Breaking Beauty Podcast – Episode Summary

🎁 It’s Official: These Are The #DamnGood, Non-Boring Holiday Gifts Of The 2025 Season, According to Us

Hosts: Jill Dunn & Carlene Higgins
Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this highly anticipated annual #DamnGood Holiday Gift Guide episode, beauty editors-turned-podcasters Jill and Carlene reveal their curated picks for the most exciting, non-boring beauty gifts of the 2025 holiday season. Drawing on their combined decades of swatching and testing, the duo covers gifts at every price point for every beauty lover—from makeup and fragrance to accessories and skincare. With personal anecdotes, unboxing excitement, and honest reviews, this guide isn’t about the predictable: every item is chosen to spark genuine joy and meet their high standards for truly unboring gifting.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Tone: Why Non-Boring Gifts Matter

Jill and Carlene stress their deep industry experience:
“We always say that we’ve seen it all, swatched it all. So we have a pretty high standard for what would be considered unboring.” – Carlene (01:17)
Gifts should feel fresh, joyful, and thoughtfully chosen.

1. Charlotte Tilbury Holiday 2025 Collection

Hollywood Instant Look in a Palette – Pretty Glowing Beauty

Timestamps: 02:36–06:26
Key Points:
- The beloved “5-minute palette,” now in a sparkling pink lamé cover (very festive).
- New campaign featuring Céline Dion, who uses the actual product.
- “What I found exciting is the campaign behind it. Did you see the Celine Dion campaign for Charlotte Tilbury? She was actually in a video…” – Carlene (03:20)
- Two skin tone options; $69 US/$88 CAD.
- Clear, “makeup for dummies” palette structure—easy, glamorous, crowd-pleasing.
- Mention of the new Blush Glow formula: “Brand new cheek color, a light-catching formula for radiant pop.” (06:00)
Gift Pick Bonus: Pillow Talk Iconic Lip & Cheek Kit in Christmas Cracker packaging—a genius universally flattering gift and top stocking stuffer. (05:22)

2. Emi Jay Hair Accessories

Sweet & Sleek Styling Set & Toasted Hair Clips

Timestamps: 06:26–10:21
Key Points:
- Pink boar bristle brush and hair “slick stick”: French, old-timey vibes, chic, functional.
- “Every single girl on the Lower East Side and in Soho… teddy bear coat and one of these clips in their hair. It is a formula.” – Jill (08:36)
- The “Sweetheart” and “Good Effing Clip” as must-give gifts for trendy 20-somethings.
- Packaging comes ready-to-gift, with “To:” and “From:” on the box.

3. RMS Beauty x Hart Collab Lip-to-Cheek Locket Necklace

Timestamps: 10:23–14:19
Key Points:
- A 10k gold-plated locket necklace that opens to reveal RMS Lip-to-Cheek Tint.
- “Wearable makeup, everyone. Wearable makeup and I’m here for it.” – Carlene (14:14)
- Easy to use without a mirror; collab celebrates small, women-led Charleston businesses.
- “When you open it, it says ‘carpe diem.’” (12:09)
- Also available on a red cord at lower price, on-trend “cord jewelry” option.
- “Very chic… old money vibes… A conversation starter.” (14:20)

4. Luxury Fragrance Picks (+ Customization Tips)

Timestamps: 19:14–23:44
Key Points:
- Guerlain Shalimar Eau de Parfum Intense (vanilla): Celebrates 100 years with a modern vanilla-forward twist. New logo.
- Pro-Tip: Many high-end fragrances & lipsticks at select Sephora/Dior boutiques can be engraved or monogrammed, making a classic luxe gift feel personal.
- “You can make it special, you can customize it. I don’t think enough people know about that.” – Jill (20:35)
- Glossier You Duo—Top 2025 Google-searched fragrance gift, cute “paint can” packaging, comes with both full-size and travel formats. “You don’t even have to gift wrap it at all.” (22:52)
- Makeup by Mario’s Ethereal Eyes Palette and Glow Recipe—flagged as other top-searched gifts.

5. L’Occitane French Advent Calendar

Timestamps: 23:53–27:02
Key Points:
- Iconic French-girl beauty in a chic illustrated “house” advent calendar—$210 US / $240 CAD, with $369/$409 value.
- Includes bestsellers from hand cream to deluxe moisturizers and body oil; has three full-size products.
- “Looks like a French country farmhouse… It’s just so, so fun.” – Carlene (24:54)
- More affordable mini advent also available.
- Highlighted as ideal for moms/mother-in-laws/all Francophile beauty lovers.

