Breaking Beauty Podcast

Episode: We Put the Most Viral Beauty Products of 2025 to the #DamnGood Test

Hosts: Jill Dunn & Carlene Higgins
Date: December 3, 2025

Overview

In this lively #DamnGood episode, long-time beauty editors Jill and Carlene dive into 2025’s most viral beauty products, spanning affordable drugstore finds, celebrity/influencer brands, and the must-sniff fragrance of the year. Along the way, they chat about the dangers of counterfeit cosmetics with expert Dr. Kimberly Norman, offer firsthand reviews of TikTok-hyped launches, and deliver honest verdicts on which products are actually worth the buzz—and which flopped for them.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rise of Affordable, Viral Beauty—And Counterfeit Dangers

Theme: Viral beauty doesn’t have to break the bank. This year saw major moments for $8 mascaras and under-$15 lip products, but the popularity of viral items also led to a flood of fakes.
Expert Segment: Dr. Kimberly Norman, Senior Director of Safety & Regulatory Toxicology at the Personal Care Products Council, joins (04:01) to discuss how to spot counterfeit beauty and the real risks.
- Red Flags for Fakes (04:28):
  - Prices “too good to be true”
  - Non-reputable sellers or odd reviews
  - Off-brand imagery or packaging feel/scent
- Health Risks (07:00):
  - Skin, eye irritation, allergies, infections
  - Discovery of hazardous ingredients (e.g., mercury), bacteria, even rodent waste in seized fakes
- What to Do If You Suspect a Fake (08:42):
  - Contact manufacturer & report to online platforms
  - Consider using resources like the US customs “allegation portal”
  - Warn other shoppers via reviews
- Resource: buynolye.com for smarter shopping tips (09:53)
“If the deal looks too good to be true, it likely is.” —Dr. Norman (04:28)

2. Viral Lip & Cheek Stains: Do They Live Up to the Hype?

a) Statue Stay-N Peel-Off Lip Liner Stain

Why Viral: $14, 10 shades, transfer-proof, peel-off mechanism seen all over TikTok (11:46)
Review:
- Messy application, requires a steady hand
- Lasts about half a day—reapplication at lunch recommended (per Olivia, producer, 15:15)
- Feels like “a throwback” but without the dryness of old-school stains
Unique Influencer Method: Some influencers (Ari Kitsia) only stain the top lip (13:13)
“It looks almost black… you have to have an extremely steady hand to get that precise, good-looking lip line...” —Jill (14:30)

b) NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum

Hype: NYX’s answer to stains; $12 (16:12)
Highlights:
- Heart-shaped tip, easy for liner or full coverage
- Original gloss wipes off, leaving a pretty, long-lasting stain
- Also works as a cheek tint for a natural, monochromatic look
- “I loved that finish... it does give you this little bit of stain.” —Carlene (19:15)

c) Mikayla Makeup—Amp It Up Lip Kit

Why Exciting: First makeup launch from viral TikTok-er Mikayla (previously only had skincare) (20:32)
Details: $34 for a pencil & matching gloss
- Ultra smooth, nourishing, “K-beauty” inspired formula
- “It's her version of the lip kit, and it’s selling out like hotcakes.” —Jill (23:33)
- Brand drama: Both Sephora and Ulta vying for exclusive rights (21:35)
Amp Kit's Unique Angle: Gripping lip pencil—meant to prolong gloss wear (23:53)
- “She’s taken the idea of the gripping primer… I’ve never seen that before.” —Jill (23:35)

3. Blush & Complexion Stains: The Battle of the Dupes and Originals

a) e.l.f. Sheer for It Blush Tint

Vibe: Dead-on affordable clone of Benetint; $6 (28:32)
Noted: More “stainy” than Benetint; work one cheek at a time to avoid streaks (30:22)
“I do find the e.l.f. to be a little bit more stainy… that little heart was kind of showing through.” —Carlene (30:21)

b) Victoria Beckham Beauty Color Wash Blush Water Tint

Comparison: Similar finish, but uses a dropper—can get messy (31:51)
$46; More of a watercolor effect, less of a stain

c) Natasha Denona High Glam Foundation

Virality: US$52, “serum foundation” with blurring & skincare claims (32:41)
Jill’s Verdict: Seamless, blends beautifully, great for those over 40
Shade matching tricky—recommend in-store testing
“It just looks like skin when you put it on. I understand why this is viral… when you try it, you’re just like, oh, yeah, I get it.” —Jill (33:13)

