Ep 114 Meet The Original Influencer, Bare Minerals Creator Leslie Blodgett

Who needs some motivation mojo right now?! Today, we’re serving the JUICE, with the “Queen of Beauty” Leslie Blodgett, creator of Bare Minerals makeup — celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Named the most influential woman to impact the beauty industry since Estée Lauder by the New York Times, Leslie is the person responsible for changing the way millions of women apply makeup. She’s also been known to do the splits on boardroom tables!

The iconic foundation (Photo: The Black Pearl Blog)

Hailey Bieber, the face of Bare Minerals now

With its tagline: “Makeup So Pure and Clean You Can Sleep In It” and just five ingredients on the label, BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation was a panacea for skin so sensitive, makeup wasn’t even an option. But it should have been a flop. Mineral, loose powder foundation had to be explained, applying it required a tutorial, and the formula had already been collecting dust on store shelves. Listen in to find out how Leslie would turn the famous “tap-swirl-buff” method into a global phenomenon, and the #relatable secret to the brand’s unlikely success. (Stay tuned until the end for our honest review!)

Leslie’s debut book, Pretty Good Advice: For People Who Dream Big and Work Harder (Photo: Abrams Books)

Now in the next phase of her career, Leslie is an educator, philanthropist and angel investor. This month, the industry veteran is sharing her candid insights on business, life and beauty through personal stories with her debut book, Pretty Good Advice: For People Who Dream Big and Work Harder. We’ve got the sneak preview — plus, find out what Leslie is calling the next big thing in beauty, and the sound advice that any entrepreneur can take all the way to the bank.

Products mentioned in this episode:

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15

Promo codes: When you support our sponsors, you support the making of Breaking Beauty!

MEJURI Head to mejuri.com/beauty or use code BEAUTY at checkout for 10% off your first order. Plus, get free shipping on all US and CAN orders with easy returns, and a 2 year warranty.

Ep 111 Pioneers of the At-Home Acid Peel, Dr. Dennis Gross & Carrie Gross

We’re back with a stellar founder episode! Today, you’ll meet pioneer of the at-home micro peel, Dr. Dennis Gross, along with his wife Carrie Gross, co-founder and CEO of the best-selling acids brand at Sephora. The flew us all the way to their Upper East Side HQ in New York, to discover the origin story behind Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, one of the first dermatologist brands to launch twenty years ago. Find out how the iconic Alpha Beta Universal Peel came to be, and why the DIY, daily acid peel system was a shocking idea – at a time when Sex And The City’s Samantha Jones was the poster child for aggressive pro treatments.

The limited edition 20th Anniversary Alpha Beta Peels are launching right now!

The poster child for aggressive in-office acid peels in the 90s, Samantha Jones of SATC

Today, a box of DDG Alpha Beta Peels are sold every three seconds around the world, and it’s consistently spotted on every beauty editor’s top shelf. Dr. Dennis Gross explains why the breakthrough product is so different, as he answers your most common acid peel questions, including tips on how to build it into your current skincare routine. Plus, Jill shares her own experience, as a long-time devotee to the 2-step system. (Already a fan? Check out this special 20th anniversary edition in collectible, re-usable tins!)

Then, we get a sneak peek on the brand’s newest skin-saving launch, targeted to acne sufferers, coming this summer… But that’s not all! Dr. Dennis Gross – an expert in the field of melanoma – is here to serve the real talk on the latest FDA findings, explaining why he’ll never recommend a chemical sunscreen again. Plus, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo sound off on what they think is the biggest gimmick going in the beauty business right now. Finally, Dr. Gross peers into his crystal ball, revealing what he thinks the future of skin care might look like in the decade to come.

Products mentioned in this episode: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel;

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Ep 102 - Why Bite Beauty Founder Susanne Langmuir is Banking on Waterless Beauty Next

Today we’re speaking to Susanne Langmuir, founder of the iconic cosmetics line dedicated solely to the power of lipstick, Bite Beauty. Susanne started the laser-focussed range in 2012 based on a simple premise: “What you put on your lips should be as good as what you put in your mouth.” As a product development guru, Langmuir succeeded where others couldn’t, creating bright, poppy shades that could measure up to the M.A.C’s and the NARS of the world, in earth-friendly formulas. Fast forward to 2020, and Susanne is on to her next, forward-thinking act: waterless beauty.

Bite Beauty broke the mould with bright lip colours using clean formulas

In this episode, we’ll update you on some maaajor changes leaving Bite Beauty fans shook since Langmuir walked away from the company over two years ago. (Shout out to our friends at I’m a Beauty Geek for explaining the vegan vs. lanolin debate so well!) Then, Susanne introduces us to her new indie start-up, SL & Co., a beauty incubator developed with her 18-year-old son. You’ll meet the debut product, aN-hydra The Powder of Youth No. 1, a water-activated microbiome cleansing powder that harnesses rice powder and pomegranate enzymes to sloughs away dead skin cells without stripping away “good” bacteria. (We weigh in with our personal review!)

