Before gracing the shelves at New York’s Printemps store and being found in the hands of makeup artist Hung Vanngo on the red carpet, Kat Burki skincare has long been a quiet luxury favourite. Today, founder Kat Burki explains how she managed to evolve the brand beyond its “raw beauty” roots, coming into its own as a biochemistry-backed company that’s bringing microbiome know-how to post-procedure care this fall. *Special thank you to the team at Kat Burki for including us on this brand discovery trip!

Tune in to hear about:

• Kat Burki’s hero product: The story behind the best-selling Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream, featuring stabilized Stay-C, reishi mushroom, and colloidal silver.

• The microbiome truth: Why live probiotics in skincare are often “dead on arrival” according to Kat—and why prebiotics, postbiotics, and bio-fermentation are the real keys to balancing your skin barrier.

• Rethinking inflammation: Why some acute inflammation after a procedure can be a good thing (?!) for skin recovery—and why occlusives might not be the boon for wound care that you think it is.

• Post-procedure promise: A sneak peek at her brand-new innovation, Regenesis, designed for post-procedure use

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch our episodes on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Cowboy Colustrum
Try the new Cookies & Cream flavor for yourself! For a limited time, our listeners get up to 25% off their entire order. Just head to cowboycolostrum.com/beauty and use code BEAUTY at checkout.

Wacoal
Support for every you. Underneath it all, lies Wacoal. Visit WACOAL.com and use code BEAUTY at checkout for 10% off your first purchase. Offer valid for new customers only. Limit one code per customer.

For Hers
Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.com/breakingbeauty to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. Weight Loss by Hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit forhers.com.

Goodr
Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable? Head to goodr.com/BEAUTY to claim $10 off your first order.

CashApp
Download Cash App Today! New Cash App customers can earn $10 if they use code FAMILY10 in their profile at signup and send $5 to a friend within 14 days. Terms apply. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

Carlene’s Faves

Top-shelf worthy scent

Found the perf transitional summer-to-fall fragrance at Chanel’s brasserie-chic fête this month, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu. The lychee-grapefruit opener has all of the sparkle of a summer spritz. The rose and jasmine middle notes? Evergreen elegance. It’s the in-pouring of sensual amber to Mademoiselle’s signature patchouli drydown that I’m predicting will make this juice on every “What the Cool Girls Are Wearing” moodboard this fall. Love.

Don’t let all my talk about everyday SPF fool you; I love the look of a golden tan, just not the real thing. And because I’m on the fair side, I’m constantly looking for natural self-tan formulas that are no-fuss and no-orange. The team at Luna Bronze reached out to me personally, insisting I give the Dr. Sam Ellis-recommended favourite a try. The Self-Tanning Jelly’s purple-y gel feels cooling going on, and it’s easy to see where you missed spots before fully blending in. I’d describe the finished result as something I could build on, making it a step up from a gradual tanner. No streaking and hardly a scent makes this one a keeper for all of my bare-legged September events.

Now if it’s an instant bronze you’re going for, here’s a budget find that was a surprising delight. When I heard that Vaseline’s Glazed and Glisten Golden Hour Body Oil Gel was used on the runway at LaQuan Smith’s spring 2026 show, I knew I had to give it a try. Just a drop of the gloop will do you, or (don’t say I didn’t warn you), you will be left with a greasy feel. The trick is to sandwich it like the internet girlies do: start with Vaseline’s Almond Smooth Body Lotion and apply a dime-size amount of the cocoa butter-rich formula over top to lock in moisture. The oil-gel feels as delectable as anything luxury, and seals in the moisturizer underneath, while the shimmering bronze tone gave my skin a buff up as I was flying out the door. Also, smells like the beach.

Jill’s Faves

on set with Netflix for ‘This Summer will be Different

This month brought a very impromptu adventure: The Toronto Star tapped me for a juicy assignment: reporting live on set of the Netflix adaption of This Summer Will Be Different (Grab the book on Amazon 🇨🇦 | or Amazon 🇺🇸)— Carley Fortune’s steamy rom-com set in my home province of PEI. The series stars Sophie Nélisse of Yellowjackets and Heated Rivalry (Rose Landry) and I can’t wait to share more when the series drops (timing TBD) — but it was a whirlwind week of oyster shucking, lobster rolls, sea shanty songs and getting an up-close-and-personal seat of a Netflix production in the literal director chair. PS: on the subject of books, I also just finished the most buzzed about book of 2026 while on summer holiday: Yesteryear. I have THOUGHTS––anyone else?? Amazon 🇨🇦 | Amazon 🇺🇸

Peekaboo gingham linings are a mood booster!

I’m the last person to say the “F” word before September 21. However, it was a rainy day on Sunday and suddenly I found myself trying on some new autumn apparel. Probably my fave of which was this Navy single-breasted trench with smart contrast gingham lining that peeks out when you cuff the sleeves. I love that it’s water-resistant and has a slight stretch so it makes for a super comfy transition piece. I also scooped up this cross-body leather bag and Carlene got this leather stand collar jacket in black and the tailoring is so good, it has me wanting to trade in all of my over-sized outerwear. Plus let’s not forget Carlene’s ideal work bag that’s still going strong from last year - highly recommend!

I have been reaching for the Chris McMillan Lightweight Glassy Smooth Hair Oil-Mist for its magic-making shine on my frizzy, summer-weary ends. I love the fine mist delivery system, so you can’t overdo it, and I think fine hair types will especially vibe with this product. It is heavily fragranced though, so if that’s not your thing, move along (and btw Chris Mcmillan is finally available in Sephora 🇨🇦!)

🛒Shop all our faves here!

Don’t forget that we have plenty of ways to save with our show partners! Check them out here.

#DamnGood Beauty Spot

City: New York
Beauty Spot: Spa at the Hotel Chelsea
Why We Love It: The Spa at the iconic Hotel Chelsea, the hotel famous for past residents who include Patti Smith, Hendrix and plenty of other bohemians, does not disappoint. The rustic walls, faded fabrics and verdant terrace strike exactly the right chord: relaxed Cotswolds cool meets today’s Chelsea elegance. In the apothecary boutique, you’ll find highly curated, hard-to-find skincare, like Marie Veronique, Activist and Monastery (Monastery esthetician-founder Athena Hewitt has a residency here.)

