Breaking Beauty Podcast

Peptide hype, PDRN efficacy and eye creams that promise an upper lid lift—we’re putting today’s biggest skincare claims to the test!

Board-certified dermatologist and research scientist Dr. Whitney Bowe  (@drwhitneybowe) returns to help us separate clinical proof from marketing hype. Creator of the viral “skin cycling trend and author of more than 40 scientific papers, Dr. Bowe gives us the ultimate insider’s guide to building a routine rooted in real science.

Please note this episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a dermatologist for personal skincare advice.

In thi...

Is azelaic acid overhyped or underrated? Do spicule treatments really work? What is the most worth-it luxury skincare splurge? In this special crossover episode, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angelo Landriscina, MD, FAAD (@dermangelo) and cosmetic chemist Ramón Pagán (@GlowByRamón), co-hosts of the Divine Skintervention podcast join us to set the record straight. 

Dr. Angelo is a New York City-based dermatologist, scientific researcher, content creator and founder of Soul-A.  Ramón Pagán is a New York City-based cosmetic chemist, product developer, esthetician and creator. 

(Pssst: since this is a crossov...

Mikayla Nogueira is not holding back: “I'm probably considered the most untrustworthy influencer in beauty,” says the 28-year-old self-taught makeup artist, founder and creator with more than 21 million (!!) fans across social media. As POV Beauty debuts at Sephora, we sit down with the TikTok superstar–and the secrets are coming out.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

Fall is officially here, and we're breaking down the biggest, buzziest beauty launches you need on your radar. From viral under-eye concealers and red-carpet-worthy serum foundations to skin-soothing K-beauty barrier care and heavy-duty makeup removers, we're reviewing the top-performing makeup and skincare products of the season.

You'll hear about:

What actually happens to skin when your hormones change? In this unfiltered episode, we sit down with powerhouse (twin!!) sisters Dr. Florence Comite, Yale & NIH-trained endocrinologist and author of the NY Times Bestseller: Invincible: Defy Your Genetic Destiny to Live Better, Longer and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Harriet Comite to connect the dots between hormones, endocrinology and skin health.

You’ll hear about:

The first FDA-approved UV filter in 20+ years is finally here! This week we're breaking down everything you need to know about bemotrizinol (a.k.a. BEMT), the buzzy sunscreen filter that’s hitting vanities this month, with Ava Matthews, co-founder of Ultra Violette. 

The cult Aussie brand’s Supreme Screen SPF 50 sells somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, but last year, they had to pull one product from the market after Choice testing showed that the SPF protection did not measure up to the amount on the label. Listen in as Ava takes us behin...

Oiling your ears? That’s right, this week we get a crash course in the wonders of Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old “science of life” Indian tradition that's quietly behind many of TikTok’s viral beauty moments. 

To break it all down, we’re joined by Lisa Mattam, founder and CEO of the beloved Ayurvedic-inspired brand Sahajan — which is now Sephora-stocked *and* the official amenities partner of Air Canada. We’re also joined by Ananta Ripa Ajmera, an award-winning author, Ayurvedic advisor at The Well in Miami and host of the True To Yourself podcast.

In this episo...

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:

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:

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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 fou...

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 episod...

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:

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...

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:

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.

Yo...

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 ef...

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:

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: 

Joanna Czech believes that three minutes of sun exposure a day is good for your skin - say what?! The celebrity facialist with more than four decades of experience (her client roster includes everyone from Anna Wintour, Kim Kardashian and Hailey Bieber) also thinks you should incorporate vitamin A “training” before any skin treatments and/or plastic surgery. Plus, are exosomes just a trend? 

This week we’re welcoming Joanna back to the show and getting totally unfiltered about everything skin-related, so buckle up — you’re in for a thought-provoking ride! 

You’ll...

Barb Stegemann is back to inspire us once more, just in time for Mother’s Day! Also known as the “Philosopher Queen,” Barb is a longtime friend of our show and a complete force to be reckoned with in the beauty business. 

Barb launched The 7 Virtues fragrance brand out of her garage in Halifax, Nova Scotia on International Women’s Day back in 2010, after her best friend, Capt. Trevor Greene, was wounded in Afghanistan by the Taliban while serving there.

Barb then sowed the seeds of what would become a histori...

Alix Earle! Jo Malone! Gisele! We’re diving into the headlines that have the beauty world buzzing in our first catch-up episode since January. From the envelope-pushing product marketing for “The Devil Wears Prada 2” to the latest beauty lawsuit, we are breaking down the hot takes that you have been waiting for.

Plus! We found a new book for your French pharmacy obsession, a totally accessible luxury-meets-skincare shower buy and we’re weighing in on the massive (and controversial) launch of Alix Earle’s new acne-focused skincare brand.

Editorial note: This episode was recorded April 10 2026.

You’l...

It’s 2026 and everyone’s asking: why has my Holy Grail foundation been reformulated?! We’re explaining the reason behind the industry-wide shakeup this week. From a  $16.99 drugstore dupe to a luxury splurge at $145 — we’re uncovering what’s #DamnGood now in the next-gen foundation landscape. 

What you’ll learn in this episode: 

Lucy Hale is here to share all of her skin secrets! In this special live BONUS episode recorded in partnership with Shiseido Talks, we dive deep into the world of J-Beauty with the “Pretty Little Liars” star, alongside the internet’s favourite board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Jenny Liu aka @derm.talk on Instagram.

From embracing Japanese-inspired self-care principles to unveiling the new Shiseido Benefiance collection that promises brightening results in two weeks (!), this intimate conversation explores how minimalist rituals are the real key to your skin’s healthspan – no “trends” required. 

