Breaking Beauty Podcast

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:

Why amika’s philosophy of “rising tides raise all ships” is the blueprint for the next generation of female founders via amika’s Rooted in Growth initiative.
Nice guys don’t finish last? How staying true to core values – like B-Corp certification and net-zero goals gives amika a competitive edge.
Gianne shares how amika moves beyond buzzwords to embed equity into their R&D and product testing for every hair texture and identity.
Scoop alert! We get a sneak peek of their by-popular demand bodycare collection drop that’s in partnership with Forested, a women-led organization that supports both people and the planet through climate-positive, community-centered farming practices.
Chelsea explains the internal culture of “radical candor” that helps make amika a “Great Place to Work” for three years running
Pssst! In honour of Women’s Day and for a limited time only, get 20% off all amika products using code BreakingBeauty20 on loveamika.com from March 8th to March 15th 2026.
And for any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our website: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/

Related episodes like this:

The Backstory Behind The #1 Ranked Hair Care Brand at Sephora with Amika CEO Chelsea Riggs
Saie Founder Laney Crowell on the Brand’s Cool Girl Secrets
Live Podcast! Dupe Culture, Wellness Musts, Skincare That Makes a Difference and *The* Colour of The Year With Jenny Bird & Laney Crowell

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok,X, Threads. Join our private Facebook group. Or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302. Sign up for our Substack here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our episodes!


*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.

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 - from becoming a Reiki master to exploring neuroplasticity along with hints on her campy turn in the witchy female-ensemble film, Forbidden Fruits, debuting at SXSW this month.

Tune in to hear about:

How Lili uses Personal Day’s viral hit products, the Unplug Blackhead-Melting Nose Strips and the “Trust Me on This” Hypochlorous Acid Spray, in her own routine – and the one product that she loves to test-drive on her actor boyfriend, Jack Hughes
Lili’s exact fave eye shadows, foundations and lippies in her makeup bag right now
How Lili is still learning to make peace with her hair, and the products she trusts to care for alopecia
How Lili is using her role as producer to mentor up-and-coming talents, like co-star Lola Tung
Stay tuned to the end for a fun game of “Forbidden or Fruit” - inspired Lili’s latest film - where the actress shares her dos and don’ts in fashion and beauty
Psst! If you’d like to try Personal Day yourself, including the new Personal Day Soft Slip Priming Milk, use code BREAKING15 at personalday.com for 15% off.

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our website: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok,X, Threads. Join our private Facebook group. Or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302. Sign up for our Substack here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our episodes!

Related episodes like this:
Kate Hudson’s Secrets To Glowing From The Inside Out
Hailey Bieber on What She’ll Glaze Next, Nail Secrets and The One Thing That No One Knows About Her
The Top Hair Colour Trends With Celebrity Hair Colourist Matt Rez


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

R & Co
R+Co was founded by a collective of world-renowned hair stylists - all of their products have high-performance ingredients with modern technology. Visit randco.com and use our exclusive code BEAUTY20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase.

Merit
Merit is a minimalist beauty brand that makes elevated makeup and skincare designed to help you look put together in minutes. Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag FREE with your first order at meritbeauty.com.

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

Sephora
Sephora has quality skincare for every skin type, and knowledgeable Beauty Advisors who you can trust for recommendations. You’ll find top brands like Summer Fridays, Rhode, Laneige and Caudalie. Shop Skincare at Sephora!


*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.

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 solutions that don’t require a prescription – or a bank loan.
In this episode, we discuss:
Normal vs. problematic shedding: How many falling strands a day is actually normal? We learn how to identify your personal baseline and how to know when it’s time to seek help.
Hair shedding myths: The real reason why you see a “hairball” in the shower drain, sulfates and silicones explained, and is the “seasonal shed” a real thing?
Stress test: Is internal or external stress at the root of hair thinning? Dr. Jeni Thomas weighs in on the latest thinking based on the newest research.
Root-anchoring: Why strengthening your roots at the scalp is the first and easiest step in preventing hair fall.
Luxury vs. drugstore: The facts on why you don't need to spend $$$ on a shampoo to get next-level results.
For products or links mentioned in this episode, see our episode recaps on our website.

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

Pantene
Pantene Abundant & Strong collection is all about root-focused care that strengthens the scalp's hold on hair roots by reducing oxidative stress. It’s now available for purchase at Amazon and mass-market retailers.

Medik8
Meet Medik8’s new Niacinamide Peptides Serum! Powered by 10% Niacinamide, this multi-active formula is clinically proven to deliver visibly clearer, smoother skin with pore reduction in 7 days. Visit Medik8.us to discover more, and use code BREAKING20 to save 20% off your order.

Blissy
Wake up with clearer skin, smoother hair, and cooler sleep. Use code BREAKING for an extra 30% off at blissy.com/BREAKING. Because you’re a listener, Blissy is offering 60-nights risk-free. Your skin and hair will thank you.