I tried a custom, express facial and within 45 minutes, found my post-flight complexion full of life once again. Ask for Lina, whose hands are as magical as the curious-sounding “Witching Hour” experience you’ll also find on the menu. While I didn’t sense any spirits during my facial, the air of the storied building as you daze in its surrounds is something I won’t soon forget. – Carlene

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products and services discussed in this newsletter are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

This week we’re catching up on everything we’ve been using, loving and doing this summer. From Carlene’s hair colour saga that feels as long as the blockbuster summer flick “The Odyssey,” to the sunscreen formulas that we’ve used to the last drop (and one beloved version that we’re saying goodbye to against our will!) Plus, the beauty brand news that we’re still scratching our heads over.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• The hair mask that both Carlene and her daughter would stock up on for next summer because it’s that #damngood

• A brilliant-under-makeup SPF that Jill used right to the last drop

• A gentler version of an iconic toner for sensitive and oily-skin types

• “We’ve come too far to stop” — how Carlene’s hair colourist is helping her stay the course in her grey-blending journey

• The tubing mascaras that delivered and stayed put this summer

• Dupe drama: The Charlotte Tilbury soundbite that lit up Tiktok, plus the clever Aussie brand that pulled off a genius chess move against Urban Decay

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch our episodes on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Medik8
Meet Medik8 — a clinically proven, dermatologist-loved British skincare brand, known for age-defying results without compromise. Every Medik8 product is backed by rigorous testing and real science, so you can feel confident choosing what’s best for your skin. Visit Medik8.us and use code Breaking20 for 20% off your first order.

Wacoal
Support for every you. Underneath it all, lies Wacoal. Visit WACOAL.com and use code BEAUTY at checkout for 10% off your first purchase. Offer valid for new customers only. Limit one code per customer.

Cowboy Colostrum
Cowboy Colostrum offers the highest quality bovine colostrum available in the US. It’s 100% made in America from 100% American grass-fed cows. Try the new Cookies & Cream flavor for yourself — for a limited time, our listeners get up to 25% off their entire order, just head to https://cowboycolostrum.com/beauty and use code BEAUTY at checkout.

Quince
Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/BREAKINGBEAUTY. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.

HERS
Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.com/breakingbeauty to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. Weight Loss by Hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit forhers.com

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

What if true skincare “anti-aging” happens deep below the surface? This week we’re exploring everything to do with what we’re dubbing “cell care” — the shift toward cellular longevity, skin health span and managing aging cells. Joined by Dr. Alessandra Zonari, chief scientific officer at OneSkin, we’re breaking down DNA repair, senescent “zombie” cells, red light therapy, exosomes vs. peptides and why skin collagen is like gluten in bread. This conversation is brought to you in part by OneSkin.

In this episode we cover:

• Genetics vs. habits: Why science shows that only 10 to 25 per cent of skin aging is genetic, leaving up to 90 per cent in your hands.

• Quiet saboteurs: The everyday habits—like cutting sleep repair windows short and switching products too fast—that sabotage long-term skin health span.

• DNA clocking: Surface skin scanners like VISIA don’t tell the whole story; meet MolClock, with an algorithm that reads your DNA to reveal true cellular age.

• Is “collagen banking” legit? Why (contrary to TikTok belief) you cannot stock up on collagen inside your skin, and what to focus on if you really want to protect your collagen for longer.

• Is red light therapy worth it? The cell biologist weighs in.

• UV radiation and tanning: What sun damage looks like under a cell biologist’s microscope, and how UV rays accelerate dreaded “zombie” cells.

• Exosomes vs. peptides: Dr. Zonari breaks down the difference between targeted, single-message peptides and the complex delivery systems of topical exosomes.

• Sneak peek: Coming in September, hear the scoop on OneSkin’s next innovation, a new, richer version of its iconic Face Moisturizer, two years in development.

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch our episodes on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

One Skin
Born from over a decade of longevity research, OneSkin’s OS-01 Peptide™ is proven to target the visible signs of aging, helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code BREAKINGBEAUTY at oneskin.co/BREAKINGBEAUTY. After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you.

Sarah Creal
Exclusively for Breaking Beauty listeners, Sarah Creal Beauty is offering 15% off your first order of luxurious, high-performance beauty that actually makes your routine simpler and works better for you now. Visit www.Sarahcrealbeauty.com/breakingbeauty for more information.

Wacoal
Support for every you. Underneath it all, lies Wacoal. Visit WACOAL.com and use code BEAUTY at checkout for 10% off your first purchase. Offer valid for new customers only. Limit one code per customer.

Nutrafol
Let your hair be one less thing to worry about. See visibly thicker, stronger, faster growing hair in 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 visit Nutrafol.com and enter promo code BREAKING.

HERS
Ready to reach your goals? Visit forhers.com/breakingbeauty to get personalized, affordable care that gets you. Weight Loss by Hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit forhers.com.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

The 2026 Hall of Fame is officially here! In this annual edition, we’re opening up our top shelves and inducting the absolute best, most non-negotiable beauty discoveries from our monthly #DamnGood reviews into our editor-curated Breaking Beauty Haul of Fame.

Some #DamnGood Picks

From the K-beauty products that really perform (beyond their virality) to the French pharmacy secrets worth every single penny, we’re giving you the breakdown of the breakthrough skincare, makeup, and hair formulas that we’re keeping in our daily routines for years to come.

In this episode we cover:

• The 2026 K-beauty boom: Why products from Anua, Mediheal, and Rom&nd are permanently taking over our beauty cabinets.

• French pharmacy luxury: The new-to-us French cosmetic chemist brands bringing an artisanal approach to high-performance skincare.

• The year of the foundation reformulation: The 2026 upgrades that replaced our longtime favourites — and the $110 foundation drops that live up to the hype.

• Acne stars: The surprising celebrity-backed priming milk that rivals expert formulas for acne-prone skin, plus the exact blemish pads Carlene’s daughter says outperformed anything else in her Mom’s beauty closet this year.

• Heavy-duty hair performers: Jill’s go-to wet-to-dry dry shampoo that eliminates oil, stops odour, and adds serious volume for three days straight, plus the under-$10 drugstore hair mask that has found a spot in both of your hosts’ wash-day rotation.

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch our episodes on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here! Shop our complete Haul of Fame here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Jones Road Beauty
Modern-day makeup that’s clean, strategic, and multifunctional for effortless routines. For a limited time, our listeners are getting a FREE full-sized Mascara on their first purchase when they use code BEAUTY at checkout. Just head to Jonesroadbeauty.com. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them Breaking Beauty Podcast sent you!

