Advertise on podcast: A Beautiful Breakdown with James & Suzy

This week’s Beautiful Bonus is all about the ultimate 5-minute face, the kind that makes you look (and feel) put together, even when you’re absolutely not. ⏱️💄 Suzy runs through her speedy, no-faff routine. We're talking sunscreen, primer, a precise base, a quick wing, balm, and out the door (with bronzer if there’s time). James shares his own game-changing shortcuts, from glow boosters to cushion foundation, cream bronzer, blush, and the waterproof mascara trick that lasts for ages. Everything fits neatly into a vanity bag, everything works hard, and everything is designed for real life. Five minutes. Job done. ✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s big beauty interview is with a true icon in every sense of the word — skincare expert, entrepreneur, Sunday Times bestselling author, and unapologetic force of nature: Caroline Hirons. We cover everything: why everyone should fear a Scouse-Irish psychopath nan, Kris Jenner’s frankly ridiculously good facelift, why Caroline would rather be accused of “serving c**t” than ever being called nice, and how she handled the men who tried (and failed) to shame her online. And of course, we get into why women adore Caroline — and why gay men are obsessed with her. It’s explicit, hilarious, empowering, and completely unhinged in the best way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Beautiful Bonus comes from Alison, who loves the pod and has tried loads of our tips — but she’s battling one very annoying issue: leaky eyes that leave her with patchy makeup (and no, she’s not crying!). 👁️💧 Suzy completely relates and shares what actually helps - from avoiding liner in the waterline, to keeping eyeshadow super light. James weighs in on how to work with watery eyes rather than fighting them (yes, cultivating the tears is a thing), plus a few unexpected tricks involving earbuds, and knowing when to properly remove and reset your eye makeup. Practical, comforting, and a lifesaver if your eyes have a mind of their own. ✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by make-up artist, model, entrepreneur, and one of Ireland’s original social media queens — Tara Anderson (aka Tara Makeup). 💄✨ We chat about her past life as a pink bikini gal at the top of Grafton Street, share one of the loveliest, most emotional dad stories we’ve ever heard on the show, and then… Tara drops a revelation that genuinely stopped us in our tracks. James: “And how — and why — Tara outsourced her personal grooming to a family member.” Genuinely astonishing, Suzy. Let’s go. 💫 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

This week we’re joined by Karen Byrne — two-time Dancing with the Stars Glitterball champion and now a judge on the show for her second year running — and she is exactly as brilliant as you’d hope. 💃✨ We talk growing up in Ballyfermot, never chasing fame — just wanting to dance — and how DWTS genuinely changed her life. Karen opens up about the pressure of judging versus competing, her famously low-maintenance beauty routine, and ballroom tan disasters. Karen Byrne in full flight — and we were crying laughing. 💫 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Beautiful Bonus comes from a listener who wants to know the eternal blush question: cream or powder first? 💗 We break down exactly what works best (and why), how Patrick Ta completely changed the blush game, and Suzy shares her go-to favourite from Rare Beauty. We also tackle a very real issue - how to clean your blusher when that weird film forms on top - plus James reveals the sellotape trick you’ll wish you’d known sooner. And of course, we crown the ultimate blush queen: Zara Larsson, yellow blush and all. Blush lovers, this one’s for you. ✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by the brilliant Louise Cantillon - Today FM presenter and host of the How to Gael - and honestly, we covered some ground. We chat about standing proudly beside her All-Ireland-winning husband, her genuinely hilarious brush with salmon sperm (yes, really), and then take a deep dive into buns - hair buns, to be clear - donuts, double-donut inspo, the lot. Warm, witty, and wildly entertaining, Louise is an absolute joy — let’s go. 💫 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Beautiful Bonus comes from Ann — a 45-year-old mam who wants to master contouring but feels completely lost. We've all been there doll. 💄 Suzy breaks it down in the simplest way possible, drawing a very important line between where contour belongs… and where it absolutely does not. James shares his foolproof hack that means even if you mess it up, you can fix it in seconds. We also talk brushes, products, and how to contour in a way that actually works for real life, not ring lights. Plus, we’re shaking things up — we want your voice notes next time, and we’ll be answering them blind, with no peeking beforehand. God help us. 🎙️✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by Aisling Bonner, co-host of the 2FM Breakfast Show alongside Carl and Roz — and the timing of this chat could not have been better. We recorded this episode in the immediate aftermath of that viral Miriam O’Callaghan interview and the eye make-up revelation that shook us all. Aisling heard the episode and decided to try the “Miriam Experiment” herself — Miriam’s seven-day lash — and she tells us exactly how that went. Not only that, but Aisling is getting married in 2026, so we chat about the emotions of trying on her wedding dress with her mum, why she’s holding off on Botox ahead of the big day… and then she drops a bombshell about her own beauty routine that will definitely upset people even more than the Miriam experiment. Iconique. Here’s Aisling. 💄✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our ABB Christmas Special and we’re closing out the year the only way we know how — with tinsel, opinions, and the Best in Beauty 2025: The ABB Awards 🎄✨ Before we get to the gongs, we spiral (naturally) through Christmas Day fashion, gift bags, Mary’s iconic stuffing, piping-hot gravy that hides everything, cranberry sauce politics, and the elite joy of a Christmas sandwich while watching the EastEnders special (with a detour into vintage Royle Family Christmas telly, obviously). Then it’s awards time: best concealer, blush, fragrance, hair, foundation, and more — including some very specific approvals and one unforgettable eye moment that defined the year. Festive, chaotic, and full glam — Merry Christmas from A Beautiful Breakdown. 💫🎁 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Beautiful Bonus comes from Sian, who’s facing the ultimate beauty challenge — two big events, an early start, and a wedding later that night. 💄⏰ We talk through the perfect morning makeup base that won’t slide, crease or melt, and how to do a smart day-to-night top-up without starting from scratch. Suzy shares her go-to light base and a clever mini hydration trick that lets you powder as the day goes on, while James stresses the importance of skin prep — especially a good eye treatment (hello, Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Cream 👀). Plus: why full smoky eyes are a no-go for daytime, and why lashes are the real night-time upgrade. Practical, polished, and wedding-ready. ✨ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re in the presence of true Irish fashion royalty — the legendary Celia Holman Lee. 💫 Celia shares the kind of wisdom only an icon can: why correcting your posture can work as well as a boob lift, the homemade make-up tricks she grew up with (yes, soot and spit are involved), and why glamour absolutely, unequivocally never dies. Celia is timeless, hilarious, and bursting with heart - and this episode is pure gold from start to finish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Beautiful Bonus comes from Pawła, who wants to know the ultimate festive question: what’s the best red lipstick for party season? 💄✨ Suzy shares a luxurious cool-toned red from Dior ("the ultimate red lippy") and a gorgeous glossy red option for lighter brown hair, while James gives his full lip-prep routine - including the clever toothbrush trick that instantly boosts lip redness. We chat lip pencils, blotting, undertones, and all the glam little steps that make a red lip go from “meh” to magic. Your festive pout is about to be unstoppable. ❤️🎄 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by singer, songwriter and absolute icon Úna Healy — and yes, James is still recovering from the excitement. 🎤✨ We chat about her plan to get the band back together, how she secretly managed her greys during The Saturdays years, and what it’s really like hanging out with Mel B and Bear Grylls. And then it happens — James finally gets to duet with Úna Healy herself. James: “Be honest with me Suzy… I know I fangirled my tush off, but did I lose my dignity?” It’s musical, magical, and full of classic Úna charm. 💕 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.