6. Other Luxe Mini & Indie Gifts

a. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Petite Trio

Timestamps: 27:14–29:07
Petite, soft blue blush sticks in bestselling shades; $60 for three.
“I am a sucker for anything petite… As soon as I saw it, I was like, ‘give me.’” – Jill (28:01)

b. Soft Services Buffing Bar Miniature Collection

Timestamps: 29:15–32:24
Book-shaped box with individually wrapped mini body buffing bars in multiple scents.
“It reminds me of the Lifesavers candy storybook in my stocking.” – Jill (32:07)

7. Skincare Standouts

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Holiday Set

Timestamps: 32:48–39:12
Full Sulwhasoo ritual (cleanser, iconic serum, ginseng cream); $116 US.
“This is like the La Mer of K-beauty… It’s a traditional gift to the mother of the bride and dignitaries.” – Carlene (33:28, 38:51)
Carlene shares personal results: “When I get off a plane, I usually have inflamed skin… My skin just looked neutral… my face is not the usual bright red.” (35:22)
Serious science behind the ginseng—backed by Johns Hopkins research.
“It was not fluff science. It was legitimate.” – Carlene (36:55)

8. Affordable Kits & Viral Favorites

Jones Road Beauty – Great value sets, first-ever sitewide holiday sale: up to 20% off sitewide over $100. (45:22)

Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse VIII Lip Luminizer Trio

Timestamps: 46:32–49:12
Sparkly, ombré “sunset in a tube” glosses; $45 US for the set.
“Look at this: three layers, like a three-layer cake… That’s fun. I feel like a teen—instant hit.” – Carlene (47:54)
Cost-effective to split up as stocking stuffers.

9. Extra-Special Indie Moment: Carlene’s Launch – Cassatt Lade Retinoid Skin Ointment

Timestamps: 49:20–54:23
Carlene gifts Jill her new launch: a French-inspired, retinoid ointment in a “trunk”-like blue box.
“The actual exterior packaging stands out so much. It's very French. I feel like I’m at Versailles.” – Jill (51:14)
Designed for sensitive skin; gentle but effective, with scientific “slugging effect” for increased absorption and comfort, not strength.
Now available at cassattbeauty.com and Lux Atelier (Oregon, US), with glowing first reviews.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On what makes a #DamnGood gift:
“As much as there’s, like, huge influencers on social media who love Charlotte Tilbury…what first drew me to this line is that she made it very easy for people like me to learn how to do my makeup to the next level.” – Carlene (04:16)
On hair trends:
“Every single girl on the Lower East Side and in Soho… teddy bear coat and one of these clips in their hair. It is a formula.” – Jill (08:36)
On gifting personalized classics:
“You can make it special, you can customize it. I don’t think enough people know about that.” – Jill (20:35)
On skincare science:
“It was not fluff science. It was legitimate.” – Carlene (36:55)
On indie and out-of-the-box gifts:
“Wearable makeup, everyone. Wearable makeup and I’m here for it.” – Carlene (re: RMS x Hart Locket, 14:14)
On new traditions:
“It’s a traditional gift to give a set to the mother of the bride at weddings in Korea, and to dignitaries. That’s why I think it’s an exciting gift…” – Carlene (38:51)

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:44] – Charlotte Tilbury Sparkly Palette & Céline Dion Campaign
[06:35] – Emi Jay Hair Accessories & Trend Talk
[10:23] – RMS x Hart Lip-to-Cheek Locket Necklace Live Unboxing
[19:14] – Guerlain Shalimar, Dior Personalization, Glossier You
[23:53] – L’Occitane Advent Calendar & Holiday Packaging
[27:14] – Westman Atelier Blush Trio
[29:15] – Soft Services Buffing Bar Mini Book
[32:48] – Sulwhasoo Skincare Set & Science Deep Dive
[45:22] – Jones Road Beauty Sale Alert, Fenty Lip Glosses
[49:20] – Carlene’s Cassatt Lade Retinoid Skin Ointment Unboxing

Final Thoughts

Jill and Carlene offer a lively, honest, and deeply informed tour of 2025’s best beauty gifts, mixing trend-savvy picks with enduring classics and personal favorites. Whether you’re buying for the “girl about town,” the skincare lover, a fragrance fanatic, or just yourself, this episode makes clear: gifting beauty in 2025 can be anything but boring.

“Happy holidays, everybody. Happy shopping. And next week we have another hashtag damn good episode reviewing viral products of 2025—so come back for even more gift inspiration!” – Jill (54:25)

For product links, promo codes, and visuals, check out Breaking Beauty Podcast’s YouTube and blog.

Breaking Beauty Podcast – Episode Summary

🎁 It’s Official: These Are The #DamnGood, Non-Boring Holiday Gifts Of The 2025 Season, According to Us

Hosts: Jill Dunn & Carlene Higgins
Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Tone: Why Non-Boring Gifts Matter

Jill and Carlene stress their deep industry experience:
“We always say that we’ve seen it all, swatched it all. So we have a pretty high standard for what would be considered unboring.” – Carlene (01:17)
Gifts should feel fresh, joyful, and thoughtfully chosen.

