted by Mila, each episode unpacks the feminine internet — from Internet culture, and beauty industry analysis. vanitythoughts.substack.com

  1. The girl next door was always a commodity, diva.

    May 18

    The girl next door was always a commodity, diva.

    The Show Notes: * Summary * Links * Reading & Watch lists * Mocktail Recipe SUMMARY The grilled cheese crop top effect isn’t just about food; it’s the quiet negotiation we do with traditional gender roles every single day. In this episode, I’m unpacking how nostalgia gets sexualized, why we end up playing both the mother and the lover at the same time, and how Alix Earle has essentially weaponized the girl next door archetype into a full magnetic personal brand. This is about attainability, the labor it costs us, and who actually benefits from it. We elaborate on Americana advertising culture. And create connections that signify that you can't have Americana advertising culture without the inherent sexualizing of women. We also discussed the commodity factorization of women and fast food advertisements. We weathered Paris Hilton's Carl's Jr. ad in 2000 and something. Or it's Alix Earle’s NFL ad. We reflect on my previous research of the dedication of women's hunger and its connections to the girl next door archetype. Rather than just a weapon, we talk about Earle’s rise to fame using manufactured and strategic relatability and femininity to achieve sustainable attention online. We also talk about summer plans, getting sick after finals, graduating college, and our five favorite things that improve our lives. LINKS ✦ read the full essay before it goes behind the paywall on June 8th → here✦ subscribe to Vanity Thoughts for essays like this every week → here READING & WATCH LIST The Takes: Girl Next Door Trope Explained: watch here Alix Earles Content Stratgy breakdown: read here The Alix Earle Effect-ELLE magazine: read here Bunny Talks: Teenagers Disscuss The Girl Next Door: read here Why “The Girl Next Door” Is Incredibly Destructive to Society: read here MOCKTAIL RECIPE 1/4 a cup of nonalcoholic fairy wine—long-term infused with rosemary, red wine vinegar, and blood orange. fill and dilute with cold water add a few drops of vitamin D oil Add a few drops of sugar-free tasteless electrolyte mix HEALTH BENEFITS Adding a small amount of red wine vinegar to a mocktail provides several functional benefits, most notably blood sugar regulation and digestive support. These benefits primarily come from its acetic acid and polyphenol content, which remain present even after red wine is fermented into vinegar. A mocktail infused with Vitamin D acts as a functional beverage that supports immune function, strengthens bone health, and improves calcium absorption, all while providing hydration. These alcohol-free drinks promote better sleep quality, clearer skin, and improved liver health compared to cocktails. Join the discussion, and get the opportunity to ask and anonymous beauty in life questions that will make it in the next podcast episode. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vanitythoughts.substack.com/subscribe

