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Breaking Beauty Podcast
The Brands, Ideas and Products set to Dominate in 2026. Plus: Buffy is Back! Sarah Michelle Gellar On Vamp Nails, Skincare Slays and More 90s Nostalgia
00:50:21
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- [00:01]
A
The following podcast is a dear media production. Welcome to Breaking Beauty the podcast. All about the breakthrough people, products and moments in beauty. We're your hosts, Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins. Welcome back to Breaking Beauty Podcast, the very first episode in 2026. I'm Carlene Higgins, this is Jill Dunn.
- [00:30]
B
Hey everyone. And happy new year. Happy 2026. And it's our official ninth year podcasting. Wow. So congratulations to us.
- [00:39]
A
I can't believe we made it this far.
- [00:41]
B
I know.
- [00:41]
A
Even through the seven year itch, we are married.
- [00:44]
B
We are pretty much like long pod wives for lives. Yeah, lives. A lot upon lives. But you know, even after nine years, there's still so much to talk about. We always, always say that. And of course, if it's your first time tuning in, we are two long time beauty editors turn beauty pod podcasters chatting about the breakthrough people, products and moments every single Wednesday. And you know, we did a year in review at the end of 2025. I guess that was a couple of weeks ago. Go back and listen if you haven't. But you know, we like to get our crystal ball out, you know, looking ahead to the year and that's what we're going to do today. And it's really about the trends, ideas, products that are going to dominate in 2026.
- [01:25]
A
Yes. So Jill, I feel like we have so much to talk about.
- [01:30]
B
Oh my gosh.
- [01:31]
A
But in addition to us doing some forecasting, we have a very special like a minisode, a mini segment with the celebrity. Yeah, we have a celebrity interview that's going to be toward the end of this episode. So you've got to stay tuned till the end. Jill, you did this one solo. Give us the reveal.
- [01:50]
B
So we are chatting with Sarah Michelle Geller, everybody. Buffy herself and I was fangirling because I have followed her. I think we're around the same age when she played Kendall on All My Children daytime tv. Wow. I was a fan of hers before and she was like Erica Kane's little wicked stepdaughter daughter or something. I can't even remember.
- [02:13]
A
Yeah.
- [02:14]
B
But she just played it so brilliantly and then I fell in love with her as well. And Cruel intentions.
- [02:19]
A
Yeah.
- [02:19]
B
Phenomenal. And she's just a girls girl. Really fun.
- [02:23]
A
Yeah.
- [02:23]
B
And I think everyone is going to love this conversation. And in fact it was just revealed today she is a brand new ambassador with Olay and I think that just makes all kinds of sense. So we're going to find out a little bit more about that. Just stay tuned. It's going to be our last segment of this episode. We have a little girl chat.
- [02:43]
A
Yeah. And I will say that Buffy is having kind of a. Is it a reboot?
- [02:49]
B
Yeah, it's 2.0.
- [02:50]
A
It's a 2.0. And so something is in the works. I think there's been some behind the scenes, like snippets where she's been, like, spotted doing this. So Buffy is back and what does that say about these times? I don't know. We're in the mood to kick some butt.
- [03:06]
B
I mean, the 90s are never going to be out of style.
- [03:09]
A
Yeah.
- [03:09]
B
You know, and then in the early 2000s, and she just really is part of the cultural conversation for like, over three decades now. You know, All My Children, she was a teenager on that show. So going to get into lots of fun stuff.
- [03:21]
A
I love the witchiness, though, of the 90s. Remember all those shows that came out around that?
- [03:26]
B
Sabrina the Teenage Witch, all of that. So more to come.
- [03:30]
A
And in the meantime, let's get out our own witchy crystal balls and start forecasting.
- [03:36]
B
I. I love this. I really do. And there's always so many things happening in beauty. It is really fun to zoom out and see what will be driving and dominating what we're talking about putting on our faces and seeing in our social media for the year ahead. So, Carlene, I want to kick it off with you. What do you think is going to be one of the biggest ideas that we're going to be exploring in 2026? You're also a brand founder now, so maybe you have a slightly different lens on this nine years in.
- [04:05]
A
Yeah, it's true. So my opinion, it's all about cutting through the clutter when it comes to beauty. We all know that this is a super saturated space. And so in our year in review episode, we talked about the rise of experts, makeup artists, led brands, hairstylists led brands, esthetician led brands. That's trending right now. And celebrity, the celebrity beauty space has gotten super saturated as well. What I feel cuts through the space right now is building a world that consumers want to be a part of. And so that was my goal with Kiss that Beauty. I had a clear intention, it was for a clear audience, which were like my peers who could feel really good, see themselves reflected and the types of things they're interested in. So, yeah, they love to travel like jewel box boutique hotels, is the vibe with the packaging, with the boxes, fashion style, all of that. So I love this idea of building this world and bringing in voices through the blog and all of that and what I'm seeing happening, I just wrote about this late last year on the 11s. My substack is I think that what used to be merch with beauty brands is now world building, creating more lifestyle products. So I think I was sort of explaining with Cassatt in the beginning, this is going to be a lifestyle brand. I think a lot of people looked at me like, what does that mean? So we're starting to see this already. I'll give you an example. When you go to Atelier Westman's, the site, Gucci Westman site for Atelier Westman, you will notice, and this hasn't been talked about a lot, is that, yes, there's the signature makeup that we all know and love her for. There's also the skin care, but she also has this section called Lifestyle. And when you click on it, there's pajamas. So that made my holiday wish list beautiful. Like Italian pajamas. That's something that she would wear. Very native to. Like her style, you know, cool, comfortable sensibility.
- [06:12]
B
She has a bit of a tomboyish style.
- [06:15]
A
A little bit like it's that whole rag and bone. Right?
- [06:17]
B
Yes. Her husband. Exactly.
- [06:19]
A
Was one of the designers for Rag and Bone, one of the founders.
- [06:22]
B
So, yeah, it's a little menswear. I shouldn't say tomboy. Sorry, Menswear.
- [06:25]
A
Yeah, kind of menswear inspired. So, yes, you get that with the blue, like the pajamas with the piping. She's got a pinch pot in bronze.
