Breaking Beauty Podcast: “Ten Toes Down” and Self-Care as Resistance with Gloria George

Release Date: April 2, 2025

In this compelling episode of the Breaking Beauty Podcast, hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins dive deep into the dynamic world of beauty influencer Gloria George. At just 23 years old, Gloria has rapidly emerged as a powerhouse in the beauty industry, wielding significant influence over major brands and championing inclusivity for dark skin tones. With a staggering following of over 3.2 million on TikTok, 1 million on Instagram, and 500,000 on YouTube, Gloria's candid insights and unwavering stance on authenticity make her a pivotal figure in today's beauty landscape.

1. Introducing Gloria George: The Influencer on the Verge

The episode opens with Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins setting the stage for an in-depth conversation with Gloria George. Recognized for her meticulous makeup swatches and honest reviews, Gloria has the unique ability to "make or break" beauty brands in 2025. Her accolades include being named People Magazine's Beauty Creator of the Year, earning a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and being nominated for Allure's Beauty Creator of the Year 2025.

Jill Dunn highlights Gloria’s viral impact:

“Gloria is extremely candid about that 'Youth Foria Foundation' incident. I was kind of nosy. I asked some other questions like, did they send her that foundation or like, did she buy it? Yeah, I feel like that was new information that we got from her.” (02:36)

2. From South Sudan to Social Media Stardom

Gloria shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in South Sudan to becoming a leading voice in beauty. Migrating to the United States at the age of five, Gloria discovered her passion for beauty in high school, despite limited financial resources.

“I grew up very poor. Very, very poor. I came to the States when I was about 4 or 5 years old... I fell in love with beauty probably around my junior year of high school.” (07:45)

Her early admiration for YouTuber Anima Tang underscores the importance of representation:

“Anima Tang... paved the way so so many of us could run.” (08:58)

3. The Youth Foria Foundation Incident: A Turning Point

One of the most pivotal moments in Gloria’s career was her encounter with the Youth Foria Foundation. After receiving a foundation shade that disastrously mismatched her skin tone, Gloria took action to highlight the brand’s shortcomings in inclusivity.

“When I swatched it and saw that something wasn’t right, I knew something wasn't right. A video just had to be made.” (14:26)

Despite the initial lack of response from Youth Foria, Gloria’s determination led to significant repercussions for the brand, emphasizing the critical need for tone-inclusive products.

4. Shaping the Beauty Industry: Gloria’s Influence

Gloria's outspoken nature has compelled major beauty brands to reevaluate and improve their product lines. Brands like Patrick Ta and Rhode have enlisted her as a paid consultant to ensure better inclusivity and representation.

“My voice has become so powerful within the space that major brands have not only changed their formulas... but several brands have called upon Gloria as a paid consultant.” (02:52)

Her influence is a testament to the growing power of authentic voices in shaping industry standards.

5. Addressing the Wage Gap for Creators of Color

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the systemic wage gap faced by black creators. Gloria openly discusses her struggles in being fairly compensated, despite her extensive reach and influence.

“We have to work 10 times harder... the standards that we're held to in comparison to our white counterparts is, like, so insane.” (31:01)

Gloria emphasizes the additional burdens placed on black creators, from higher expectations to limited opportunities, highlighting the need for systemic change in the industry.

6. Self-Care as a Form of Resistance

Amidst her fierce advocacy, Gloria underscores the importance of self-care. After the taxing experience with YSL and other brand interactions, she took a deliberate break from social media to prioritize her mental health.

“Me taking my break was a beautiful form of resistance. It was a beautiful form of saying, like, hey, I have boundaries. I'm human too.” (35:17)

Her approach serves as a powerful reminder that self-care is essential, especially for those in high-pressure, public-facing roles.

7. Product Recommendations: Gloria’s Top Shelf

Gloria shares her favorite products, offering listeners valuable insights into what keeps her glowing. From skincare staples to makeup must-haves, her recommendations reflect her commitment to quality and inclusivity.

• Skincare Favorites:

  • Road Glazing Milk
  • Lineage Milk Spray
  • Water Bank

• Makeup Essentials:

  • Danessa Myricks Blurring Bomb Powder (Shade 11)
  • Haus Labs Triclone Foundation by Lady Gaga
  • Marviano Cosmetics Midnight Moon Lipstick

“The Danessa Myricks blurring bomb powder in shade 11 is a 10 out of 10.” (41:16)

8. Rapid Fire: Getting to Know Gloria

In a lively rapid-fire segment, Gloria reveals her personal favorites and routines, providing a glimpse into her daily beauty regimen and self-care practices.

• Most Prized Possession: Danessa Myricks Blurring Bomb Powder (Shade 11)
• Favorite Sunscreen: Glow Recipe Stick (Pink Clear Stick On the Go)
• Ride or Die Foundation: Haus Labs Triclone Foundation by Lady Gaga
• Lip Combo: Marviano Cosmetics Midnight Moon with Ami Cole and Fenty Stick
• Favorite Perfume: Louis Vuitton Symphony and Exalte by Funmi Monet
• Greatest Self-Care Practice: Journaling

9. Empowering the Next Generation of Black Creators

Gloria passionately advocates for supporting black creators and challenging the status quo within the beauty industry. She criticizes the lack of diversity among top influencers and urges brands and audiences alike to embrace and elevate black voices.

“Make black creators the blueprint... literally, because the girls are interesting. Branch out a little bit.” (19:23)

Her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and representative beauty community resonates throughout the conversation.

10. Final Words: Strength, Resilience, and Vision

As the episode concludes, Gloria offers empowering advice to fellow black creators, encouraging them to "put their foot down" and demand the respect and compensation they deserve. Her resilience and unwavering dedication to authenticity serve as an inspiration to listeners striving for change in the beauty industry.

“The money will never be worth your psyche. Go to therapy. Go on a walk. Walk. Make a good snack and take a nap.” (37:04)

Breaking Beauty Podcast successfully captures Gloria George's journey, challenges, and triumphs, presenting a nuanced perspective on the intersection of beauty, inclusivity, and self-care. Her story is a powerful testament to the impact that authentic, determined voices can have in transforming industries and advocating for marginalized communities.

For a deeper dive into the full conversation and to explore the products mentioned, visit the Breaking Beauty Podcast website and subscribe to stay updated with weekly episodes featuring industry leaders and trendsetters.