1. Charlotte Tilbury Holiday 2025 Collection

Hollywood Instant Look in a Palette – Pretty Glowing Beauty

Timestamps: 02:36–06:26
Key Points:
- The beloved “5-minute palette,” now in a sparkling pink lamé cover (very festive).
- New campaign featuring Céline Dion, who uses the actual product.
- “What I found exciting is the campaign behind it. Did you see the Celine Dion campaign for Charlotte Tilbury? She was actually in a video…” – Carlene (03:20)
- Two skin tone options; $69 US/$88 CAD.
- Clear, “makeup for dummies” palette structure—easy, glamorous, crowd-pleasing.
- Mention of the new Blush Glow formula: “Brand new cheek color, a light-catching formula for radiant pop.” (06:00)
Gift Pick Bonus: Pillow Talk Iconic Lip & Cheek Kit in Christmas Cracker packaging—a genius universally flattering gift and top stocking stuffer. (05:22)

2. Emi Jay Hair Accessories

Sweet & Sleek Styling Set & Toasted Hair Clips

Timestamps: 06:26–10:21
Key Points:
- Pink boar bristle brush and hair “slick stick”: French, old-timey vibes, chic, functional.
- “Every single girl on the Lower East Side and in Soho… teddy bear coat and one of these clips in their hair. It is a formula.” – Jill (08:36)
- The “Sweetheart” and “Good Effing Clip” as must-give gifts for trendy 20-somethings.
- Packaging comes ready-to-gift, with “To:” and “From:” on the box.

3. RMS Beauty x Hart Collab Lip-to-Cheek Locket Necklace

Timestamps: 10:23–14:19
Key Points:
- A 10k gold-plated locket necklace that opens to reveal RMS Lip-to-Cheek Tint.
- “Wearable makeup, everyone. Wearable makeup and I’m here for it.” – Carlene (14:14)
- Easy to use without a mirror; collab celebrates small, women-led Charleston businesses.
- “When you open it, it says ‘carpe diem.’” (12:09)
- Also available on a red cord at lower price, on-trend “cord jewelry” option.
- “Very chic… old money vibes… A conversation starter.” (14:20)

4. Luxury Fragrance Picks (+ Customization Tips)

Timestamps: 19:14–23:44
Key Points:
- Guerlain Shalimar Eau de Parfum Intense (vanilla): Celebrates 100 years with a modern vanilla-forward twist. New logo.
- Pro-Tip: Many high-end fragrances & lipsticks at select Sephora/Dior boutiques can be engraved or monogrammed, making a classic luxe gift feel personal.
- “You can make it special, you can customize it. I don’t think enough people know about that.” – Jill (20:35)
- Glossier You Duo—Top 2025 Google-searched fragrance gift, cute “paint can” packaging, comes with both full-size and travel formats. “You don’t even have to gift wrap it at all.” (22:52)
- Makeup by Mario’s Ethereal Eyes Palette and Glow Recipe—flagged as other top-searched gifts.

5. L’Occitane French Advent Calendar

Timestamps: 23:53–27:02
Key Points:
- Iconic French-girl beauty in a chic illustrated “house” advent calendar—$210 US / $240 CAD, with $369/$409 value.
- Includes bestsellers from hand cream to deluxe moisturizers and body oil; has three full-size products.
- “Looks like a French country farmhouse… It’s just so, so fun.” – Carlene (24:54)
- More affordable mini advent also available.
- Highlighted as ideal for moms/mother-in-laws/all Francophile beauty lovers.

6. Other Luxe Mini & Indie Gifts

a. Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Petite Trio

Timestamps: 27:14–29:07
Petite, soft blue blush sticks in bestselling shades; $60 for three.
“I am a sucker for anything petite… As soon as I saw it, I was like, ‘give me.’” – Jill (28:01)

b. Soft Services Buffing Bar Miniature Collection

Timestamps: 29:15–32:24
Book-shaped box with individually wrapped mini body buffing bars in multiple scents.
“It reminds me of the Lifesavers candy storybook in my stocking.” – Jill (32:07)

7. Skincare Standouts

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Holiday Set

Timestamps: 32:48–39:12
Full Sulwhasoo ritual (cleanser, iconic serum, ginseng cream); $116 US.
“This is like the La Mer of K-beauty… It’s a traditional gift to the mother of the bride and dignitaries.” – Carlene (33:28, 38:51)
Carlene shares personal results: “When I get off a plane, I usually have inflamed skin… My skin just looked neutral… my face is not the usual bright red.” (35:22)
Serious science behind the ginseng—backed by Johns Hopkins research.
“It was not fluff science. It was legitimate.” – Carlene (36:55)

8. Affordable Kits & Viral Favorites

Jones Road Beauty – Great value sets, first-ever sitewide holiday sale: up to 20% off sitewide over $100. (45:22)

Fenty Beauty Glossy Posse VIII Lip Luminizer Trio

Timestamps: 46:32–49:12
Sparkly, ombré “sunset in a tube” glosses; $45 US for the set.
“Look at this: three layers, like a three-layer cake… That’s fun. I feel like a teen—instant hit.” – Carlene (47:54)
Cost-effective to split up as stocking stuffers.