- [06:34]
B
Yeah. I tried to call those in for our gift guide, but they're limit. They were limited edition, you know.
- [06:39]
A
Yeah, very like object to art kind of thing. And there's even like an Alphabet charm that you can get to add to your bag or whatever. And so, you know, this is quite outside of what we were seeing in beauty. It's something that actually Aaron Lauder has been doing for a long time, like, low key. She, of course, is from the Estee Lauder family. She got into beauty. She started a makeup line that didn't take off, but her perfumes have really lasted. And now if you go to her website, and I'll never forget going to her office in Manhattan is like, there are beautiful pieces all around the office that she was creating. So beautiful, like shagreen picture frames.
- [07:25]
B
I don't even know what that means.
- [07:27]
A
It's. It's like a vintage sort of fabric type thing. So now when you go to her website, there's a whole vanity table and chair.
- [07:33]
B
Yes.
- [07:34]
A
There's dishware, there's. I mean, it's just like, there's a whole. There's lighting. Like, she has made everything. So this is truly a lifestyle brand that started in beauty and became extended in a Martha Stewart type of a way. And no sooner did I write that article than Summer Fridays and the Gap announced their collab.
- [07:53]
B
Yeah. Incredible.
- [07:54]
A
Which I know you're excited about.
- [07:55]
B
Yeah, it, it's, it sold out so quickly, so I didn't get a piece. But I know that, you know, Summer Fridays has their. I've always thought they had the best brand name.
- [08:05]
A
Yeah.
- [08:05]
B
Because it connotes such a distinct feeling.
- [08:08]
A
Vibe.
- [08:09]
B
Oh, my God. Like, and every product shot of the jet lag mask. Specifically, back in the day, was everybody doing it on an airplane. So you're in vacay mode.
- [08:18]
A
You're happy.
- [08:19]
B
And I think that this is just a perfect extension. I love so many of the collabs.
- [08:23]
A
And, but so they're just to be clear, they're not beauty products.
- [08:26]
B
No, exactly.
- [08:27]
C
They're.
- [08:27]
B
They're pajamas, socks, Athleisure. And I personally think that 2026 is going to be. Yeah. The year of the beauty brand collab. We've moved beyond smoothies because I will give Mariana credit. She was the number one first person to do a smoothie at Erewhon and now every other person is doing it.
- [08:45]
A
I love the surprise and delight factor, but honestly, it's just some of these founders have great taste in and of themselves. Sophie Pavitt came out with a handbag.
- [08:55]
B
Yes.
- [08:56]
A
A silver. Yes, I saw it east west handbag. Because she's a former handbag designer.
- [09:01]
B
She's been on our show. Guys, go back and listen. She told us all about that Journey.
- [09:04]
A
Petition, but who would have thought she was going to come out with, like, a beautiful handbag?
- [09:08]
B
It's kind of funny because back in the day, department store era, the G with P was frowned upon or like, it was cheesy. Sorry, but this isn't the first foray into this. And of course, Glossier had the sweatshirt. Glossier had the, the collab with Swiss Miss on their lip gloss and the Marvis toothpaste and the Marvis toothbrush. But this, to your point, with someone like Westman altogether, it's like it's goofied.
- [09:34]
A
Yeah. It's going all the way out to, like, fashion and, you know, household living type products that aren't just, like, stuck to grooming or makeup bags. You know what I mean? And, and I think we've, we've, we've talked about this too. Like, Jenny Bird, friend of the show, she has her beautiful jewelry, but, like, now she has not just belts, but, like, all her goodies. It's like, I love the laptop bag.
- [10:00]
B
The poof. The puffy pouch. Yeah.
- [10:02]
A
Like, what is the. What is a puffy laptop bag have to do with Jenny Bird jewelry? I don't know, but she has amazing taste, and I want it.
- [10:08]
B
World building. Exactly.
- [10:10]
A
You know, it's world building. Yeah. I think that this is what will capture people's attention and people love.
- [10:18]
B
And I think Road is definitely going on. This. This is a prediction of mine for this year, is that ROAD will have some kind of designer collab with. Because they're. They've just launched puffy pouches. They really pioneered the snap on phone case. That's my baby. She's iconic iPhone case, lip gloss on it.
- [10:35]
A
You know, as Justin said, Violette is another person. Violette Surratt. She dabbles in this world. She has this beautiful object reflection that's like a mirror that slides and you can use it for a palette. This is her passion. And she has. She is an artistic person. And I think that inherent creativity, when it comes out, you kind of know when it's legit or when it's not, or at least I feel like I do. And that's what I think is winning is going to win this year.
- [11:06]
B
I guess the tip. What would be the tipping point, though? Like, what if Summer Friday. What would be something that's inauthentic for Summer Fridays today? Do.
- [11:14]
A
For Summer Fridays? Summer Fridays. Gosh. Well, that's a brand that, as we talked about, could go across so many boards, and she's an example of a great taste maker. So I don't. It's. It's not about what. What would be the tipping point. It's more like who. Who would be behind it. That feels inauthentic. So let me give you an example of a brand. If Elf starts coming out with.
- [11:36]
B
We know that'll be coming, I'm sure.
- [11:38]
A
Well, sure. But if Elf starts coming out with, like, a vanity mirror shirt, like, even that, I could see it. But, like, am I going to buy it? No. Is it building a world I want to be a part of? No.
- [11:49]
B
I like the Stanley cup.
- [11:51]
A
So that's. Sure. Yeah. Exactly. Functional as well. Anyway, so you get the. You get the idea. Do I think that brands are going to try to pretend that they're in this world?
- [12:01]
B
Yeah.
- [12:01]
A
Yes, I do.
- [12:02]
B
Yeah.
- [12:03]
A
And that's what I think. It's going to be a trend.
- [12:06]
B
Yeah.
- [12:07]
A
Because I think people are doing it authentically. And I. But I think more brands will do it inauthentically.
- [12:14]
B
Yeah, is my prediction. That's the way it goes.
- [12:30]
A
Today's episode is brought to you in part by Nutrafol. Happy New Year everyone. So, so happy to be back with you for yet another year. I know a lot of us are thinking about New Year's resolutions right now. Honestly, my new philosophy is if it just is working, let's keep doing it. Okay? Why do we need to start over every single year? One of the things that's been working for me is my neutral hair shedding routine. Every morning I take four pills daily with my breakfast and I see results. It's all about consistency over doing something. All of a sudden the beginning of the year and then you quit it. That's not going to work for anybody. If you're not familiar with neutral, it's the number one dermatologist recommended hair growth supplement brand trusted by over one and a half million people. It's been recommended so many times on our show as well. And what I really appreciate and respect about Neutral is that their hair growth supplements are peer reviewed, NSF certified for sport and clinically tested to measure improvements in growth, quality and strength. If you want to try it for yourself, you can see thicker, stronger, faster growing hair with less shedding in just three to six months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month subscription and free shipping. When you go to nutrafol.com and enter the promo code breaking. Find out why Nutrafol is the best selling hair growth supplement brand@nutrafol.com spelled n u t r a f o l.com promo code breaking. That's neutral.com promo code breaking. We're going to link to this offer in our show notes and on our website over @breaking beauty podcast.com and now onto the show.
- [14:16]
C
This is Gracie Norton from the Wellness Her Way podcast. The ultimate sanctuary for a welcoming approach to wellness. It seems like every day there's a new food we're not to supposed supposed to eat, a new cleanse to take part in, or a new workout that claims to give us a flat stomach within a week. Rather than hopping on trends, we're going back to the roots of wellness and making a home of our body, mind and soul. If you're seeking physical growth, emotional abundance, or simply a more fulfilling life, tune in to the Wellness her way podcast on November 6th. Get ready to embrace your body through all its forms and get back to the roots of wellness.
- [14:50]
B
Foreign. Just on that tip, when we're talking about Gap, one thing I'm very personally excited for in 2026 is Gap is bringing back beauty.
- [15:08]
A
Yes.
- [15:08]
B
And I think that that's one of the reasons why they made this move, because they are trying to get beauty customers attention.
- [15:16]
A
Right.
- [15:16]
B
And this is a brilliant way to do it.
- [15:18]
A
Yep.
- [15:19]
B
Partnering with a cool brand. All of a sudden, people start looking at Gap again. Oh, what are they up to? And they just hired a huge crew of people to bring back the Gap fragrances, and they have that. We started talking about 90s nostalgia.
- [15:32]
A
Yeah.
- [15:33]
B
To me, that is going to be extremely fun and exciting to see what they dream up. And I know Old Navy just came out with beauty as well. I haven't tried any of their things, but I think that that's also for fun, and I'm curious. I'm sure it'll be, like, body lotions and very, like, I can imagine, like, Eos adjacent. You know, I think that Gap has enough lovers from the 90s that they'll pick up. One thing I learned this year, everyone, is that Joe Malone herself has done Zara fragrances.
- [16:01]
A
Oh, interesting. Didn't know that.
- [16:03]
B
So she's come out. She lives in Dubai now, and she. I. I keep getting. Served her videos, and she's giving all the backstory on this fragrance from Zara. That fragrance. And I'm obsessed.
- [16:13]
A
Yeah.
- [16:14]
B
And so I think when you get the marriage of that great nose, like, I'm sure Gap will try to do that as well. Like, what if it was, like, Francis Kirkjaan for. For Gap? Like. Oh, my God.
- [16:24]
A
Yeah. No, amazing. It's a great. It's a great idea. You know what? We're just consulting for free out here. This is what we do.
- [16:33]
B
And by the way, everyone, I just looked up the Old Navy products, and sure enough, Body Care Skincare. They're very bright and colorful names, like Vibe Crush. Sweet. I'm going to show you the packaging.
- [16:45]
A
Oh, yeah, Lovely.
- [16:46]
B
It kind of reminds me a bit of like, a Billy or a Cooler Bath and Body Works.
- [16:54]
A
Yeah, totally. It's all about that nostalgia.
- [16:58]
B
Who do you think would be a good face for Gap Beauty?
- [17:01]
A
Ooh, this is a good question. I'm also trying to think of, like, who is not in absolutely everything else.
- [17:07]
B
Yeah. It's like a bit of, like, how the white lotus plucks people out and all of a sudden they're stars again. You know, that kind of casting.
- [17:14]
A
Oh, my gosh. What's. What's the female rapper? She's like, so good. Do doi.
- [17:20]
B
Oh, sickening. Sickening. Yes, that would be.
- [17:23]
A
Am I saying it right?
- [17:24]
B
Doi. Yeah, yeah.
- [17:24]
A
Do. Don't you think doi is like. Would be. Could be the vibe.
- [17:28]
B
Oh, be so sick.
- [17:29]
A
Because she has so much range in what she does. I feel like that's very Gap adjacent.
- [17:35]
B
Yeah, that's great. I love it. So that's retail. And we also know the TikTok shop. My prediction is that's going to keep growing. Rumor has it it's coming to Canada 20, 26. Who knows, right. With how everything's shifting. But I do think just in retail we're going to see a lot more social selling. Justin Bieber. Every time I turn around, Justin Bieber is on Twitch. So it's like he is making it cool in North America. And I just think beauty companies have been trying to make that live selling happen and I think we're gonna see an extension of that as brands try to grow. And there's been some of it, but I don't think as much in North America, you know, yet.
- [18:14]
A
Yeah, I mean we. You and I have talked about this a little bit. I don't know how much we've talked about it on the mic though. But you know, this, the whole generation affiliate links is on us. And this world of TikTok shops where it's like every young girl who used to work at the mall, why is she gonna work at the mall? She can sell from her bedroom just by recommending products. So it's like a cross between like Avon Calling meets like the job at the mall where I feel like it's just such easy money and all they have to do is recommend stuff to their friends. But it's like, use my affiliate link. Like, girl, I'm gonna get a little bit of. It's like this is their weekend money. And that the democratization where everybody can be a salesperson. Yeah. Is already having a ripple effect. I think it's going to go get even bigger.
