Breaking Beauty Podcast

Latest Episodes:

“Clean Beauty” in the Era of Misinformation With Cosmetic Chemist Jen Novakovich of The Eco Well Jul 29, 2020

Show notes

Is “Clean Beauty” a myth? According to a growing social media movement led by the scientific community, a lot of the ingredients on all of those “free-from” lists may not be so dangerous after all. Today we’re chatting with Jen Novakovich, the cosmetic chemist and formulator behind The Eco Well. Jen started her platform to bring more science into the conversation around sustainability in personal care, with a mission to help correct some of the misinformation making headlines today.

Are parabens as awful as we’re made to believe? How much of a topical ingredient is actually absorbed into the bloodstream? What does “medical-grade” skincare really mean? And is anything “chemical-free”? Listen in as Jen answers these questions and more, offering some helpful tools to critically evaluate what you’re hearing – and buying. But first, Carlene and Jill weigh in with their thoughts on why they’re not quite done with the world of Clean Beauty yet!

And, be sure to check out Jen’s podcast The Eco Well - where Jill and Carlene will be featured guests in September, talking about beauty journalism, podcasting and more.

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Twitter,

Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog

Thank you to our show partners. When you support them, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Sakara
Sakara is a nutrition company that focuses on overall wellness, starting with what you eat. Their organic, ready-to-eat meals are made with powerful plant-based ingredients, and they are designed to boost your energy, improve your digestion, and get your skin glowing. Right now, Sakara is offering our listeners 20% off their first order when they go to Sakara.com/BEAUTY or enter code beauty at checkout.

*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.

The #DamnGood Indie Brands That You Need to Know About Right Now Jul 22, 2020

Show notes

As two longtime beauty editors, we’ve always made it a point to highlight the *breakthrough* people, products and moments snatching our attention. Today, we’re shining a light on the latest indie brands breaking through a whole lotta clutter. From the next K-Beauty Vitamin C serum bound to make its way onto your top shelf with its purse-friendly price tag, to the colourful Gen-Z toner already fire with TikTok fans, here are our picks of what’s sure to be the next big things.

Discover the under-the-radar Canadian haircare brand for curly girls that’s just been scooped up by Target, along with a haute hair jewelry line designing functional art for afros, locs and braids. Nude lipsticks for all skin tones (for real), and a first-to-market powder shampoo for zero-waste fans – these are the #DamnGood indie brands to get on your radar, right now.

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Twitter,

Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog

*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.

Miranda Kerr, Founder of Kora Organics Jul 15, 2020

Show notes

Supermodel, beauty mogul and philanthropist at heart, Miranda Kerr unravels the glowing backstory behind Kora Organics, founded in 2009. Listen in as Miranda recalls her days growing up around her Grandmother’s farm in her native Australia, where she discovered the skin-soothing magic of Noni fruit, the hero ingredient in the range. An early adopter in the clean beauty movement, Kora Organics is now sold in over 2,500 stores in 25 countries around the world, and you’ll find out how the brand is pulling up for change today.

With a personal empire now estimated at $80 million, Miranda reflects on her early days as a supermodel, gracing the pages of high fashion magazine covers and the Victoria’s Secret runway before becoming a bonafide #beautypreneur. Plus, the busy mum-of-three reveals all the deets on her getting ready routine, from how-to use a Gua Sha stone to game-changing celery juice to the “clean” and conventional beauty products she can’t live without.

Stay tuned until the end, as Carlene and Jill weigh in on Kora Organics’ best-selling Noni Glow Face Oil, with a hot scoop on what’s coming next from the brand!

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Twitter,

Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

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.

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation (Everything from Post-Acne Derm Procedures like Microneedling to Drugstore Skincare Finds That Work) with Dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens Jul 08, 2020

Show notes

Dark spots beware! Today we’re chatting about all things hyperpigmentation with Dr. Alexis Stephens, a Florida-based dermatologist and Skin of Color expert who’s leading the charge when it comes to cultural competency in the field of skin science. (Check out her life-changing before-and-afters on patients here.) We’re getting to the bottom of why hyperpigmentation happens and what you can do about it, whether you’ve been dealt melasma, erythema or post-inflammatory pigmentation due to genetics, hormones or sun damage.

Dr. Stephens is also a trained beauty chemist, so stay tuned as she gets into the specific ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation, from the best prescription options to her top budget finds you can find at major beauty retailers. Then, listen to the end as she addresses our top listener questions: how to get rid of acne scars, hyperpigmentation treatments for body, the merits of micro-needling, and the real talk on hydroquinone. The number one thing we learned? While there isn’t a single “magic cream,” there’s help for hyperpigmentation yet.

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Twitter,

Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

Thank you to our show partners. When you support them, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

NATIVE
Make the switch to Native Deodorant today by going to NativeDeo.com/Beauty20 or use promo code Beauty20 at checkout and get 20% off your first order.