Surprise! Bite Beauty introduces a three-piece complexion range starring micellar foundation this month

Find out what Susanne envisions a waterless beauty routine could look like in the not too distant future (pssst! a water-activated hyaluronic acid serum powder is coming soon!) and why ‘waterless’ is so key to shrinking our vanity footprint. But first, we’ll take you way back to before Bite Beauty even existed, to some of the serial entrepreneur’s first steps – and missteps –  into the wide world of beauty.

Three months worth of skincare fits in this tiny palm-sized bottle of the water-activated cleanser

Products mentioned in this episode: Bite Beauty Agave + Intensive Vegan Lip Mask; Bite Beauty Changemaker Supercharged Micellar Foundation; aN-hydra The Powder of Youth No. 1; Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant; Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder; Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder; My Clarins Re-Move Radiance Exfoliating Powder (launches March 1st)

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Thanks to this week’s show partner – support us by supporting them! 

Sephora Did you know stress affects your skin? It can cause dryness, signs of aging, and redness. The good news? Sephora’s got solutions! Quench dryness with top skincare picks from Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, and Barbara Sturm. Target signs of aging with Fresh and Dr. Dennis Gross. Calm redness with Laneige. Get the skin-saving lineup, only at Sephora – online and in-store now. 

*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! 
www.Instagram.com/breakingbeautypodcast


www.Twitter.com/BreakingBtyPod



Join our private Facebook group



Please rate and review us in Apple Podcasts 

Ep 100 Meet the Mysterious Makers Behind Colour Pop, Kylie Beauty, Tati Beauty & More Viral Beauty Hits

Welcome to our milestone, 100th episode!! Can you believe?! Our baby girl’s a centenarian already. Today we’re harkening back to our origins with an epic #foundersrule tale, with a brand leading the future of beauty as we enter a new decade. Meet John and Laura Nelson, the siblings behind Seed Beauty, a beauty incubator that’s launched mad successes like Colour Pop, Kylie Cosmetics, KKW Beauty, and most recently, Tati Beauty by mega influencer Tati Westbrook.

Outside Seed Beauty’s Oxnard, California HQ

In today’s episode, we visit Seed Beauty’s HQ in Oxnard, California, to peep the direct-to-consumer brands capable of taking a single customer request from concept to creation in just five days!!! John and Laura reveal the answers to the question on everybody’s mind: how is it possible to deliver high quality products at such a low price, so fast? Case in point: Jill and Carlene’s fave Super Shock Shadows from Colour Pop – gorgeous cream-to-powder pigments that sell for just $6 bucks.

Colour Pop’s low-price hit, Super Shock Shadows

In their first podcast ever, John and Laura trace the story behind how Seed Beauty came to be – pivoting the family business from one of the largest outside suppliers to global beauty brands to a vertically integrated platform launching its own brands. We get the juice on how a certain Kardashian family spun their warehouse into overdrive, and you’ll hear some hints on what this industry power player has cooking up next.

Products mentioned in this episode: Colour Pop Super Shock Shadows; Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kits; Sol Body; Fourth Ray Beauty

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

EPISODE PARTNERS & PROMO CODES:

Noémie- Fine jewelry made to last a lifetime, and you can personalize with engravings, and even order custom designs. Go to hellonoemie.com/BREAKINGBEAUTY to see their collections and get $50 your first purchase with promo code BEAUTY.

Ancient Nutrition- Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen Protein helps support healthy skin and nails, along with a healthy gut and joint health. Breaking Beauty listeners can get $10 OFF right now at Ancientnutrition.com when you use the promo code “BEAUTY”.

Sephora - Stressed out skin? Head to a Sephora store or sephora.com to shop skincare and to learn more about the skin-saving lineup from Drunk Elephant, Tatcha, Barbara Sturm, Fresh, Dr. Dennis Gross and Laneige.

Ep 98 - Self-Tanning & Self-Love With Jules Von Hep (Re-Release)

Happy New Year! We’re kicking off the decade with an absolute ray of sunshine. Tune in for our re-play of this epic episode with Jules Von Hep – fellow podcaster, founder of Isle of Paradise and a celebrity spray tanner who has bronzed everyone from Kate Moss to Sienna Miller to Poppy Delevingne. His powerful message of body positivity makes everyone feel like a celeb, so sit back and prepare to feel damn good about yourself. Tune in next week for our first brand new episode of 2020 (it’s gonna get skin-tip-crazy up in here!)

For a list of products mentioned in this episode, see original blog post here.

Ep 94 - The Indie Beauty Brand That Went BOOM, Urban Decay Founder Wende Zomnir

Meet Wende Zomnir, co-founder of Urban Decay, the 90s makeup brand that’s as relevant today as it was in its graffiti-grunge heyday. Listen in as the Texas-born pageant girl, Mom and surfer recalls how frustration with the candy pink facade of the beauty industry drove her to start a rebellious cosmetics company that was years ahead of its time with out-of-the-crayon-box neon shadows, blue lipsticks and all-gendered, near-black nail polishes to mark its initial lineup.

