Breaking Beauty Podcast

In our 2025 Beauty Year in Review, we’re getting "spicy" about the industry’s biggest wins and flops. Listen in to hear all about the viral Guadalajara facelift taking over TikTok, the rise of cosmetic surgery transparency and the slice of good news impacting young women in beauty (finally!).As beauty conglomerates shift their focus, we break down why integrity is the new authenticity and how the "glam squad" is officially outshining the A-list celebrity brand. Plus, we celebrate Gen X beauty finally having its main character moment, all thanks to Carlene (we kid, we kid).You’ll hear about:Kylie Jenner’s momentous silicone implant reveal, Simone Biles’ blepharoplasty and why everyone is talking about the Guadalajara facelift lady in the "year of the Hollywood facelift." How the over-40 demographic is reclaiming the spotlight, both at retail and with a new wave of beauty creators.Why 2025 saw a shift toward expert-led lines like Hung Vanngo and Chris McMillan, and why hiring Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye (formerly of Ami Colé) was a genius credibility play for Skims Beauty.Product Placement on blast: Why "Nobody Wants This" & "All’s Fair" peeved off so many viewers in so little time.A candid look at the public call-outs taking over our group chats The "Integrity Deficit"- unpacking DEI backpedalling and what it means for Big Beauty.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: Lisa Eldridge Shares All Her Makeup Secrets! Jennifer Aniston's Hairstylist Chris McMillan: "The Rachel" Haircut, Best Hair Tips & His NEW LineWhy Blepharoplasty is Everywhere Right Now With Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr Babak MalekiFor any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our website: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/  PROMO CODES:  When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!   QuinceFind gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to Quince.com/BREAKINGBEAUTY for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! SeedGet ahead of the New Year with a routine that helps you now by going to Seed.com/BEAUTY and use code BEAUTY to get 20% off your first month of Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic.CurologyBreaking Beauty listeners get an exclusive link to Curology’s limited-time holiday offer: a personalized prescription FREE with your subscription—all you pay is $5.45 shipping and handling! To claim your first bottle free, go to curology.com/beauty to take their skin quiz. Share your concerns and upload a few photos for a licensed dermatology provider, who will create a custom treatment plan tailored to your unique goals. Restrictions apply; see website for full details and safety information.Canopy Go to getcanopy.co to save $25 on your Canopy Humidifier purchase today with Canopy’s filter subscription. And look for other Canopy products such as the Canopy Bath and Shower Filter. Even better, use code BEAUTY at checkout to save an additional 10% off your Canopy purchase. Your skin will thank you! *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
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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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!