*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.

#DamnGood Summer Beauty Products Bonanza! The Self-Tanners, Bronzers, Lippies, Masks & Dry Shampoo Helping us Glow Up Right Now (Plus, a Brand New Game-Changing Makeup Tool) Jul 01, 2020

Show notes

Wanna know what’s really* worth the spend this summer? Just in time for quarantine-release mini gatherings everywhere, Carlene discovers a brand new self-tanning-meets-serum hybrid, while Jill gives Wishful Skincare’s new radiance-inducing face mask a go. (She tests the neck-snatching mask, too! Gimmick or great? Inquiring minds want to know!) On the makeup front, stay tuned as Carlene discovers a multi-purpose cream tint – designed especially for sensitive skin – that’s already selling out at Sephora.

Then, you won’t want to miss our take on Charlotte Tilbury’s new Airbrush Bronzers. Magnetic lashes that will make you question whether you ever need to spend on pro lash extensions again, a dry shampoo that lets you skip out on fine fragrance and Makeup Eraser’s BRAND NEW makeup sponge designed to go in the washing machine – if these products weren’t so #DamnGood, you’d swear they were too good to be true!

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog

If you’re a Black creator who wants to get in touch with us regarding podcasting support, email us: BreakingBeautyPodcast@gmail.com.
Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Twitter, Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

Thank you to our show partners. When you support them, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Nutrafol:

Join the thousands of women getting help for thinning hair with Nutrafol, a 100% drug-free supplement that’s physician-formulated with potent botanicals. Get 20% off when you visit www.nutrafol.com and use the promo code BEAUTY for their best offer anywhere.

Native:

Make the switch to Native Deodorant today! Get 20% off your first order at Nativedeo.com/Beauty20 or use promo code Beauty20 at checkout.

*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.

Miss Jessie's Haircare Co-Founder Miko Branch Jun 24, 2020

Show notes

Today we’re sitting down virtually with Miko Branch, co-founder of Miss Jessie’s Haircare. Hairstylist by trade, Miko launched the line in 2004 with her late sister, Titi Branch, sharing the Curly Pudding recipe they mixed up for their devoted clientele.Without any help from investors, the siblings bootstrapped the entire business, taking the homemade hair concoctions they learned to make in their grandmother’s kitchen to front and centre at major retail stores. Today, Miss Jessie’s is adored by celebrities like Alicia Keys, Lupita Nyong'o and Zendaya, along with curly, kinky, coily and wavy-hair women everywhere.
In this episode, Miko takes us through the fascinating backstory behind the brand, from their earliest days in the bustling Bedford–Stuyvesant salon to the secret to their best-selling Pillow Soft Curls — a wonder product that harnesses fabric softener technology for your hair to keeping Titi’s legacy alive through the company. Plus, catch Miko’s best tips for embracing your curls and transitioning from relaxed to natural hair.

Revealing the toughest and most rewarding moments in her storied journey to entrepreneurial success, Miko leaves us with advice on the best ways to support female Black business owners right now. Plus, stay tuned until the end for a special phone-a-friend! Fellow beauty journo Ingrie Williams of The T-Zone is back on the mic with her review of the iconic, Pillow Soft Curls.

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Twitter,

Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog

Thank you to our show partners. When you support them, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

True Botanicals
Try these Clean-formula skin and body products that are delivered right to your door. Get 15% off your first purchase at TrueBotanicals.com/BEAUTY.

*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.

Brooke Lynn Hytes on Pride, Makeup Tricks and Her New Role as a Judge on Canada's Drag Race! Jun 17, 2020

Show notes

Happy Pride everyone! In today’s episode, we’re celebrating Pride Month with Canadian drag artist Brooke Lynn Hytes! The Queen of the North, who was first runner up in the 11th season of RuPaul's Drag Race, is here to spill the tea on her royal beauty routine, allying through advocacy and her new role as an official judge on Canada’s Drag Race Season 1 - premiering on Crave Canada and Wow Presents Plus in the U.S., BBC3 in the UK and Stan Australia on July 2nd.

Ever wondered about the transformational tricks behind Drag makeup? Brooke Lynn reveals her secret hacks to make eyes look totally snatched as we uncover her #1 drugstore fave, the ride-or-die skincare keeping her complexion so damn smooth and finally, the craziest place she’s ever done makeup! Plus, stay tuned until the end when Ines (Carlene’s daughter and fellow Super Fan) makes her podcasting debut to find out: how can we celebrate Pride Month when we’re under quarantine?

* Shout out to the Unique Women's Coalition in support of #BlackTransLivesMatter mentioned in today's episode. To learn more and donate, click here.

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Twitter, Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

Thank you to our show partners. When you support them, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

SAKARA
Sakara delivers organic, plant-based meals to your doorstep. Get 20% off your order when you visit Sakara.com/Beauty and enter code BEAUTY at checkout

*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.

