Swatch of Horrors

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Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. You'll hear Meemz, a former makeup artist, and her guests call out beauty industry issues and bad client behavior. Learn what it's like to be on the other side of the chair. Behind all that glam, beauty professionals are humans too. Learn tips that improve client interactions so you can avoid some of these beauty horror stories. These horrors also extend beyond the client interaction such as the beauty professional's personal struggles, lack of diversity in the industry, and much more. If you work in the industry and have a beauty horror story to tell, send them to @swatchofhorrors IG or Twitter. #SwatchofHorrors

Swatch of Horrors


    • Jan 30, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 35m AVG DURATION
    • 42 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Swatch of Horrors

    I'm out

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 10:46


    Ep 40: Horrors of Holiday gift-giving (gift ideas)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 26:34


    Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals! Meemz is a former makeup artist. This episode focuses on gift ideas, especially what NOT to buy this holiday season. Gift responsibly and try to reduce waste by gifting consumable products, or eco friendly products that help reduce waste like reusable cotton pads, the makeup eraser, and nore. Send in your beauty horror stories to Swatchofhorrors @ gmail . com or use the new anonymous google form here: Submit your beauty horror stories anonymously! Representation matters! Leave a review for the podcast on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify with a 5-star rating! IG @swatchofhorrors TikTok @SwatchofHorrors

    Ep 39: Worst kinds of co-workers to be around

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2023 27:12


    Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals! Meemz, a former makeup artist talks about the worst kind of co-worker to be around when working in cosmetics in a retail setting. Getting frustrated by returns, no sales, and rude clients? Meemz goes over a few mindset changes you can apply to help get you out of that toxic funk. No one wants to be around a bad vibe. Don't be that person. Send in your beauty horror stories to Swatchofhorrors @ gmail . com Representation matters! Leave a review and a 5-star rating! IG @swatchofhorrors TikTok @SwatchofHorrors

    Ep 38: Your skin is literally crumbling

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 25:01


    Swatch of Horrors turns 3 years old! Thank you all who have come along on this podcasting journey! Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals! Meemz tells a beauty horror story about the time she did a foundation match on a client. Learn how to be straight-forward and kind to your client about their hygiene or conditions that impact the overall look of their beauty goals. Send in your beauty horror stories to Swatchofhorrors @ gmail . com Representation matters! Leave a review and a 5-star rating! IG @swatchofhorrors TikTok @SwatchofHorrors

    EP 37: Why I didn't get a pedicure

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 30:17


    Trigger warning...This episode talks about gross body fluids. Submit your beauty horror story to Meemz @ Swatchofhorrors on IG, Twitter, or TikTok. Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals!   Representation matters! Leave a review and a 5-star rating! IG @swatchofhorrors TikTok @SwatchofHorrors  

    Ep 36: Prom makeup nightmare!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 37:16


    Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals! In honor of Prom Season, Meemz recounts her prom makeup horror story where she almost didn't get her makeup done all because of a dishonest sales associate. Tune in to find out why. There is also a new segment... Representation matters! Leave a review and a 5-star rating! IG @swatchofhorrors TikTok @SwatchofHorrors

    Ep 35 - Being more sanitary as a makeup artist

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2023 21:35


     Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals! This episode is all about the top things you can stop doing as a makeup artist in order to be more sanitary for you and your customers. Leave a review and a 5-star rating! IG @swatchofhorrors TikTok @SwatchofHorrors

    Ep 34: Hungover client at the makeup counter

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 23:27


    Swatch of Horrors is a podcast about beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. Meemz is a former makeup artist, and she is here to share all of her stories, and the stories of her guests who work in the beauty industry. Are you a die-hard Swatch of Horrors listener? Do you want SoH merch? Comment on IG or DM Meemz to let her know! Meemz goes talks about a health update and tells a story about a client who was too hungover to get her makeup done. If you are a client, you'll want to listen to this episode to learn what NOT to do. @swatchofhorrors on Instagram and all platforms.  

    Ep 33: Checking my anxiety, and your bad breath

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 27:35


    Swatch of Horrors talks mental health along with beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. This episode, Meemz talks through the anxieties of health scares and the toxic ways that social media can fuel these anxieties. If you work in the beauty industry or any industry, you'll want to make sure your breath is tolerable. If you think this doesn't apply to you, you're probably wrong.  Also, are you mindful of your fragrance etiquette?   