    41 min
  2. The TikTok AI Beauty Filter is Changing Our Brain Chemistry

    May 12

    The TikTok AI Beauty Filter is Changing Our Brain Chemistry

    SHOW NOTES: table of context * Summary * Highlights * Reading List * Research Prompts This is Mila’s Thoughts Lately, were we talk about the beauty industry, body politics, and pop culture through through a feminist lens. Episode Summary: We’ve moved past 'Snapchat Dysmorphia' into something much more calculated. Today, we're talking about AI filters on TikTok, the medical reality of Filter Dysphoria, and why the internet is obsessed with making us look like digital clones of ourselves. Highlights: * The evolution of Snapchat face to face, Instagram face, to beauty filters now is challenged by AI innovation, taking away the ability to see someone using a filter. * Studies indicated that Gen Z and Millennials are getting plastic surgery younger as a result of this online activity. * Filter dysphoria is fostered by online social media addictions. * Different beauty filters are models of communication and community building. Reading List: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. (2019, January 23). According to a 2018 survey by the AAFPRS, 72 percent of facial plastic surgeons saw an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectables in patients under age 30 since 2013. https://www.aafprs.org/AAFPRS/News-Patient-Safety/News.aspx Campbell, C., & Neuilly, M. A. (2017). Example of sociological to psychological connections in reciprocating perspective [Image]. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Example-of-sociological-to-psychological-connections-in-reciprocating-perspective_fig1_328601392 Metzler, H., & Garcia, D. (2023). Social drivers and algorithmic mechanisms on digital media. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 19(5), 735–748. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916231185057 Metzler, H., & Garcia, D. (2024). Social drivers and algorithmic mechanisms on digital media. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11373151/ Research prompts The Tech Stack — “how do AI beauty filters work” deepfake face mesh augmented reality real-time The Neuroscience of Perception — “own-race effect” OR “self-recognition bias” beauty filter distorted self-perception neuroscience Filter Dysmorphia / Snapchat Dysmorphia — “Snapchat dysmorphia” OR “filter dysmorphia” body dysmorphic disorder social media plastic surgery requests study Sociological & Gender Dynamics — beauty filter feminism “digital labor” self-surveillance Foucault social media gender norms study Algorithmic Bias in Beauty AI — AI beauty filter racial bias skin tone “training data” discrimination algorithmic audit Mental Health Impact — social media beauty filters “body image” anxiety depression longitudinal study adolescents 2022 OR 2023 OR 2024 Regulatory & Ethical Responses — beauty filter disclosure law Norway OR EU “digital manipulation” advertising regulation social media ethicsWomen Full essay is readable here: https://thedesktopvanity.substack.com/p/filter-dysphoria-is-the-new-chronicCitations and Research Summary for Contributors: https://thedesktopvanity.substack.com/p/beauty-filter-dysphoria-case-studystreamable on youtube, apple podcasts, spotify and substack This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vanitythoughts.substack.com/subscribe

    22 min
  3. To Old for Dolls: The Erasure of Tween Culture & Growing up to fast

    May 5

    To Old for Dolls: The Erasure of Tween Culture & Growing up to fast

    SHOW NOTES Table of Context * Synopsis * Timestamps * Reading list * Recommended googling * Thank you BTW: this is the think piece this episode is based on: Show Notes & Synopsis Once I heard that the American Girl Doll Co was quietly canceling productions of Felicity the 17th century American girl doll due to her story. I've concluded that this would be the beginning to means an end. To be fair felicity was supposedly or allegedly getting pulled from production because in her original story books the American abolitionist no that's Felicity had family that owned people. They got me thinking about the narratives that dolls Play in our eyes. And after finishing my pop culture class I learned that popular substances are substance less. Dolls and imaginative play I felt like I gave up way too soon. Just to only see older kids still actively enjoying them. I certainly remember waking up one day and realizing that my mom was donating all my dolls without really telling me I was 12. I'd like to vote deeper I soon realized that toys were a tool and it's production value and heavy price was a symptom of a late stage capital and patriarchal society. They wanted to exclude women from imaginative play early on in order to keep them from her receiving unique forms of financial independence. I'd argue that since this is primarily affecting toys geared towards girls, we are seeing some type of gatekeeping of imaginative play early on. Many scholars argue that in 10 years imagination will be the most sought after skill in the job market. We're certainly doing these tween of the surface especially as we erase TWEEN culture. Doing girls at the service by teaching them through media, pop culture, and play that they are to grow up much faster. We will explore the mid the legends and the misconceptions. As we find a whimsical retelling in toy culture and girlhood and the patriarchal nonsense riddled within play. TIMESTAMPS Chapter I: Gatekeeping imaginative play: (01:06) The Thesis: (2:30) Who thinks that dolls suck now: (5:06) Is that a Study In your Polly Pocket (9:03) chapter II tween hood: (11:12) What happened to the tween Era: (16:28) Beauty influencers are replacing fashion dolls: (18:22) Chapter III Myth Busting: (19:21) Babysitting and American Dreams: (21:25) Conclusions: (25:00) Reading Lists Babysitter: An American History: Miriam Forman-Brunell Princess Cultures: Mediating Girls’ Imaginations and Identities Miriam Forman-Brunell (Editor), Rebecca C. Hains (Editor) Recommended Googling: * What is the usage of dolls in psychological studies * Toy marketing and pricing across genders * What is the famous doll study * What happened to the tween era * Studies on if women mature faster than boys * The differences between Monster High GEN one and GEN three * How have Bratz dolls changed then versus now Mila's Thoughts Lately is a reader-supported publication. To get access to video essays at a podcast a week before posting on YouTube, become a free subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vanitythoughts.substack.com/subscribe