In this episode we discuss: 

Erica Taylor, the makeup artist behind some of the most-watched viral beauty videos on the internet is here! With over four million combined followers, 30-plus years of professional experience, and a debut book coming out April 21 (“The Magic of Makeup: Your Handbook for a Youthful, Radiant Look” — with a blurb from Makeup by Mario himself!) Erica is sharing her best makeup tips, straight to our ears.

From Erica’s humble beginnings at a cosmetics counter in Queens to going viral with 10 million views on "Common Mistakes That Age Our Face," Erica breaks down everything she know...

Is the “medical tourism” hype real? This week, we’re chatting with Los Angeles-based aesthetic expert and host of “Mirror, Mirror” podcast, Amy Chang. Amy is pulling back the curtain on the 2026 K-beauty boom, from Seoul’s high-tech clinics to the “Botox disaster” that changed her face — and her philosophy on injectables today.

Listen in as we dive into the science of exosome serums, the reality of Rejuran (the “salmon sperm facial” treatment everyone is talking about), and why everyone is obsessed with “liquid” microneedling. Plus, Amy shares the internal health shift that finally cleared her brain fog, and restored Carlene’...

Happy Monday friends! Live from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting in Denver, Colorado, we are reporting straight from *the* premier gathering of experts and industry (close to 20,000 professionals!) to share what’s next in dermatology — from skincare to aesthetic treatments to the latest research in hair health and much, much more.  

And to help us navigate the trends is Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, a board-certified dermatologist and board-certified lifestyle medicine specialist who has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Heather is an active member of the Skin of Color Society and the American Academy...

Body confidence advocate Sarah Nicole Landry (@TheBirdsPapaya) returns! In a special live episode sponsored by Suave, the podcast host, mom of four and newly minted CAFA Digital Fashion Creator nominee is here to chat about why she turned down her last nomination, life at “The Traitors Canada” season three manor, saying “yes” to life and why we are so done with self-care sticker shock. Don’t forget you can also watch this live event on our YouTube channel! 

You’ll hear about:

Can oily skin achieve a perfectly “dewy” glow? This week we’re re-visiting all of the rules that you thought you knew about makeup with veteran makeup artist and friend of the show, Lori Taylor Davis. Lori has helped shape Smashbox’s artistry and product development for more than two decades, counting celebrities like Sandra Bullock and Paris Hilton as past clients. Tune in as we tune up your spring makeup routine with take-note tips on contouring, snatching, glowing, mattifying and more!

You’ll learn about:

We are officially kicking off spring with a #DamnGood episode featuring our reviews of the products making headlines right now.

Listen in as we fill you in on the next-in-texture innovations, from “milk de parfum" pour-on scents to the pan-free pigments emerging from “Leaked” Labs and lip products galore! 

You’ll hear about:

Athena Hewett is the cool girls’ master aesthetician (she counts stylish faces like Chloe Sevigny, Sofia Coppola and Greta Lee as clients). She’s also the hands behind the glowing skin at Khaite and Victoria Beckham’s (!!) A/W 2026 runway shows. Plus the San Francisco-based facialist holds artist-in-residences at the iconic Hotel Chelsea in Manhattan and most recently, with a limited pop-up at Vie Projects Gallery during Paris fashion week, in collaboration with the iconic Dover Street Market Parfums Market.

Listen in as Athena reveals all of her quiet luxury secrets, like her unique breako...

Happy International Women’s Day! Welcome to this very special bonus episode in partnership with our friends at amika. Today we’re coming at you LIVE from the brand’s Brooklyn HQ to chat with the two of the women behind one of the most successful growth stories in modern beauty: amika CEO Chelsea Riggs and Director of Diversity, Equity and Impact, Gianne L. Doherty. In an industry that often feels cut-throat and transactional, amika has spent 15 years proving that being a “friend to all” is actually the ultimate business strategy. 

Tune in as we discuss...

Lili Reinhart – actress, producer and newly-minted beauty entrepreneur – joins us this week! Best known for her role as Betty in Riverdale as well as her scene-stealing turn in Hustlers. In 2024, Lili added beauty founder to her resume with the launch of her acne-friendly skincare line, Personal Day. 

Tune in as Lili shares how she learned to care for her acne-prone skin – and why she felt that the time was right to become a beauty founder in the sea of celeb launches. Plus, Lili tells us how she manages to keep her mental health in check...

Have you ever looked at your hairbrush or the shower drain and felt that instant wave of dread? You aren't alone. Today, we are diving deep into the world of hair density, scalp health, and the breakthrough science behind keeping your hair where it belongs: on your head.

This episode is brought to you in part by our friends at Pantene and we’re joined by their Global Principal Scientist Dr. Jeni Thomas. Dr. Thomas is pulling back the curtain on the “why” behind hair shedding and explaining how drugstore haircare is leading the charge in high-tech soluti...

@GlowByRamon is in the house! This week, we’re getting nerdy with NYC-based cosmetic chemist, product developer and aesthetician, Ramón Pagán. Nearly 350,000 social media fans tune in to Ramón’s all-revealing videos, whether he’s pulling back the curtain on mystery ingredients, sharing the secrets to viral skincare formulations or personally whipping  up something to achieve glass skin. Today, Ramón delivers his beauty cheat sheet to think (and shop!) just like a cosmetic chemist.

But first, tune in for a rapid fire round of The Traitors – *skincare edition* – in partnership with our friend...

In today’s episode, we are stripping back the luxury labels to find the breakthrough products that outperform their pricey counterparts. From the viral Korean “pudding” blushes that have officially infiltrated the drugstore to a $13 watery moisturizer that saturates skin, we’re showcasing “recession-proof” musts that don’t sacrifice your self-care routine.

Shop everything in this episode here

You’ll hear about: