We all scroll past glossy beauty headlines every day — but who decides what makes the cut and what doesn’t? In this episode of Skin Deep MDs, we’re pulling back the curtain with Samantha Hollander, senior beauty editor at Marie Claire. From overhyped skincare to press trip extravagance and the myths that just won’t die, Samantha gives us an insider’s look at the world of beauty journalism — and why not everything is as shiny as it seems.

Get ready for hot takes 🔥, behind-the-scenes stories 🎬, and empowering advice 🌟 on how to approach beauty on your own terms.

[2:05] 💧 The truth about hyaluronic acid – Why Samantha thinks it’s time to move on from the most overhyped skincare ingredient.

[3:01] 💆‍♀️ The treatment that changed her face – Her surprisingly transformative experience with Softwave and why she’s both impressed and cautious.

[8:26] 🚫 The trend she’d ban forever – Why dermaplaning isn’t for everyone (especially if you’ve got sensitive or acne-prone skin).

[10:07] ❄️ The procedure she won’t touch – Why cool sculpting is a firm no for her — and what she’d consider instead.

[14:50] 📰 Pulling back the curtain on beauty media – Samantha reveals how editors really balance PR pressure, advertisers, and integrity when deciding what makes it into your favorite magazines.

[20:10] 🎁 Wildest PR moments – From penis filler pitches 😳 to private island press trips 🏝️, Samantha shares the most outrageous parts of her job.

[26:05] 📖 The shift in beauty coverage – How magazines are moving beyond TikTok trends to deliver meaningful, investigative storytelling.

[31:07] 🙅‍♀️ Myths that won’t die – The biggest skincare mistake people still make when treating acne.

[34:40] 🌱 The future of beauty – Why Samantha believes hair growth innovation will completely transform the industry in the next 5–10 years.

[38:20] 💡 Her best advice – Beauty is not one-size-fits-all. Forget the celebrity-endorsed “miracle” products — do what actually works for you.

This episode is proof that beauty coverage can be thoughtful 💭, honest 🪞, and fun 🎉 all at once. You’ll walk away with insider knowledge, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on how to approach your skincare and self-care routines.

🎧Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify or watch it on YouTube for even more gems!

Until next time, keep glowing ✨ — from the inside out 💖.

xoxo,
The Skin Deep MDs Team