The Blueprint to Building a Beauty Empire with Patrick Starrr

y'all my guest today has a face card that never declines it's patrick star he was slaying youtube before influencer was even a thing and has leveraged that early success into a full-on beauty empire we're talking glam turned global brand all about inclusivity but patrick is not just here to talk business he's getting real about the bold moves that built his confidence and his career plus he's got tips to help us all level up our face speed so let's get into it no matter what we're doing in the car just chilling pop on amazon music sit back and listen life love sex science covering it all especially the bad cuz money always involved no matter what it is we gonna make it make sense nothing else to do but kick it with the homies and kids so grab you a drink and a snack you enjoy and get into the vibe that only you know it's your face this is kicking a dark night a quiet house but inside danger was lurking oh not really we have xfinity shield so we're not worried what if protecting your home and devices could be drama free xfinity imagine that restrictions apply not available in all areas this episode is brought to you by airbnb tis the holiday season y'all from spacious retreats in dream locations to their guests favorite most loved homes perfect for family gatherings airbnb has amazing stays for every festive escape now let's start the show patrick oh my god this is crazy this is crazy so obviously i've seen you around at parties you know what i mean always but the last time that we actually sat down and got into anything was on your youtube show when you beat my face babe can i show you something really quick look at what i brought no no and can i just tell you when you beat my face the girls could not stop gagging this was in my apartment you took me to lunch like you've done so many movies and gigs and things you'd be gigging and gigging this is nine years ago nine nine years ago you were my first celebrity ever you had just finished cinderella on broadway yep and we was gigging and having a kiki with kiki popper okay and i mean literally i will never forget i'm like you beat my face die i'm not kidding you're not kidding you're not kidding you're not kidding you're not kidding oh thank you this is just fabulous i was like please let's print this and show it to kiki and i think it's giving nostalgia because i feel like i had some kids grew up with me on youtube and we all grew up with you too so i mean you trained the whole nation oh thank you how to be the face and how to become a business thank you so much influencer was even the real you know what i mean like now that we have the language for all of that yes but like you you know we're at the start of all of it you know what i mean and then the transition of me getting into digital media i was just doing traditional work and so that collaboration is definitely giving nostalgia and and the beginning of of something that became very great yes thank you so much i'm glad to have you on the show i'm so gagged i was like are you sure she wants me i'm giving entrepreneur i'm giving founder i'm not giving like media as much because you know i got a business now so it's just it's just so crazy that um you know i'm very honored that you asked me to come on of course and that's the stuff i want to talk about because you know as we perform and we're being the personalities i think all of us want that opportunity to come on and i think it's just so great to also know that we can set it aside and have that life but that comes through business and you've successfully done that now before we get into the depths of that conversation we do a little pre-show pull-up you know questionnaire and so i want to read what you wrote so today i'm giving is the question and you say is this fervor server server it's like can i start you off with some water i looked at my outfit today i said this is giving us but this is a very ass server okay because we have the ribbing on the cinching of the top it's actually a dress that is tucked in so i can be comfortable and sat with kiki okay the boots are giving thank you oh it's like like a low-key low it's almost a boot but it's not really i mean i'm living for this server she can serve me thank you today's mood in one word is nostalgia yes yeah i'm with you on that i'm with you on that um what did you listen to on the ride here it's jazz so you like jazz yes i have to listen to music when i have like a busy day with no lyrics because i feel like it just like in jazz there's like syncopation like it's very meditative yes yes put you in the right and different types it could be upbeat it could be slow it could be somber um okay last screenshot on your phone oh my last screenshot please pull it out no cheating my my one size on so dawn um posters went up so a lot of sephora employees are like hanging it so i have an employee this is it just went up like yesterday and this is like her hanging it up in the windows so my face is all over sephora now and i just save i'll i'll reshare stories of employees like putting it up so i always like to have these as memories so i can remember patrick when you see this stuff are you able to really like live in it or is it still kind of like disorienting just to see how far you've come that yeah i can only imagine it's hard when you have a business you know we growing up you have like these certain benchmarks but in business you can always feel like it's never good enough you know when i first hit 10 million in sales it's like yes we did it and then but we could do 20 and then if it's not 20 it's that and so when you're thinking of of like growing you have to kind of readjust and find like certain points of validation that matter to you most because being an influencer it's about likes or it's about views or it's about a certain amount of brand deals or the amount you make a year and then i think with a business it's always going to constantly change because you're always going to want to grow the business as much as you can but you know it's it's unbelievable what being a selfie made influencer can do um in the entrepreneurial space and i'm very very lucky and grateful and blessed to have it yeah i love what you said about sometimes the tide just keeps turning because it's the same way with myself as well like i've always got to stop and try to find a way to take a beat to embrace because of course there is more that we always want to get but it's like where you are yeah when you look at the meter of how far you've come it's so good to take that thank you yeah um now we see the stunning glam but i'm curious for you what is that prepping before your glam like what are those times right before you getting into beating your face how do you get set up to get into the glam moment are you listening to music are you on the phone