

Breaking Beauty Podcast
Dear Media, Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins
Get ready with us! We’re Jill and Carlene, two longtime beauty editors who have seen it all and swatched it all, and now we’re here to tell you what’s good. Whether you’re searching for the latest insider-fave foundation, building a gimmick-free skincare routine, or interested in exploring culture through a beauty lens, tune in every Wednesday for epic guests like Makeup By Mario, Dr. Pimple Popper and Jonathan Van Ness (say what?!) Plus, don’t miss our monthly #DamnGood reviews of trending drugstore and spendy finds that are worth the $$$ – you’re glowing already!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 7, 2026 • 50min
The Brands, Ideas and Products set to Dominate in 2026. Plus: Buffy is Back! Sarah Michelle Gellar On Vamp Nails, Skincare Slays and More 90s Nostalgia
Happy New Year, podfam! In this week’s “State of the Union” episode, we dissect the beauty trends, ideas and brands we predict will dominate in the year ahead. Then, with news of a Buffy The Vampire reboot, stay tuned for a catch up with Sarah Michelle Gellar about 90s nostalgia, budget skincare and how she stays kick-butt ready.In this episode, you’ll hear: Pajamas? Picture frames? Evening bags? Why beauty brands are all-in on stylish extras in 2026 – and where the expansion trend may come out thin.Meet “Patsumers” – the powerful group of beauty influencers said to dictate skincare purchases nextHow K-Beauty “ear seeding” spa treatments are making a DIY face-snatching debut in North AmericaOlympic-sized moves: why beauty-meets-sports is finally hitting the mainstream. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s 2.0! The original Vampire Slayer talks to us about her latest role as an Olay ambassador, fave fragrances borrowed from her daughter, best (and worst!) 90s beauty moments and… is there a Buffy reboot in the works?! For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our website: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/ Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok,X, Threads. Join our private Facebook group. Or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302. Sign up for our Substack here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our episodes! Related episodes like this: 📺Watch on YouTube: Ashley Tisdale: New Haircare Line, Breast Explant Real Talk & Overcoming AnxietyTracee Ellis Ross Shares Her Skincare Secrets, Hair Truths and The One Thing No One Knows About HerKate Hudson’s Secrets To Glowing From The Inside OutPROMO CODES: When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast! NutrafolNutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand, trusted by over 1.5 million people. See thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair with less shedding in just 3-6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code BREAKING.MeritRight now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at meritbeauty.com. *Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.* Hosts: Carlene Higgins and Jill Dunn Theme song, used with permission: Cherry Bomb by Saya
Produced by Dear Media Studio See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 31, 2025 • 45min
Stop Sabotaging Your Skin! The Dermatologist-Approved Healthy Skin Habits You Need to Start Now
Healthy skin, this way! As we wrap up the year and head into 2026, we’re setting you up for your best skin success with board-certified dermatologist, and Neutrogena consulting dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll. Dr. Carroll (who happens to be Carlene’s personal derm!) joins us to discuss the core philosophy of healthy skin, revealing the most effective habits we should be adopting now that we're officially in winter – and all year long. Dr. Carroll shares the science behind skin barrier repair, dispelling myths about hydration, layering SPF like an expert and identifying the sneaky bad habits that might be secretly sabotaging your skin.You’ll learn:The #1 worst cold-weather ritual you absolutely must stop doing to avoid destroying your skin barrierThe gentle, derm-approved ingredient you should reach for when you've over-exfoliated and your skin is red and flakyThe reality of UV rays that penetrate your car and home windows and why your winter skin is exposed even when you're cozy insideThe lip balm trap: Find out which common ingredients could actually be making your chapped lips worse and encouraging another irritating bad habit.The simple hack for your home that helps your skin retain moisture without spending a dime on new face creams.Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok,X, Threads. Join our private Facebook group. Or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302. Sign up for our Substack here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our episodes! For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our website: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/ Related episodes like this: Derm Hot Takes! The Real Deal on Those Viral Hypochlorous Acid Skin Sprays, the Most Legit At-Home Skincare Devices and the Unsexy Vitamin C Serum You Need To Know About Now, According to Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Heather RogersA Derm Explains: The Science-Backed Ingredients That Will Help You Achieve Healthy-Looking Skin For Life, What’s Overhyped and Do Those Tiktok Skincare Hacks Actually Do Anything?Does Stress *Actually* Age Your Skin? Is Cortisol Face Real? Dermatologist, and Psychiatrist Dr. Amy WechslerThanks to this week’s show partners: Neutrogena Explore Neutrogena® products designed to support healthy, radiant skin in every season. You can find Neutrogena® products at major retailers like Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Amazon.ca. For our friends in the US, visit neutrogena.com to learn more.QuinceQuince has all of the epic essentials you need, for a fraction of the price. Go to Quince.com/BREAKINGBEAUTY for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! NutrafolNutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand, trusted by over 1.5 million people. Give the gift of confidence this holiday season with Nutrafol. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone on your list, visibly healthier, thicker hair is the gift that keeps on giving. Right now, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription plus free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and use promo code BREAKING.*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.* Hosts: Carlene Higgins and Jill Dunn Theme song, used with permission: Cherry Bomb by Saya
Produced by Dear Media Studio See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 24, 2025 • 46min
The Gift of Real Talk: Is Vitamin C Overrated? "Anec-data" and the Truth About $400 Luxury Serums With Dermatologist Dr. Aegean Chan
Join Dr. Aegean Chan, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, as she dives into the complexities of skincare. She reveals why Vitamin C may not be a universal hero and discusses the vital role of a healthy skin barrier. Dr. Chan emphasizes the importance of sunscreen and critiques the hype around expensive serums. With insights on microneedling, the skin microbiome, and why we should prioritize evidence over 'anec-data', this conversation is packed with expert advice you won't want to miss!