d) Tarte CC Under Eye Corrector

Viral Test: "Covers up magic marker" claims on TikTok (42:34)
Carlene’s Honest Take: Expensive for results ($32), learning curve; her test with NYX pigmented serum didn’t impress
“I tried putting this over top [a stain], and I didn’t see any difference. So I’m giving you the real talk.” —Carlene (45:24)

e) Maybelline Porely Jelly Primer

TikTok Trick: Instantly blurs pores in “half-face” videos (52:22)
Carlene’s Review: Looks great in the moment but doesn’t hold up through the day; prefers Maybelline’s Grippy Serum Primer (54:23)
“It’s like something that you see in the moment, but… not enough of a result where I would continue to use it.” —Carlene (54:17)

4. Skincare: The Next-Gen Celebrity Collab and Gadgets

a) Dua Lipa x Augustinus Bader—Dua Dua Skincare

Info: "Diffusion" line with TFC5 (vs. OG TFC8); more affordable, for younger skin (46:59)
Product Highlights:
- Renewal Cream ($75): Feels like Victoria Beckham’s Bader cream “dupe” at 1/3 the price
- Glow Complex ($80): Bioretinol and niacinamide
- Balancing Cream Cleanser ($40)
Hosts gently skeptical about the "for young skin" positioning and massive brand expansion (48:49)

b) ZiiP Dot Acne Device

What It Does: Nanocurrent & microcurrent zapping for acne; $199 (USA)
Jill’s Review: Actually reduced underground pimples ("the healing time was faster") (51:30)
“It actually does mimic what estheticians do to me in a studio… it gives you that vibe, so it’s killing bacteria.” —Jill (51:19)
Noted you may taste “metal” due to dental fillings—a marker it’s really zapping.

5. Fragrance: The 2025 It-Scent

Parfums de Marly Valaya (Valea)

Viral Status: Dubbed “the biggest fragrance since Delina” by the brand (55:30)
- $410 full-size, $250 smaller size
- Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, White Peach (more light & cottony than Delina)
- Carlene’s Take: Likes the original Valea (not the exclusif), recommends for those wanting something softer from the brand

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Tarnished Underside of Fakes:
“Authorities have gone in and seized counterfeit products… there was evidence of things like rodent waste… even rodent urine in the products.” —Dr. Kimberly Norman (07:00)
On Peel-Off Lip Liners:
“You’d really have to almost hold your elbow… I found it could go off the rails.” —Jill, on Statue’s peel-off lip stain (14:47)
On the Influence of In-Store Experience:
“The formula is perfect, but I still look… you can't be going out in public and not have the right shade going.” —Jill, on Natasha Denona Foundation (34:33)
On the “Stain Moment”:
“Stain is definitely a trend that's happening right now and probably moving into 2026 as well.” —Carlene (16:13)
On Skincare Brand Proliferation:
“Does every skin care need to cater to every single skin age and type? Is kind of my question. But I guess if you need to endlessly grow, then that's what you need to do.” —Carlene (49:02)
On Social Proof and Power:
“She has them in the palm of her hand. I’m quite sure of it.” —Jill, about Mikayla and her retail pull (21:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Counterfeit Beauty Dangers & Tips: 04:01 – 10:13
Peel-Off Lip Stain (Statue Stay-N) Review: 11:45 – 15:39
NYX Lip IV Hydrating Serum Review: 16:12 – 20:14
Mikayla Makeup Launch Review: 20:30 – 24:03
ELF Benetint Clone Discussion: 28:10 – 32:41
Natasha Denona High Glam Foundation: 32:41 – 37:01
Tarte CC Corrector Review & TikTok Trends: 42:05 – 45:31
Dua Dua x Augustinus Bader Review: 46:46 – 49:13
Ziip Dot Acne Device Review: 50:32 – 52:22
Maybelline Porely Jelly Viral Primer: 52:23 – 54:31
Fragrance: Parfums de Marly Valaya: 55:24 – 56:41

Bottom Line: What’s #DamnGood?