    28 min
  4. March Madness Beauty News Recap: Cardi Bs new Haircare Brand, Glossier & more (Prt 1)

    Apr 2

    March Madness Beauty News Recap: Cardi Bs new Haircare Brand, Glossier & more (Prt 1)

    Welcome back to the desktop mini podcast. we chat about beauty politics pop culture and power through feminism.Little Miss me, journalist extraordinaire has a lot to say in this video all the way from glossier layoffs, to leaked labs drama and Cardi B's new hair care brand. Making trend predictions and commentary on all things in the beauty space for the month of March.Contribute to my independent beauty editor dreams by becoming a subscriber to my sub page here: If you're ready for part two (sub stack contributor exclusive) then click here: Sincerely yours Mila. This podcast will also be available on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you listen to your daily podcast. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vanitythoughts.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min
  5. WTF is up with E.L.F–Leaked Labs Drama & more: Part 2

    Apr 2

    WTF is up with E.L.F–Leaked Labs Drama & more: Part 2

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit vanitythoughts.substack.com Thank you to my paid contributors for supporting my multimedia beauty editorial Substack. Part two is an exclusive deep dive that elaborates on where we left off in part one. If you haven't listened or watched part one yet here's the link to it on YouTube (Watch here) If you're they're actually I think they should shoot for drugstoreready to dive deep into topics like Leaked Labs, how POC founded brands struggle compared to others, and E.L.Fs pipeline from weird to offensive commercials, then please enjoy. If you rather Watch part one first or on its own it is still just as great. In part one we talk about Leak Labs, Glossier doing everything but going bankrupt, and Cardi B's new hair care brand. (there is no paid content bellow this line this time, but enjoy the free preview.)

    6 min
  6. Romcoms In the Workplace

    Feb 25

    Romcoms In the Workplace

    Hello Siren Academics, Here is your early upload of my video essay before it hits YouTube. I hope you are all having a chic day. In today’s episode, we dive into how the 2008 recession wrote romcoms, why everyone hates communication majors, and most importantly, what happened to the chic corporate jobs we watched in romantic comedies? Thesis: Do office-setting romantic comedies perpetuate harmful attitudes towards women in work culture? Find the corresponding essay on my Substack here:Sincerely yours, Mila Duffy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vanitythoughts.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min
  7. "the side effect aesthetic & Valentines day GRWM"

    Feb 16

    "the side effect aesthetic & Valentines day GRWM"