Wacoal
Support for every you. Underneath it all, lies Wacoal. Visit Wacoal.com and use code BEAUTY at checkout for 10% off your first purchase. Offer valid for new customers only. Limit one code per customer.

Quince
Upgrade your everyday. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com/BREAKINGBEAUTY. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.

AG1
Visit drinkAG1.com/BEAUTY to grab the NEW AG1 Essentials Gummies today!

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

Listen here!

How does a skin scientist evaluate a worth-it product? What ingredients are too good to be true? This week, we’re partnering with our friends at Parëva Beauty to learn the answers to these questions directly from the founder Smitha Rao — a scientist who’s spent nearly two decades formulating over 200 products for brands like StriVectin and Olaplex before launching her own line.

Smitha breaks down what’s actually happening with buzzy ingredients like exosomes and NAD+, what “clinically proven” really means, and the informed difference between anti-aging and skin longevity.

Tune in to hear:

• What biotech skincare actually means, and why Smitha says “the future is biology, not chemistry”

• How exosomes work to help skin regenerate its own collagen — and why not all exosome technologies are created equal

• NAD+ and NMN, decoded: why you keep seeing these phrases pop-up on skincare labels

• The questions to ask before trusting any “clinically proven” claim

• The biggest mistake even savvy INCI-label readers make when building a routine, according to Smitha

• Smitha’s take on the ingredients having a moment that she’s most skeptical of

• An inside look at Parëva’s latest launch, the GFP12 Collagen Eye Serum

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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.

Subscribe and watch our episodes on YouTube!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

PROMO CODES: When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Parëva

Visit www.Parëvabeauty.com and use code BREAKINGBEAUTY at checkout for 25% off your first Parëva Beauty order. Check out their C35.5 Firming Glow Serum, their COLL20 Gel Cream Moisturizer and their RH5.5 Hydrabond Primer. Plus their brand new GFP12 Collagen Eye Serum. Offer valid through October 5, 2026.

Wacoal

Support for every you. Underneath it all, lies Wacoal. Visit WACOAL.com and use code BEAUTY at checkout for 10% off your first purchase. Offer valid for new customers only. Limit one code per customer.

Nutrafol

Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand and it’s the #1 hair growth supplement brand personally used by dermatologists. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit Nutrafol.com and enter promo code BREAKING.

Cash App

New Cash App customers can earn $10 if they use code FAMILY10 in their profile at sign up and send $5 to a friend within 14 days. Terms apply.

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

Breaking Beauty Podcast

Hosted by Carlene Higgins & Jill Dunn, two beauty editors-turned-podcasters chatting about the breakthrough people, products and moments in beauty, every single Wednesday. As seen in Vogue, Elle, Allure. Get ready with us!

🎙️ MEET THE HOSTS

• Carlene Higgins: https://www.instagram.com/carlenehiggins/

• Jill Dunn: https://www.instagram.com/jilldunnbeauty/

Jill’s Faves

There’s something so liberating about slicking on a multi-purpose colour stick when warm weather hits! I’ve been reaching for the Kosas Impressionist Multistick Cream Blush + Lip Color (here I’m wearing Nuance layered with Intuition) that I first discovered during a masterclass with the brand’s resident makeup artist. It’s so pigmented and radiant – the finish makes skin look juicy with zero glitter. And that dreamy Petra Collins-fronted campaign? Sold.

Do you ever feel like a brand’s creative team has your photo pinned to their corkboard? That was me with the Hailey Bieber x Gap 1996 jeans — hook, line, and Cranberries soundtrack 🎯 A true 90s supermodel would’ve been cool, but Hailey is cute jeans (#IYKYK). I grabbed both the the Extra Baggy. I also recently snagged these AYR Secret Sauce jeans — I always come back to a straight cut as my most flattering!

Am I the only one mourning the World Cup? Six weeks of pure joy — watching with friends and cheering on the best of humanity. Now I just need to hunt down the Viking-worthy hair ties Norway’s Erling Haaland wore — his man bun was the real star of the beautiful game. They’re out of stock, so I’ll settle for these gorgeous giant eyelet-inspired clips from EmiJay for humid days.

Carlene’s faves

Sleep. Glow. Repeat. Sometimes it feels like the pace from getting glam for work events and dropping dead in my bed is enough to give me whiplash! For those times when I need a proper body jeujing to don a dress, I’ve been loving Kai’s Body Glow, a glistening dry oil body mist made with jojoba oil, aloe and chamomile extracts. I love how non-cloying Kai’s white floral scents are, and the body mist is so easy to dash on– now I know why celebs like Cate Blanchette and Jennifer Aniston are reported fans.

Meet the shoes I’ve been living in all summer so far: The Luna Slipper by Le Monde Beryl. I wasn’t sure about the off-white hue at first, but lo and behold, it goes with every outfit I put on, from fanciful dresses to jorts. The “v” shape opening helps flatter my trunkish ankles, and when it comes to comfort, the name “slipper” really does say it all.

And for the moments when this introvert needs to go fetal position, I’ve been loving Everist Sleep Soak Magensium Bath Soak. A combo of magnesium, chamomile, oat milk powder and lavender, this Canadian-made blend kicks off my nights of deep rest, calming my mood and my muscles after a mid-week workout, girl dinner and a cortisol-spiking episode of The Pitt. Bonus points for the apothecary aluminum tub.

🛒Shop all our faves here!

Don’t forget that we have plenty of ways to save with our show partners! Check them out here.

#DamnGood Beauty Spot

City: Toronto
Beauty Spot: Caudalie Spa
Why We Love It: This hidden gem tucked away in Yorkville feels like an exclusive spa speak-easy (you’d never guess that cozy cabines are tucked behind the gorgeous Caudalie bricks and mortar storefront). The day I went it felt like 45 degrees celsius outside 🥵 so I tried the purifying facial - a must to get my congested summer skin back on track. While one of my fave masks (the Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask) whisked away dead skin ahead of a thorough round of extractions, I was treated to a glorious foot and hand massage. But what truly sets a Caudalie facial apart is the aromatherapy: the brand's cult-favourite facial elixir mist is spritzed generously at every turn so you get its signature blend of rosemary, rose and mint, hydrating and refreshing heat-stressed skin from start to finish.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products and services discussed in this newsletter are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

This week, we sit down with Stassi Schroeder Clark — three-time New York Times bestselling author, reality TV veteran of over two decades, and star of the new Hulu/Freeform series House of Stassi.