    Ep 32: Weird friend stuff and an obsessed client

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2023 28:09


    Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. Follow Swatch of Horrors on IG, TikTok, and Twitter.  

    Ep 31: ”I want to speak to your manager.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2023 16:44


    Welcome to Swatch of Horrors where we talk beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. Happy belated Valentine's Day! Meemz discusses practical gift giving for Valentine's Day.  Have you ever stumbled over your words when a customer asked you a question about a product? Meemz tells a beauty horror story about a time where her and her co-worker tricked a mean customer. Oh the joys of working retail!  

    Ep 30: Catty co-workers in the beauty industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2023 23:42


    Swatch of Horrors is a podcast about beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. This episode is all about catty co-workers in the beauty industry. If you work in the beauty industry and have a horror story to tell about co workers being catty, DM them to Meemz @Swatchofhorrors on instagram! Follow @swatchofhorrors on TikTok. Rate, review, share!  

    Ep 29: Getting fired over TikTok

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 12:26


    Happy Lunar New Year! Did you know, Vietnamese celebrate the year of the Cat instead of Rabbit? . Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals . Learn how not to get fired from what you post on social media. Remember, you don't have to share everything about your life online.

    Ep 28: Beauty horror news regarding Morphe and MAC Cosmetics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 27:40


    2023 is off to an interesting start in the beauty industry. This episode, Meemz talks about some "beauty horror stories" from two major beauty brands. You'll want to hear this episode if you use Morphe or MAC Cosmetics.   If you are a former Morphe employee, please comment on Swatchofhorrors instagram to network with others. If you know of any job openings for former Morphe employees, please comment on instagram to let others know.

    Ep: 27 Part 2 - Whats the worst thing a client has done to you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2022 38:51


    Swatch of Horrors is a podcast about beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. Join the conversation and submit your beauty horror stories from work via DM on instagram @SwatchofHorrors. This episode is part 2 and is all about the worst thing a client has ever done to you. Meemz reads submissions from listeners. Follow, rate, subscribe!

    Ep 26: What's the worst thing a client has done to you?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2022 21:47


    Swatch of Horrors is a podcast about beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. Join the conversation and submit your beauty horror stories from work via DM on instagram @SwatchofHorrors. Is the podcast back? Meemz has some major life updates and fills you in on what the hiatus was all about. This episode is all about the worst thing a client has ever done to you. Meemz reads submissions from listeners. Follow, rate, subscribe!  

    Ep 25: My Horrible Business Trip Roomie feat. Austin Mark

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2021 55:29


    Another episode about beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. Meemz recalls a horror story where she was sent on a makeup business trip and got paired up with an awful hotel roommate and total stranger. Listen to Meemz and returning guest, Austin Mark, go off on quite a few tangents regarding police interactions, best songs to cry to, and Meghan McCain's hairstylist. Austin shares his horror story working as a makeup artist for a runway show in LA. Austin was a guest on episode 9 of Swatch of Horrors. Book a virtual or in-person makeup session with Salt Lake City Makeup Artist, Austin Mark: On-Site Beauty Pros Support Swatch of Horrors - Buy me a coffee Follow Swatch of Horrors on Instagram @swatchofhorrors Follow Swatch of Horrors on Twitter @swatchofhorrors

    Ep 24: When to leave your job

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2021 19:59


    This week is all about the horrors of getting passed up for opportunities in your makeup career. Learn about the red flags that you need to look out for, and learn when it's time to leave your job, brand, or store. Didn't get the job? Learn what you can do to better your chances for the next interview. Follow for more beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. Leave a review and a 5-star rating! IG @swatchofhorrors TikTok @SwatchofHorrors Support Swatch of Horrors Buy me a coffee

    Ep 23: Misdiagnosed Skin Condition

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2021 42:08


    A beauty horror story about being misdiagnosed with a contagious skin condition. Learn tips on how to advocate for yourself when seeking medical treatment. Hear all the red flags about the offending doctor in this beauty horror story. This is not intended for medical treatment or diagnoses. See your medical professional for help and advice regarding your health. Learn about: Molluscum contagiosum Seborrheic dermatitis

    Ep 22: He Fried Her Hair

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2021 59:54


    Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals Meemz talks with the hosts from @HomoInTraining podcast! These two unapologetically queer Latinx podcasters share a beauty horror story that involves bleach, 40 volume, and something you use in your house during winter time. Listen to find out more! We touch on the Asian hate crimes that have been in the media lately and discuss performative activism. Meemz shares a story about Asian-American shame and being bullied. We touch on how anglicizing your name can be harmful but also it can change how people treat you at times.