Statue Stay-N Lip Liner Stain: Fun, but fussy for real-world use
NYX Lip IV Gloss Serum: Thumbs up for lip & cheek stain versatility at a low price
Mikayla Lip Kit: Quality, on-trend, and super nourishing—2025’s answer to legacy “lip kits”
ELF Sheer for It Blush: A Benetint dupe that outstains it—for $6
Natasha Denona Foundation: Seamless, next-gen coverage for those seeking weightless, blur effects
Ziip Dot Device: Actually reduces stubborn breakouts
Parfum de Marly Valaya: New “it” floral fragrance—if you can justify the price

Skip?

Tarte CC Corrector (unless you really need it for deep discoloration)
Maybelline Porely Jelly Primer—impressive TikTok trick, but not a long-wear transformation

Resource Links & Recaps

For product links and full recaps: breakingbeautypodcast.com
For anti-counterfeit shopping tips: buynolye.com
Follow Jill and Carlene for live swatches, promo news & more: @breakingbeautypodcast

“Shop smart, test for yourself, and remember: just because a product is viral, doesn’t mean it’s #DamnGood—or right for you.” —Theme echoed throughout the episode

This summary leaves out ads, intros, outros, and non-content digressions, focusing on the meat of the conversation, product revelations, and practical reviews.

Breaking Beauty Podcast

Episode: We Put the Most Viral Beauty Products of 2025 to the #DamnGood Test

Hosts: Jill Dunn & Carlene Higgins
Date: December 3, 2025

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rise of Affordable, Viral Beauty—And Counterfeit Dangers

Theme: Viral beauty doesn’t have to break the bank. This year saw major moments for $8 mascaras and under-$15 lip products, but the popularity of viral items also led to a flood of fakes.
Expert Segment: Dr. Kimberly Norman, Senior Director of Safety & Regulatory Toxicology at the Personal Care Products Council, joins (04:01) to discuss how to spot counterfeit beauty and the real risks.
- Red Flags for Fakes (04:28):
  - Prices “too good to be true”
  - Non-reputable sellers or odd reviews
  - Off-brand imagery or packaging feel/scent
- Health Risks (07:00):
  - Skin, eye irritation, allergies, infections
  - Discovery of hazardous ingredients (e.g., mercury), bacteria, even rodent waste in seized fakes
- What to Do If You Suspect a Fake (08:42):
  - Contact manufacturer & report to online platforms
  - Consider using resources like the US customs “allegation portal”
  - Warn other shoppers via reviews
- Resource: buynolye.com for smarter shopping tips (09:53)
“If the deal looks too good to be true, it likely is.” —Dr. Norman (04:28)

2. Viral Lip & Cheek Stains: Do They Live Up to the Hype?

a) Statue Stay-N Peel-Off Lip Liner Stain

Why Viral: $14, 10 shades, transfer-proof, peel-off mechanism seen all over TikTok (11:46)
Review:
- Messy application, requires a steady hand
- Lasts about half a day—reapplication at lunch recommended (per Olivia, producer, 15:15)
- Feels like “a throwback” but without the dryness of old-school stains
Unique Influencer Method: Some influencers (Ari Kitsia) only stain the top lip (13:13)
“It looks almost black… you have to have an extremely steady hand to get that precise, good-looking lip line...” —Jill (14:30)

b) NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum

Hype: NYX’s answer to stains; $12 (16:12)
Highlights:
- Heart-shaped tip, easy for liner or full coverage
- Original gloss wipes off, leaving a pretty, long-lasting stain
- Also works as a cheek tint for a natural, monochromatic look
- “I loved that finish... it does give you this little bit of stain.” —Carlene (19:15)

c) Mikayla Makeup—Amp It Up Lip Kit

Why Exciting: First makeup launch from viral TikTok-er Mikayla (previously only had skincare) (20:32)
Details: $34 for a pencil & matching gloss
- Ultra smooth, nourishing, “K-beauty” inspired formula
- “It's her version of the lip kit, and it’s selling out like hotcakes.” —Jill (23:33)
- Brand drama: Both Sephora and Ulta vying for exclusive rights (21:35)
Amp Kit's Unique Angle: Gripping lip pencil—meant to prolong gloss wear (23:53)
- “She’s taken the idea of the gripping primer… I’ve never seen that before.” —Jill (23:35)