    Welcome to an episode of vanity office hours were along with having a casual discussion on a unpublished thesis as we do hair-skin or our makeup. We also take the initiative to have a Q&A about everything from research, to beauty, to power. Early bird posted on my Substack here, wait to watch it on Friday on YouTube. Enjoy the free show notes and feel free the ask anything about beauty, power and politics bellow. SHOW NOTES 1. The Pop Culture Sources The “Injection Horror” Motif: * The Movie: The Substance (2024/2025): This is your primary visual reference. Focus on the “Activator” syringe and the neon-green “Substance” juice. It’s a literal representation of “The Theft of Vitality”—where the younger self (Sue) literally drains the older self (Elisabeth). * Article for Context: The Substance: A Feminist Critique of Beauty Standards – This dives into the “violence of beauty standards.” * The Show: The Beauty (FX, Jan 2026): Ryan Murphy’s new series is the most relevant current event. It features a virus (The Beauty) that makes people “perfect” but eventually makes them explode. It is a direct satire of Ozempic culture and the “Side Effect Aesthetic.” * Article for Context: TIME: Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty is Wildly Entertaining and Surprisingly Smart – Focus on the “Medicalized Path to Perfection.” 2. The Product Motifs (The “Packaging” Obsession) The beauty industry is obsessed with looking “clinical” to prove efficacy. Look for these specific motifs: * Syringe Applicators: Brands like Peter Thomas Roth and Medi-Peel have used syringe-style packaging for years, but in 2026, it’s a full-blown trend. The “click” of the syringe is the new “pop” of the lipstick tube. * “Liquid Needles” (Spicules): The rise of VT Cosmetics “Reedle Shot” and similar “liquid microneedling” products. They use tiny microscopic needles (spicules) that prick the skin. * Article for Context: Vogue Scandinavia: The 8 Biggest Skincare Trends for 2026 – Discusses “Regenerative Stimulation” and “Liquid Needling.” * The “Sterile” Aesthetic: Note how packaging is moving toward white, silver, and “pharmaceutical” blue, moving away from the “Millennial Pink” of the 2010s. 3. Talking Points: The “Side Effect Aesthetic” Concepts Use these points to elaborate on the why behind the trend: * The “Hollow” Status Symbol: * The Concept: “Ozempic Face” (hollowed cheeks/temples) was originally a side effect people feared. Now, because it signals you have the money for $1k/month shots and high-end fillers, the “gaunt” look is becoming a class-based aesthetic. * The Twist: We are re-entering a “Heroin Chic 2.0” era, but it’s medicalized. It’s not about rebellion; it’s about optimization. * The “Medicalization of Vanity”: * The Concept: Beauty is no longer a “hobby”; it’s a “health-related endeavor.” We don’t “do our makeup”; we “administer our protocol.” * The Logic: By making products look like medicine (syringes, vials, ampoules), brands bypass our skepticism. We trust the “doctor” more than the “influencer.” * The “Trauma = Transformation” Loop: * The Concept: Why do we want our skincare to prick, sting, or look like a needle? * The Logic: In 2026, we’ve been conditioned to believe that if it doesn’t hurt a little (or look like it could), it’s not working. We are seeking “controlled trauma” to feel like we are evolving. * The “Body as a Project” (The Murphy Satire): * The Concept: In The Beauty, people accept the risk of death for the reward of a perfect face. * The Reality: Connect this to real-world side effects. We are willing to tolerate “Ozempic burps,” nausea, and “filler migration” because the “side effect” is the price of admission to the “Aesthetic Elite.” Quick Links for Your “study guide” * On the “Ozempic Face” Narrative: Vanderbilt University Study on Midface Volume Loss (2025) * On “The Beauty” Satire: The Guardian: A Body Horror so Delicious You Could Pass Out * On the “Liquid Needle” Trend: Get The Gloss: Why Microspicules are the New Obsession This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit vanitythoughts.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min
  8. Gendered Anti-Aging Industry, Porn in PopCulture & Whats Next - Research Recap Winter 2026 part 2

    Feb 11

    Gendered Anti-Aging Industry, Porn in PopCulture & Whats Next - Research Recap Winter 2026 part 2

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit vanitythoughts.substack.com In part 2 of our seasonal research recap we will reflect on the research process, and commentary for the most profound narrative pieces from the season. in part one we will talk: * media I have been consuming that is inspiring the next issue * commentary on the entertainment industry through a critical lens. * The updated tier system and the expansion of free articles & essay. in Part two (for paid subs) * the deep dive into my research process and commentary on essays like: * the first jepg was of a play boy model * the first thrivalist edit * the glowup industrial complex * and fanfiction as rebellion consider being a paid sub here: https://thedesktopvanity.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
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About

Where beauty, ambition, and culture meet. Hosted by Mila, each episode unpacks the feminine internet — from Internet culture, and beauty industry analysis. vanitythoughts.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Hosted by Mila Duffy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Desktop Vanity
  • Show Website
    Mila's Thoughts Lately