Trucco Journal

"Trucco" is Italian for both "makeup" and "tricks," which makes sense when you think about it. Beauty-culture, hot takes, and more.

By AM Guarnieri

· Over 1,000 subscribers

The Growing Pains of Glossier and Covergirl

Both brands are trying to grow up. One doesn’t realize we already did.

May 27 • AM Guarnieri

The Current State of Makeup Artist Brands

There are way more in the market than ever before. Here's a look at where they've been, their unique challenges, and whose is likely to last.

Apr 29 • AM Guarnieri

The Missed Opportunities of Marc Jacobs Beauty

How not to handle the relaunch of a beloved beauty brand (according to me).

Apr 3 • AM Guarnieri

Is Leaked Labs a Beauty Brand, a Thought Experiment, or a Reality Show?

Keeping up with the Lipstick Lesbians, who want to sell you on something—especially themselves

Mar 13 • AM Guarnieri

What Does Despair Smell Like? It’s Byredo Bal d’Afrique

Bucket hats, penis lipsticks, hotel restrooms—these roads all lead back to Byredo. Why does this once-special brand seem so lost?

Feb 27 • AM Guarnieri

Welcome to Trucco Journal!

What even is it? And what are we doing here? A brief explainer.

Feb 24 • AM Guarnieri

Big Beauty World Drama

Four beauty stories I'm keeping my eye on in the new year

Feb 17 • AM Guarnieri

MAC Was Ahead of Its Time—But Time Caught Up

MAC really, REALLY wants everyone to know that it’s still around. But is anyone paying attention?

Feb 14 • AM Guarnieri

Clinique Is the Granny Panties of the Beauty World

I know Clinique, you know Clinique. Maybe you even are Clinique—have you ever made engagement chicken?

Feb 14 • AM Guarnieri

When the Revolution Comes, These Lipsticks Won’t Save Us

Who wants a lipstick inspired by the tanking of our reproductive rights?

Feb 14 • AM Guarnieri

When Bad-Smelling Beauty Products Happen to Good People

Good perfumery is good perfumery, full stop. Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Body Wash—it is not good perfumery.

Jan 26 • AM Guarnieri