- [19:10]
B
So it's interesting. And then of course we have the Amazon marketplace, which we've talked about. Now Ulta has come out with a marketplace and what I think is interesting about that is they are going to be like vetting the products that they bring onto the marketplace and it's a way for smaller brands to distribute without having to be in every single Ulta store. So for instance, like a Cassatt Beauty, you could pitch Ulta and you may not.
- [19:31]
A
Beauty 15, everyone.
- [19:32]
B
Exactly. And you could pitch Ulta and of course they want the cool editor founded brand. But you May not have the print run. Print run is the wrong term, but you may not have the quantities to fill all their stores. But I think this curation idea is a really smart strategy to differentiate from Amazon where you're not entirely sure always that you're getting like the coolest newest brands or what have you. So I think that's smart. And then Sephora launched their storefronts so they are really doubling down on the influencer marketing. So we're going to be seeing a lot of that in 2026. Dominating without question. Of course, we can't talk about another year in beauty without looking ahead. A K beauty. And it's still dominating so much. And one thing I'm seeing really that convergence of the wellness and the beauty aspect. And Glow with Ava on Instagram. She's K beauty legend and she's come out with a couple of very interesting products.
- [20:27]
A
She's been on our show so we'll, we'll link to that. But she originally had a tea. What was it called? It was like a plumping tea or.
- [20:36]
B
Ate the tea bag.
- [20:37]
A
Yeah, it was some. I forget what it was.
- [20:38]
B
Collagen.
- [20:39]
A
Yeah, yeah, exactly. So always thinking outside of the box, that Eva.
- [20:43]
B
So one of the products she launched a couple years ago was this incredible Gua Sha tool. It's the best Gua Sha tool I've ever used. I love it because it just fits so beautifully in the hand. It's ceramic. It's really snatching. And she has all kinds of like tutorials you can follow for lymphatic drainage. Now she's come out with a similar tool for your scalp. And every editor in New York is talking about this. I think that these types of wellness meets beauty tools. This is like a 10 prong ceramic scalp scalp massager. And what I think is genius about this is that it's capitalizing on that head spa trend we keep seeing popping off on TikTok. And this is a way to get that idea at home. You know, this is positively delightful. It's the best feels good head massager I have ever used. And it also has a point on the end that's like good for temples. And she again has a whole system video, video showing you how to do it. And I've seen this now in so many editors routines and I need to try that.
- [21:50]
A
It reminds me of. Remember the metal one that like you.
- [21:54]
C
Want to feel it.
- [21:55]
B
Yes, it's that. Which they do use in the head spa.
- [21:58]
A
Yeah. Really?
- [21:59]
B
Yes.
- [21:59]
A
Yeah.
- [22:00]
B
Put it on your. Put it on like the nape of Your neck.
- [22:03]
A
Yeah, that feels good. It's very relaxing and teases your roots slightly. Everyone.
- [22:08]
D
Yeah.
- [22:08]
B
And I think hair, it's also brilliant because it's is really in line with that scalp trend that we're seeing. Thing I wanted to talk about is that she came out with this BE line ear seating kit. Now, I saw her using this on Bobby Brown.
- [22:22]
A
Wow.
- [22:22]
B
The makeup artist. And the idea is borrowed from traditional Chinese medicine. It's using acupressure in your ears. And she has the package here that shows you where to put the actual. The little seeds, if you will, and different pressure points in your ears. And it's meant to relax, but it's also meant to snatch your face. So some of the before and afters that she has, it's like it is that V line.
- [22:49]
A
Very beauty.
- [22:50]
B
Because it is called V line. Now, this isn't going to be for everyone, but I'm just talking about what the trends are.
- [22:57]
A
Jello skin, V line ear seed kit.
- [23:01]
B
Yes.
- [23:02]
A
Right.
- [23:03]
B
So I haven't had a chance to try it, this kit yet, just because I only got it. But it's not going to be for everyone. But I think it's an interesting direction she's going.
- [23:12]
A
Apparently all the girlies in. I don't know this, guys. You jump into our dms, you tell me. But from what I've heard, a lot of girlies in Korea are doing this.
- [23:23]
B
Well, ear seating treatment. Raw menus.
- [23:28]
A
Okay.
- [23:28]
B
Yes. So you can go and get an ear seeding treatment. And Ava on her Instagram even has videos of ear exercises that she does herself and walks you through. And she's like, your ear shouldn't hurt. Your ear should not hurt to go like that. And it does. Then you are probably. There's probably inflammation. There's probably things that need to be worked out. And it all. You know, it's kind of like acupressure is nothing new. It's been around for thousands of years. So it's just a new wave of that, you know? And I'm not saying everybody has to do it. I'm just talking about what I think is going to be.
- [24:03]
A
Yeah.
- [24:03]
B
Coming in hot.
- [24:04]
A
Okay. Well, on another note of what I think is going to be coming in hot, I think the in the way that last year we saw that product from SkinCeuticals that was supposed to be like battle Ozempic face, like in a bottle. And I was kind of like, give me a break. It's just a different way of marketing what is already out there in the market. I think that we, we're already starting to see like the facelift in the bottles.
- [24:31]
B
Sure.
- [24:31]
A
Coming from the big Botox in a.
- [24:33]
B
Bottle for 20 years.
- [24:34]
A
Yeah. And now it's facelift in a bottle because like facelifts are supposed to be the new Botox. Right. So, you know, very skeptical of those products. But obviously what it's getting at is just this next level of where the beauty paradigm and that is going under the knife and having surgery.
- [24:53]
B
And let's not forget the skims face wrap that came out last year.
- [24:56]
A
Do you remember? Yes.
- [24:58]
B
And so that was meant to be like after a procedure, you wore this. It's kind of like a waist trainer for your face.
- [25:03]
A
Yes, exactly.
- [25:05]
B
Capitalizing on this idea. But yeah, you're talking about legitimate plastic surgery.
