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
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 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
A Candid Conversation About Aging, from IMO: The Look
Michelle Obama, the former First Lady and author, leads a compelling discussion on aging alongside Jane Fonda, the Oscar-winning actress and activist, and Bethann Hardison, a trailblazing model and advocate for diversity. They explore evolving relationships and the meaning of companionship later in life. Jane shares her journey toward living intentionally, while Michelle emphasizes health as foundational to enjoying life. The trio also addresses ageism in fashion and the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders.
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!
Nov 5, 2025 • 55min
Hair Extensions 101 with Celebrity Hairstylist Lacy Redway
Lacy Redway, a New York–based celebrity hairstylist known for her stunning work with stars like Tessa Thompson and Michelle Williams, shares her secrets behind hair extensions. She explains how to choose the right extensions and debunks the myth that they always damage natural hair. Lacy offers tips on blending for a seamless effect and discusses easy-to-use clip-ins as a flexible option. She also spills some behind-the-scenes tea about her experience working on a famous reality TV show. Get ready to master hair transformations!
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
Beauty Math 101: Shop Smarter, Not Harder – How-to Get Real Value from Your Beauty Buys 🎯💄With Investment Banker Turned Beauty Creator Rachel Wiseman
Rachel Wiseman, a former investment banker turned beauty entrepreneur, breaks down the complexities of beauty shopping. She discusses 'sneakflation' and 'shrinkflation', revealing how brands manipulate product sizes and prices. Learn about the importance of anchor prices and how to decode misleading pricing strategies. Rachel recommends value-driven brands and offers insightful holiday shopping tips, emphasizing the benefits of curated gift sets over advent calendars. This episode is all about making smart beauty purchases that won't break the bank.
Oct 22, 2025 • 55min
Makeup Artist Hung Vanngo Shares His Signature Eyeshadow Secrets, How-to Ace Wedding Day Glam and Are You Applying Eyeliner The Right Way?
Hung Vanngo, a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Hung Vanngo Beauty, shares his inspiring journey from a refugee camp in Vietnam to working with stars like Selena Gomez. He reveals his secrets for achieving flawless eye looks with various eyeshadow textures and discusses how to apply eyeliner correctly, emphasizing brown over black. Hung provides essential tips for wedding day makeup and those with mature skin, plus shares his must-have products, including a favorite from Rare Beauty. Tune in for expert advice straight from the glam scene!
Oct 15, 2025 • 39min
How-to Transition Your Skincare Routine to Fall and Winter, According to a Dermatologist: “Short Contact” Therapy, Layering Hacks and Barrier-Boosting Secrets
Dr. Kim Blakely, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Elevate Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology, shares expert tips on transitioning your skincare for colder months. She explains how to recognize and fix a compromised skin barrier, emphasizing the importance of humectants and emollients. Dr. Blakely unveils her 'short contact therapy' for using retinol and benzoyl peroxide without irritation. She highlights must-have ingredients like ceramides and recommends a practical approach to layering products for ultimate hydration this fall and winter.
9 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 1min
“Life of a Showgirl” Fall! The #DamnGood Finds on our Wi$h Li$t. Plus: The Beauty Products Taylor Swift *Actually* Uses Herself
Get ready for all things Taylor Swift! Explore the glittery world of showgirl-inspired beauty, featuring opalescent highlighters and woodsy fragrances. Discover the must-have perfumes and products Taylor endorses, along with a dive into her connection with Elizabeth Taylor's iconic scents. From the secrets behind Taylor's signature red lipstick to the drama of diss tracks, this discussion is packed with beauty insights and a touch of sass. Tune in for the ultimate beauty wishlist this season!