Dec 17, 2025 • 53min
2025 Beauty Year-in-Review: Best (and Worst!) Products, Viral Celeb Moments and the Creator Wars Taking Over the Group Chat
Dive into the highlights of the beauty world in 2025, with sizzling discussions on the viral Guadalajara facelift and celebrity surgery transparency. The hosts explore the impressive rise of expert-led brands shaking up the industry and celebrate the resurgence of Gen X beauty influencers. With a critical look at celebrity brand fatigue and the troubling backtrack in DEI commitments, they reflect on what integrity means in today's beauty scene. Plus, don’t miss their take on creative ads making a comeback and the spicy dynamics of influencer responsibility.

Dec 10, 2025 • 56min
Why Blepharoplasty is Everywhere Right Now, the Best No-Surgery Eye Fixes and Could Contact Lenses be Bad for Your Eyes? With Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr. Babak Maleki
Dr. Babak Maleki, a Toronto-based oculoplastic surgeon, shares insights on the booming popularity of blepharoplasty, surpassing other cosmetic surgeries. He discusses what blepharoplasty entails and who makes a good candidate. Dr. Maleki stresses modern techniques that focus on fat preservation to avoid over-removed, hollowed eyes. He also highlights concerns about contact lenses leading to ptosis and offers non-surgical eye treatments. Plus, hear about the importance of choosing a qualified surgeon for revisions.

Dec 3, 2025 • 58min
We Put the *Most* Viral Beauty Products of 2025 to the #DamnGood Test
This episode dives into the most talked-about beauty products of the year. A $6 drugstore cheek stain competes against celebrity launches and a $400 fragrance. A toxicologist reveals the risks of counterfeit items, while hosts review viral hits like the Natasha Denona foundation and Tarte's under-eye corrector. They also compare affordable dupes like ELF’s sheer blush to luxury brands. From trendy lip stains to innovative primers, the hosts ensure nothing escapes the #DamnGood test!

Nov 26, 2025 • 56min
🎁It’s Official: These Are The #DamnGood, Non-Boring Holiday Gifts Of The 2025 Season, According to Us
Get ready for the ultimate holiday gift guide packed with non-boring beauty presents! Discover luxe makeup must-haves like a Celine Dion palette and Pillow Talk kits that make perfect stocking stuffers. There's a unique indie jewelry and makeup collab that’ll start conversations at parties. Don't miss the French-girl approved advent calendar and a personalized vintage fragrance gift. Plus, uncover the most-searched beauty items of the season and stylish hair accessories that are making waves!

Nov 19, 2025 • 50min
Does Stress *Actually* Age Your Skin? Is Cortisol Face Real? Dermatologist, and Psychiatrist Dr. Amy Wechsler Reveals All. Plus! A Walk-in Clinic for Acne Treatments
Dr. Amy Wechsler, a double-board certified dermatologist and psychiatrist, co-founded Spotless, NYC’s first walk-in acne clinic. She explores the mind-skin connection and debunks the myth of 'Cortisol Face,' explaining how sustained stress can really impact skin health. Dr. Wechsler discusses effective treatments like pimple shots and offers a nine-day plan to reduce stress-related skin issues. Plus, she tackles myths about Accutane and reveals the importance of a holistic approach to acne care.

Nov 12, 2025 • 50min
Meet Emily Wood, 2025's Breakout Makeup Artist and Instagram’s Scribbling "Face Decorator"
Emily Wood, a UK-born makeup artist known for her freestyle 'scribble' and 'smear' techniques, dives into her unique approach to makeup. She shares how her neurodiversity influences her intuitive application style and her love for vibrant colors. Emily discusses her emotional support eyelash curler and the role of makeup as therapy, inspired by Frida Kahlo. With insights into her dream collaborations and makeup philosophy, she offers tips for enhancing looks, like her signature diffused lip-liner technique and layering styles.

Nov 7, 2025 • 42min
Are You Treating Your Pores the Right Way? From Blackheads to Sebaceous Filaments, Extractions and More: We Ask a Derm to Decode
Dr. Whitney Tolpinrud, a board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director at Curology, offers invaluable insights on pore care. She discusses why pore size can appear larger with age due to collagen loss. Debunking common myths, she clarifies the difference between sebaceous filaments and blackheads, and explains how hormones and pollution contribute to clogged pores. Dr. Tolpinrud also introduces DayPrime RX, a customizable treatment that combines skincare with a blurring primer. Tune in for essential tips on maintaining healthy pores!