Urban Decay’s Naked Palette Had a Funeral

You’ll hear the backstory on cosmetics hit after cosmetics hit, like, the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion that Jill relies on to hold her shadow in place every single day. Or, the All-Nighter Setting Spray that out-performs the rest. Not to mention the brand’s 12-shades-of-beige Naked Palette, with sales of over $1B since its launch in 2010. The vanity staple was so iconic, the company had to host a funeral went it went bye-bye in 2018 (Nicole Richie and several influencers were in attendance, sniff.)

Featuring behind-the-scenes moments on how Wende managed to get into major retailers and into the hands of New York beauty editors with zero beauty experience, this episode will trace Urban Decay’s epic rise right up to the Lizzo-fronted “Pretty Different” campaign that broke the inter webs earlier this year. Finally, find out how Wende is looking back on her near 25 year legacy, as the little indie brand that was arguably one of the first to go BOOM.

Products mentioned in this episode: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil; Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion; Urban Decay All-Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray; Urban Decay Stay Naked Weightless Liquid Foundation; Urban Decay Naked Palette; Urban Decay Naked Honey Palette; Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat; Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Wet Force SPF 50+ Sunscreen; Skinceuticals Sheer Physical Defence SPF 50; Kerastase Elixir Ultime Original Hair Oil

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

PROMO CODES: Help support Breaking Beauty by supporting our sponsors!

Acuity For a limited time only you can get 45 days of Acuity Scheduling absolutely free- no credit card required- by going to acuityscheduling.com/breakingbeauty

Native For 20% off your first purchase, visit nativedeodorant.com/beauty and use promo code beauty during checkout. There’s No Risk to Try – Native offers free returns and exchanges in the USA.

Osea Go to oseamalibu.com/breakingbeauty for $10 off your first order of $50 to try this line of clean skincare based in the wonders of organic seaweed.

Ep 92 The Original Makeup Eraser Founder Lexi McCarthy

This week we’re delivering the damn good story behind one of beauty’s biggest innovations, The Original Makeup Eraser! Accidental inventor Elexis (“Lexi”) McCarthy dishes the dirt on the O.G. reusable polyester cloth that broke the beautysphere by removing all traces of makeup with get this - no cleanser or chemicals whatsoever. (Just one Makeup Eraser is equivalent to 3,600 disposable makeup wipes, and lasts for up to five years.)

You’ll hear all about how the busy mom of four discovered her sustainable beauty solution that’s sold over 5 million units since it launched at a Bridal Show back in 2013. Plus, we find out just how the heck this magical cloth *actually* works to remove even waterproof makeup; the reason Demi Moore claimed it saved her hyper-sensitive skin in a recent (unpaid) get-unready-with-me video; plus, major scoop on the brand’s next innovation - something *so big* Sephora is calling it just as “disruptive” as the original game-changing cloth.

You may know Demi Moore as an actress, or as a model, or maybe even as one of your favorite celeb mothers. In this episode of #GoToBedWithMe, BAZAAR's October cover star Demi Moore shares the best of her nightly skincare routine. Moore has been keeping herself busy lately.

Thanks to this week’s show partners  - support us by supporting them! 

Acuity Scheduling
Acuity Scheduling liberates you from the day-to-day drudgery of having to keep up with your clients’ busy schedules. For a limited time only, you can get 45 days of Acuity Scheduling absolutely free - no credit card required - by going to acuityscheduling.com/breakingbeauty 

Almay
For almost 100 years, Almay has been committed to hypoallergenic makeup for sensitive skin. Right now if you go to the nearest Canadian Walmart, or Walmart.ca you can pick up any two lip or eye products for $14. 

Conair
If you want more defined, frizz-free waves, try the Infinti Pro by Conair Texture Styling Hair Dryer. The innovative diffuser with multi-chamber design delivers targeted shine by not blowing curls everywhere. To see this product go to Conair.com and search for Curly Hair.

*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. 

Ep 87 - How NYX Cosmetics Founder, Toni Ko, Is Changing The Beauty Game (again!)

In 1999, Toni Ko completely changed the game on how prestigious drugstore makeup could be with NYX Cosmetics – highly pigmented makeup in sleek packaging, at rock-bottom prices. One multi-million-dollar acquisition and a five-year, non-compete agreement later, makeup mogul Toni Ko is ready for her second act. Launching this week, Bespoke Beauty Brands is an incubator for the kind of beauty influencers that helped put NYX on the map. 

Meet the first Bespoke Beauty Brands collab: KimChi Chic Beauty

We’re revealing all on her first collaboration with inimitable makeup artist and RuPaul’s Drag Race favourite, KimChi. Tune in as we unbox KimChi Chic Beauty on the air! Plus, Toni gets real about the wild world of entrepreneurship (like is selling your brand for half a billion dollars really as dreamy as it sounds?) You’ll also hear all about Toni’s #topshelf must-haves, and her sage advice to anyone out there hustling to become the next beauty unicorn.