- [25:09]
A
Yes, I think we're going to see more of this, some of it more legitimate than others. But I'm going to tell you, this was actually an Instagram post on glossy company that they posted something about l'. Oreal. It says, fueled by the growth of the wellness sector, l' Oreal Group is investing in the underserved scar care category. Okay. And so it. And then it goes on to say l' Oreal targets pat Sumers as line between wellness and beauty softens. And so by pat sumers, they mean patient consumers. And they quote somebody from Larosh Posay. That's would be the logical brand. Scars are going to become a topic of the future because of longevity and us getting older, facing more injuries and probably also needing repair. But of course my brain goes to injuries, my ass. It's all the facelifts and left that we're getting.
- [26:08]
B
Sure.
- [26:08]
A
Scars are going to become a bigger and bigger issue. And so the Pat Sumer who that who they refer to a consumer who uses their time as an educated medical patient to inform their shopping habits. We're trying to create a pool of pat zoomers who are both patients and consumers, patients and influencers, patients and doctors who can become the voices of the brands. So I think at on the heels of this whole longevity trend, which they're saying is set to reach $8 trillion by 2030. I think longevity is a newly packaged way of talking about wellness. But I think that this, this scar care in terms of skin care, I think will be an emerging category.
- [26:55]
B
Yeah, that's very cool. And I think we've seen like people who are adjacent to derms, like a huge surge in their influence online. Like somebody like Amy Coberling. She's a physician assistant and there's tons of physician assistants on Tick Tock and and Instagram that, to me are kind of bridging that gap already between patient and consumer. They're probably telling them all like they're the people you see in the next room. You know, this is what you do for your scarcare, this and that. So I think that they'll be even more important in this conversation.
- [27:32]
A
Absolutely. Especially in professional products.
- [27:35]
B
Yeah.
- [27:35]
A
Just like the way that they are always recommending La Roche. Posay. All right, Joe. Well, before we get into our interview with Sarah Michelle Geller, are there any other trends that you think are going to be huge in 2026 that we're going to be seeing everywhere?
- [27:50]
B
Yes. Well, it's my favorite thing. It's the Olympics.
- [27:54]
A
Oh, yeah.
- [27:54]
B
So in 2026, it's the Winter Olympics and it's FIFA, it's the World cup, which is going to be in North America for the first time. Maybe. I don't even know, guys. I don't keep tabs, but everyone seems to be very excited about the World Cup. It's happening all over North America. And we're seeing the launch also of a lot more WNBA teams. And I think you're seeing brands, unexpected brands get into this space. Sephora is partnering with the Toronto Tempo, I believe that's their name. And Maybelline just flew a whole bunch of influencers to Vancouver for the WNBA and then pwhl, which is the professional Women's Hockey league. I know that ELF has worked with them. Revlon has worked with them. So we're seeing female athletes get their bag and beauty brands playing in this space. And we know at the Olympics there's always these fun beauty stories that come out of the woodwork there.
- [28:46]
A
The lipstick so and so wore.
- [28:47]
B
Yeah. And I think economically they've shown they draw these crowds. It's exciting to watch the Caitlin Clark of it all.
- [28:54]
A
I. I'm so excited about that because we know that there's a pay disparity between male players and female players. So I love that this is a way for them to get their back. Absolutely. And there is lots of money to be had. I'm not even a big, like NBA watcher, but I will be into the WNBA with, with the Toronto Tempo. Like I am. I'm so here for it. I always wanted to have like a great athlete on our show to talk about beauty and sports and like what they use for long wear products, what they actually use. Alona Mar is somebody who I've wanted to get on the show for a long time. So, yeah, maybe with The Toronto Tempo. We'll get lucky.
- [29:35]
B
Well, I know I also have to shout out my favorite tennis player right now, and that's Victor Victoria. I hope I'm saying this right. It's Mboco or Boko Mboco. She's 19 years old. She's from Montreal. She won the Canadian big tournament.
- [29:50]
A
Okay.
- [29:51]
B
And she was at Chanel show.
- [29:53]
A
Wow.
- [29:53]
B
The one in the subway. Like she was wearing her tweed looking incredible. She is absolutely sweet and adorable and so kick ass. And she is a face to watch in beauty for sure.
- [30:05]
A
On the show.
- [30:05]
B
I follow her and she was like, thank you, Chanel, for the invitation. What a way to experience my first show ever.
- [30:11]
A
There's been such a big shakeup at Chanel.
- [30:14]
B
Yes.
- [30:14]
A
This is obviously they. I think they're pretty clearly going younger and they know that like this whole sports thing is going to blow up. And I think there's been so much conversation about young girls and beauty. We're all so concerned about our girls when it comes to social media, when it comes to, you know, the, the kids running around at Sephora. And I think that this message of big beauty supporting athletes like, who have so much more going for them and it's about strength. Yeah, I love it.
- [30:47]
B
Yeah.
- [30:48]
A
I'm here for it all day.
- [30:49]
B
Yeah. I'm really excited. So it's about time to get into our chat with Sarah Michelle Geller.
- [30:54]
A
So let me ask you.
- [30:55]
B
Yeah.
- [30:56]
A
Sorry to interrupt you, but what is she the face of?
- [30:58]
B
So she's the face of their iconic red jar.
- [31:01]
A
Okay.
- [31:02]
B
That's had a glow up. Oh, okay. So it's their Olay Regenerates Micro sculpting cream and Olay. She's celebrating a big birthday this year. She's turning 70.
- [31:12]
A
No way.
- [31:13]
B
Yeah. And so it was a really great conversation between aderm, Sarah Michelle Geller, one of the podcast hosts that was there. And let me tell you, I was at the event in New York. I knew that Sarah Micheller Geller was coming out. The rest of the audience didn't.
- [31:29]
A
Oh, no way. Yeah.
- [31:30]
B
So they tried to give a musical cue.
- [31:34]
A
Yeah.
- [31:34]
B
Of who was coming out. And nobody guessed it. And then she comes around the corner and comes out on the stage. Everyone's.
- [31:41]
D
No way.
- [31:43]
B
Every jaded editor in the room was freaking out and she. And she was just like lovely and fun.
- [31:50]
A
What was the music cue?
