Breaking Beauty Podcast: Episode Summary Title: The Top 12 #DamnGood Esthetician-Formulated Skincare Products For Every Step of Your Routine, Tested!
Hosts: Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins
Release Date: January 1, 2025

Introduction

In the kickoff episode of 2025, Breaking Beauty Podcast dives deep into the world of esthetician-formulated skincare products. Hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins share their expert insights, testing, and reviews of the top 12 products designed to optimize every step of your skincare routine. Focusing on authenticity and efficacy, this episode is a treasure trove for skincare enthusiasts seeking professional-grade solutions.

The Rise of Esthetician-Led Brands

Carlene Higgins [02:26]:
"When we started this podcast almost eight years ago, there weren't as many esthetician-led brands on the market. It was just a few, like Dermalogica and Kate Somerville, leading the charge."

Jill and Carlene discuss the increasing presence of esthetician-led skincare brands, highlighting how estheticians leverage their hands-on experience and celebrity clientele to develop trusted product lines. Social media has further empowered these experts to share their formulations and skincare philosophies with a broader audience.

Cleansers: Setting the Foundation

Jill Dunn [06:07]:
"SA Medicate is a clinically proven British skincare brand known for its age-defying results. Their liquid peptides smooth fine lines and wrinkles in just seven days."

1. SA Medicate Liquid Peptides

   • Price: $XX
   • Key Benefits: Reduces expression lines and deep-set wrinkles, hydrates, and plumps the skin.
   • Quote: "I love how plumping and hydrating it is for my skin." [06:07]

2. Eve Lom Cleansing Balm vs. Living Cleansing Balm

   • Eve Lom: Pioneer in cleansing balms; a cult favorite but not the hosts' top pick.
   • Living Cleansing Balm: Modernized version with a scoop for easy application, suitable for all skin types without leaving an oily residue.
   • Quote: "This has a modern scoop—you don't have to get your fingers in there." [10:12]

3. Jan Marini Bio Bioglycolic Face Cleanser

   • Price: $48 US / $62 CAD
   • Key Benefits: Non-foaming, suitable for all skin types, keeps pores clear without stinging.
   • Quote: "Anyone skin type can use it, and even though it's glycolic acid, it does not sting." [11:04]

Toners: Refining and Hydrating

1. Biba Glycolic Lactic Toner

   • Price: $38 US
   • Key Benefits: Combines AHAs for gentle exfoliation, glycerin for hydration, and aloe vera to alleviate dryness.
   • Quote: "The combo of the AHAs together is really gentle and powerful to get that cell turnover." [15:25]

2. Monastery Hydrating Floral Essence

   • Price: $120 US
   • Key Benefits: Botanical ingredients inspired by Hideaways Resort in Belize, rose water for calming, orchid, and orange bitters oils.
   • Note: Slightly perfumey due to natural ingredients, excellent for hydration without irritation.
   • Quote: "It feels like you're walking through a tropical garden in Belize." [19:05]

Serums: Targeted Treatments

1. Sophie Carbonary S Serum

   • Price: $316 US
   • Key Benefits: Vitamin C for daytime use, hyaluronic acid for plumpness, Centella Asiatica for calming, black cumin for antioxidants, and argan oil for moisture.
   • Quote: "It's almost like a refreshing oil or a gel oil." [23:19]

2. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Serum

   • Price: $39 US
   • Key Benefits: Niacinamide for refining texture, yam extract for suppleness, hyaluronic acid, peptide complex, and Centella Asiatica derivative.
   • Quote: "It introduces the notion of glass skin to North America." [25:11]

Exfoliators: Renewing the Skin

1. Kate Somerville Exfoliate Intensive Treatment

   • Price: $79 US / $107 CAD
   • Key Benefits: Combines enzymatic, physical, and chemical exfoliation in a two-minute treatment to reduce pore size and refine skin texture.
   • Quote: "It's hitting three different types of exfoliation in one two-minute treatment." [28:35]

2. Tammy Fender EPI Peel

   • Price: $95 US
   • Key Benefits: Multi-use peel acting as an exfoliator, face mask, and all-in-one peel with spearmint and rosemary for detoxifying.
   • Quote: "It's really detoxifying and you notice your pores are more refined the next day." [30:02]

3. Tracy Martin Enzyme Exfoliant Mask

   • Price: $90 US
   • Key Benefits: Pineapple enzymes and volcanic minerals with AHAs and BHAs for dull skin and fine lines.
   • Quote: "It's been dubbed the 15-minute facial in a jar." [31:27]