Products mentioned in this episode: NYX Cosmetics Makeup Microbrow Pencil; NYX Professional Makeup Slim Eyeliner Pencil in Black; NYX Cosmetics Jumbo White Pencil in Milk; KimChi Chic Beauty; Dove Beauty Bar Soap; La Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Eye & Expression Cream; Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair; Neutrogena Ultra-Soft Makeup Remover Wipes for Waterproof Makeup; Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover.

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Thanks to our sponsors - without them, our show wouldn’t be on the air!

AO Skincare is a New Zealand-based, clean beauty company founded by a dermatologist. It’s EWG certified and AO Skincare is free from parabens, sulfates, PEGS, DEA, mineral oils, and fragrance. Breaking Beauty listeners can get 20% off by using the promo code BreakingBeauty20 on their website, at www.aoskincare.com

Native Deodorant is offering Breaking Beauty listeners a discount code! For 20% off your first purchase, visit nativedeodorant.com and use promo code BEAUTY during checkout. Plus, you get free shipping and returns in the US.

Four Sigmatic is a natural superfood company that specializes in mushroom-based drinks that benefit our immunity, energy, and longevity, and help us live healthier, more enhanced lives. They have a special offer just for Breaking Beauty listeners. Visit foursigmatic.com/beauty to receive 15% off your Four Sigmatic purchase or discount code BEAUTY at checkout.

Ep 83 - By Kilian Fragrance Founder Kilian Hennessy

listen here:

Today we take you inside the mind of French fragrance founder Kilian Hennessy, who launched his range of luxe scents, By Kilian, in 2007. Find out why his bold gourmand blend, Love Don’t Be Shy, is Rihanna’s ride-or-die perfume (it’s sold out in every store around the world!) We also introduce you to the all-time best-seller, Good Girl Gone Bad, a fruity floral that comes in a Serpentine-embellished, lacquer clutch. Plus, Kilian spills all on his next olfactive creation launching this month – his biggest departure from the 35 existing fragrances he’s created to date. But that’s not all. Last year, Kilian introduced the world to scented lipsticks! Listen to the end to find out whether more perfumed cosmetics are to come…

If the name sounds familiar, Kilian Hennessy is indeed of Hennessy ilk. Here, the dapper Frenchman recalls his family’s history starting out in cognac, which led to the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) empire. Brushes with famous perfumers, intimate details working with a bad boy designer, and the real reason Kilian refused to work for big fragrance companies – whether you love perfume or not, you’ll not want to miss the origin story behind the sleeper label unafraid to make a big statement.

Thank you to today’s show sponsors:

Four Sigmatic has a Special offer for BREAKING BEAUTY listeners! Head to www.foursigmatic.com/beauty or use the discount code BEAUTY for 15% off your Four Sigmatic purchase.

Audible also has a special offer for Breaking Beauty listeners. If you want to try out Audible for yourself, visit audible.com/beauty. You’ll get 30 days of membership for free, plus 1 audiobook and 2 Audible Originals to get you started. There’s no commitments. Cancel anytime and keep all your audiobooks. Audible.com/BEAUTY to get started or text the word BEAUTY to 500-500.

Products mentioned in this episode: Fracas by Robert Piguet; Christian Dior Poison; By Kilian Beyond Love, Prohibited; Christian Dior Eau Sauvage; Guerlain Vétiver; Caron Pour un Homme; By Kilian Good Girl Gone Bad; By Kilian Voulez Vous Coucher Avec Moi; By Kilian Love, Don’t Be Shy; By Kilian Rolling in Love; Guerlain Shalimar; Guerlain L’Heurre Bleu

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Ep 80 Co-Founder of Drybar, Squeeze & Soon-To-Be-Reality TV Star Alli Webb

Serial entrepreneur Alli Webb

Listen here

Today we’re chatting with serial entrepreneur Alli Webb. She’s the co-founder of Drybar, one of the original chain blow dry bars, launched nearly a decade ago. In this episode, Alli re-counts the key moments that turned a quaint, #MomBoss beauty idea into a $100M success story. (Now, there are 92 locations who do 120,000 blowouts a month.) Stay tuned as your humble hosts review Drybar’s best selling dry shampoo— then, we give you the scoop on a surprise mascara collaboration, dubbed “a blowout for your lashes,” entering stores right now!

Meet the surprise mascara collab we never saw coming

She also fills us in on her newest venture launched earlier this year. Meet Squeeze, a massage bar that aims to give you a customized, consistent and expertly branded experience for your bod. Basically it’s a Drybar for massages instead of blowouts!

A happy Squeeze customer

Alli Webb with It Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima

And because Alli aims just as high as one of her hair-raising blowouts, the beauty mogul also shares her top business-savvy advice on Raising the Bar podcast, co-hosted by her brother and business partner Michael Landau. Tune in for some choice advice she’s most used in trying times herself, before Alli bends our ear with a sneak peek of what’s to come on her upcoming reality t.v. show (who doesn’t cry for a good makeover!?)