talking to your people what are you doing no i i have to have like the most quiet morning i start with like gratitude in the morning a little gratitude um but you know i i have to start with with the night before like that's my skin prep i think yeah so what are we doing like you know just like a mask extractions i'm like digging in i'm gonna be next to freaking kiki palmer like i can't be looking a mess i went to esthetician school around around here oh my gosh yeah i did 600 hours of esthetician school and it was like so cool and i got to grow up around this area um that was like two years ago and was that in preparation for one size was that just your life well here's here's the freaking tea i think being in being a beauty influencer i was getting a lot of endorsements through beauty and then when i had my own brand it was like you're done like your competition now so you it's giving exclusivity so i wanted to find my place back in the beauty world without being non-compete so i said maybe i could learn about skincare or be a part of beauty in an adjacent way so i got to know beautiful people that were on the same goals of learning something new and i'm always open to learning whether that be entrepreneurship founder entertainment media and so i live for the diversifying yeah because there's no door that needs to be closed that's why it's like i'm picking keep a bag because we're gonna always get into something and express and explore yeah this makes me want to go back to the beginning when you started your youtube page when you became the patrick star what was your ultimate goal your first initial ultimate goal was it just based off of subscribers or did you always see yourself having a brand of some sort well here's the thing i when i worked at mac uh i started at mac i was a freelancer and then it was giving we'll call you when to come in and i wanted an excuse or a place to escape to like have a beat face and then once the hours were kind of cut on the slow seasons i was like let me have an excuse to be out and about even though i don't have hours at mac so that was my first video i was giving like this is what i wear to mac even though i don't have any hours so it was just a place to like express myself and like get into a craft that had no limit i think in beauty whether that's hair nails or makeup there's not like a degree like a phd in makeup or all of that so it was a place to for me to express myself and i think at the time that you were at mac it probably was still at its kind of good place where we're still doing some educating but then that kind of died off and like people were going to people like yourself like going to youtube and influencers to teach them how to be they face yes you know how when you started to see that tide changing at what point did you realize that you were going to be a part of that okay this is now going somewhere else like i can actually grow beyond this like this is no longer just a hobby this is not just me having fun and expressing myself this is something that's a real business i'm an influencer before we had the language well i i heard once upon a time you can't make money without meaning and i didn't realize um you know i started losing my hair when i was 17 i was like this bald filipino gay man and i was like you know it is what it is and when i started having people that were in the hospital or that were going to the hospital i was like oh my god i'm going to go to the hospital i'm going to go to the doctor i'm going to go to the doctor i'm going to go to the doctor i'm going to go to the doctor i'm going to go to the doctor because i have my head wrapped too and i didn't think anything of it. I was like, wow, like I can also make a living through Google AdSense, monetizing through affiliate links and discount codes and making that. But on the other side, there was a lot of people that could resonate with beauty beyond just the products. Yeah. Being a sense of power, you know, sense of armor to take yourself into as well. And I'll be honest, for me, after I had my baby, like I think I loved makeup and everything like that before. And I was always like, yeah, we did, you know, traditional fashion. But then when I had my baby, I found myself really feeling so far away from myself. And I met Sergio Hudson. We did Met Gala together. And he was like, let's get into this glam. Like and it gave me a whole new life again where I felt like I can be somebody that I thought I'd lost, you know, and actually come back even better because of beauty, you know, and makeup and fashion and just glamming. And it's so interesting how sometimes we don't really, you know, we take it for granted. It seems so surface level, but it's actually not. It's actually can have a deeper meaning, you know, and boost your mood in ways you didn't expect. What is in this? You are so glowing right now. The red. The red. The red has changed my life. Like what? Like because Met Gala is like the black, the classic Kiki. What is behind the ginger and the red? Child, so, you know, I'm always getting into a new vibe when I'm getting ready to go on my press tour. But this is it. Okay. I'm speaking for all the girls and the gays and they's out there. We're all like, who is doing Kiki's hair? Her makeup. It just, the hair is big. It's stacked, honey. Thank you, baby. We got to give $12,000. It's so sickening. Thank you so much. This new evolution with this red. I'll be honest. I did red before, but I never did ginger like I'm doing it right now. And I knew from the moment that I did this color that I was just like, yes, this is, this is like when Beyonce found that blonde, honey. She never let up. Yes. I'm never letting up on this ginger. And you love it. Was it like a moment? Was it an era? Was it a vibe? Like, let me throw on. It was one of them days. I did one of them days and I was like, okay, you know, how can I, what vibe do I want to give? Like, how do I want to get into this press tour? And I was just looking and I was thinking and I was like, you know what? Like, let me revisit this ginger color. Like, what is the classic, you know, LA model? Like when I think about high fashion, I thought about Tyra. And I was like, let me get into my version of what, what do I look like if I'm getting into my bag? And I found the color. And we started playing around with it. And then I just said, this feels like me. Like, I feel like this is me. It's sickening in person. Because I had you on my channel when you had black hair. Yeah. And we've seen you in black, but I just have to compliment you on behalf of all the gays. Yes. And all the girls. Yes. Ginger is it. Okay. So you always have your family around. We're the same like that. Family is everything. You got your brother here right now. We always love mama star. What is something that they taught you that? You feel like shows up