4. Jade Complexions Crystalline Marine Facial Polish

   • Price: $70 US
   • Key Benefits: AHAs and BHAs with organic, fragrance-free ingredients for spot treatments and exfoliation without micro-scratches.
   • Quote: "It's an old-school idea with a modern twist, ensuring no micro scratches." [33:11]

Masks: Intensive Care

1. Renee Rouleaux Triple Berry Smoothing Mask

   • Price: $88.50 US
   • Key Benefits: Hydrating mask with non-gritty beads that refine pores and provide a brilliant glow.
   • Quote: "This gives my skin a brilliant glow." [35:27]

2. Joanna Check Skincare Bio Cellulose Sheet Mask

   • Price: $150 for five masks / $220 CAD
   • Key Benefits: Bio-cellulose with hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and bentonite clay for hydration and detoxification.
   • Quote: "It's hyaluronic acid and beninite clay make it exceptionally hydrating and detoxifying." [36:09]

Acne Treatments: Targeted Solutions

1. Sophie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum

   • Price: $54 US
   • Key Benefits: 8% mandelic acid for smoothing, hydrating, and protecting, ideal for darker skin tones due to minimal pigmentation risks.
   • Quote: "This is transformational around the chin especially." [39:04]

2. Renee Rouleau Anti Bump Solution

   • Price: $49 US
   • Key Benefits: Treats deep, throbbing zits by shrinking pimples without flaking, recommended as an emergency treatment.
   • Quote: "It's like 911 emergency versus the Sophie Pavitt, which is everyday." [40:31]

Aging Treatments: Combatting Signs of Time

1. Shani Darden Retinol Reform

   • Price: $89 US / $120 CAD
   • Key Benefits: Lightweight retinol serum designed for consistent use without over-irritating, effective for pigmentation and fine lines.
   • Quote: "You will keep using it. It's not the most powerful retinol, which is a good thing." [42:09]

2. Angela Caglia Cell Forte Serum

   • Price: $395 US / $568 CAD
   • Key Benefits: Contains peptides and exosomes using patented human-derived stem cell technology for healing properties, targeting wrinkles and pigmentation.
   • Quote: "It's all about using the body's own healing mechanisms to heal itself." [43:46]

Moisturizers: Locking in Hydration

1. Joanna Vargas Twilight Overnight Cream

   • Price: $116 US / $215 CAD
   • Key Benefits: Hydrating night cream with botanical epidermal growth factor (EGF), hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to plump and rejuvenate the skin.
   • Quote: "EGF is like a healing ingredient, helping to heal after lasers, retinol, and AHAs." [48:02]

2. Sarah Chapman London Skin Insurance SPF 50

   • Price: $89 US / $110 CAD
   • Key Benefits: Tinted moisturizer with SPF 50, providing hydration and sun protection with a refined, non-sweaty finish.
   • Quote: "It's like a more refined take on that Supergoop super glow." [49:24]

Beauty Tools: Enhancing Skincare Routine

1. Skin by V Gua Sha Cryo Sticks

   • Price: $175 US
   • Key Benefits: Stainless steel cryo sticks with rubberized ends for sculpting and snatching without slipping, ideal for TMJ relief and sensitive skin.
   • Quote: "They're sculpted shapes, perfect for rosacea or sensitivity." [50:31]

2. Georgia Louise Cryo Sticks

   • Price: Not Specified
   • Key Benefits: Classic globe-shaped cryo sticks that stay cold longer without refrigeration, suitable for travel and regular use.
   • Quote: "They stay cold even without a refrigerator." [50:37]

Conclusion

Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of choosing esthetician-formulated skincare products tailored to individual skin types and concerns. They encourage listeners to share their favorite products and engage with the podcast’s community through their blog, social media, and private Facebook group. The hosts emphasize the value of professional expertise in developing effective skincare solutions, making this episode a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to elevate their skincare routine with trusted, tested products.

Notable Quotes

• Jill Dunn [06:07]:
  "I love how plumping and hydrating it is for my skin."

• Carlene Higgins [15:25]:
  "The combo of the AHAs together is really gentle and powerful to get that cell turnover."

• Jill Dunn [39:04]:
  "This is transformational around the chin especially."

• Carlene Higgins [42:38]:
  "If you're serious about wrinkles and pigmentation, this might be one to reach for."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Breaking Beauty Podcast serves as an essential resource for skincare aficionados, offering a curated list of top-tier esthetician-formulated products backed by professional insights and real-world testing. Whether you're tackling acne, aging, or simply seeking to refine your skincare regimen, the hosts provide valuable recommendations to help you achieve radiant, healthy skin.