Products mentioned in this episode: Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo; Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo Clear; Drybar x It Cosmetics Lash Blowout Salon Volume Lift Mascara; Drybar Buttercup Blowdryer

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Thanks to today’s show sponsors:

Ritual
Right now Ritual is offering Breaking Beauty listeners for US listeners 10% off during your first three months! Visit ritual.com/beauty to start your ritual today. 

Native has a special offer exclusively for Breaking Beauty listeners:
For 20% off your first purchase, visit nativedeodorant.com and use the promo code BEAUTY during checkout. That’s 20% off your first purchase when you visit nativedeodorant.com and use the promo code BEAUTY at checkout.

Honey
Honey is a FREE web browser extension that saves you money when you shop online. So basically you just install the extension and then Honey finds coupon codes and other discounts across the web and applies them automatically.  It installs on your computer in just two clicks, and it’ll save you money so you can treat yourself to something nice. Breaking Beauty listeners can get Honey for FREE at JoinHoney.com/BEAUTY.

Ep 79 - Glossier Founder Emily Weiss (Re-Release)

Listen here:

We’re on a summer vacay this week, but by popular demand we’re bumping this previously released chat to the top of your feeds. Meet Emily Weiss, she's the Founder and CEO to watch, and she started a revolution with Glossier, the millennial beauty brand that's commanded line-ups around the block with its era-defining pink-and-white packaging and its inclusive, raw beauty campaigns.

Tune in to learn all about how this beauty boss turned her side hustle as an intern at Vogue into the coveted billion dollar skincare and makeup empire it is today.  #foundersrule
Thanks to our show sponsors:
Audible
To get a 30 day Audible membership for free, plus 1 audiobook and 2 Audible Originals, check out audible.com/BEAUTY to get started. There’s no commitments - you can cancel anytime and keep all your audiobooks.
Spotlyte
If you’re obsessed with beauty, skincare, and curious to learn more about medical aesthetics, go to thespotlyte.com/beauty to find out more. 

Products mentioned in this episode: Glossier Boy Brow; Glossier Cloud Paint; Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser; Glossier Body Hero Daily Body Wash and Perfecting Cream; Benefit Gimme Brow; Chanel Sourcils de Chanel Brow Powder Duo; Clinique 3-Step; Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Ep 77 - W3ll People Co-Founder Shirley Pinkson

Well People Co-Founder Shirley Pinkson

It’s official, Breaking Beauty fans can’t get enough of clean beauty (hat-tip to listeners who filled out our survey for that intel!) In today’s episode, we bring you the origin story behind W3ll People — one of the O.G. all-natural makeup brands founded in Austin, Texas back in 2008. (Psst: Shailene Woodley is a fan!) We sit down with co-founder and makeup artist Shirley Pinkson, who trained under makeup master François Nars before setting out to create a green beauty dupe of “The Multiple” – and a whole wardrobe of good-for-your-skin cosmetics .

W3ll People makeup (Image courtesy of Manrepeller)

Find out how Shirley created a dream team with college pals, cosmetic dermatologist Dr Reneé Snyder and marketing guru James Walker – and the secret to maintaining a friendship through thick and thin. Then, Jill and Carlene weigh in with their honest review of W3ll People’s award-winning Expressionist Mascara, and give you the scoop on the sister wand launching next month. Plus, find out why W3ll People’s prices have been getting more accessible of late, and big news on which retailer will begin carrying the line by the end of this year.

Products mentioned in the episode: W3ll People Expressionist Mascara; W3ll People Multi Use Cream Stick; W3ll People Bio Bronzer Stick; Rahua Smoothing Hair Balm

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Thank you to our show sponsor, Four Sigmatic!
Four Sigmatic has a special offer for Breaking Beauty listeners. If you head to foursigmatic.com/beauty you can receive 15% off your Four Sigmatic purchase or use discount code BEAUTY at checkout.

.

Ep 74 - Glow Recipe Co-Founder Christine Chang on Where Korean Beauty Is Going Next

Glow Recipe co-founders and Shark Tank alums Christine Chang and Sarah Lee had no idea their little online store, offering a curated assortment of Korean beauty products, would explode into the multi-million dollar business it is today. Now, Glow Recipe is a Korean skincare company in its own right, selling out at Sephora on the regular. Today, we’ve got Christine Chang in the studio to tell us the inside story behind Glow Recipe’s massive success and what it’s like to go from L’Oréal marketing interns to beauty moguls – with their sights set on Australian expansion next.

How cute is Glow Recipe’s packaging?

Find out the origin story behind the best-selling Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (a jar is sold every 3 minutes in over 33 countries around the world) that’s as precious in pastel pink packaging as it is effective at coaxing that covetable glass skin glow. The New York-based Mom and entrepreneur also launched a diffusion line, called Sweet Chef, exclusively at Target stores earlier this year. You’ll hear all the scoop on two follow up products hitting store shelves this month.

