
A Beautiful Bonus: When Your Holy Grail Gets Discontinued (and What to Do Next)
A Beautiful Breakdown with James & SuzyShow Notes
This week’s Beautiful Bonus comes from Orla, who had two great questions for us. First up: the origin story of Hildun (yes, it really is Hilton + Dunne 👀). Then we tackle the heartbreak we all know too well — what do you do when your favourite beauty product gets discontinued? We share our own war stories (RIP Suzy’s beloved in-styler hair wand and James’ Bourjois City Radiance foundation), how we eventually found replacements, and why asking your gal pals can be the secret weapon. We also get into TikTok dupes, chatting to the girls on makeup counters, and James’ cheeky tip for getting a pump of a new foundation to try at home. Comforting, practical, and very validating. 💄✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from A Beautiful Breakdown with James & Suzy
We’re still live from The Beauty Concierge in London for Part 2 of our special ABB event — and the energy in the room is only getting better. ✨ James and Suzy keep the conversation flowing with more beauty stories from guests Hannah Martin and Ruth De Leo, plus the kind of honest chat that only happens when a room full of beauty lovers gets together. There are beauty triumphs, beauty fails, big laughs, and plenty of insider tips straight from the stage. If Part 1 was the warm-up, this is where things really take off. More glow, more chaos, and more ABB magic — live from London. 💄✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week’s Beautiful Bonus comes from Mairéad — a seasoned fake tan queen who, like many Irish gals, has mastered the glow everywhere… except the hands. Mitt marks, dry patches, the works. Suzy’s golden rule? Moisturise every single time before you go near the tan. But James goes full masterclass, sharing his foolproof routine for natural-looking hands: start with loads of moisturiser, mix your tan and cream together in the lid of the tub, then apply it with a kabuki brush like you’re painting a masterpiece. Want the full effect? He even layers a facial overnight tanner — and if you’re really committed, sleep in cotton gloves. Fake tan hands, sorted. ✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We’re live from The Beauty Concierge in London for a very special ABB takeover - and things escalate immediately. ✨ James kicks off with a crowd warm-up that will never be repeated on daytime radio, Ruth De Leo (founder of Dcypher Beauty) opens with “I’m In The Mood for Dancing” by The Nolans, and before we know it the whole room is belting out Cher’s Believe. Then we get into the good stuff. Ruth talks about the AI tech behind Dcypher and how it’s changing complexion matching forever, while makeup artist and beauty expert Hannah Martin shares her beauty journey from felt-tip face disasters at age seven to hosting the party of her life for her 40th. We also hear their biggest beauty triumphs - Ruth’s first red lip moment and Hannah’s milestone birthday glow - and their beauty fails, including a wedding-day makeup no-show and a ripped dress. It’s glamorous, chaotic, heartfelt and completely live. This is Part 1. 💄✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week’s Beautiful Bonus comes from Bríde, who’s solid on her skincare routine — cleanser, toner, serum, SPF — but wants to elevate it. Someone suggested an LED face mask to boost results… but are they worth the money and the hype? James has never used one (shock), while Suzy has a Shark LED mask she was gifted and has recently committed to properly. Friend of the show Clém swears by hers, and Charlene Flanagan is a regular user too. Suzy’s key takeaway? “They don’t work in the box.” Six minutes a day, consistently — or forget it. We discuss whether they can replace clinic treatments, if they’re genuinely useful, or if they’re just another expensive bathroom ornament. Honest, balanced, and glow-curious. ✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week’s episode is a full nostalgic spiral — and we regret nothing. 💄✨ From Lip Vinyls and Juicy Tubes to Rimmel Heather Shimmer, Lancôme Flash Bronze and James’ first ever fragrance (DKNY For Him — stunning), we’re diving into the beauty products that absolutely shaped us. The long-lasting but hydrating formulas, the airport Selfridges splurges, the €345 bottle Andrea Roche once gifted James, and the scent that had Kate smelling him all day. There are London pop-ups, Ryanair bag dramas, trade missions, Marc Rodgers at the Olivier Awards, Nando’s in the airport, Gregg’s seasonal bakes, and yes… the kind of beauty memories that hit you right in the teenage soul. It’s chaotic, comforting, and completely nostalgic. Strap in. 💫 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.