Stassi gets honest about red carpet prep, GLP-1s and Botox. Plus, she also breaks down her go-to self-tanners, the one foundation she reaches for when doing her own makeup, and how becoming a mom has completely changed her relationship with body image.

Tune in to hear:

• Why Stassi says she’ll “never leave the house not looking done”—and the beauty rule she learned from Lisa Vanderpump

• Her “marinating in your uglies” method for prepping before a big event, and why she swears by it

• The self-tanners she reaches for, including her go-to when doing it herself

• Her honest take on GLP-1s, and why she thinks it’s “the new Botox conversation”

• How her body image and relationship with the scale changed between her two pregnancies

• Her go-to makeup routine when she’s not working with her makeup artist, Carly Fisher

• Why she says no to a beauty line, despite the offers, and the surprising space she’d actually want to launch into

• A first look at what’s ahead on House of Stassi, including old friendships resurfacing on camera!

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch our episodes on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Sarah Creal Beauty
Exclusively for Breaking Beauty listeners, Sarah Creal Beauty is offering 15% off your first order of luxurious, high-performance beauty that actually makes your routine simpler and works better for you now. Visit www.sarahcrealbeauty.com/breakingbeauty for more information.

Cowboy Colostrum
Try the new Cookies & Cream flavor for yourself — for a limited time, our listeners get up to 25% off their entire order, just head to https://cowboycolostrum.com/beauty and use code Beauty at checkout.

Bombas
Bombas makes basics for every moment, from supportive comfy socks, to buttery soft underwear and tees, to luxuriously cushy slippers and shoes. With every purchase powering a donation to someone who needs it and backed with a 100% Happiness Guarantee. To try out Bombas for yourself, head to bombas.com. First buyers get an automatic 20% discount applied at checkout.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

This week, we’re serving up a special celebrity-themed edition of our #DamnGood edit! From decoding background products in raw documentaries to mining our own interview archives, we’re separating real-deal beauty holy grails from paid marketing—because inquiring minds want to know.

You’ll find out:

• Selena’s K-beauty steal: The affordable sheet mask Selena Gomez casually dropped in a recent Instagram carousel—and why it’s the ultimate summer skin-cooling move

• Celine’s top-shelf tour: A deep dive into the luxury fragrance, hairspray, and newly reformulated cult-favorite facial cream spotted on Celine Dion’s vanity in her tear-jerking documentary, I Am Celine

• Taylor’s millennial lip combo: The long-lasting red lip combination Taylor Swift applied herself backstage on the Eras Tour

• Tracee Ellis Ross’s bath ritual: The made-fresh body oil and botanical mists the actress layers on wet skin for a summer glow

• The Bieber bathroom breakdown: A look back at Justin’s (and Hailey’s?) top shelf from the 2021 documentary Justin Bieber: Our World, featuring high-end professional masks, a cult-favorite SPF, and a surprising Sephora clinical staple

• Pamela Anderson’s box-dye debate: The detective work behind Pamela Anderson’s documentary scenes, tracking down the old-school drugstore box dye she’s really reaching for

• Royal secrets and the Swiss Army knife of beauty: How a 100-year-old classic balm became a royal family staple—with an unbelievable name-drop in Prince Harry’s memoir—plus the exact neutral peachy-pink gloss Kate Middleton was spotted wearing at Wimbledon

• Lili Reinhart’s master mattes: Why the Riverdale star avoids sparkle entirely and relies on a neutral, ultra-blendable matte eyeshadow palette for red carpet and video looks

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch our episodes on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Nutrafol
Let your hair be one less thing to worry about. See visibly thicker, stronger, faster growing hair in 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 visit Nutrafol.com and enter promo code BREAKING.

Bombas
Bombas makes basics for every moment, from supportive comfy socks, to buttery soft underwear and tees, to luxuriously cushy slippers and shoes. With every purchase powering a donation to someone who needs it and backed with a 100% Happiness Guarantee. To try out Bombas for yourself, head to bombas.com. First buyers get an automatic 20% discount applied at checkout.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

The high-heel flip flop trend, Chanel’s demi-shoes and Louboutin’s viral “Banana Peel” heels means that our feet and nails are commanding a LOT of attention these days. And we know that the whole natural-nail manicure movement is gaining steam — what if our natural toenails could transform to bright, white and polish-free too?

In pursuit of our smoothest feet and brightest toenails yet, this week we sat down with Marcela Correa, known as the “Foot Whisperer” of Manhattan. Marcela is a medical pedicurist with more than 20 years of experience. From her father’s podiatry clinic in Uruguay to being the founder of MediPedi NYC on Park Avenue, she’s built a following of celebrity and athlete clients around her signature waterless, medical pedicure.

Tune in to hear about:

• The surprising things that your toenails can reveal about your overall health

• Toenail fungus versus trauma — how to tell the difference and what to do about each

• When to see a podiatrist versus a dermatologist

• Why gel polish is driving a rise in ingrown toenails

• How to cut and file your nails correctly (and the “shorter than the toe” rule)

• The surprisingly simple at-home trick to get DIY whiter and brighter toenails

• The truth about tea tree oil, cuticle cutting and Russian pedicures

• Why cheese-grater foot files and baby-foot peels are a no-go, according to the pro

• “Treat your feet like you treat your face” — Marcela’s go-to routine to smooth calluses

• Plus, stick around for Marcela’s non-negotiables for healthier feet

Disclaimer: Please note the discussion in today’s podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch our episodes on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Quince
Make your summer wardrobe feel easier. Go to Quince.com/BreakingBeauty for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Jones Road Beauty
Jones Road is all about modern-day makeup that’s clean, strategic and multifunctional for effortless routines. For a limited time our listeners are getting a FREE full sized Mascara on their first purchase when they use code BEAUTY at checkout at JonesRoadBeauty.com. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

Renée Rouleau (the celebrity esthetician that A-listers like Sabrina Carpenter and Lisa Rinna trust for glowing skin) is back with major hot takes on summer skin — and what you thought you knew about humidity-proofing your routine.