Believe it! That Glow Recipe glow

Keep your ears perked as Christine tells us which Korean beauty influencers she follows herself, where to eat the best Korean food in New York City, and finally, you won’t want to miss her personal #christineglowtips for eliciting the very best glow yourself—Glow Recipe style.

Thanks to our show sponsor, Audible.com:
Audible is offering Amazon Prime members a special from now all the way up until July 31st. If you don’t already have an Audible membership you can start now and save. 66% on your first 3 months–that’s a total of $30 off.  Visit audible.com/beauty to get started today.

Products mentioned in this episode: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask; Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist; Sweet Chef Ginger Kombucha + Vitamin D Chill Mist; Sweet Chef Superfood + Vitamins Moisture Boost; Atopalm Real Barrier Intense Moisture Cream; Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum; MAKEP:REM UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Ep 71 - Founder #Flashback: The Blood, Sweat and Pride behind M.A.C Cosmetics With Co-Founder Frank Toskan

We’re on vacation and we hope you are too! In honour of Canada Day, PRIDE and epic road trips, we are re-releasing our founder episode featuring legendary entrepreneur Frank Toskan, who co-created M.A.C Cosmetics! We also want to say a happy birthday to the iconic brand, which is celebrating 35 years in 2019. We originally launched the episode in two parts last summer, and this time around, we’re delivering one long track for your long-listening pleasure.

You’ll hear all the deets dedicated to the trailblazing brand that paved the way to so many modern, inclusive beauty lines today.  With its unforgettable, original tagline: "All Ages, All Races, All Sexes", M.A.C was waaay ahead of its time, tapping into a culture completely foreign to the heritage beauty brands lining store shelves when it launched in 1984.

Jill and Carlene recall the M.A.C beauty products that helped form their youths (hands up if you wore Twig Lipstick!). Plus, we remind you of the brand's ultimate best-sellers like Ruby Woo Lipstick (2,900 of their made-in-Canada lipsticks are sold everyday around the world) and their epic Studio Fix Foundations (still #1 in prestige in Canada), which offered nearly 40 shades decades before Fenty Beauty came along. 

Then, Frank takes us way back, on coming to North America as a young immigrant, with little more than a children's suitcase and a few small trinkets inside. Beauty history buffs will want to hear the story of "Frank & Frank" as the two founders would become known, partners in life and business until Frank Angelo's passing in the 1990's. And finally, the origin story on how Frank Toskan came to compose early M.A.C prototypes using nothing more than craft store supplies in his Toronto kitchen.

We hit you with all the juicy celebrity moments that helped catapult M.A.C to household name status (a young Lady Gaga, Madonna and Linda Evangelista were all involved.) Don't miss the rebellious acts that had department stores up in arms, like hiring crossdressing beauty consultants, and giving out condoms at beauty counters (mon dieu!) We also go deep on VIVA Glam, the unparalleled giving-back program that's earned a whopping $480M for M.A.C's AIDS Fund, including a sneak peek on an academic book on the topic (launching just in time for VIVA Glam's 25th anniversary next year). So, what's Frank Toskan up to now? We've got the scoop on his next indie startup, called Impact Kitchen, that tastes as good as it is for you. 

Products mentioned in this episode: M.A.C Satin Lipstick in Twig; M.A.C Lipliner in Spice; M.A.C Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo;M.A.C Lipglass Clear; M.A.C Strobe Cream; M.A.C Proud to Be Canadian Lipstick; M.A.C Matte Lipstick in Russian Red;M.A.C Studio Fix Perfecting Powder

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Ep 68 Legendary Haircare Founder Frédéric Fekkai

Women of a certain age know the name of this hair legend well: Frédéric Fekkai. If you were born around the same time as Dua Lipa, get ready to hear the backstory behind the dashing Frenchman and former model who was among the first to charge hundreds of dollars for a hair cut in Manhattan. In his heyday, Frédéric was called upon by Hollywood royalty like Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey and Jodie Foster. At one Academy Awards show, he worked on three nominees in one night!

His eponymous haircare brand was also among the original hairstylist-backed brands, and it would become coveted for its anti-grunge, Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream, bringing that salon suave to top shelves across the continent. (Carlene even recalls one swanky press trip when she was helicoptered in to Frédéric’s estate in Upstate New York!) But after selling his self-titled haircare business in 2008, the brand lost its cool factor. In today’s episode, Frédéric explains why he recently bought back his own brand—and details his plans for re-inventing the House of Fekkai to compete with the Ouai’s and Brigeo’s of this world.

Bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, Frédéric never retired for long though. Meet the clean beauty brand born from his roots in the South of France, called Bastide. What began as a small assortment of artisanal, luxe-y perfumes, hand washes and body creams sold at high end department stores Nordstrom and Holt Renfrew, the highly giftable brand is ready to take on skincare this fall. Frédéric talks to us about shifting his focus from hair to face; he also explains the right* way to blow-dry your hair; and he shares some knee-slapping stories about his stylish travels working with the likes of Martha Steward (pre & post-penitentiary) along the way.