in your work today. Still like about business or just about your legacy. Even I think it's about maintaining true to your faith and just believing in it because I'm first generation here. My parents came from the Philippines in the eighties and, um, they just teach you hard work and to trust your intuition. That's something that I think that's in a lot of cultures. It's just to persevere and to have a good sense of judgment too. Yeah. And I mean, I also, I know you grew up Catholic. I grew up Catholic too, but also having that queer identity and always being an inspiration and having that being something front facing. How has that been a part of your journey or even seeing how that's impacted people of your same background? It's like a, it's like an armor. It's like a shield. I pray every night. I pray every morning. I pray for like everybody's safety. And you know, I always say three things, you know, whether that's giving business advice or entrepreneurship advice, like strength, guidance, protection. Like I always want to walk away from a day, whether it's with Kiki Palmer or doing a campaign shoot or seeing my display in Sephora, walking away with feeling stronger with, with also gratitude and also feeling protected in my decisions. Because when you're an entrepreneur, when you're an influencer, you don't know what decision you're going to make next. Like, do I book this or do I get this gig? And you have to go into it like full force, but in the back of your mind, like just knowing that maybe this is meant to be, should it happen and, um, just owning it and having that. And the back of your mind comes from like my faith and also my culture too, is to have that strength, guidance and protection too. And I mean, you know, you just said something really important. It's like a lot of times, I mean, you are actually the blueprint for a lot of people. So who were your blueprints? Like, how did, you know what I'm saying? What, what did you, was there anything that you could follow or anyone that you look to as you were starting to build out and craft out what you're doing now? Yeah, I would say, I would say Tyra Banks. She was like my earliest inspiration. I found a lot of parallels in the way that she built her career. And I, I recommend to everyone, find your version of Tyra Banks. I look at also Walt Disney too. Girl, all the time. Yes. Because you know it's your girl, is Mickey Mouse. Yes. Like literally, um, all the way. I, I feel the exact same way where you're like, this is the, this is the centerpiece of the foundation and how are we building this out? Yes. You know? Yes. I love that. Yeah. Um, you started in photography, which I, I think I knew that. I knew you started in photography, but how did that foundation kind of shape you as an artist? Like that, you know, YouTuber and then a CEO, like how did that all bridge together? How did you use those skills? You know, like they say, be prepared for the job that you don't have versus be unprepared for the job that you do have. Yes. So I think with photography and Photoshop and video editing, I was preparing myself to have a multimedia career. Period. Um, you know, I've been now on social media for 13 years and I've turned it, I've leveraged that, you know, career into a multimillion dollar business. So knowing what it takes to personify product is so unique. So being a photographer, knowing what the photographer wants on the other side of the camera, knowing all the technical terms. Yeah. And, and, you know, from, from lighting, from temperature, Beyonce said, you can't let a black girl in blue light. Yeah. I see the lights are not blue here. You done did good team. You done did good. So when was the moment that your family saw the impact of what you were really doing? Um, you know, like not even like maybe even from the emotional standpoint, from seeing people saying, Hey, I'm really moved by you. But then also like from the success standpoint, like you really making money, son. Yeah. It's, it's that, I mean, they, you, you can never really prepare yourself, but I think it was like seeing their relatives or their families seeing, um, you know, different celebrities. Or I remember my dad was like, you know, you got to do your homework, turn America's next top model. You can't be watching that. You got to finish school. And next thing you know, I'm with Tyra Banks on my YouTube channel or I'm on America's next top model, right. Or turn off Miss USA. And I'm a co-host on Miss USA. It's like, what the hell? So it's, it's especially from having, you know, a father that wasn't really prepared for a gay flamboyant son. So I'm, I'm, I always had that in the back of my mind and I'm always excited to like champion for the gays. You know, the underrepresented to, to prove to them. And that's why I choose to show my, my family, my parents on camera, just so they can have, you know, some sort of refuge or escape when they're watching, um, my family dynamics, because I know a lot of people that are growing up don't have that. And that's why we believe in like this idea of chosen family. And I'm sure you start to develop this kind of relationship with your audience. And I think it's important to show, to show it. It is important to show joy and show that you can have joy, especially when you are dealing with people being so against you sometimes. To see that it exists. So I couldn't agree with you more. Now, going back to your old mag days, what would you do when somebody came up to you at the counter and they were uncomfortable? What would be your first icebreaker to get them relaxed in your chair? Oh my gosh. Like, can I help you? What can I help you with? I think it's about having an open line of communication and kind of having this sort of vibe. I used to study classical piano when I was 10. So then I taught piano for eight years and I had like a bunch of piano students. So I looked at makeup like an instrument. How do you want to play? You know, you got 88 keys, black and white. Let's, let's play. So it wasn't more about me. I always make it about the client and about the consumer. And I think that's what allowed me to shape my voice on YouTube subconsciously is because I'm able to put them first and make it about me. Coming from a place of service, very, what can I do for you? Yes. Yeah. I'm curious to ask, what do you think is, and this may be a really broad question, but this just makes me think about, now that everybody is seeing themselves as a brand, especially when we think of a position of glam or, you know, it's changed. Do you see a difference in how they approach a client now, as opposed to how they were back in the day? Meaning it's not always service first is how can this establish my brand? So I can be Patrick Star or, you know, you know, whoever, like, what do you think that could be missing in the, because I've seen a