Find out why Renée says “hydrating” facial mists are actually a no-no, why she’ll choose a full-coverage foundation over a tinted moisturizer any day of summer, how to fix “chicken skin” (also known as keratosis pilaris) on your arms and thighs, her unfiltered take on Alix Earle’s acne line, and so much more.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Renée wears foundation every day in summer — and the surprising reason it works as sun protection, even without SPF

• The truth about facial mists: why misting over makeup or sunscreen during the day can work against your skin

• Renée’s honest review of Alix Earle’s acne brand: which ingredients she’s skeptical of (hint: mandelic acid) and what she wishes the line had done differently

• Sabrina Carpenter’s skincare routine, revealed: the exact tools, masks and acids her facialist uses to keep her skin smooth and poreless through sweaty stage shows

• The biggest retinol myth of summer: why Renée says you should never stop using it in hot weather, plus her at-home “DIY peel” trick for safely laddering up

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch this episode on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Sarah Creal Beauty
Exclusively for Breaking Beauty listeners, Sarah Creal Beauty is offering 15% off your first order of luxurious, high-performance beauty that actually makes your routine simpler and works better for you now. Visit www.sarahcrealbeauty.com/breakingbeauty for more information.

OneSkin
Born from over a decade of longevity research, OneSkin is helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code BREAKINGBEAUTY at oneskin.co/BREAKINGBEAUTY. After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them we sent you!

AG1
Visit DRINKAG1.com/BEAUTY to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1 Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last.

Goodr
Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable? Head to goodr.com/BEAUTY to claim $10 off your first order.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

This week we get a masterclass in levelling up everyday essentials with Cynthia Sakai — founder of the impeccably designed beauty and lifestyle brand, evolvetogether. Cynthia’s a former fashion entrepreneur and 2014 CFDA inductee who previously founded the jewellery line Vita Fede. Now, she’s consciously created evolvetogether — a Gwyneth-approved brand that has Business of Fashion asking “Is evolvetogether the next Aesop?”

Tune in to hear about:

• The Japanese ritual Cynthia has quietly practised her whole life that the internet just rebranded as “scentscaping” — and how to do it in your own home

• Why celebrity esthetician Joanna Czech lent her expertise to evolvetogether’s travel-friendly collab cleanser (and yes, it’s #DamnGood)

• The surprising reason that this founder is unbothered about being duped — and why she actually thinks it’s a *good* thing

• Why you won’t catch Cynthia layering her fragrances — ever

• Stay tuned to the end to hear which dreamy vacation destination is topping her ultra discerning travel list

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch this episode on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Medik8
Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum unlocks the power of non-invasive Vegan PDRN through advanced biotechnology. It’s proven to boost skin’s natural rejuvenation by more than 50%. Visit Medik8.us or the new Medik8.ca to discover more. Use code BREAKING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Alaya Naturals
If you’re looking to support your skin from within, with benefits that go beyond the surface, Alaya’s Multi-Collagen is a great place to start. Visit www.alayanaturals.com/beauty and enter code BEAUTY at checkout for 20% off your order.

Square
Square helps you run your business more smoothly – bringing payments, operations, and insights together in one place, so you’re ready for whatever’s next. Right now, listeners can get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/beauty.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

Sarah Kinonen brings more than 13 years of beauty editor experience, and she currently oversees all of Allure’s Awards (Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice). Sarah is also responsible for writing a weekly skin-care newsletter, aptly called Skin Check, which profiled your humble Breaking Beauty hosts earlier this month.

Sarah’s June Faves:

I’ve tried a lot of lip products with SPF, and while I absolutely love the concept, many (if not most) of them left a lot to be desired. Textures were goopy and chunky, flavours were chemical-y, and the pigment just wasn’t there. But the Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 is great. It’s shiny (not sticky), comes in a lot of pretty shades (my favourite is Pink Peppermint), and is long-lasting — even during excruciatingly hot days during the World Cup.

Everyone in the office has heard me talk about this sunscreen ad nauseam, but the Peach & Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen SPF 30 really is that girl. It blends in quick and easy, doesn’t pill, layers well under makeup, and gives the dewiest glow. I’ve gone through three, almost four, tubes since its launch earlier this year. I love it!

While cream blushes are great, there’s just something about the instant hit of intense pigment from a liquid formula that gets me. That, and a little bit goes a long way. The new Nars Insatiable Liquid Blush in Orgasm has great pigment payoff (I use three dots per cheekbone), blends beautifully, and has the most gorgeous luminous finish thanks to a slight shimmer mixed with rosy pink.

I only wear tubing mascara these days for many reasons: it doesn’t smudge or flake, it’s just so easy to remove (with water!), and it doesn’t ruin my towels with inky stains. The new Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara hits all of the above points, but with a price tag under $15. I’m all about budget-friendly beauty in this economy!

My favourite product to use for both my face and body is the Personal Day Trust Me on This Hypochlorous Acid Spray. Honestly, everything from the brand is amazing (I have so many tubes of the Emotional Support Lip Balm!), but the mist is so multifunctional — I take it everywhere (in both sizes!). I like it for a quick refresh after a workout and to help keep my easily irritated piercings clean. And while it wasn’t made for this (nor claims to), I like using it as body-acne prevention. Hypochlorous acid is antibacterial, so spritzing it on areas where I’m prone to body breakouts (chest, shoulders, back) seems to help!

Not beauty-related, but I have tickets to see “Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Parody Musical” and I’m SO excited! I’m a big reader and even bigger Heated Rivalry fan, so to say this is a dream event is an understatement. (If you ever need book recs, I’m always yapping away on my BookTok account! Next, I’m most excited for Fruit Fly by Josh Silver, which comes out Aug. 4.)

🛒Shop all Sarah’s faves here!

Don’t forget that we have plenty of ways to save with our show partners! Check them out here.

#DamnGood Beauty Spot

City: Toronto
Beauty Spot: HB Face, 456 Eglinton Ave. West, with additional locations in Oakville, London and Sarnia, Ontario
Why We Love It: When I decided to try brow lamination for the first time, I could only trust Haley Bogaert, Toronto's brow queen of more than 15 years. At her bright and white uptown brow bar, HB Face, Haley believes that no brows are too spare for the art of the feathered brow. Mastering combined techniques of tinting (to find and accent every stray hair), threading (to shape your natural arc, just so) and, finally, lamination (a.k.a. an upward lash "perm" to keep hairs as high as possible), Haley doubled the thickness of my downward-pointing brows, as promised. The results are far more natural-looking than microblading imo, and I'm officially a convert. I'm so smitten with the Brooke Shields-like transformation that my eight-week maintenance appointment is as good as booked. — Carlene

Pssst - ICYMI, we dropped a whole episode featuring #DamnGood deals for Amazon Prime Days. Almost everything is less than $30 and we’ve added even more deals.
🛍️Shop our 🇺🇸 Amazon Prime Picks here and shop our 🇨🇦 picks here.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products and services discussed in this newsletter are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

It’s happening! With Amazon Prime Days kicking off in June for the first time ever, we’re serving up our ultimate #DamnGoods best beauty deals — to help you build your shopping cart just like a beauty editor. The best part? *Almost* everything is under $30 USD! (Aside from a few high-tech devices with mega savings, that deserve a shout out, too.)