Products mentioned in this episode: Fekkai; Fekkai Apple Cider Clearing Rinse; Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Styling Cream; Bastide Verveine du Sud Eau de Toilette; Bastide Natural Artisanal Liquid Hand Wash in Amber Soir; Bastide Ambre d’Or Potpourri Scented Crystals; Bastide Corps-a-Corps Body Cream

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Special thanks to our show sponsor, Ritual:
Better health doesn’t happen overnight, so right now Ritual is offering Breaking Beauty listeners in the US 10% off during your first three months! Visit ritual.com/BEAUTY to start your ritual today.

Ep 66 - Meet Makeup Artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis, Luxury Organic Cosmetics Pioneer

Founder Kirsten Kjaer Weis

Who doesn’t love a sleeper hit? Among the cacophony of beauty launches, meet the indie brand that’s managed to quietly cut through the clutter to amass a niche group of devoted beauty fans. We sit down with makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weis, who tells us all about the vision for her eponymous cosmetics range that’s both ultra-luxury and certified organic—not to mention entirely re-fillable.

Kjaer Weis earns its shelfie status

Seven years in the making, Kjaer Weiss launched in 2010 to mad magazine write-ups, thanks in part to its beyond-beautiful packaging (designed by the mastermind behind Comme des Garcons’ chic AF fragrances, Marc Atlan.) It quickly became a cult favourite amongst the models who were often in Kirsten’s makeup chair, celebrities like Emma Watson and makeup artists like Katey Denno. The reason? High performance makeup that could compete with conventional makeup brands—without any irritating toxins.

Current campaign model Michelle Stevens Childs

Kjaer Weis has been often called upon by the likes of Marie Claire and Self magazines, for her ability to make skin look flawless and utterly natural all at once. In this episode, you’ll get an earful on the best-selling mascara and foundation, plus, Kirsten’s pro tips for nailing that woke-up-like-this-but-better base. Stay tuned until the very end and you’ll also get the scoop on Kirsten’s growing foray into the world of skincare, with two top shelf-worthy products in stores this month.

Products mentioned in the episode: Kjaer Weis Mascara, Kjaer Weis Foundation, Kjaer Weis Facial Oil; Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick; Kjaer Weis The Cleanser; Kjaer Weis Toner

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Ep 63 - Briogeo Founder Nancy Twine

Meet the fastest growing hair care brand at Sephora: Briogeo. Today we’re chatting with its brilliant founder, Nancy Twine, a University of Virginia graduate and Goldman Sachs alum. As a woman of colour, she couldn't understand why there wasn’t any natural, non-toxic haircare on the market for all ethnicities and hair textures under one brand. Having whipped up DIY beauty products using avocado oils and coconut butters with her mother and grandmother as a child, clean beauty was also top of mind. She blended the two ideas, and in 2013, Briogeo was born.

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

But why leave that high paying Wall Street job to begin with? In this episode, Nancy reveals the heart-breaking moment that caused her to re-evaluate everything in her life. She also shares a funny story about a surprising connection she has to Kelly Clarkson. And in the spirit of true #girltalk, we get her personal tips on blow-drying her hair in under 12 minutes, and the one product she made that pretty much broke the internet.

Briogeo fan @kats.curls

Jill and Carlene weigh in on why Briogeo’s best-selling Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is truly a dream for dry, damaged hair. (Super influencers Hannah Bronfman and Ingrid Neilsen are fans of the brand.) Finally, Nancy explains which 6 ingredients you’ll never find in any of her formulations. And we don’t let her go without getting all the deets on why hair supplements are what she’s conquering next – coming this fall.

Special thank you to Amazon for providing Breaking Beauty Podcast with new Bose headphones so we and our guests can now hear ourselves while we record. Game changer!

Psst!! We now have an Amazon store! Shop any of the products mentioned in our episode below. These are affiliate links, so Breaking Beauty Podcast will get a small portion of sales that will help with all of our production costs. [Adds to cart…] Thank you for shopping!

Products mentioned in this episode: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask; Briogeo B. Well Organic + Cold Pressed 100% Castor Oil; Briogeo B. Well Organic + Australian 100% Tea Tree Oil; GHD Air Dryer; Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium-Plated Ionic Straightening Iron

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Ep 59 Atelier Cologne Co-Founder Sylvie Ganter on Perfume 101, How to Wear Fragrance Like a French Girl & The Iconic Scent She's Not Having

Atelier Cologne Co-Founder Sylvie Ganter

How chic is this woman??? Today we have Atelier Cologne co-founder Sylvie Ganter on the mic! And the story behind this indie fragrance brand is a doozy— in fact, it’s a LOVE story, dramatic twists and all. Sylvie started the Maison de Parfum with her boss-turned-boyfriend, Christophe Cervasel, back in 2009. The impassioned couple built the business with one idea: taking the classic cologne category and coming up with a way to make the citrus-based juices last hella longer. Hence, how a new category, Cologne Absolue, was born.