9. Extra-Special Indie Moment: Carlene’s Launch – Cassatt Lade Retinoid Skin Ointment

Timestamps: 49:20–54:23
Carlene gifts Jill her new launch: a French-inspired, retinoid ointment in a “trunk”-like blue box.
“The actual exterior packaging stands out so much. It's very French. I feel like I’m at Versailles.” – Jill (51:14)
Designed for sensitive skin; gentle but effective, with scientific “slugging effect” for increased absorption and comfort, not strength.
Now available at cassattbeauty.com and Lux Atelier (Oregon, US), with glowing first reviews.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On what makes a #DamnGood gift:
“As much as there’s, like, huge influencers on social media who love Charlotte Tilbury…what first drew me to this line is that she made it very easy for people like me to learn how to do my makeup to the next level.” – Carlene (04:16)
On hair trends:
“Every single girl on the Lower East Side and in Soho… teddy bear coat and one of these clips in their hair. It is a formula.” – Jill (08:36)
On gifting personalized classics:
“You can make it special, you can customize it. I don’t think enough people know about that.” – Jill (20:35)
On skincare science:
“It was not fluff science. It was legitimate.” – Carlene (36:55)
On indie and out-of-the-box gifts:
“Wearable makeup, everyone. Wearable makeup and I’m here for it.” – Carlene (re: RMS x Hart Locket, 14:14)
On new traditions:
“It’s a traditional gift to give a set to the mother of the bride at weddings in Korea, and to dignitaries. That’s why I think it’s an exciting gift…” – Carlene (38:51)

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:44] – Charlotte Tilbury Sparkly Palette & Céline Dion Campaign
[06:35] – Emi Jay Hair Accessories & Trend Talk
[10:23] – RMS x Hart Lip-to-Cheek Locket Necklace Live Unboxing
[19:14] – Guerlain Shalimar, Dior Personalization, Glossier You
[23:53] – L’Occitane Advent Calendar & Holiday Packaging
[27:14] – Westman Atelier Blush Trio
[29:15] – Soft Services Buffing Bar Mini Book
[32:48] – Sulwhasoo Skincare Set & Science Deep Dive
[45:22] – Jones Road Beauty Sale Alert, Fenty Lip Glosses
[49:20] – Carlene’s Cassatt Lade Retinoid Skin Ointment Unboxing

Final Thoughts

For product links, promo codes, and visuals, check out Breaking Beauty Podcast’s YouTube and blog.

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🎁It’s Official: These Are The #DamnGood, Non-Boring Holiday Gifts Of The 2025 Season, According to Us

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Summary

Breaking Beauty Podcast – Episode Summary

🎁 It’s Official: These Are The #DamnGood, Non-Boring Holiday Gifts Of The 2025 Season, According to Us

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Tone: Why Non-Boring Gifts Matter

1. Charlotte Tilbury Holiday 2025 Collection

2. Emi Jay Hair Accessories

3. RMS Beauty x Hart Collab Lip-to-Cheek Locket Necklace

4. Luxury Fragrance Picks (+ Customization Tips)

5. L’Occitane French Advent Calendar

6. Other Luxe Mini & Indie Gifts

7. Skincare Standouts

8. Affordable Kits & Viral Favorites

9. Extra-Special Indie Moment: Carlene’s Launch – Cassatt Lade Retinoid Skin Ointment

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Final Thoughts

Summary

Breaking Beauty Podcast – Episode Summary

🎁 It’s Official: These Are The #DamnGood, Non-Boring Holiday Gifts Of The 2025 Season, According to Us

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Tone: Why Non-Boring Gifts Matter

1. Charlotte Tilbury Holiday 2025 Collection

2. Emi Jay Hair Accessories

3. RMS Beauty x Hart Collab Lip-to-Cheek Locket Necklace

4. Luxury Fragrance Picks (+ Customization Tips)

5. L’Occitane French Advent Calendar

6. Other Luxe Mini & Indie Gifts

7. Skincare Standouts

8. Affordable Kits & Viral Favorites

9. Extra-Special Indie Moment: Carlene’s Launch – Cassatt Lade Retinoid Skin Ointment

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Final Thoughts