3. Blush & Complexion Stains: The Battle of the Dupes and Originals

a) e.l.f. Sheer for It Blush Tint

Vibe: Dead-on affordable clone of Benetint; $6 (28:32)
Noted: More “stainy” than Benetint; work one cheek at a time to avoid streaks (30:22)
“I do find the e.l.f. to be a little bit more stainy… that little heart was kind of showing through.” —Carlene (30:21)

b) Victoria Beckham Beauty Color Wash Blush Water Tint

Comparison: Similar finish, but uses a dropper—can get messy (31:51)
$46; More of a watercolor effect, less of a stain

c) Natasha Denona High Glam Foundation

Virality: US$52, “serum foundation” with blurring & skincare claims (32:41)
Jill’s Verdict: Seamless, blends beautifully, great for those over 40
Shade matching tricky—recommend in-store testing
“It just looks like skin when you put it on. I understand why this is viral… when you try it, you’re just like, oh, yeah, I get it.” —Jill (33:13)

d) Tarte CC Under Eye Corrector

Viral Test: "Covers up magic marker" claims on TikTok (42:34)
Carlene’s Honest Take: Expensive for results ($32), learning curve; her test with NYX pigmented serum didn’t impress
“I tried putting this over top [a stain], and I didn’t see any difference. So I’m giving you the real talk.” —Carlene (45:24)

e) Maybelline Porely Jelly Primer

TikTok Trick: Instantly blurs pores in “half-face” videos (52:22)
Carlene’s Review: Looks great in the moment but doesn’t hold up through the day; prefers Maybelline’s Grippy Serum Primer (54:23)
“It’s like something that you see in the moment, but… not enough of a result where I would continue to use it.” —Carlene (54:17)

4. Skincare: The Next-Gen Celebrity Collab and Gadgets

a) Dua Lipa x Augustinus Bader—Dua Dua Skincare

Info: "Diffusion" line with TFC5 (vs. OG TFC8); more affordable, for younger skin (46:59)
Product Highlights:
- Renewal Cream ($75): Feels like Victoria Beckham’s Bader cream “dupe” at 1/3 the price
- Glow Complex ($80): Bioretinol and niacinamide
- Balancing Cream Cleanser ($40)
Hosts gently skeptical about the "for young skin" positioning and massive brand expansion (48:49)

b) ZiiP Dot Acne Device

What It Does: Nanocurrent & microcurrent zapping for acne; $199 (USA)
Jill’s Review: Actually reduced underground pimples ("the healing time was faster") (51:30)
“It actually does mimic what estheticians do to me in a studio… it gives you that vibe, so it’s killing bacteria.” —Jill (51:19)
Noted you may taste “metal” due to dental fillings—a marker it’s really zapping.

5. Fragrance: The 2025 It-Scent

Parfums de Marly Valaya (Valea)

Viral Status: Dubbed “the biggest fragrance since Delina” by the brand (55:30)
- $410 full-size, $250 smaller size
- Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, White Peach (more light & cottony than Delina)
- Carlene’s Take: Likes the original Valea (not the exclusif), recommends for those wanting something softer from the brand

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Tarnished Underside of Fakes:
“Authorities have gone in and seized counterfeit products… there was evidence of things like rodent waste… even rodent urine in the products.” —Dr. Kimberly Norman (07:00)
On Peel-Off Lip Liners:
“You’d really have to almost hold your elbow… I found it could go off the rails.” —Jill, on Statue’s peel-off lip stain (14:47)
On the Influence of In-Store Experience:
“The formula is perfect, but I still look… you can't be going out in public and not have the right shade going.” —Jill, on Natasha Denona Foundation (34:33)
On the “Stain Moment”:
“Stain is definitely a trend that's happening right now and probably moving into 2026 as well.” —Carlene (16:13)
On Skincare Brand Proliferation:
“Does every skin care need to cater to every single skin age and type? Is kind of my question. But I guess if you need to endlessly grow, then that's what you need to do.” —Carlene (49:02)
On Social Proof and Power:
“She has them in the palm of her hand. I’m quite sure of it.” —Jill, about Mikayla and her retail pull (21:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Counterfeit Beauty Dangers & Tips: 04:01 – 10:13
Peel-Off Lip Stain (Statue Stay-N) Review: 11:45 – 15:39
NYX Lip IV Hydrating Serum Review: 16:12 – 20:14
Mikayla Makeup Launch Review: 20:30 – 24:03
ELF Benetint Clone Discussion: 28:10 – 32:41
Natasha Denona High Glam Foundation: 32:41 – 37:01
Tarte CC Corrector Review & TikTok Trends: 42:05 – 45:31
Dua Dua x Augustinus Bader Review: 46:46 – 49:13
Ziip Dot Acne Device Review: 50:32 – 52:22
Maybelline Porely Jelly Viral Primer: 52:23 – 54:31
Fragrance: Parfums de Marly Valaya: 55:24 – 56:41

Bottom Line: What’s #DamnGood?