Listen in as we deliver the inside scoop on major brand launches from Italy’s Kiko Milano, the latest from highly viral Medicube (new AND on sale!!), a glowy leg hack combination you need to try for your next special event and so much more. Don’t forget you can watch this episode on our YouTube channel!

In this episode we cover:

• A historic first: Charlotte Tilbury is on Amazon and now offering a rare 30 to 40 per cent discount on its most famous cult classic products

• The “MAC of Italy:” How Europe’s massively popular, accessible beauty line Kiko Milano is making a splash in North America, now part of Amazon Prime Day with some specials happening today only

• Lookalike alert! Why beauty editors are trading in their luxury dual-ended contour brushes for an unbelievable e.l.f. Cosmetics alternative.

• Beyond viral: A deep dive into Wonderskin’s high-performance, waterproof serum foundation and 24-hour eyeliners, beyond the miraculous lip stain that made them famous

• The viral “glowy leg” summer hack: The two-product L’Oréal Paris makeup combination that guarantees transfer-proof, red-carpet-worthy skin on your gams.

• The rise of “K-pharmacy”: Why Medicube and Dr. Reju-all are dominating the skincare conversation with soothing, barrier-repairing essentials

• French pharmacy sunscreen: The truth behind La Roche-Posay’s newest UV Air serum sunscreen formulation and how the North American version differs from Europe

• Carlene’s new hair holy grail: An influencer-backed multi-tasking styling cream that wowed Carlene for its de-frizzing benefits

• The high-tech edit: Unbelievable Prime Day price cuts on the ultimate tangle-free robot vacuum and the seen-everywhere Oura Ring

• For more deals, follow our 🇺🇸Amazon USA storefront here, which we will be updating often: amazon.com/shop/breakingbeautypodcast

• For more deals, follow our 🇨🇦 Amazon Canada storefront here, which we will be updating often: amazon.ca/shop/breakingbeautypodcast

Join the conversation! Don’t forget to slide into our DMs to share your own under-$30 Amazon beauty discoveries!

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. 

Listen here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Jones Road Beauty
Modern-day makeup that’s clean, strategic, and multifunctional for effortless routines. For a limited time, our listeners are getting a FREE full-sized Mascara on their first purchase when they use code BEAUTY at checkout. Just head to Jonesroadbeauty.com and use code BEAUTY at checkout. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you!

Goodr
Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable? Head to goodr.com/BEAUTY to claim $10 off your first order.

Alaya Naturals
If you’re looking to support your skin from within, with benefits that go beyond the surface, Alaya’s Multi-Collagen is a great place to start. Visit www.alayanaturals.com/beauty and enter code BEAUTY at checkout for 20% off your order.

Square
Square helps you run your business more smoothly – bringing payments, operations, and insights together in one place, so you’re ready for whatever’s next. Right now, listeners can get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/beauty. Get started with Square and build a setup that works the way you do.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

Nikki La Rose is our #DamnGood guest editor this week! The pro makeup artist, best known to her 500,000+ YouTube subscribers for serving up straight-shooting reviews, joins us to break down what to buy–and what to skip–this summer.

Listen in as Nikki helps us break down the summer makeup that actually survives heat and humidity, from the best long-wear blush that goes the distance for special occasions to the long-wear lippies that won’t “crumble like Play-Doh.”

You’ll hear about:

• The ONE foundation mistake almost everyone makes in summer — and the surprisingly simple fix Nikki swears by for true all-day wear

• A reformulated foundation that Nikki is genuinely *relieved* to love again... and another buzzy reformulation that left her underwhelmed

• The cream bronzer/sculptor from a fellow makeup artist brand that Nikki has to physically stop herself from using (yes, it’s that good)

• Nikki’s pro trick for stopping *this* ultra-pigmented liquid blush from taking over your entire face

• Eyeshadow, liner and the eye-prep step that determines whether your eye makeup stays put

• Tubing vs. waterproof mascara? Plus, the drugstore pick that Nikki prefers over luxury

• The long-wear lip formula everyone’s obsessed with that Nikki says to *skip* — and what to grab instead

• A cult setting spray that gets a hard SKIP this season (and the slightly spicy reason why 👀)

• The ONE makeup primer she says is actually worth it

• Plus, stay tuned to the end for a rapid-fire “Buy versus Skip” on the buzziest long-wear launches of 2026 so fa

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch this episode on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Medik8
Want to check out Medik8’s new Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum? Visit Medik8.us or the new Medik8.CA to discover more. Use code BREAKING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Momentous
Momentous Fiber+ is a complete, 3-in-1 formula with soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, and a prebiotic resistant starch. Head to livemomentous.com and use promo code BEAUTY for up to 35% off your first order.

Cowboy Colostrum
Cowboy Colostrum offers the highest quality bovine colostrum available in the US. For a limited time, our listeners get up to 25% off their entire order. Just head to cowboycolostrum.com/beauty and use code BEAUTY at checkout.

Quince
Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com/breakingbeauty for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Narwal
The Narwal Flow Series redefines real-time cleaning. Its FlowWash™ system keeps every pass clean and streak-free, while AI-powered vision adapts instantly to obstacles. The DualFlow tangle-free design captures hair and dust with ease, and the hot-water base cleans and dries automatically. From spills to daily messes, Flow keeps your home effortlessly fresh. Head to Narwal.com today to check out the new Narwal Flow 2.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

Miranda Kerr returns! The former Victoria’s Secret model, mother of four and KORA Organics founder is here to chat about navigating beauty and business in her 40s, from her evolved skincare routine and how she preps for the MET Gala red carpet to the high tech wellness gadgets that are really worth the money.

Tune in as Miranda opens up about her personal style and wellness philosophy in 2026, including the real reason why she is choosing not to launch any new KORA products this year, and the relatable way she’s copping to using AI.

