The Cosmetic Chronicles

Sarah Carvalho
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Updated Weekly

A deep dive into the history of your favorite, iconic beauty brands.

  1. Ep. 25 Luna Bronze (Feat. Maddy Balderson and Rhiannon Hall)

    1d ago

    Ep. 25 Luna Bronze (Feat. Maddy Balderson and Rhiannon Hall)

    A skin cancer diagnosis changed everything. This week, I sit down with Maddy Balderson and Rhiannon Hall, co-founders of Australian self-tanning brand Luna Bronze, to talk about the moment that sparked the idea for the company — and the leap into beauty entrepreneurship. We dig into how their product line has evolved, what it's been like building a brand from the ground up, and their recent expansion into the U.S. through Ulta Beauty, eleven years after launching. A story about turning a health scare into a thriving business. Connect with me: Email: sarah@thecosmeticchronicles.com Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@glowandflowbysarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Glow + Flow Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LTK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Luna Bronze: https://lunabronzetanning.com/ https://www.instagram.com/luna_bronze/ https://www.ulta.com/brand/luna-bronze

    58 min
  2. Beauty Bulletin: Week of 6.23.26

    Jun 23

    Beauty Bulletin: Week of 6.23.26

    In this episode, I cover L’Oréal’s acquisitions and double-downing on AI, new releases from VIOLETTE_FR and Naked Sundays, e.l.f.’s new adventure in haircare, and Madonna becoming Kiko Milano’s first ever global brand ambassador. Connect with me: Email: sarah@thecosmeticchronicles.com Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@glowandflowbysarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Glow + Flow Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LTK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources for this week: https://beautynewsdaily.com/loreal-acquires-majority-stake-innovist/ https://beautynewsdaily.com/charlotte-tilbury-cbe-kings-birthday-honours-2026/ https://www.violettefr.com/pages/balm-amour-tinted-lip-treatment?srsltid=AfmBOopsKOFI1semOiUcwEnowzN6f3bq1ofdXbj-XeaT9L2kIXGiDXjZ https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ21HehEhgQ/?img_index=4 https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cabanamilk https://us.nakedsundays.com/collections/cabanamilk-bundles https://beautynewsdaily.com/elf-beauty-launches-elf-hair/ https://www.voguearabia.com/article/madonna-kiko-milano-global-brand-ambassador https://beautynewsdaily.com/kaia-gerber-creative-partner-uni-bodycare/ https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/devices-tech/news/22969043/loral-goes-allin-on-ai-openai-deal-extends-from-chatgpt-commerce-to-microbiome-discovery . . L'Oréal, Innovist, Indian beauty brands, Charlotte Tilbury, Violette_FR, french beauty, naked sundays, suncare, elf beauty, elf haircare, affordable beauty, affordable haircare, madonna, kiko milano, global brand ambassador, kaia gerber, uni, luxury skincare, chatgpt, AI in beauty

    20 min
  3. Ep. 24 Rimmel

    Jun 16

    Ep. 24 Rimmel

    In this episode, I’m covering the UK cool kids brand, Rimmel. From a leading 1830s Victorian perfumery with French roots to creating the modern London look, the Rimmel story is rich with history, innovation, and iconic partnerships. Connect with me: Email: sarah@thecosmeticchronicles.com Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@glowandflowbysarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Glow + Flow Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LTK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources: https://www.cosmeticsandskin.com/companies/rimmel.php https://cosmeticsandskin.com/companies/rimmel-1940.php https://us.lisaeldridge.com/blogs/articles/the-beauty-pioneers-the-history-of-rimmel?srsltid=AfmBOoqwZtFkUwJW7BzzuW6QfX14KzC-PH5FrMgBqOPZkX6AZ23gopUV https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rimmel https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/fashion-blog/2012/jan/23/brief-history-rimmel https://www.rimmellondon.com/en-ca/about https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/the-untold-story-of-rimmel-london-mascara-franchise https://www.ogleschool.edu/blog/game-changers-men-rocked-beauty-industry/ https://efcreativestudios.com/behind-the-brand-rimmel-london/ https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/collections/london-stories/what-was-great-exhibition-1851/ https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/102438413 https://www.etsy.com/listing/4384618787/1864-french-rimmels-perfumed-almanack https://www.amazon.com/Recollections-Paris-Exhibition-Eugene-Rimmel/dp/B009OIHWLO https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/receivership.asp https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/06/23/Schering-sells-Eurocosmetics-firms/1784614577600/ https://www.makeupsavvy.co.uk/2018/07/getting-the-london-look.html https://www.allure.com/story/kate-moss-new-rimmel-lipsticks https://www.womanandhome.com/beauty/makeup/rimmel-stay-matte-pressed-powder/ https://blogs.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/jjcoll/2013/02/01/rimmels-scented-world/ https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/The_chemist_and_druggist_%28electronic_resource%29_%28IA_b19974760M0188%29.pdf . . Rimmel, beauty history, cosmetics, mascara, London, brand evolution, makeup innovation, celebrity campaigns, beauty industry, kate moss