- [31:51]
B
I literally am blanking right now. I can't remember. It must. Was it a theme song? It wasn't the Buffy theme song because everybody would know that.
- [31:58]
A
Right.
- [31:58]
B
But the upgrade of the formula, that's 29.99 in the U.S. of course, in Canada, it's still a drugstore price point, but just a little bit more than that. And Carlene, the whole reason that they are partnering with Sarah Michelle Geller is around this idea that icons get better with age. And of course, she embodies that. She's been on our TV screens and movie screens for literal decades. And we know how iconic the Olay Regeneras microsculpting cream is. You and I have talked about it so many times, Carlene. Like, I think they sell one every 12 seconds, which is saying a lot. And what's new in this upgraded formula? It's that iconic red jar that we know and love. And for the first time, it has a triple collagen peptide. And really, the focus is all about addressing the broken cellular bonds which their research identifies as a key contributor to visible aging. And they had a dermatologist there on the panel at the event. And, Carlene, you and I always talk about how a good analogy can really help you kind of envision what. What skincare science is actually doing. And Dr. Jenny Liu, who many of you may follow on social media, she was the derm that was there, and she talked about it's almost like when you're driving down a road and there's a pothole, you feel that dip. And over time, it kind of the dip gets, you know, deeper and deeper if you don't address it. So she said the same thing can kind of happen with your skin surface with wrinkling. And this triple collagen peptide, it aims to kind of fill in those dips, fill in those gaps. So your skin is supported from the inside out. It's getting stronger, so you don't get those visible signs of aging. So I thought that was a really good analogy. And they say within seven days, skin is visibly firmer and brighter. So with all of that, I'm really excited for all of you to hear our conversation with Sarah Michelle Geller. She talks about the aloe gym. She talks about 90s fashion. She talks about the perfume that her daughter introduced her to and that she loves to wear. And she also talks about how she gets ready for red carpet moments.
- [34:03]
A
Amazing. So here she is. Sarah Michelle Gellert.
- [34:21]
B
Merit Beauty is one of our show partners this week. I'm all about decluttering and organizing this first week of January. And that's why I think Merit Beauty is so genius, because what they do very, very well are thoughtfully curated essentials to help you get a Fresh, polished look in mere minutes. If your motto is all about less is more, then Merit Beauty is for you because they have essentials that are all about a fast, five minute face routine, easy to use products. You don't need to be a makeup artist, so you put together, but you don't need to spend a lot of time. Many of my girlfriends are obsessed with the minimalist from Merit. It's in a stick format. You just swipe it on where you need a little bit of coverage. I like the brush that goes with the minimalist. You buff it in and you get that really flawless coverage. And my favorite product from the brand is actually their shade, Slick tinted lip oil. The color I like is called Pink Beat. It's a cool pink and I like that it just is like that finishing touch for my lip combo. Keeps your lips looking really fresh and really hydrated. And the best part is that all of Merit's products are clean, vegan, cruelty free, and made with nourishing skincare ingredients that leave your skin looking better long after you take your makeup off. Good news, everyone. Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their signature makeup bag with your first order@merit beauty.com it's very chic. And once again, you can get their free signature makeup bag with your first order@meritbeauty.com that's N-E-R-I-T beauty.com to get your free signature makeup bag with your first order. That's meritbeauty.com we'll link to this offer in our show notes and on our website. Now back to the show. Welcome to Breaking Beauty Podcast. Sarah Michelle Geller. So excited.
- [36:11]
D
Thank you. Thank you for having me.
- [36:12]
B
So excited to be sitting down with you today. And most people know you, of course, as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. So our first question, what can you tell us the series continuation?
- [36:21]
D
Absolutely nothing. Okay, that podcaster's favorite answer.
- [36:26]
B
Is there a timeline when you might be able to say something?
- [36:29]
D
No.
- [36:30]
B
Okay, I had to ask.
- [36:33]
D
Fine. I just always feel like it's such a disappointing answer because the answer is always the same. I can tell you nothing.
- [36:37]
B
Okay, well, I'd have to kill you. So I actually saw in an article in Collider where your co star, Ryan Kira Armstrong talks about you acting as a bit of a mentor toward her launching into tv. So tell us about why that might be so important to you in this phase of your career.
- [36:56]
D
Well, I think in general, it's our job to teach, right? It doesn't matter whether it's your child, whether it's your friend. If you have knowledge, then the whole point is to share it and to help people achieve their dreams and figure out what their goals are and how they can achieve them.
- [37:11]
B
Yeah. Was there any kind of, like, bonding moment that you guys had on set?
- [37:16]
D
I think everything is a bonding moment. And it's not just her. Like, I have responsibility to all of the younger kids on this set or any set that I'm on, and I take that very seriously. I didn't. I had a tougher time when we were coming up because you kind of were on an island. And now the whole idea is to mentor and to share and to support.
- [37:35]
B
Right.
- [37:36]
D
Specifically women. To women.
- [37:37]
B
Yeah. I appreciate that. And you have this very cute video on your Instagram where you and Ryan Kira Armstrong are training. And your caption is Warrior one and Warrior two. So how have you been staying ready for your roles over the years when it comes to fitness, or have you had to amp it up?
- [37:53]
D
I mean, fitness is really important, and I. It goes hand in hand with skincare to me. I mean, it's all part of keeping yourself healthy, both physically and mentally. And I love working out. And I'm. I'm finding that I love it more, too, as I get older. Like, I used to grown, and now it's like I look forward to it. I like lifting. I like classes. I love ems. Like, they're all of these sort of, you can. And keep it interesting. And I have also found that it's a great place to sort of meet friends and be able to encourage each other through a fitness journey. And. And it's kind of like it's a special place like that.
- [38:23]
B
Yeah. What's ems?
- [38:25]
D
It's. It's sculpting. It's electro. I'm gonna say it wrong, but. Darcy, don't kill me. But it's where you wear the vest and they send the stimulation to your body as you're working out.
- [38:36]
B
Oh, really?
- [38:37]
D
So it stimulates your muscles while exercising.
- [38:40]
B
Okay. It's like a little assist, kind of.