    Ep 21: Prevent Trial Horrors

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 38:57


    We usually talk beauty horror stories, and yes you will hear one in this episode, but this week's episode is all about how to prevent beauty horrors in your makeup trial. Freelance makeup artists, this one is for you. Want to know how to conduct successful makeup trials? For makeup artists, makeup trials are a way to secure your makekup booking. Kathy Huynh Cabico is a bridal beauty coach for makeup artists and she is a pro at helping freelance makeup artists become confident bridal beauty business owners. Not only is Kathy a bridal beauty coach, she also has a bridal hair and makeup team based in Orange County, Ca @Kathyhunhartistry --------------- Leave Swatch of Horrors a voice message here and it may be played on a future episode Support Swatch of Horrors - Buy me a coffee Listen to Meemz's guest feature on Homo in Training Listen to Meemz's guest feature on What Dichos Follow Swatch of Horrors on Instagram @swatchofhorrors Follow Swatch of Horrors on Twitter @swatchofhorrors

    Swatch of Horrors Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 1:18


    This is not just another beauty podcast. Listen to beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. 

    Ep 20: Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 26:49


    Meemz gives an update about the Swatch of Horrors hiatus. Follow @swatchofhorrors on Instagram and Twitter 

    Ep 19: "It can't be fixed"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 33:08


    Beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals - a bi-weekly podcast.This week's Swatch of Horrors guest, Akua Robinson, is professional freelance makeup artist from Washington D.C. She is also a beauty educator and a fellow podcaster. Check out her podcast, Friends in Beauty.Akua tells us about a time where a high-profile freelance event took an unexpected turn. She tells us what she learned from that situation and graces the podcast with her positive vibes and mindset.AkuaRobinson.comIG @friendsinbeautyIG @swatchofhorrorsBuy me a coffee 

    Ep 18: Horrors Through the Phone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2021 55:47


    Interview with Ida was recorded in November 2020.Are you ok? 2021 has already been a lot to deal with for us in the US. How bout those whack0s trying to d3str0y our d3m0cracy? (I'm trying to distort the key words so that this episode doesn't show up in the search results relating to that topic. See what I did there?)This week's guest, Ida, gives us 2 beauty horror stories that happened during her time as a retail makeup artist. One was a fright she received through the phone, and the 2nd story involves a client who was fresh out of a gym session.We talk about how fake news, pesky wedding vendors, and COVID cure-all scams. We're lookin at you, essential oils! Rate, review, and subscribe. Follow @swatchofhorrors everywhere. DM the podcast!  

    Ep 17: Clips from 2020 (bonus episode)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 27:10


    A podcast about beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals. Meemz recaps key interviews from 2020.If this is your first time listening, this may be a great place to start to get a swatch of the podcast. Thank you all for supporting this project that was born out of quarantine this year. Rate, review, subscribe, and DM or email the show @swatchofhorrors or Swatchofhorrors@gmail.com

    Ep 16: Surviving the Holidays

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2020 50:42


    DISCLAIMER:Contents in this episode are not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any medical or mental conditions. Always consult with your health care provider or medical professional for medical advice.-----Trigger warning: We will be talking about feelings and mental health in this episode.The holidays can be hard for a lot of people. Meemz shares past stories about anxiety and how historically the holidays can be tough for her. She shares tips on how to cope with winter blues. Learn about how to establish healthy boundaries with your Vietnamese family (this applies to all families not just Viet fams!). 2020 is almost done and we can only hope it ends like a La Rosa de Guadalupe episode. Virgencita, send haaalp. No beauty horrors in this episode, but anxiety and depression are horrors and they can interfere with your beauty so here we go!If you need help, here are some free mental health resources:US - CDC - People seeking treatment Canada - Mental health support: Get HelpCheck with your employer to see if you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Most places have this and they provide a few free counseling sessions.If you have health insurance, log into your insurance portal and see if you can schedule a telehealth appointment. It is usually inexpensive compared to an office visit and you can see a doctor, or mental health professional via phone or video.HiT Podcast - Boundaries and Communication. Why are they so hard?!