A rendering of the newest Atelier Cologne outpost at Hudson Yards in New York City

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Atelier Cologne boasts over twenty stand-alone stores around the world— most recently with an outpost at Hudson Yards. The brand is so hot, L’Oréal Luxe scooped it up back in 2016. It’s just one example of how indie fragrance brands are pretty much killing it right now, as the thirst for unique signature scents continues. Come on— who doesn’t love those candy-coloured leather cases that can be monogrammed with custom-engraving?

Who doesn’t love a monogrammed signature scent?

In this episode, we’ll chat about the best-seller, Orange Sanguine, which has won a FIFI Award (that’s basically the Oscars of the fragrance world!) Sylvie also schools us on the difference between an eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and cologne. You’re also going to hear her tips for finding your own signature scent, how to tell someone you care about that their perfume is killing you and she shares her tips on making fragrance last (or in Carlene’s case, how to apply it so it doesn’t make her delicate nose all stuffy #TRUTH.)

Products mentioned in this episode: Atelier Cologne Citron d’Erable Cologne Absolue; Atelier Cologne Bois Blonds; Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine; Atelier Cologne Pacific Lime

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Ep 57 Celebrity Tanning Expert & Isle of Paradise Founder Jules Von Hep

Today we’re chatting with our first ever tanning founder!! It’s Jules Von Hep, a celebrity spray tanner who has glow’d up everyone from Kate Moss to Sienna Miller to Poppy Delevingne. Jules started Isle of Paradise just last year, bottling up his decade bronzing bodies of all sizes, shades and shapes with his super-smart colour-correcting formula that promises to bring the bronze without any dullness or orange-effect.

Isle of Paradise is a tanning brand for the millennial era with its vegan, cruelty-free and organic formulations, offered up in fun new textures (hello, tanning waters!) The Medium Self-Tanning Drops have already sold out at Sephora, and good news for Canadian listeners, the brand landed in Sephora stores this month—just in time for those last vacays down south.

But perhaps the biggest part of Isle Of Paradise’s fast success is the ethos behind the brand. Stemming from Jules himself, it’s all about body positivity and self-love, topics he explores as co-host of Wobble podcast, featuring guests like Bryony Gordon and Emma Guns. We also get to the heart of the body image matter in this episode, along with Jules’ no-fail tanning tips and a story of a celebrity tanning session gone so so wrong.

Products mentioned in this episode: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops in Medium; Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Waters

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.

Ep 55 The Detox Market Founder Romain Gaillard On Pioneering Green Beauty in Retail + The Top 3 Sellers RN!

It’s no secret that green beauty is everything these days (natural personal care and beauty products earned over $1.5 billion in U.S. sales in 2017.) But long before Sephora came up with the “Clean at Sephora” seal, Romain Gaillard pioneered the modern concept of green beauty retail with The Detox Market. That was back in 2010. It was a pop-up situation on Abbott Kinney in Venice Beach. And it was the first time you could walk into a shoppe and find that every beauty product lining store shelves was not only chic but free of parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals and over 600 other questionable ingredients it’s banned from a highly curated assortment. Now The Detox Market boasts seven locations including three in Los Angeles, three in Toronto (including a swank new shoppe on Spadina Ave.), and a 2,000 square foot flagship in New York City.

The Detox Market’s new Toronto flagship on Spadina Ave.

Parisian by birth, Romain went to school for finance before landing in tech - so how did he wind up an early leader in green beauty? In today’s episode, we find out the pivotal moment that would change his life course forever. Boasting luxe, organic brands from RMS Beauty to Kjaer Weis to May Lindstrom, we also find out which products are the top three best-sellers in stores right now (shopping carts at the ready!)

The Detox Market’s debut from its new in-house beauty range, Detox Mode Altogether Oil

And finally, we’ve got the scoop on The Detox Market’s own range of beauty products launched recently, to fill holes in our self-care regimens where green beauty products still don’t exist! To start, we’re reviewing the first ever all-natural dry oil, called Detox Mode Altogether Oil, with news on when you can expect the follow up in the French-inspired line next. If you’re one of many eco beauty soldiers out there trying to green your routine from head-to-toe, or if you’re an all-natural beauty entrepreneur who wants to know what it takes to get into The Detox Market’s inventory, this episode is for you!

Products mentioned in this episode: W3LL People Expressionist Mascara; Detox Mode Altogether Oil; Odacite Green Ceremony Cleanser; Soapwalla Original Deodorant Cream; Clove & Hollow Lip Velvet; Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick; Coola; Suntegrity; Babo Botanicals SPF 50 Super Shield Sport Stick; Chanel Platinum Égoiste Eau de Toilette

Every product is independently selected by Breaking Beauty Podcast hosts and/or guests. Products you purchase through our links may earn us a commission.