transition phase because it's influencing first sometimes as opposed to work first. What do you think is missing in how we can bring bridge that balance back? What I've realized in 13 years of doing social media and leveraging what you have for them is everybody always has something to give. Yeah. You know, like I'm sure, you know, as an actor and entertainer, you want to do your very best. Yes. To give the director and the script writer what they want. And you're just there to deliver. Yeah. And I think a lot of people see, you know, the success after and they think, oh, how can I make this about me? But at the end of the day, money has to come from, some where, some place, some how. That's right. And if I'm on the set being paid to be an actor, I'm going to be an actor and then get the numbers and the connections to say, did you love how my acting was? I got to kill the acting first. Right, right. Let me picture you on the other thing while I ain't finished the first thing. And I do think that's something that as we're continuing to grow in this place where I think it is important to be not so industry first, but to be you first. I think that is important. You know what I mean? Like as somebody that's a multi-hyphenate, I think that that's the way that you have your power personally. But also it's like kill the thing first, you know, and then add on because, you know, we don't want to miss the structure of what brought us there to begin with. Yeah, show up, then show out. That's right. That's right. Now, you spoke at the White House for Filipino American History Month. Okay, research. You know we're going to do the research. I mean, what did it mean to be in that space to represent your community, but also to represent beauty? I mean, that's an incredible accomplishment. Oh, it's crazy. You know, just when you think you've done it all to have been invited was so cool. I brought my parents with me and, you know, they came with a dream to have that American dream and to see their son in full makeup at the White House. It's just, it was so surreal. And it was more for them than for me. And so I wanted to prove to them. I don't know if it's this. I'm the eldest of three. So I just wanted something to show them that, hey, I'm still doing it. And to me, it'll never be enough. Yeah. So any chance that I get, it's always for them. And I mean, I imagine the impact of your culture and your queerness being in that space was definitely something that your family was like. Hell yes. Yeah. My gosh, it's crazy. It's crazy. It's crazy. Yeah. I do want to take time. I do want to take time to ask you what you thought about the whole Sierra thing on Love Island as a Filipino-American. Because it was so much history and education that happened after that moment when she said the word, the derogatory term. I wanted to know how did you feel and how did you think about it as somebody that is actually Filipino-American, Asian-American? That, it was disappointing. Plus, like, the discourse that happened. It was offensive, I felt, for the community. And I was offended. And it just kept getting worse. But. But I was gagged that the producers had removed her. Really? Why did they gag you? Because, you know, they removed the girl that said the N-word, too. Because they were so far in. The girl that said that was on the second episode. Yeah. And I will say, like, videos and drama, like, for anybody watching that feels like the world is against them, like, videos is like a grain of sand. And it just gets washed away. So, you know, at the end of the day, we're all human and we can learn from those mistakes. And so, knowing, seeing all the types of beauty drama and cancellations and everything, I just look at, you know, the person underneath that and what they have to do and what they have to work on. And, you know, it's a matter of time for them to take time for themselves. Yeah. I mean, it becomes hard for everybody watching. What did you think? You don't know when people are being intentionally cruel or when people are being just ignorant. And then when somebody's being ignorant, you're just like, okay, now what do they? I mean, you know what I'm saying? Because it's like, there was so much history to that word. I was watching, I wish I could remember the guy's name, but he broke down the whole history of that word in a couple of other phrases that, unfortunately, in American culture, we don't even think much of. People will just say it, you know what I mean? And you don't even know what it's attached to. So, it's like, I just want us to be able to have the dialogue. Obviously, you can't speak on what you're not affected by. Like, when it comes to black s***, I'm going to tell you right now, you know, but I'm not. Asian American, I don't know the root of those things. So, it's not really for me to speak on. So, I'm taking your lead. You know what I'm saying? And backing that up. Yeah, I remember that word being thrown at me in first grade on the bus because I was the only Filipino. And it just took me to a place because, you know, I think I suppressed it so far that, you know, being fat and Asian is just already cards stacked against you. But I think being an entrepreneur and also. And also an influencer, I can empathize with what other people are going through. I'm sure when you see other celebrities or actors go have their laundry aired out in the media. It's like, again, you know, you want to give grace just like you expect to get grace. And it's good when it happens because then we all learn. And everybody can learn and not make those mistakes. And we can change our language. Now, before influencer was even a job title, you were part of the original class of YouTubers, you know, okay? Thinking back to your first videos, like, do you cringe? Are you living? Like, what do you think when you look back at them? I'm proud. I'm proud. You have to have this, like, sense of DeLulu. And you just have to own it because I don't think I would have been able to get here had I not had each and every video. Yeah. You know, so I think when I looked at my channel once upon a time, I remember it saying, you've reached 400 million views. And I was like, damn, that's a lot of views. That's a lot of views. So for just being selfie made on YouTube and to leverage that into something bigger with impact, with purpose, and still have a sustainable career, to have moments like this with you and to share my voice, I don't take it for granted. Do you feel like YouTubers of our generation or even influencers of our generation get the credit they deserve currently? Or, I mean, maybe it's something that could keep happening and growing over time. But do you think people really understand the impact and the change that happened then that you all created? You know what? There's so much on the internet now. I think it's so faded in the