    46 min
  4. Beauty Bulletin: Week of 6.9.26

    Jun 9

    Beauty Bulletin: Week of 6.9.26

    In this episode, I cover Q1 Ulta growth numbers, innovative launches from VIOLETTE_FR and REFY, Kendall Jenner x Anua, and how biotechnology is the future of anti-aging skincare. Connect with me: Email: sarah@thecosmeticchronicles.com Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@glowandflowbysarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Glow + Flow Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LTK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources for this week: https://www.gcimagazine.com/retail/brick-and-mortar/news/22968057/9-drivers-of-ultas-q1-growth-and-a-times-square-flagship-teaser https://beautynewsdaily.com/california-naturals-series-b-funding-ceo/ https://www.beautyindependent.com/violette_fr-5m-existing-investors-tough-makeup-funding-market/ https://beautynewsdaily.com/rhode-summer-2026-collection/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DYr-udvljMq/ https://www.instagram.com/p/DZNBSv4jNKQ/?img_index=1 https://beautynewsdaily.com/kendall-jenner-anua-global-ambassador/ https://beautynewsdaily.com/lisa-eldridge-marilyn-monroe-makeup-collection/ https://glowandflow.substack.com/p/the-glow-edit-vol-1-no-3 https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/hair-care/news/22968202/loral-backs-rnai-drug-developer-in-80m-bet-on-the-future-convergence-of-beauty-and-health . . Ulta Beauty, product launches, celebrity partnerships, biotech in beauty, skincare innovation, beauty industry trends, REFY, french makeup, VIOLETTE_FR, california naturals, marilyn monroe, lisa eldridge, kbeauty, anua, kendall jenner, RNAi