The Best Mineral Sunscreens Right Now, Tested Jun 10, 2020

Show notes

In today’s episode, we’ll review the latest FDA findings around sun safety, along with our roundup of the best mineral sunscreen innovations shaking their “chalky” reputation of the past. Also known as physical sunscreens, SPFs that use mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to filter out the sun’s UV rays used to resemble thick white paint when you put them on. Good news though: the 2.0 versions now come in silky textures, matte finishes and glowy serums (seriously, there’s something for everyone!)

From a formula for dry complexions you’d swear is a skincare lotion to a winner for oily skin that’s already selling out at Sephora to a groundbreaking luminous serum for all skin tones, get ready to get your summer on with this epic mineral sunscreen roundup. Plus, don’t miss our favourite formula for clean beauty lovers, and stay tuned until the end to find out which drugstore SPF was good enough to make the final cut (it’s not the brand you think!).

As we mentioned off the top of the show, we want to support any Black Creators interested in starting your own podcast. We can share the skills that we’ve learned over the past 3.5 years of creating Breaking Beauty: everything from best practices on technical set up to remote recordings, scripts, production process, how to monetize and more. So if you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast, or have an existing show, just drop a note on email at: BreakingBeautyPodcast@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

For any products, people or links mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog.

Thank you to our show partners. When you support them, you support the creation of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

Nutrafol
Grow thicker, healthier hair with Nutrafol. Head to Nutrafol.com and use promo code BEAUTY to get 20% off. Shipping is free on all monthly deliveries and you can pause or cancel your subscription anytime.

True Botanicals
We’ve got an exclusive offer just for Breaking Beauty listeners to try True Botanicals - an all-natural and organic skincare and bodycare line that’s delivered straight to your door. Get 15% off your FIRST purchase at www.truebotanicals.com/beauty.

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

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Twitter,

Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

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.

A Message From Jill and Carlene Jun 03, 2020

Show notes

Today we are pausing our regularly scheduled show to make space for Black voices. Below is a list of articles and podcasts referenced in today’s episode to read and listen to instead:

Articles/Social media:

Danielle Prescod - her IGTV post is absolutely must-watch.

Kathleen Newman-Bremang’s story from Refinery29: The Pandemic Of Black Trauma Will Never End.

Ateh Jewell’s piece that she co-wrote called: “Three Black women tell us how to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement that goes beyond posting an Instagram image.”

Donte Colley’s Instagram: For a curated list of resources on how to protest, donate and educate yourself https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

Podcasts:

Kultur’d - Toronto-based podcast co-hosted by Meera Estrada Bee Quammie that uses pop culture as a gateway to larger themes, with an emphasis on diversity. They just published their 100th episode covering anti-Black racism, Amy Cooper, George Floyd, and being better allies.

2 Queens in a Pod - UK-based fashion & beauty podcast hosted by Leah Mai and Iman Leila. Their latest episode, “Black Lives Matter Everyday,” discusses exactly what’s going on right now and what needs to change.

Ice Cream Social- A brand new podcast by Beauty Bakerie founder Cashmere Nicole. Her most recent episode is called “That’s Just Wrong, Beauty and Racism.”

Naked Beauty - New York-based host Brooke Devard delivers DIY beauty tips, with practical and deeper thoughts on much to say on natural hair, skin, body image and self-image.

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode. Find us on Instagram, Twitter. Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

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.

How To Get On a Retinol Routine You Won't Want To Quit May 27, 2020

Show notes

In partnership with our friends at Olay, today we’re sitting down *virtually* with Dr. Frauke Neuser, P&G’s principal scientist and ingredient wizard, to answer some important questions about the almighty retinol. Backed by decades of clinical research, this non-prescription form of vitamin A has been proven to kickstart cell turnover and collagen production to reverse signs of wrinkles, age spots and texture. So why does the latest data show that the majority of women who start a retinol routine quit before they start seeing any results?

Dr. Neuser explains the real reason so many women aren’t seeing any results in their retinol routines, or worse, are forced to stop due to irritation. What type of retinol penetrates best? What percentage should we look for on the label? How important is product packaging and how can you tell when retinol has “gone off”? These questions and more, on how to build retinol into your existing skincare routine, without sacrificing any of your tried-and-true favourites (acids, anyone?) Get ready to re-start your retinol regimen, for good. For more information about Olay’s new Retinol24 line, visit olay.ca/retinol.

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Twitter,

Join our private Facebook group  , or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302.

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our blog: www.breakingbeautypodcast.com/blog

Thank you to our show partners. When you support them, you support the making of Breaking Beauty Podcast!

SAKARA You can stay home, stay healthy and stay energized with fresh, fully-prepared meals delivered straight to your door from Sakara. For 20% off your order, go to Sakara.com/Beauty and enter code BEAUTY at checkout.

*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.