background to get this credit. But I was watching Naomi Campbell's YouTube channel yesterday. And I remember I launched her YouTube channel with Derek Blasberg had connected me to Naomi Campbell. And I was watching her and I'm like, dang, come on, Naomi. And she'll text me for makeup. And I'm just like, what is my life? But to see how she's, like, you know, dived into YouTube and really owns it. And after our first YouTube video collaboration for her first ever YouTube channel, it was really, really cool to see. Yeah, I mean, it is really cool. And it's also really cool to see how things keep changing. And then, you know, you keep evolving with it. Whether it's, you know, YouTube, TikTok, podcasting, or hosting a Snapchat show. I mean, it's everything. Still, you're still on point with it. What is something you learned from the medium like Snapchat or YouTube that you feel like shifted how you show up? You know, I think. I think, like, the dark arts of digital and social media is almost like an anthill. Have you seen one of those videos where they pour, like, metal into an anthill and then they take the sculpture out and it's, like, this immersive, like. And it's just tunnels and tunnels and tunnels. I think that's what social media feels like. There's endless pathways to multiple ways of posting. I think Instagram between, like, highlight stories, reels, carousels, going live. I think it's, like, 18 ways to post. Oh, my gosh. Going live. Going live. That's one I haven't really tapped you into, but motherf***er going live. Yes. That's a whole nother underworld. I can't do it. And then going live on Instagram is totally different from going live on TikTok. Yes. It's crazy. It's very crazy. It's endless. It's endless. Yeah. What do you think there's something that creators, I don't want to say get wrong, but, yeah, what is some advice that you would give to current content creators to really level their game up and really make it a business? Here's the thing about traveling. While postcards are nice, the real magic happens when you dive into local life. And trust me, there is no better way to unlock a culture's heart than through the kitchen. When food's on the table, we're all speaking the same delicious language. Speaking of which, I've got some exciting news, y'all. I'm hosting my very own Airbnb original experience in Chicago on December 17th. And it is all about cooking up some love in the kitchen. Imagine this culinary dream. You, me, my pops, and a local chef with mad skills all in one kitchen cooking up a storm. We're talking flavors so good they'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. We're talking delicious recipes, kitchen secrets, and plenty of laughs. We're about to make this kitchen feel like the hottest cooking show in town. And y'all know when my dad and I get together, there is bound to be some entertainment. We might even share our secret ingredient for the perfect comfort food. I don't know about that one. The best part? It's not just about what's cooking in the pots and pans. It's the laughs we'll share, the stories we'll tell, and yes, the absolutely incredible food we'll devour together. When good people gather in the kitchen, that's where the real magic happens. So whether you're a kitchen pro or a novice, this experience is for everyone who loves good food and good company. And trust me, by the end of our time together, you'll feel like a culinary superstar. So if you're ready to roll your sleeves up. and join me for some culinary fun, head to airbnb.com/kiki to learn more about my Airbnb original experience. Let's make some magic in the kitchen together. This message is brought to you by Apple Pay. Greetings, stress shoppers. This is your retail relaxation guide, Dr. Kiki. And today we're addressing your holiday shopping anxiety, the endless gift list, the mounting pressure with less than a month until the holidays. As time is ticking to pick up all those holiday gifts from my friends and family between script reads and soundchecks, I squeeze in as much online shopping as possible on my iPhone to find that perfect gift for everyone on my list. What helps me get my time back? Checking out online with Apple Pay, of course. No need to fill out those long online checkout forms when shopping online from your iPhone. Instead, I just tap the Apple Pay button at checkout, a quick face ID scan, and ding, your girl's got the perfect gift for my mom. I'm sharing. Hey, girl. Apple Pay also I also make shopping in-store a breeze. No need to dig for my wallet when I have an iPhone in hand. Just double-click the side button, smile for face ID, and tap. I'm off to the cookie decorating class with my little one. My advice? Next time you're shopping online or in-store, look for the Apple Pay button or contactless symbol at checkout. Consider it your gift to yourself. Pay the app away. Terms apply. Same time next week? You know, seeing you, how, like, you're so charismatic and you're on the carpet, I tell these creators that I am a mentor. You can't, you have to treat social media like a room. And you can't expect the algorithm to favor you. You have to work the room like Kiki Palmer at the Met Ball, baby. Okay? Because eventually, when you shake everybody's hand and you get in everybody's, the room will start to shift. You can't expect this main character, Cinderella Energy, to just turn. And I think a lot of creators feel like they're feeding and feeding and feeding TikTok and they get frustrated, but baby, work the room. Don't be mad that the room is not tilting for you. Get to know who's commenting. Get to know your peers. And eventually, once you get to know a little bit of your community and your following, the room will eventually turn. And I'm wondering, because there's so many ways, obviously, to do it. You can't just work hard and work overtime. But then also, we've seen such an influx of a lot of these feuds that are sometimes not. Not even real feuds. It's like everybody is in on the feud because that's a way to push the algorithm. Or that's what I'm thinking, at least. What do you think is the reason for this new culture of the YouTube feuding or the social media feuding? Or is it just a marketing ploy? It's. Yeah, I would say so, in my opinion. But I feel like you have to really understand that it's not sustainable. Like, these feuds are not sustainable. Drama is drama. But you really have to think about, how can you create a sustainable relationship that will last you? I mean, to have surpassed 10 years of doing social media and to leverage it into a business, and also for you to continuously have a career, you just have to have a good reputation. Doing these feuds and these fights is not it. The tabloids would be the tabloids. The drama channels would be the drama channels in the past. But that relationship and that, you know, heart-to-heart is going