    25 min
  5. Ep. 23 Tarte Cosmetics

    Jun 2

    Ep. 23 Tarte Cosmetics

    In this episode, I’m covering Tarte Cosmetics, the brand that started as a cheek stain in a one bedroom NYC apartment and grew into a global beauty powerhouse. From Amazonian Clay to Shape Tape, Tarte has created many cult-status franchises and a little thing known as “influencer brand trips”. This week, I’m going to have you pick what I should try from the brand (I surprisingly don’t own anything by them!). So after you listen to the episode, let me know which product I should try by voting in the poll below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Connect with me: Email: sarah@thecosmeticchronicles.com Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@glowandflowbysarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Glow + Flow Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LTK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources: https://tartecosmetics.com/pages/about-us https://tartecosmetics.com/products/maracuja-oil https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarte_Cosmetics https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1877020_1877030_2019428,00.html https://people.com/tarte-founder-maureen-kelly-interview-exclusive-11756479 https://www.thebeautyinformer.com/2015/05/tarte-cosmetics-history.html https://podcasts.musixmatch.com/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz-01gv2bv14079rhv1ch6dvacm4n/episode/tarte-cosmetics-maureen-kelly-01hjz7abr0s9jvzptbvqrew0x6 https://www.beautypackaging.com/tarte-cosmetics-the-whole-package/ https://www.happi.com/exclusives/tarte-founder-maureen-kelly-on-the-keys-to-her-success/ https://www.allure.com/story/tarte-face-tape-foundation-shade-range-apology https://www.byrdie.com/best-tarte-products-4774067 https://www.ms.now/career-growth/tarte-ceo-maureen-kelly-how-she-created-makeup-empire-n1297990 https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/23821-tarte-cosmetics-interview-makeup-beauty https://www.forbes.com/sites/dahvishira/2026/01/19/a-decade-of-trippin-with-tarte-inside-the-viral-brand-trip-machine/ https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/news/article/21847879/sweet-tarte-taking-inside-out-beauty-to-heart https://www.happi.com/breaking-news/tarte-presents-amazonian-clay-blush/ https://www.beautyalmanac.com/article/tarte-call-of-the-wild-amazonian-clay-eyeshadow-palette/1004 https://www.temptalia.com/tarte-summer-2011-collection/ https://www.beautypackaging.com/tarte-cosmetics-a-blend-of-glamour-and-green/ https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/news/news/21861558/kose-corp-to-acquire-tarte https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/KOSE-HOLDINGS-CORPORATION-6492001/news/KOSE-Corp-completed-the-acquisition-of-93-5-stake-in-Tarte-Inc-from-Maureen-Kelly-and-Encore-Con-38765503/ https://imnotabeautyguru.com/2015/01/tartelette-amazonian-clay-matte-eyeshadow-palette-overview-swatches-and-dilemma/ https://www.optimonk.com/tarte-marketing-breakdown https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tarte-introduces-international-shape-tape-day-300776880.html https://www.newbeauty.com/view/tarte-shape-tape-concealer-sephora-launch https://www.allure.com/story/tarte-shape-tape-contour-concealer https://www.allure.com/story/tarte-lack-of-diversity-foundation-shades-criticism https://www.bustle.com/p/tarte-shape-tape-foundations-shade-range-isnt-up-to-the-internets-standards-7911888 https://www.seventeen.com/beauty/makeup-skincare/a15333862/tarte-cosmetics-ten-new-shape-tape-foundations/ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/02/223536/tarte-new-face-tape-foundation-shades https://www.allure.com/story/tarte-maracuja-juicy-lip-plumper-review https://www.allure.com/story/tarte-foundation-concealer-shade-range-expansions https://www.allure.com/story/tarte-cheek-stain-relaunch Tarte Cosmetics, beauty industry, influencer marketing, Amazonian clay, Shape Tape, skincare makeup hybrid, brand history, beauty trends, product innovation, maracuja oil

    49 min
  6. Beauty Bulletin: Week of 5.26.26

    May 26

    Beauty Bulletin: Week of 5.26.26

    Let’s call this an emergency episode since everything decided to pop off during the BB off week. In this episode, I cover the end of the Estee Lauder and Puig merger talks, ELF Beauty dropping tariff-induced price increases, the relaunch of Marc Jacobs Beauty, and new ambassador collaborations from YSL and Vaseline. Connect with me: Email: sarah@thecosmeticchronicles.com Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@glowandflowbysarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Glow + Flow Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LTK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources for this week: https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/news/news/22963239/este-lauderpuig-is-over-companies-end-merger-talks-refocus-on-independent-growth-strategies https://www.gcimagazine.com/companies/news/22967322/charlotte-tilbury-renegotiation-emerges-as-new-wrinkle-in-puigeste-lauder-talks https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/color-cosmetics/news/22967329/elf-beauty-delivers-35-q4-growth-tops-16b-fy-sales-as-rhode-naturium-drive-portfolio-surge https://www.allure.com/story/elf-cosmetics-lowering-prices?client_service_name=allure+magazine&client_service_id=31195&service_user_id=1.78e+16&supported_service_name=instagram_publishing&utm_medium=social&utm_social_type=owned&utm_brand=allure https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/color-cosmetics/news/22967247/marc-jacobs-beauty-returns-with-maximalist-makeup-push-sephora-rollout-and-coty-prestige-ambitions https://beautynewsdaily.com/marc-jacobs-beauty-relaunch-2026/ https://beautynewsdaily.com/charli-xcx-ysl-beauty-ambassador/ https://beautynewsdaily.com/jennie-blackpink-vaseline-global-ambassador/ . , beauty industry, Estee Lauder, Puig, ELF Beauty, Marc Jacobs, YSL, Vaseline, beauty news, cosmetics, brand collaborations, JENNIE, Charli XCX