Statue Stay-N Lip Liner Stain: Fun, but fussy for real-world use
NYX Lip IV Gloss Serum: Thumbs up for lip & cheek stain versatility at a low price
Mikayla Lip Kit: Quality, on-trend, and super nourishing—2025’s answer to legacy “lip kits”
ELF Sheer for It Blush: A Benetint dupe that outstains it—for $6
Natasha Denona Foundation: Seamless, next-gen coverage for those seeking weightless, blur effects
Ziip Dot Device: Actually reduces stubborn breakouts
Parfum de Marly Valaya: New “it” floral fragrance—if you can justify the price

Skip?

Tarte CC Corrector (unless you really need it for deep discoloration)
Maybelline Porely Jelly Primer—impressive TikTok trick, but not a long-wear transformation

Resource Links & Recaps

For product links and full recaps: breakingbeautypodcast.com
For anti-counterfeit shopping tips: buynolye.com
Follow Jill and Carlene for live swatches, promo news & more: @breakingbeautypodcast

“Shop smart, test for yourself, and remember: just because a product is viral, doesn’t mean it’s #DamnGood—or right for you.” —Theme echoed throughout the episode

This summary leaves out ads, intros, outros, and non-content digressions, focusing on the meat of the conversation, product revelations, and practical reviews.

We Put the *Most* Viral Beauty Products of 2025 to the #DamnGood Test

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Summary

Breaking Beauty Podcast

Episode: We Put the Most Viral Beauty Products of 2025 to the #DamnGood Test

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rise of Affordable, Viral Beauty—And Counterfeit Dangers

2. Viral Lip & Cheek Stains: Do They Live Up to the Hype?

a) Statue Stay-N Peel-Off Lip Liner Stain

b) NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum

c) Mikayla Makeup—Amp It Up Lip Kit

3. Blush & Complexion Stains: The Battle of the Dupes and Originals

a) e.l.f. Sheer for It Blush Tint

b) Victoria Beckham Beauty Color Wash Blush Water Tint

c) Natasha Denona High Glam Foundation

d) Tarte CC Under Eye Corrector

e) Maybelline Porely Jelly Primer

4. Skincare: The Next-Gen Celebrity Collab and Gadgets

a) Dua Lipa x Augustinus Bader—Dua Dua Skincare

b) ZiiP Dot Acne Device

5. Fragrance: The 2025 It-Scent

Parfums de Marly Valaya (Valea)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Bottom Line: What’s #DamnGood?

Resource Links & Recaps

Summary

Breaking Beauty Podcast

Episode: We Put the Most Viral Beauty Products of 2025 to the #DamnGood Test

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rise of Affordable, Viral Beauty—And Counterfeit Dangers

2. Viral Lip & Cheek Stains: Do They Live Up to the Hype?

a) Statue Stay-N Peel-Off Lip Liner Stain

b) NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum

c) Mikayla Makeup—Amp It Up Lip Kit

3. Blush & Complexion Stains: The Battle of the Dupes and Originals

a) e.l.f. Sheer for It Blush Tint

b) Victoria Beckham Beauty Color Wash Blush Water Tint

c) Natasha Denona High Glam Foundation

d) Tarte CC Under Eye Corrector

e) Maybelline Porely Jelly Primer

4. Skincare: The Next-Gen Celebrity Collab and Gadgets

a) Dua Lipa x Augustinus Bader—Dua Dua Skincare

b) ZiiP Dot Acne Device

5. Fragrance: The 2025 It-Scent

Parfums de Marly Valaya (Valea)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Bottom Line: What’s #DamnGood?

Resource Links & Recaps

We Put the Most Viral Beauty Products of 2025 to the #DamnGood Test