Breaking Beauty Podcast

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.

Salmon Sperm! Spicules! A Surgery-Free Face Lift! This week, it’s a K-Beauty extravaganza as we sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Kim to unpack it all. Dr Kim is a Korean native with a newly-minted Manhattan practice, Soho Derm, that blends the best of cutting edge Korean aesthetics and western dermatology. Dr. Kim has over 1 million followers across social media and he’s often featured as an expert on The Today Show.
Tune in to hear about:
Prevention vs. correction: Why patients in South Korea start treatments in their 20s compared to the “fix-it” mentality often seen in North America
The “V-Line” vs. sculpted esthetic: Comparing the desire for heart-shaped, “feminine” facial features in Asia versus the "snatched" jaws in the West.
PDRN (Salmon Sperm DNA): The science behind the viral ingredient, its 10-year history in Korea, and how it’s being used for everything from joint recovery to glowy skin.
The melasma solution: Why tranexamic acid (as an oral Rx) is a game-changer for pigment and the safety precautions you need to know
Spicules - friend or foe? What to know about the “Reedle” shots you see all over Tiktok and which one Dr. Kim is personally a fan of
The treatments to know now: From Pico Laser to treat texture and dark spots to the Xerf tightening treatment that combats laxity, Dr. Kim shares his own personal experience as a guinea pig on what really makes a difference
What’s on a derm’s top shelf: Stay tuned to the end to hear about the one K-beauty skincare staple Dr. Kim believes everyone should own
From derm-to-founder: What makes Dr. Kim’s SPF brand, Lightsaver, different. Pssst - We have a special promo code: head to https://www.lightsaverskin.com and use code Breaking20 for a 20% discount!

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:
Your Ultimate #DamnGood K-Beauty Shopping Guide is Here! Featuring Guest Host and Korean Skincare Expert Ava Lee AKA @GlowWithAva
#DamnGood Special! Gothamista’s Renée Chow Spills the Secrets of Her At-Home Skincare Routine
How a K-Beauty Esthetician Gets Her Skin So Glassy with Peach & Lily Founder Alicia Yoon


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

Nutrafol
Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand, trusted by over 1.5 million people. See thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair with less shedding in just 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 go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code BREAKING.

Skims
Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select “podcast” in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. And if you are looking for the perfect gift for your Valentine or for yourself - the SKIMS Valentine’s Shop is now open!
#skimspartner

One Skin
OneSkin’s OS-01 Peptide™ is proven to target the visible signs of aging, helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, get 15% off OneSkin with the code BREAKINGBEAUTY at https://www.oneskin.co/BREAKINGBEAUTY #oneskinpod.

*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.

This week we are diving deep into the world of cosmetic dentistry and oral health with the most in-demand aesthetic dentist on the planet, Dr. Michael Apa. Listen in as Dr. Apa gives us a masterclass on how-to seriously level-up and love the appearance of your teeth – even if you’re on a budget.
You’ll hear about:
Veneers 101: Pros, cons, costs and what to ask during your very first consultation.
Invisalign vs braces: Find out which one Dr. Apa would choose – and why.
Red flags: Dr. Apa shares his “no-go” zones for Botox and how lip fillers and other cosmetic enhancements can impact cosmetic dentistry.
“Ozempic teeth”: The impact that rapid weight loss can have on your face, and why you should wait to hit your "goal weight" before investing in a smile makeover.
The never list: The three habits Dr. Apa personally avoids as a leading cosmetic dentist.
Girl math: If veneers aren't in the budget, Dr. Apa reveals the two non-invasive treatments that offer the biggest “glow-up” for your smile
For any products or links mentioned in this episode, check out our website: https://breakingbeautypodcast.com/episode-recaps/

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

Quince
Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Don't wait. Go to Quince.com/BREAKINGBEAUTY for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

One Skin
OneSkin’s OS-01 Peptide™ is proven to target the visible signs of aging, helping you unlock your healthiest skin now and as you age. For a limited time, get 15% off OneSkin with the code BREAKINGBEAUTY at https://www.oneskin.co/BREAKINGBEAUTY #oneskinpod.


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:

TikTok-Viral Purple Toothpaste, The Best Electric Toothbrush to Invest In and Teeth Whitening Tips With Oral Care Expert Dr. Laurence Walsh
The Biggest Celebrity Transformations Decoded: A Deep Dive with Dana Omari-Harrell @IGFamousByDana
Boob Jobs The Ultimate Guide With ‘Natural Aesthetic’ Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Lara Devgan

*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.