    Ep 15: Youtuber Bashes Makeup Artist for Content

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2020 34:10


    Shoutout to Latinos Who Lunch podcast for shouting out Swatch of Horrors on their episode 180! Check them out!Also, for more BIPOC podcasts, check out the #podsincolor hashtag on social media.Meemz reads a listener-submitted beauty horror story. This week's beauty horror story is about a Youtuber who seeks out the worst-reviewed makeup artist and then bashes her makeup artistry for her vlog. Ew. Listen to beauty horror stories told by beauty professionals.The Covid Catch-up segment offers tips on how to cope with the pandemic.Rate, review, subscribe! Tell your friends. This is a bi-weekly podcast.

    Ep 14: Got My Start at a Strip Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2020 50:06


    Announcement: This podcast will now be bi-weekly starting this week. No episode next week. This week's guest, Alexa (@i.amalexaa), shares how she got her start as a makeup artist at a strip club in Las Vegas. This raw interview touches on exposure to substance abuse within the strip club scene, struggles with mental health from a makeup artist's perspective, and how to talk to your daughter about beauty as Alexa is also a mother.Rate, review, subscribe! Thanks for your support! Don't be a superspreader!

    Ep 13: Reading Your Horrors

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2020 19:45


    Hi! Meemz reads a submitted horror story. The election results are in! Whew....I'm exhausted.A lot has been going on but I'm here with another episode!Follow, rate, subscribe! 

    Ep 12: Horror Movie SFX and Tattoo Horrors (feat. Alix from Horrorble People's Podcast)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2020 58:18


    This week is a special Halloween edition of the Swatch of Horrors podcast. An episode filled with horror movies, special FX makeup, and tattoo horrors with Alix (@ghostcoffeeshop) from Horrorble People’s Podcast (@horrorblepeoplespodcast). She's here to help guide us through practical makeup vs CGI. We usually discuss beauty horror stories from the perspective of the beauty professional, but this week, we get horror story from the client's point of view. We also dive into good and bad (really bad) examples of special FX makeup from horror movies. We cover The Fly, The Thing, and Friday the 13th part III. 

    Ep 11: Ridiculous Returns

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2020 30:57


     Meemz, your semi-trilingual host and former makeup artist recounts the most ridiculous things that customers have tried to return in the cosmetics department. What was the most ridiculous thing your client ever tried to return? Meemz has a bad experience with allergy medication. Planning a wedding in "uncertain times." Follow and interact with @swatchofhorrors on Twitter and Instagram! Don't forget to get your flu shot and vote! 

    Ep 10: A Customer Tried to Fight Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2020 38:14


    Meemz has a special personal announcement in this episode!This week's guest is Santa Ana, CA native, Nina Marie ( @ninamarieartistry_ ). She specializes in bridal makeup artistry in Orange County, CA and has pivoted into becoming an aesthetics consultant.Her beauty horror story is about a customer who tried to fight her on the makeup retail sales floor. We talk tips on how to deescalate hostile customer situations and how to overcome language barriers.For the COVID Catch-up, we discuss anxieties with grocery shopping during the time of a pandemic. Want to be a guest on the show? Contact Swatch of Horrors at SwatchofHorrors@gmail.com to tell your beauty horror story. Looking for beauty professionals in the industry to share their horrors!Interact with the podcast Twitter: @swatchofhorrors Instagram: @swatchofhorrors

    Ep 9: Do The Lashes Cost Money? (Yes, they do...)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 69:13


    This week's guest is celebrity makeup artist, Austin Mark. With over 15 years in beauty, he's worked with Christian Siriano and Pamella Roland. Not to mention, he is internationally published. Austin shares his beauty horror stories that deal with mean-girl cosmetics managers, "stalkers", and the customer entitlement that the beauty industry has created with the culture of FREE. We also touch on eating disorders and how to deal with the pandemic in the COVID Catch-up segment. Give the podcast a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Follow on Spotify. Follow Austin on IG: @austinmarkmuaFollow the Swatch of Horrors podcast on IG: @swatchofhorrors and Twitter: https://twitter.com/swatchofhorrors

    Ep 8: Chronic Pains of Makeup Artistry

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 35:08


    DISCLAIMER:Contents in this episode are not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any medical conditions. Always consult with your health care provider for medical advice.EP 8:ANNOUNCEMENT - Go to the Swatch of Horrors podcast Instagram @SwatchofHorrors. Select the link in the bio and check out the new #TBT Playlist, hand picked by your host, Meemz. New songs added every Thursday.In this episode: Discover how being a makeup artist can affect the body. Meemz shares her experience with chronic pain as a makeup artist and what she should have done differently. Learn how to protect your body. You'll need to know these key things while seeking treatment for your ailments. If you suffer from chronic pain or injuries from your job, you'll want to tune in. If you get injured on the job in the U.S., research workers' compensation and/or consult with a professional who is knowledgable in workers' compensation laws for your state/area.