to last you a lot longer. And it's also so interesting because the relationship does change. You know, parasocial relationships, they don't stay the same. No relationship does. I mean, we were just talking about at the top of, you know, being always front-facing. You were always so front-facing. And then you've shifted your gear. You're about your business. You know, yeah, you're going to show up, but you're really about your business. When you started to change that and was like, I'm going to be more 100%, you know, 1,000% into one size, were you afraid of losing that visibility with your audience or changing your language with them or how you would connect them to this new phase of your life? Of course. Of course. I thought I had to be like the Charlotte Tilbury or the Pat McGrath or, you know, the very commercial. But you know what it's like to be a Disney girl. You know what it's like to be on your P's and Q's. That's right. And my first collaboration with one size was with Disney. Yeah. And with Mickey Mouse, in fact. And so just to know that I have been able to be viable and valuable enough to even have an opportunity to collab with the Disney and the Mickey Mouse, it's huge. Universal. Yeah. Yeah. Just to have this type of repertoire and rapport with your voice. And I think it's really important. I just think it's so cool what you said, because I do think sometimes in our culture, we get caught up in what is cool or what is edgy or what is punk or whatever we think is the dope thing. And it's like, what's dope is you. What's cool is you. What's cool is everybody being able to touch what you do and owning your lane. Like, we all have a brand, right? And it's like, own what your brand is. I think that's something that I often really try to say too, to kids I talk to and the people that I talk to about development is like, don't try to be, you know, it doesn't matter whoever your inspiration was. You're inspired, but you don't have to be like them. You be your own self and you get in your corner and you make that work for you. Was there a role in your career that you feel that you were given a direction and then you made it your own? Since you're talking about your own, that was very different than where it ends, where you started in development and table reading versus like how it ends it up, like a character. Yeah. You know, I did, when I did, I was in TLC, actually. Me and the director, we wasn't really getting along too much. Not like that, you know what I mean? But it was just like some lightweight tension, yeah. And I'm like, I'm doing the role how I think the role should be done. 'Cause it was just like, he would be giving me notes where it's like, you know, you're acting too much like, you know, like Angela Bassett. And it's like, excellent? What does that mean? Like, I just didn't know where he was coming from. At the end of the day, I'm a Chili fan, okay? I know how to act up an actress I was not. I was nine years old. - Yes. - I done watched the videos. I done talked to her. I'm in her house. I know what needs to be done. And sometimes people can't lead. People aren't, like a director or the people that you work with in your films, I'm sure you know, you know, in your business, they're gonna give you advice. But at the end of the day, you gotta know what you're doing. You gotta know what you're saying and why you're doing it. And that movie is one of my favorite projects that people have of me. They were like, you killed the Chili role. We love the role. And if I had let that man bother me, then it would've never gotten to that point. So yeah, I mean, I've been in situations like that where I've kind of had to just take the wheel of my own and know that I'm gonna lead myself to the finish line. It's a part of it. I think as an artist, as a creative, at the end of the day, if nobody has your voice, knows your voice, or knows your ability, you have to. - Yeah. - Yeah, so that was crazy. That was such a, Sharon was going off. Okay. Now, what is one beauty tip that you swear by that everyone else seems to sleep on? - I think baking. Baking. Like, I think in 2020 was the rise of like this clean girl, no powder, as a plus size man and makeup coming from the drag queens and the full beat. There's no way some of us, most of us, in hot climates can't live without a good powder. - Yeah. - Yes. - But I feel like you gotta know what you're doing. Because when I've done it, boo, sometimes I'm looking so, you know, relaxed. And it's like, you gotta, what, like, you gotta give me the key or the tip. Like, what makes it really pop? Is that, is it your spray afterwards? Is it that, you know, giving me that one size spray? What brings me back to life, boo? - I think you have to use a sponge to set in the bake. And then we have a powder melt glass setting spray. It's brand new. It melts like the powder like a dream. Because sometimes you can't just have powder and then set with Until Dawn right away. I think having that hydration is really important too. Yeah. - Thank you for this tip. - Of course. - I knew you would have what we needed. Now, what is the biggest beginner mistake that you still see people make during their makeup? - Oh my gosh. ♪ Baby, this is Kiki Poma, yeah ♪ - Y'all, the holidays are coming up so soon. And you know what that means. We've got some serious shopping to do. But I'm not even stressing, okay? Your girl stays prepared. And I know exactly where I'm headed to make it all happen, at Ross. They always have what you need. At the price you need at this hella expensive time of year, yes, it's holiday decor like plates and candles to keep your home looking festive. It's gifts from toys to sweaters for everyone on your list. Whatever it is, it is all at Ross. 20 to 60% off other retailer prices. And we haven't even gotten to the looks yet. Between all these holiday gatherings, parties and dinner invites filling up on your calendar, you're going to need multiple fits for all these functions. And trust me, when I tell you that, I tell you Ross has got the range. Every single vibe you're trying to serve this season for every piece of the holidays, and all for less. So take it from me. Show up and show out this holiday season, period. Work your magic with Ross. The magic of the holidays has me in my full festive element. Between turning my home into a winter wonderland, holiday shopping and traveling, I need to show up present and energized for all of these moments. Want to know my secret? It's AG1, this daily health drink that combines all the good stuff. Vitamins, pre and probiotics, superfoods and antioxidants in one simple, delicious scoop. I love that AG1 sources the best and highest quality ingredients they can find. Since making AG1 part of my mornings, I've noticed my energy levels are thriving and my digestion is improving. And these flavors, they understood