You’ll hear about:

• The life-changing impact of her recent meditation retreat and how she stays present in a world of constant digital distraction

• Miranda takes us back to her big break, revealing how singing a tune for Steven Meisel got her cast in her first high-fashion campaign

• The model’s candid take on the grueling workout regimens of her Victoria’s Secret days versus her current toddler-as-workout-ball routine

• The simple six-minute arm circuit she learned from Megan Roup to prep for the Met Gala

• Miranda’s decision to skip new product launches this year, choosing instead to lean into her brand’s existing hero products, like KORA’s Breaking Beauty-approved Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask

• From at-home red light therapy and microcurrent devices to the way she uses ChatGPT to navigate difficult conversations, Miranda shares her current high-tech and high-touch rituals

Pssst - KORA Organics is offering our listeners a 20% off code to shop KORA Organics. Use code BREAKINGBEAUTY20 at koraorganics.com to save.

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch this episode on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Medik8
Visit Medik8.us or the new Medik8.CA to discover more. Use code BREAKING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Lightstim
If you want the same medical-grade technology at home that doctors use to treat wrinkles and slow aging, go to LightStim.com and use code BEAUTY to save 10%.

Goodr
Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun and affordable? Head to Goodr.com/BEAUTY to claim $10 off your first order.

Nutrafol
Let your hair be one less thing to worry about. See visibly thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair in 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 visit Nutrafol.com and enter promo code BREAKING.

Merit
Right 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.*

What if your best skin ever had nothing to do with Botox, fillers or even fancy skincare? This week we welcome Dr. Tia Paul, a Harvard- and MIT-trained, board-certified dermatologist—and major skin laser aficionado. As the founder of Balanced Skin Dermatology and Aesthetics in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Paul treats everything from acne, hyperpigmentation, eczema and psoriasis to skin cancer and she has earned over 400K followers on social media.

Tune in to find out how to achieve glass skin the non-gimmicky way, as Dr. Paul reveals everything to know about the most effective at-home brightening solutions, how-to navigate the world of professional lasers, and the “pyramid” framework she designed for a brighter skin game plan that won’t shock your skin or your credit card.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide — the new rules for skin brightening skincare in 2026

• Lasers 101 — the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers, vascular lasers and why the term “laser” itself is one of the most misused words in the beauty industry

• What is laser “stacking” and why Dr. Paul says that combining technologies is where you get the best results

• What’s all the fuss about Xerf? The new tightening device that’s giving people snatched jawlines with zero downtime — Dr. Paul shares her experience.

• Myth or reality? The truth about lasers on skin of colour — and what to ask before your appointment

• Why the Fitzpatrick scale is outdated — according to Dr. Paul — and what she thinks should replace it to treat a full range of skin tones

• Dr. Paul’s go-to’s: The laser that she personally swears by for glass skin, and the favourite sunscreen the derm will be using to maintain clear skin results all summer long

Disclaimer: Please note the discussion in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch this episode on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

One Skin
Born from over a decade of longevity research, OneSkin’s OS-01 Peptide™ is proven to target the visible signs of aging, helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, try OneSkin with 15% off using code BREAKINGBEAUTY at oneskin.co/BREAKINGBEAUTY. After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you.

Qualia Life Sciences
Experience the most trusted magnesium for purity, potency, and performance. Plus it’s non-GMO, vegan and gluten-free making it a choice you can feel good about. Go to qualialife.com/BEAUTY for 50% off. And here’s a bonus, use the code BEAUTY for an additional 15% off your order. Thanks to Qualia for sponsoring this episode!

Quince
Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to Quince.com/breakingbeauty for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Dove
Discover the new Dove Serum+ Oil Body Wash — available in “Radiance” with notes of jojoba and monoi flower and “Soothing” with almond oil and sandalwood — at www.dove.com/ca. Now available on Amazon and in stores nationwide.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

We’ve been on the move in comfy heels, getting ready to cheer on the World Cup with long-wear makeup musts and rediscovering a faithful summer hair go-to.

Carlene’s Faves:

You’ll never guess what happened the week that we went to LA to record eight magnificent summer episodes. As I switched outfits for each recording, I kept the same shoes on for every one of them, and the shoes in question (Margaux’s Ballet Pump in The Ada) magically paired up perfectly! Literally never happened before. The ballet silhouette with the one inch pump made every ensemble look utterly 2026, no change in heel required. All of the brand’s shoes come in “narrow,” medium,” and “wide” for in-between foot widths like mine. P.S. Jill is loving Margaux’s “Palermo”, the top-selling style across the ShopMy shopping platform, according to Puck News.

A quick scroll on my feed reveals that the NY Knicks may be on their way to clinching their first title since 1999. While I don’t personally plan to be front row with Kylie and Timothy at MSG anytime soon, I do appreciate that one of my fave makeup brands, Saie, is the first ever makeup sponsor for the Knicks. I’ll spray an extra spritz of Saie’s Ultra-Fine Mist Setting Spray to that. Already an early summer staple for keeping my makeup in place all day, I love that it’s both fragrance and alcohol free, and leaves me with a nice and dewy finish.

It’s going to be a lo-fi, lilac summer, everybody. I don’t make the rules! I usually gravitate toward warmer or brighter nail colours —but I’m known to experiment now and then. This week at my favourite nail salon in Toronto, I tried a muted mauve. Designed by very chic Montreal-based nail brand Gelcare, the “BB Cream” colours have been out for a while now, but this is my first time dabbling. Somewhere between a jelly nail and a cream finish, I’m obsessed with the high gloss and tastefully tamped down pigment of the Gelcare BB Cream in Blush. Never thought you’d catch me in mauve, but here I am, caught.. lilac-handed? If you’re the DIY type, a similar hue from Kur Nails is here.

Jill’s Faves

Warmer weather means I’m leaning into the long-lasting makeup essentials. So far, so good with the Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting and Laminating Eyebrow Gel. We’ve talked about the OG clear version before on the podcast, now we’ve got six tinted hues to add to the mix. It’s the perfect swipe on-and-go formula that gives my brows soft colour, definition and a “natural” lamination look and hold without being crunchy.