    Ep 7: Shady w/ No Dark Shades feat. Brittany Whitfield

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 76:29


    Fashion and celebrity makeup artist, Brittany Whitfield of NYC. She advocates for Black representation in the beauty industry, especially for people with deeper skin tones who are often underrepresented in beauty marketing. Her beauty horror stories touch on shady beauty practices and lack of dark shades in foundation. Learn why she'll never work with a particular brand again. She is not only a makeup artist, she's an entrepreneur, advocate, and a writer who has an IG packed with content that will not only make your skin glow, but make you re-think how you see Black representation in pop culture. Learn about the must-have product that all freelance makeup artists need in their kit. Launching 09/30/2020, Brittany brings you a new signature product from Crashandblend that will make your life as a makeup artist easier. Follow Brittany on IG at @brittywhitfield and @crashandblend.Pre-order at crashandblend.com/shopFollow the podcast at @swatchofhorrors on IG and Twitter. Rate, Review, Subscribe, Follow! Send me your horror stories on IG or Twitter.

    Ep 6: Hi, I'm Your Host

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2020 41:24


    Get to know the Swatch of Horrors host. Learn about her multi-cultural heritage and how that shaped how she identifies and how others label her. Learn how being a daughter of an immigrant father motivated her journey, and why this podcast about beauty horror stories was created. Reflect on systemic racism, diversity, BLM, and the latest tirade against an Asian influencer at an Orange County restaurant. A mini beauty horror story is included in this episode.

    Ep 5: My Client Knowingly Exposed Me to COVID-19

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 43:29


    A nail tech shares her viral beauty horror story of being exposed to COVID-19 by a client who was desperate to get a gel manicure.  The client showed up to the nail appointment and did not disclose that she was positive for COVID-19 till after. We talk tips for the beauty professional on what to do if your client does this to you. Clients, learn how you can be a better client to your beauty professional in this episode. Rate, review, subscribe, follow the Swatch of Horrors Podcast.

    Ep 4: Screaming for Keys in Cosmetics Dept.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 26:11


    BLACK LIVES MATTER. Police really shooting another Black man in the back? Prayers to Jacob Blake for a speedy recovery. How many more? --------Horror stories in the beauty industry: Your host deals with cystic acne & a chemical burn. COVID Catch-up segment to check on your mental health. This week's beauty horror story is about a customer who loses more than just her keys...Find out what all the SCREAMING was about. 

    Ep 3: The Skincare Professional's Color-matching Horrors

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2020 48:43


    With over 8 years in the skincare game, my guest Andre from Kate Somerville shares his journey from stock room to cosmetics sales floor. We talk a little about food too. 18:00 Andre's go-to product that helps him fight Maskne (acne caused by masks) 22:21 How COVID-19 is changing how you buy cosmetics 26:16 Horror Stories 41:42 Client advice. | Andre's IG: @0ndray | DM @Swatchofhorrors on IG to submit your horrors. 

    Ep 2: No Pizza for You

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 35:56


    Recorded in June 2020. This guest, "Aly" went from working in retail beauty to beauty marketing. Shopping spree at closing time draws a lot of attention. Is your makeover really free? She won't change the CHANEL, but she'll change the man. Cross-selling can sometimes earn you a death stare. Give your best service and get a big customer complaint. Be sensitive to customer insecurities. Thanks for your help, now go to the "dungeon" while the influencers feast. IG/Twitter: @swatchofhorrors 

    Ep 1: Nail Salon Horrors

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2020 78:55


    The nail industry can be tough as nails sometimes. Listen to the horror stories that this guest endured while working in nail salons. We discuss coping with being in quarantine due to COVID-19, how to work through language barriers with your nail tech, the future of nail salons, and whether male artists have a disadvantage. All this from a Vietnamese-American viewpoint. Lastly, learn how you can be a better client because beauty professionals are human too. 

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