the assignment. I live for the tropical blend, but they also have original, berry and citrus options that'll have you excited to start your day. And get this, AG1 is dropping their best offer ever. Head to drinkag1.com/kiki to get your welcome kit, vitamin D3 plus K2, AG1 flavor sampler, and their new sleep supplement, AGZ, for free, which has been a game changer for my nightly routine. That's just $126 in free gifts for new subscribers at drinkag1.com. That's drinkag1.com/kiki. Your wellness routine is about to be that girl. Beginner mistake is just, like, skin care. I think being an esthetician and having done so many facials, like, get into some skin care. But what are we supposed to do, Patrick? First of all-- Moisturizer? Is it under eye cleanser? Clean your face. Clean. Some people be going out and just sleeping in their makeup. Oof. One thing, I don't care if I'm Liddy until like 5 a.m., I will go to Walmart and get me some wine. or micellar water and, like, remove the makeup. We live for micellar water, don't we? Because what is it? It gets it off, but, like, what the f*** are you? Like, I don't know, but I love it. Okay, give us a product that you always splurge on and tell us the one you think we're all overpaying for. Oh, my gosh. I think, like, well, it could be skincare. Both. Both. Yeah, you can invest in skincare, but sometimes we're going to splurge in them heritage brands. Yes. Okay, now, what's a beauty trend that needs to be retired immediately? Oh, my God. The girls are about to be thin. It's kind of going away, but who would have brought it back? Is the brows going up? The laminated, but I think it's tame now because people are brushing it out. How do you feel about the thin brows? Because that's becoming a thing now, too. I think if it fits your face, it's cute. My brows could never quite get thick enough, so I said, ooh, let's go thin. Well, you're so gorgeous. You do also have to go where you can go. Yes, true, true, true. Okay, what is something in the beauty world that we've all just accepted, but you totally disagree with? Oh, my gosh. I would just say, like, the no-makeup makeup. I think we're now embracing. I think being an esthetician, I have my esthetician face, and then I have my full-beat, red-carpet, Patrick Starr beat. Yeah. My one-size face. But I think this no-makeup, make-up makeup is gorgeous. We've learned to embrace it, especially with those who want that, like, natural look. Yeah, yeah. I like it, too, but I do love a two-toned moment. You know, if I'm at Disneyland and we're walking around, no face make-up. But if I'm on the carpet, baby, she's beat. Now, one-size was born, and when I was learning this, I didn't even realize it, but one-size was born from realizing makeup could be a one-size-fits-all when clothing couldn't. And, I mean, what did you, how did you come, was this something that just came to you, or, like, how did you? How did you find that? Because I love that sentiment. I was shopping with my best friend, Ronnie, in the mall, my makeup artist, and he was like, let's go hiking. And I was like, okay, we'll go hiking to Runyon, do the L.A. thing. And I went to get some, you know, athletic clothes, whatever that is, and they didn't have my size. They didn't have my size in the mall. And I was like, damn. Like, and I was just sitting there. He was shopping and doing his thing, and I was like, you know what I can buy? I can buy makeup because makeup is a one-size-fits-all. I called my lawyer. I trademarked it, tweeted it, just so it was out there. And I coined it, and I, you know, owned all the rights in different countries, different categories, beauty, wellness. And I just sat on it since 2016. And then later, after I had an opportunity to have the brand, I said, I think this is the mantra. Makeup is a one-size-fits-all. Turned it into the brand name One Size, and it's been a part of our ethos ever since. Oh, I love that so much. I mean, what's. One decision that you feel like you made early on that was risky, but really paid off? I think launching in the pandemic. We launched in 2020, and Sephora was like, we want to launch with you, Rare Beauty, and Makeup by Mario. You're the three big brands in 2020. And I was like, well, this is scary. You know, there's Selena Gomez, Mario Zetovanovic, and then Patrick Star. And I was like, you know, well, I'm digitally native. So I think I know how to pursue and approach marketing and go to market with being digital. And so it worked in our favor to really lean into what you know versus lean in to something that you don't know and don't have. Because having a lot of that pressure and trying to be something that you're not can actually be your demise. So I said, let's do YouTube. Let's do Instagram. Let's eventually do TikTok. And so leaning into that, knowing influencer marketing, I knew how to pay. The girls and the influencers. So negotiating these brand deals and leveraging their voice and putting them in campaigns just created such a stir. And then 2023, the brand had just blew up because of Until Dawn, our waterproof setting spray from Ariana Grande to Beyonce and The Rain. It's just so surreal that a product that no one believed in. Sephora didn't believe in that product. They said, Until what? Until what? Until Dawn. Dawn, yes. Until Dawn. And hell don't you get it. That it was waterproof. They didn't get it. So I asked my mom. I was like, hey, mom, can you film me jumping in this pool with my little airport wig? We all have an airport wig, okay? So I have my little airport wig with my little headband and I dumped in the pool. We love a headband attack. Okay. That was me, my little Kris Jenner, my little airport wig. Sacrificed her for the TikTok. And then it blew up. And then I did it again in Coachella. And then it just started getting traction. And, you know, you have, that's what we were saying earlier. You have to really believe in it. Believe in what you believe when it comes to like your brand and own it. And there are always going to be challenges where people want to defy your ideas or defy your choices. Yeah. But you know you. And I think that's the main thing I'm hearing from you. Like, I know my voice. I know what I'm capable of. I know what I can make work. And I see the vision. A lot of people don't realize like, baby, you're the one that got the vision for you more than anyone else does. And so if you don't push in, you don't follow through on it, then it's not going to happen. Yeah. But you're also not afraid to shift gears and take advice or just to take critique because, I mean, last year, Glorita made a redemption video reviewing your foundation after, you know, where she talked about the disappointment of the colors. Yes. And you immediately went back in and changed. I mean, so talk to me about that in that moment. And obviously, it was really impressive and impactful