Jones Road Beauty
Jones Road Beauty is a modern-day makeup that’s clean, strategic and multifunctional for effortless routines. For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Shimmer Face Oil on their first purchase. 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.

Related episodes like this:
SPF Truths vs. Myths With Olay Scientist Dr. Frauke Neuser
Hair Growth Secrets From Trichologist Abbey Yung
7 Hair Truths That Only a Hairstylist Will Tell You with Kardashian Hair Pro Andrew Fitzsimons

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok,X, Threads. Join our private Facebook group. Or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302. Sign up for our Substack here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our episodes!

*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.

@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 friends at Sephora, where Carlene is on the hot seat to prove which skincare habits are trustworthy, or traitorous lol.

In our conversation with Ramón, you’ll learn about:

What makes an ingredient “expensive”? Are any $300 creams worth the coin?
Behind the sunscreen headlines: Why Ramón believes that the recent avobenzone data needs to get more news.
“Alcohol-free”: Does your makeup or skincare actually need to be alcohol-free to be safe and/or effective?
What makes an ingredient “active” or not?: The real difference between glycerin and vitamin C.
What Ramon makes of the “friction” online between cosmetic chemists, creators, founders and more. Is there a “right” side?
Stay tuned to the end for a “Save or Splurge” cosmetic chemist edition – Ramon shares the products you *actually* need to invest in vs save on.
The exact products that Ramón has emptied - time and time again.

🚨BIG NEWS: Breaking Beauty Podcast is going LIVE this March! We’re heading to Brooklyn on March 2 and Toronto on March 5th for live podcast events, hosted by Jill and Carlene. Keep an eye on our Instagram for the full scoop on how to get tickets before they’re gone! Gift bags, gab sessions and much more. We can’t wait to see you.
A Message from today’s show sponsor:
Sephora has quality skincare for every skin type, and knowledgeable Beauty Advisors who you can trust for recommendations. You’ll find top brands like Summer Fridays, Rhode, Laneige and Caudalie. Shop Skincare at Sephora!

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok,X, Threads. Join our private Facebook group. Or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302. Sign up for our Substack here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our episodes!

For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our website: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/


Related episodes like this:
How-To Find a Sunscreen You Can Really Trust With Dr. Michelle Wong, AKA Lab Muffin Beauty Science
What The Latest Cosmetic Regulations Mean, Nanoparticles in Sunscreen and RIP Beauty Innovation (?!) With Cosmetic Chemist Ron Robinson
How-To Transition To Your Spring Skincare Routine Like a Dermatologist featuring Dr. Dendy Engelman

*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.

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:

The “micro-emulsion” breakthrough: Why everyone is buzzing about a $13 milky moisturizer – and the specific way it outshines heavy-duty creams
Red carpet secrets for less: The exact $12 lip treat used on Lainey Wilson for the Grammys (and why it might be better than the “status” balms in your bag)
The return of the “mousse” moment? We road-test the new 16-hour cheek and lip mousse that’s giving us major 2000s nostalgia, now with a sophisticated, K-beauty twist
Fresh and flushed: Is red blush low-key the most underrated runway beauty hack? Get in on the viral trend for $12.
Foundation innovation: Soft matte is everything in 2026 – and a new small-but-mighty foundation formula is not to be overlooked
Fragrance that flatters: The $16 glass-bottle “sunshine” scent for hair and body that you’d swear is designed (just in time for Valentine’s Day!)

🚨BIG NEWS: We are going LIVE this March! We’re heading to Brooklyn and Toronto for a couple of live podcast events, hosted by Jill and Carlene. Keep an eye on our Instagram for the full scoop on how to get tickets before they’re gone! Gift bags, gab sessions and much more. We can’t wait to see you.
For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our website: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/

Get social with us and let us know what you think of the episode! Find us on Instagram, Tiktok,X, Threads. Join our private Facebook group. Or give us a call and leave us a voicemail at 1-844-227-0302. Sign up for our Substack here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch our episodes!

Related episodes:

Drugstore Beauty Blowout! #DamnGood Under $20 Finds That SLAY. Plus, The "Wirkin" of Hair??
Laura Geller’s $1 Million Secrets: Why Gen X Beauty is Taking Over in 2026
Cassatt Beauty La Pommade Retinoid Ointment Review & First Impressions

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

Merit
Merit is a minimalist beauty brand that makes elevated makeup and skincare designed to help you look put together in minutes. Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag FREE with your first order at meritbeauty.com.

Medik8
Medik8 is a clinically proven British skincare brand known for age-defying results. And don’t miss out – get 25% off the Friends & Family sale, only available online through February 17th at Medik8.us. No code is necessary. Shop now before it’s gone!

Timeline
Don’t let another year go by feeling less than your best. Grab 30% off your first month of Timeline Mitopure Gummies at timeline.com/beauty30 while the offer lasts.

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

*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.