- [38:42]
D
So it's like one instead of just one, you know, curl. It's like 50. Because your muscle twitches all that many times. Yeah. Electrical muscle stimulation.
- [38:49]
A
Yeah.
- [38:49]
B
There you go. What do we not see behind the scenes at the Aloe Gym that we need to know about the friendships. Really?
- [38:55]
D
Yeah. I've made so many great friends, both in front of the camera, behind the camera, chefs and influencers, and just really, as an adult, you don't make that many friends, you know, as you get older. And I've made so many that I really count as personal friends that it's, it's very cool.
- [39:14]
B
I feel like the gym in LA is that third place. You know, they're always talking about the third place. How we used to have like work home in school in la. That was like work home and.
- [39:24]
D
Yeah, and the aloe gym. Yes.
- [39:26]
B
So tell us about your skincare routine. That's what our audience really wants to know about. So how do you like to use the new Olay cream? It's had a glow up. Tell me about it how you use it in your daytime routine. Nighttime.
- [39:37]
D
Well, it's incredible. I mean, it's a microsculpting triple peptide and I think there's a lot of conversations around peptides and it all. Look, I'm not the scientist here, but in my, you know, understanding, right, peptides are what we need to be able to make these cellular bonds that as we get older are weakening. Whether that's, you know, for your, your skin, your overall health, your energy levels and so to be able to have that in a cream that can really penetrate the different layers. I think so often we think about skin as just like the top layer and what we see, but it's not. There are all of these other layers which are what is really protecting all of our organs because our skin is our number one organ that protects our body. And to have a cream like that that really fills in like you can feel all the pumpkins. I've told this story a bunch of times today, but we were shooting yesterday and I kept rubbing the excess on my hand and like, very similar to the story that she told. You know, you rub it on one hand because of your dominant hand. And by the end of the day, I had one hand that was like really plump and glowy and refreshed and one hand that looked a little neglected. So to really be able to see a difference like that. And I think the thing about the cream too is that it's very soft. So you use it how it works for you, right? If it's an AM pm, If you use something stronger at night, maybe you want something with a retinol in it. Then you can use this in the daytime. You can use this with it. You can take this all the way down your neck, your hands. So it really is that everything cream. The best advice I ever got was a makeup artist in my 20s who said skincare doesn't stop at your chin. And in your 20s, you're like. And then you. He explained, he's like, look, you have this is the first place you so aging is your neck and your, your decolletage because David is fancy and I've always taken that to heart. And so I was joking earlier, like, thank goodness Rodney wearing only turtlenecks now.
- [41:23]
B
Well, it's very chic if you, if you do go that route. What about how use this product though, in your routine? Do you morning and night tell me everything? So I go up my.
- [41:32]
D
I listen to what my skin tells me. So if my skin feels really, really dry, then that's my a.m. and p.m. this month. I've been doing a lot of flying. So I keep it in a decant a little bit and I put it into like a little jar that is airplane approved because I don't want them to take away my creams. And I put it on the second we take off. And then sometimes, depending on how long my flight is, mid flight. Like when you're skinny, your skin will tell you what it needs if it feels dry the same way, like if your mouth is parched, you drink water, your skin is dry, give it moisture, right. And so that's what's really beautiful about this cream is that you're not going to have the reaction to the active ingredients where you have to use it minimally. You really can bathe your face in it when you need it.
- [42:11]
B
Okay, switching gears a little bit. What's the wildest trend that you've dabbled in in the name of beauty?
- [42:17]
D
I mean, I think the truth is the 90s eyebrows. But I didn't know it was a wild trend. It was just, just you had thin eyebrows. That's what the 90s were. And now since the 90s, I've been slowly growing them back.
- [42:28]
B
So what about like a salmon sperm facial? Have you ever tried that?
- [42:31]
D
No, I have not tried salmon sperm facial. I'm not anti it. I just haven't had the time.
- [42:36]
B
What about when you go for a facial, what are you looking to get?
- [42:39]
D
It's funny you say that. We were just having that discussion because I realized like I haven't had a facial in a really long time. And that's an interesting question is what am I looking for in that? And so I think the answer is looking for what I can't do at home. So I take very good care of my skin. I have my rituals. I clean it, I purify it, you know, all of those things I put the serum. So I'm looking for more of the like microcurrent, the stuff that you add to it that I couldn't do at home. And that's the beauty of having a skincare routine like I do with Olay, which is I. I have it all. Like I'm doing it all.
- [43:12]
B
Yes.
- [43:12]
D
I don't need to go to a facialist for that. That part. Like I have the accessibility of that is great product that make the difference. And like the dermatologist said today, like when you do those, whether it's microcurrent or whether it's plastic surgery, like she was talking about, when your skin has those bonds, it's going to heal better, adhere better, all of those things.
- [43:32]
B
Yeah. So you're going in there looking for lifting, sculpting.
- [43:35]
D
Yes, that's what I did. I had microcurrent and a little oxygen, I think is what I had. It was a microcurrent and oxygen. And then I used. I didn't. Oh, yeah, cry a little cry on the face. And then I did a hyperbaric.
- [43:46]
B
And how did you feel after?
- [43:47]
D
I love them.
- [43:48]
B
Okay.
- [43:48]
D
I've had them before. They're especially traveling and between flying with the time difference and during daylight savings. Yeah.
- [43:55]
B
Okay. What about your fragrance?
- [43:57]
D
Do you know, it's funny. Did you see the woman today that came up to me and was able to guess my fragrance and it's on video. This is actually a true story. Someone came up to me today and said, you smell really good. And I said, thank you. And I was about to tell her what it was and she said, is that parfum de Marley? And I said, yes. And she said, is that Delina exclusive? And I was like, yes. And she's like, you smell great. I was so impressed. And it's on video.
- [44:19]
B
Incredible. What about when you need to amp it up for the red carpet? Like, I know you're being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame in 2026. Huge year for you.
- [44:29]
D
So congrats me next to my father in law, which I think is really cool.
- [44:32]
B
On. On the actual.
