Beauty Unlocked the podcast

10 Episodes
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By: Carissa Vikis

Buckle up and get ready as I delve into a variety of topics regarding physical beauty. We'll take a look at our society's obsession with physical beauty and the consequences these impossible beauty standards have had on us. Let's face it; this fascination regarding physical beauty and body image isn't a recent phenomenon; it has been around for centuries, crossing borders, and has affected men and women alike. The realization of this podcast has come about by my own experiences having to deal with society's perverse notion of physical "perfection" and researching an array of topics that have intrigued me...

EP - 102 - Still Dying to Be Beautiful: Then and Now
#102
Yesterday at 9:00 PM

They said beauty hurts... but they didn't mention it might kill you. From Victorian arsenic wafers to today's needle-happy "tweakments," this episode uncovers the dangerously thin line between glam and grim.

Why do we keep chasing perfection, even when the cost is our health- or worse?

We're peeling back the powdered face of history and injecting some hard truths about modern beauty.

Buckle up, my loves... things are about to get toxic.

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SOURCES & REFERENCES

Historical:

The Ugly-Girl Papers: Or, Hints for the Toilet by S...


EP - 101 - Dripping in Color, Drenched in Perfume: Ancient Statues Exposed
#101
04/23/2025

I'm peeling back the centuries to uncover a surprising and sensual truth: those ancient Greek and Roman statues weren't just meant to be seen - they were meant to be smelled!

From goddess figures anointed with rose-scented oils to the political myth of white marble, I'm diving into a sensory world lost to time. Join me as I explore the fragrant, colorful reality of classical art - and why history tried so hard to whitewash it.

Trust me, this is one olfactory journey you won't want to miss!

Are. You. Ready?

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Bonus Episode: Did a 19th-Century Sex Worker Invent False Eyelashes? Let’s Talk “Cumbrellas”!
#24
04/15/2025

You've probably seen that viral claim - a 19th-century sex worker invented false eyelashes to keep certain... shall we say, "male deposits" out of her eyes! Dubbed "cumbrellas" by the internet, the story is equal parts shocking and hilarious - but is there any truth to it?

In this bonus episode of Beauty Unlocked, we're lifting the veil on the wild myth behind false eyelashes, diving into the real history, and exposing how a spicy internet rumor fooled the masses.

Get ready for a lash-batting blend of facts, fables, and a little filth!

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EP - 100 - Gold in Skincare: Ancient Cures, Royal Obsessions, and Fatal Consequences
#100
04/09/2025

Gold has been hailed as the ultimate beauty secret - but beneath the shimmer lies a deadly truth. From Cleopatra's gilded facemasks to Diane de Poitiers' fatal elixirs, people have risked everything in the pursuit of eternal youth. But it wasn't just about vanity - gold was once believed to cure everything from skin ulcers to sorcery.

In this episode, we uncover the glittering history of gold in skincare and medicine - and the dangerous obsessions it inspired. And while the risks may look different today, gold hasn’t gone anywhere — you’ll still find it in modern...


EP - 99 - The Dark Side of "What I Eat In A Day" Videos
#99
04/02/2025

'What I EAT IN A DAY' videos are everywhere, but are they as harmless as they seem? In this episode, we're taking a closer look at the impact of these viral trends and the hidden dangers lurking beneath their picture-perfect meals.

Tune in as we break it all down and challenge the toxic side of social media's obsession with food.

ARE. YOU. READY?

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Online Articles:

https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/general/what-i-eat-in-a-day-social-media-trend-presents-harmful-effects/

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-i-eat-in-a-day-mental-health_l_601ac0b1c5b684e5709ed80c

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EP - 98 - Diane de Poitiers: The King’s Mistress & The Deadly Price of Eternal Youth
#98
03/26/2025

We’re diving into the life of a woman who defied age, wielded power like a queen, and became the ultimate Renaissance beauty icon. Diane de Poitiers seduced a king, ruled from the shadows (allegedly), and drank liquid gold to preserve her legendary beauty.

Her lifelong rivalry with Catherine de’ Medici—later feared as the Black Queen—is the stuff of legend. But let’s not forget: like much of history, their story was written and shaped through the lens of men.

Buckle up, because this one is juicy.

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Sources:

https...


Important Updates! What’s Going On?!
03/12/2025

Hey Friends!

Coming at you with a quick update on what's going on behind the scenes at Beauty Unlocked.

A huge thank you to everyone who supports the show! Your love, listens, and messages mean the world to me. Stay amazing, and I’ll be back soon!

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Make sure to follow us on:

YouTube: @beautyunlockedspodcasthour

TikTok: @beautyunlockedthepod

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Outro Music:

By FASION '1-800-DIRTY'

Epidemic Sound


EP - 97 - From Lips to Labia: Why Women Are Puffing Their Privates
#97
03/05/2025

From plumping lips to puffing labia- cosmetic trends are going deeper than ever!

We're diving into one of the most buzzed-about intimate aesthetic procedures: the Labia Puff. What is it? Why are more women opting to plump their privates? And what does this trend say about beauty standards and body confidence?

Join me as I unpack the who, what, why-and yes, the how- behind this controversial treatment. No shame. No judgment. Just the naked truth.

Are You Ready?

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Sources:

https://www.allure.com/story/labia-puff-what-to-know

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EP - 96 - Regency Era Glow-Up: Beauty, Power, and a Bit of Lead
#96
02/26/2025

Attention ALL JANE AUSTEN FANS!

Regency-era beauty may look effortless in period dramas, but trust me, it was anything but!

From toxic face creams to eyebrow-darkening lead shavings (yes, really), women went to extreme lengths to achieve the ideal porcelain complexion.

In this episode, we're diving into the wild, weird, and downright dangerous beauty practices of the past. Was it all worth it? I'll let you be the judge!

Are You Ready?

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Sources:

Dead Pretty: The Perils of Georgian Beauty Regimes by Jon Sleigh

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Bonus Episode: Cortisol Face: TikTok Trend or Total Myth?
#23
02/18/2025

Welcome, friends!

In this bonus episode of Beauty Unlocked, I dive into TikTok’s latest obsession: cortisol face. Is it fact or just another viral myth?

Join me as we break down the buzz, debunk the claims, and get to the truth behind this trending topic.

Are. You. Ready?

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Articles Referenced:

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/body/health/a62138775/cortisol-face/

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Apple Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-unlocked-the-podcast/id1522636282

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