As a big sports fan, I’m so excited to see how North America shows up to host the FIFA World Cup in June and July - from Mexico City to LA to NY to Toronto (I’m still searching for those elusive tickets to the beautiful game - le sigh!). I was also thrilled to see a bit of a sleeper skincare brand emerge as the official skincare sponsor - Paula’s Choice! And that gives me the perfect opportunity to shout-out a new fave from the brand — they’ve recently expanded their beloved BHA lineup with the new 1% BHA Gentle Exfoliating Gel Toner. It’s a gentler option (compared to their iconic 2 percent toner) and frankly I think it’s much easier to tolerate. I also appreciate that it’s been updated in a gel-serum formula with a pump applicator (vs the liquid) so I find it’s even easier to apply. You get more moisture (with allantoin) but also the pore-clearing power that it’s known for thanks to the 1% salicylic acid.

We’re starting air-dry hair season and I’ve re-discovered the R+Co Cool Wind Airdry Cream (recently I have a lot of hair regrowth so I need the extra help to tame down the frizzies!). I love the texture of this one because it’s smoothing but not sticky at all.

🛒Shop all our faves here!

Don’t forget that we have plenty of ways to save with our show partners! Check them out here.

#DamnGood Beauty Spot

City: Los Angeles
Beauty Spot: YOLU Beauty Salon Head Spa & Blow Dry Bar
Why We Love It: This Japanese head spa really delivers the ultimate in scalp rejuvenation and relaxation! I booked the 60 minute Sayo treatment. First, the therapist works out knots and kinks in your shoulders and neck, before massaging your scalp and temples - all while you’re sitting upright. Then you fully recline in the most comfortable sinkside pod while the therapist works through fascia lifting techniques on your scalp before they give you a deep wash and conditioning treatment. The highlight of the service was near the end with their signature Toshin-yoku - when warm water gently flows continuously over your scalp and forehead - think of a personal waterfall for your scalp. I swear it takes you to a different dimension of relaxation. Afterwards, I had a full blowout service so I left with swingy and shiny hair. I highly recommend it! PS - If you can’t make it to LA, the brand’s at-home products are dropping at Olive Young this week. Loved the scalp serum especially!

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products and services discussed in this newsletter are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

The #DamnGood K-beauty revolution is officially landing in North America! This week, we’re going deep into the highly anticipated US arrival of Korea’s mega beauty retailer, Olive Young with its first outpost in Los Angeles. From the massive grand opening in Pasadena to our curated edit of the best-selling products you need to add to your online cart, this is your ultimate guide to navigating the highly-anticipated K-beauty mecca.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Olive Young 101:The scoop on everything you need to know about the mega-retailer’s LA flagship openings, including what you will and won’t be able to buy.

• The top 10 bestsellers: We break down the official Olive Young best-sellers data, from the cult-favorite Mediheal sheet masks you already know to the get-it-now products you haven’t discovered yet.

• Our next obsession—K-Hair: We reveal the bonding hair masks, overnight scalp treatments, and viral reedle shot hacks that are completely changing the game for hair thickness and shine.

• Mind-blowing makeup: From blurring pudding pots to the ‘juicy’ cushion foundations causing a stir on social media, we’re running through the innovative makeup products that are making over our makeup bags.

• K-Beauty for Gen X? The science-backed skincare we’re making room for on our own top shelves, from glutathione serums to pillowy “K-pharmacy” retinols

• The wildcard: Stay tuned for our exclusive reveal of the surprising non-K-beauty brand that will be anchoring the Olive Young US launch experience—you’ll never guess who they partnered with!

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch this episode on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Medik8
Medik8 is a clinically proven, dermatologist-recommended British skincare brand known for age-defying results. Visit Medik8.us or the new Medik8.ca and use code BREAKING20 to save 20% on your first order.

Alaya Naturals
Alaya Naturals Multi Collagen features a comprehensive blend of five hydrolyzed collagen peptides along with MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin to promote skin hydration, hair and nail health, and natural collagen production. Visit Alayanaturals.com/beauty and enter code BEAUTY at checkout for 20% off your first order.

Goodr
Ready to upgrade your eyewear to something functional, fashionable, fun, and affordable? Head to goodr.com/BEAUTY to claim $10 off your first order.

Narwal
Stop babysitting your vacuum and let the AI do the work! From spills to daily messes, The Narwal Flow Series keeps your home effortlessly fresh. Head to Narwal.com today to check out the new Narwal Flow 2.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*

This week we’re back in the studio to have a proper catch up and to make sense of the recent beauty headlines! Everything from an unexpected “holy” pivot for a beauty brand founder to the sponcon wedding boom.

Tune in as we discuss:

• Is it tacky or genius to have your entire bachelorette trip sponsored by a beauty brand — 747 private jet and all? We break it down.

• Sephora’s latest content pillar alongside Makeup by Mario aims to sort out your makeup dilemmas

• Our thoughts on the “Natural Nail Movement” that’s picking up steam on social media — is it a recession indicator or a shift that says a lot more about our societal norms?

• For the first time ever, we are joined by our producer Olivia who helps us debrief the disturbing mindset of Gen-Z “Looksmaxxing” influencer Clavicular

• The new body oil discovery unlike any other that Carlene has tried

• Our experience with the latest innovation from Olaplex — direct from the very salon where master celebrity hair colorist Tracey Cunningham (and Olaplex ambassador) can work on up to 20 clients per day

• Stay tuned to the end for a jaw-dropping conversation about a beauty biz billionaire who’s giving it all away for an entirely new career pivot that we’re certain has never been done before

PS – if you’re already sharing links with your friends and you’re not on ShopMy yet, you should be! It just makes everything more organized and you can actually earn from it. You can join with this referral link to get set up.

For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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. 

Subscribe and watch this episode on YouTube!

Listen here!

Shop everything we mentioned in this episode here!

When you support our sponsors, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Nutrafol
Let your hair be one less thing to worry about. See thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit nutrafol.com and enter promo code BREAKING.

Vivier Skin
Vivier is a Canadian, pharmaceutical-grade skincare brand known for its science-backed, clinically proven formulations—designed to deliver real, visible results. Visit VivierSkin.com and use code BEAUTY15 at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase.

Narwal
Stop babysitting your vacuum and let the AI do the work! The Narwal Flow Series redefines real-time cleaning. Its FlowWash™ system keeps every pass clean and streak-free, while AI-powered vision adapts instantly to obstacles. The DualFlow tangle-free design captures hair and dust with ease, and the hot-water base cleans and dries automatically. From spills to daily messes, Flow keeps your home effortlessly fresh. Head to Narwal.com today to check out the new Narwal Flow 2.

*Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, all products reviewed are gratis media samples submitted for editorial consideration.*