for everybody to see that you cared that much. Yeah. I will say that, you know, I tell everyone this brand, One Size, wasn't built in the boardroom. It was built in the comment section. So I feel like being so digitally native, everything moves so fast. You know, I know we had a launch that wasn't as, you know, great. And it was our first one in complexion. So we just knew to invest heavy, do our research and development, and own it. And just take feedback, inviting influencers in, inviting makeup artists in to get that feedback. I mean, those powders are absolutely insane. I mean, the colors, I'm a big fan of the product. I've always been a fan of yours, you know, but a big fan of the product. And so, yeah, I really appreciated that. Okay, well, I had a blast speaking with you. Oh, thank you. And we got to play a game. I play a game with all my guests. This one's a beauty trivia game where the right answers will keep you flawless. So we're talking rapid fire questions, makeup slang, pop culture glam, and iconic mug moments. And I mean, you know your stuff, right, Patrick? I guess, yes, yes, yes. Okay, let's get into this beauty IQ. First up, what's the difference between baking and caking? Oh my gosh, baking. You have to press. The hell in your face. Caking is, I think, when you're doing light layers and you're not pressing in, so all the layers become more fluffy. So you really have to press it in the skin, one with the skin. Mmm, that's what baking is. Yes, yes, yes. And then caking is when it's just. Yeah, it's just so many light layers that just get. Too caked. Too caked, yes. Yeah, correct. What iconic makeup artist created the glass skin look on the runway? Pat. Hey! Mother. Mother. Mother McGrath. Mother McGrath, yes. Okay, what does it mean when someone's makeup is beat to the gods? Oh, that's you, boo! No, this is you, like. Stop it, please. Timeless, honey, timeless. What sign are you, Patrick? I knew, they said you was going, ask me, I'm a Scorpio! Oh, my evil twin. You know, I feel like Virgo and Scorpios are twins. Like, we're the same, but like, Scorpios are more. Filipino Scorpio, so I got a little bit of flavor. Period! Period! Period! Okay, name three. Name three drag queens known for their iconic mug. Oh, my gosh. Miss Fame. Okay. I will say Violet Tchotchke and Gottmik. Okay. These ain't on our list, but I trust you more than I live. Okay. They're like signature and staple, yeah. Yes. Okay, what is a cut crease? Cut crease, you carve the eye with concealer, very 2016, so it's giving back. We don't do that nowadays. Oh, my gosh. What are those? It's so crazy how it went from being timeless to being aged. Right. It's like, girl, are we into the vintage or not? Right. Anyway, who famously rapped. This is so funny. Who famously rapped, my lip gloss is popping? Lil Mama. Okay. This is a silly one. I don't know why I looked at that. Okay, true or false, lip liner can double as eyeliner? Yes, true. Period. Name three celeb makeup artists with their own lines. Oh, my gosh. You can name yourself. Okay, Patrick Starr, Alex Mayo, Lizzo's makeup artist, and Etienne Ortega. Oh, my gosh. Yes, Etienne. Shout out to them. Shout out to them. Yeah, shout out to them. To the girls. Okay, which foundation trend used two drastically different shades for contour and highlight and left people looking patchy? 2016. Yep, we have 2015, 2016. Guilty. Yeah, yeah. It's me, my fault. It's so crazy what we think is cute, you know, when we think it's cute. It's like, I wonder what we're going to look at our faces and think now. Yeah, I think that all. Like, what's wrong with it? I think that all the time. I'm like, how was I getting gigs in 2016? Like, in that way. It's so crazy in fashion, too. It's so funny. We was all just. Whatever that is. Okay, true or false? Using hairspray to set your makeup was a real trend. Yes, true. Yes. I had it happen to me multiple times. Really? And I wasn't really mad. It worked. Okay, what product was once known as ashy in the flash but is now reformulated and celebrated? What product? HD powder? Similar, banana powder. Oh, banana powder, yes. You remember. You gotta just use it right it's tricky she's a trickster it is it is what's the difference between a matte and satin lipstick finish matte is just dry satin has a little bit of that sheen yeah yeah yeah okay who coined the term smize Miss Tyra Banks yeah I love Tyra so much I really want her on the show yes she's just so everything okay last one how can you tell when your makeup has expired this is a good help one you gotta look on the label on the back there's a little there's a little icon it says like number and M it'll say like 12 M that's like 12 months or 6 months 24 months 36 months I gotta go home child we need to go look in your bag this is dangerous what's the longest it can last whatever the number says on the back of the label girl would you think it'd be as long as 3 years no hell no Patrick you are in fact a star oh no and I'm so happy to have you on the show it's so good to hang out thank you thank you so much what a special conversation y'all I love Patrick and he proved that being bold loud and unapologetically you is the real power move whether it's building an empire rocking a full beat or walking into every room like you belong taking up space is the assignment and confidence baby that's the best glam of all see you next time cause you know it's your girl baby this is this is Kiki baby this is Kiki Palmer yeah baby this is Kiki Palmer is hosted and executive produced by me Kiki Palmer Lucas Siegel is our post producer our producers are Lauren Hampton and Molly Nestor Hilary Esty McLaughlin is our executive producer production services provided by Evolution Media our producers our original theme song was written and performed by me Kiki Palmer for Team Kiki my producer is Sharon Palmer for Wondery our managing producer is Olivia Fonte senior managing producer is Nick Ryan and our executive producers are Emily Feldbrake Aaron O'Flaherty and Marshall Louie there are books that change how you see the world and there are books that change how you see yourself in a new podcast series a great book with Barack Obama President Obama sits down with a series of surprising and sharp guests to explore six books that have shaped his life and perspective on the world from Song of Solomon and The Fire Next Time to All the Pretty Horses and Gilead the president is joined by guests like Tom Hanks and Ta-Nehisi Coates to reflect on how these timeless stories shaped his thinking on everything from fatherhood to leadership and discover together what they tell us about the world we live in and the world we want to create Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of A Great Book with Barack Obama ad-free right now plus access each audio book discussed in the series download the Audible app today