- [44:33]
D
I'm hoping that I'll be near him. I. I don't actually know. I shouldn't say like direct, you know, but within block looks. That's so cool regardless, Right.
- [44:40]
B
What makeup would you reach for on an occasion like that? We know we have your wonderful makeup artist Lisa in the room, but is there. What kind of makeup look would you. Or glam would you go for?
- [44:50]
D
Well, I think that's something that Lisa and I talk about a lot. Like, I'm very particular about my makeup in the sense that I love the trend of seeing skin that's always been really important to me. Before I was here discussing Olay, you could always see my skin. Like that to me was important. And so I love makeup artists where you can have that sheer feeling and see underneath the skin. Like I have little freckles. I want you to see them. So for me it's just, I don't want that full face. And I'm not saying it's impressive what people can do when they like white out their face and start like it's certainly. But for me, I don't feel comfortable in that look.
- [45:24]
A
Yeah.
- [45:24]
B
So like a sheer moment or like.
- [45:26]
D
The most I can go for is I can go for a smoky eye. That's about as, that's about as out there as I can go.
- [45:31]
B
And your boy, your brows look great. They've grown back.
- [45:34]
D
Microblading.
- [45:35]
B
Microblading. Okay, okay. The antidote.
- [45:37]
D
I've done it all. I've done. What was Rogaine on the eyebrow. I've tried it all.
- [45:41]
B
What, what product or trend has your daughter turned you on to? Because she's 16 and you talked about earlier today.
- [45:47]
D
I can tell you one funny one which was today there was a phone case and Maddie, our, our young one over here was like, oh, Sarah, you're gonna love this phone case. Thinking I wouldn't know what it was. I was like, girl, I know that phone case. I have a 16 year old daughter, so pretty much anything that's trendy I will learn from her.
- [46:02]
B
Okay.
- [46:02]
D
I even found Parfum de Marley from my daughter.
- [46:04]
B
Really?
- [46:05]
D
That's how I found my signature scent.
- [46:06]
B
Okay. Does she steal products from you?
- [46:09]
D
You know, we talk a lot about it when it comes to skin care. I'm very particular with her, that skin care is for specific reasons. And one skincare doesn't fit. All right? Like I like a retinol at night. I have another girlfriend who wishes she could use a retinol at night. But her, her skin is too sensitive so she has to stick with the triple collagen peptide to be able to get those results. And so it's important that. But we discuss it and she understands. So she takes it very seriously. But I want her to use products that are aimed at her. Although I do think that down the line we should talk with Olay about doing a line for young girls. Because hear me out. Maybe there is a world to make that accessible skincare brand for that market.
- [46:52]
B
I'm here for it.
- [46:53]
D
Right? Because they want to do what we do and then teach them. So then they get into the routine. And then they move up on the product that have the more active ingredients as you get older.
- [47:02]
A
Just a thought.
- [47:02]
B
Just. Just saying. I'm gonna do a little rapid fire just before we wrap up. So this is Rapid Fire 90s Favorites Edition. Fave accessory. You'd always be wearing headbands, probably for me.
- [47:15]
D
Yes. Not chokers. I don't get the choker thing. I know it's coming back, but, like, it makes your neck shorter. I've never. I wore them, but I don't get them.
- [47:22]
B
Fave hotspot. You'd most likely to be to get.
- [47:25]
D
Papped at that 10. June in the 90s. That's for you, Mark and Eugene.
- [47:30]
B
Fave makeup product that would always be found in your bag.
- [47:33]
D
Mac Folio, which is a lipstick that is literally blue. Or Chanel Vamp nail polish. Those were the two things of the 90s.
- [47:42]
B
Fave bag from the 90s. That's still in your closet.
- [47:45]
D
Oh, that's so easy. Because today somebody had the reissue of the Murakami. But I have my original Murakamis from the original Louis Vuitton collection.
- [47:54]
B
Time to dust it off. Bring it out, dust it off.
- [47:56]
D
My daughter took them all and they've been getting used. I promise they're not Dusty Fave co.
- [48:01]
B
Star you've ever worked with.
- [48:03]
D
Would you like me to pick children? I mean, that's the same thing back in the 90s.
- [48:07]
B
Yeah.
- [48:07]
D
I can't. I have so many. I could never do that.
- [48:10]
B
Fair. Fair. Fave TV show that you binged either in that era or it's from that era and you've binged it that you go back to.
- [48:21]
D
I mean, of the 90s. Goodness. I mean, friends, I love er, the SVU start in the 90s because I still watch SVU.
- [48:29]
B
And final question. We're kicking off a new year. What are your. Some of your goals or mantras for 2026?
- [48:36]
D
Definitely to have a better start to January than we had last year. Goodness.
- [48:40]
B
Yeah.
- [48:40]
D
You know, I just. I always want to be the best me. I don't want to put pressure with a specific goal like I must do this or this year is not going to be good. I think for me it's just always being open to learning and. And being present.
- [48:52]
B
I love that. Well, thank you so much. Thank you for joining us at Breaking Beauty Podcast. And everybody go check out Buffy maybe eventually. And check out the Olay upgrade. The glow up.
- [49:03]
A
The glow up.
- [49:04]
B
Thank you so much.
- [49:05]
A
Thank you. Thanks for listening. You can find details on every product mentioned in today's episode. Along with our exclusive promo codes on our blog at Breaking Beauty Podcast.
- [49:16]
B
While you're there, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Every episode will be delivered directly to your inbox so you won't miss a.
- [49:23]
A
Single thing and get social with us. Let us know what you think of the episode. You can follow us on Instagram at Breaking Beauty Podcast.
- [49:30]
B
And did you know we also have a private Facebook group? Just search Breaking Beauty Podcast chat room.
- [49:35]
A
You can even leave us a voicemail at any time with questions or feedback at 1-844-227-6-0302.
- [49:42]
B
And don't forget to subscribe to us wherever you get your podcast fix Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts where you can show us some love by writing a review.
- [49:53]
A
See you next Wednesday. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a.
- [50:18]
B
Direct or indirect financial interest in products.
- [50:20]
A
Or services referred to in this episode.