    18 min
  7. Ep. 22 Almay

    May 12

    Ep. 22 Almay

    In this episode, I’m covering Almay, the brand that created the first ever hypoallergenic makeup back in 1931 (!). I talk about their quick growth from prescription-only cosmetics to becoming a drugstore icon with their oil-free eye makeup remover, clear skin foundation, and eye-enhancing shadow palettes. Not to mention their recent resurgence thanks to a 2026 rebrand with their new ambassador, Miranda Kerr. Connect with me: Email: sarah@thecosmeticchronicles.com Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@glowandflowbysarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Glow + Flow Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LTK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources: https://www.almay.com/pages/ourvalues https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almay https://www.worthpoint.com/dictionary/p/textiles-clothing-accessories/luxury-brands-and-fashion-designers/almay-cosmetic-brand https://skintypesolutions.com/blogs/skincare/skin-care-history https://www.cosmeticsandskin.com/cosmetic-companies-timeline.php https://fashionista.com/2018/04/almay-inclusive-diverse-makeup-brand-controversy https://www.thecut.com/2017/09/rashida-jones-will-be-an-almay-insider.html https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/almay-taps-miranda-kerr-face-of-brand-relaunch https://beautynewsdaily.com/miranda-kerr-is-the-face-of-almays-new-look/ https://furm.com/trademarks/almay-72367074 https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/24/obituaries/william-schieffelin-3d-67-dies-headed-wine-and-spirit-importer.html https://www.ebay.com/itm/256675469198 https://www.ebay.com/itm/126565464725 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/300615343858221084/ https://www.pinterest.com/pin/300615343858235694/ https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/playtex-products-inc-history/ https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/color-cosmetics/almay-goes-natural-with-pure-blends-1852591/ https://drugstorenews.com/beauty/almay-launches-pure-blends-line-cosmetics-eyes-lips-face https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/beauty-features/feature/almay-makes-bold-move-in-eye-category-699217-1932549/ https://www.teenvogue.com/gallery/almay-wake-up-makeup https://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2012/12/04/kate-hudson-in-3-1-phillip-lim-almay-intense-i-color-bold-nudes-and-smart-shade-mousse-makeup-launch/ https://www.globalcosmeticsnews.com/almay-updates-recent-image-overhaul-with-second-rebrand/ https://www.glossy.co/beauty/3-standout-strategies-driving-revlons-2026-comeback-plan/ https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c89025p3 https://www.reddit.com/r/makeupdupes/comments/186hgj7/almay_discontinued_liquid_eyeliner/

    49 min
  8. Beauty Bulletin: Week of 5.5.26

    May 5

    Beauty Bulletin: Week of 5.5.26

    Welcome back to the Beauty Bulletin by The Cosmetic Chronicles! This is your biweekly roundup of the biggest stories in beauty, including a new Stila CEO, Birkenstock nail polish, Teyana Taylor x Revlon, and a beauty sugar rush! Connect with me: Email: sarah@thecosmeticchronicles.com Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@glowandflowbysarah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Substack:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Glow + Flow Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LTK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sources for this week: https://www.gcimagazine.com/brands-products/skin-care/news/22965776/estee-lauder-bets-on-clinical-111skin-deal-signals-skin-cares-new-standard https://beautynewsdaily.com/stila-names-daniel-m-annese-ceo/ https://beautynewsdaily.com/birkenstocks-first-ever-nail-polish-collection-is-here/ https://beautynewsdaily.com/beauty-pie-gets-physical-at-liberty/ https://beautynewsdaily.com/jacob-elordi-is-the-new-face-of-bleu-de-chanel/ https://beautynewsdaily.com/revlon-taps-teyana-taylor-as-the-face-of-super-lustrous/ https://www.gcimagazine.com/consumers-markets/news/22965682/consumers-are-buying-less-but-expecting-more-heres-what-that-means-for-beauty https://www.gcimagazine.com/ingredients/skin-care/article/22965587/sugar-rush-este-lauder-maps-the-sweet-path-to-skin-aging-as-antiglycation-race-heats-up . . beauty industry, skincare, brand investments, product launches, consumer insights, scientific research, market trends, beauty innovation, 111skin, scientific skincare, estee lauder, stila, beauty pie, liberty london, jacob elordi, chanel, glycation, beauty spending

    17 min
See All (46)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

A deep dive into the history of your favorite, iconic beauty brands.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Carvalho
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Carvalho
  • Show Website
    The Cosmetic Chronicles

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