Beauty IQ Uncensored

What is in those suspiciously cheap beauty products? Mel’s on the home stretch to baby, and we’re building the ultimate beginner routine for teen skin — it’s all happening on Uncensored this week.

In Trending, we dive into the growing concern around unregulated beauty products. With recent studies revealing harmful levels of toxic chemicals in some budget buys, we’re unpacking what’s really in those too-good-to-be-true serums, and how to shop smarter to protect your skin.

Then, in Build My Cart, a listener enlists us to create the perfect skincare starter pack for her 14-year-old sister. We keep it gentle, affordable, and beginner-friendly — including a top-notch SPF that’s cute and doesn’t cost a fortune.

In Stuff We Love, we get our hands (and lips) on Laneige’s new limited-edition Bubble Tea lip balms, and take a wildly passionate detour into what taro actually tastes like.

Plus, Mel gives a little maternity leave update, and we fill you in on what’s coming up over the next few episodes.

Everything Mentioned:

•  Shein And Temu Products Found To Contain Harmful Levels Of Toxic Chemicals
• Panda Mart: 'Urgent' warning over 'dangerous' items from new Melbourne discount shop
• Cerave Blemish Control Bundle
• Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Kit
• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Acne Starter Kit
• Beauti-FLTR Feather Light SPF 50+
• Laneige Lip Glowing Balm Matcha Bubble Tea (Limited Edition)
• Laneige Lip Glowing Balm Taro Bubble Tea (Limited Edition)
• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Matcha Bubble Tea
• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Matcha Bubble Tea

Submit your questions and cart challenges for Hannah and Mel @adorebeauty on IG.

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows.

Credits:

• Hosts: Hannah Furst and Melissa Mason
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s Expert episode, things are getting chilly – but your skincare doesn’t have to suffer. Skin therapist and co-host Tegan busts some of winter’s biggest skin myths: Do you still need SPF in June? Is it time to ditch exfoliants? And does dry skin really mean you need to slather on the thickest cream in your stash?

Before that, in Win, Bin or Recycle, the girls weigh in on the growing trend of “raw-dogging” your toner with bare hands. (Spoiler: it’s a win for the skin, but perhaps not your bathroom floor.)

Next up: Adore Anonymous drops a beauty bomb: Can moisturiser actually replace your cleanser when removing makeup? Our hosts separate fact from fiction.

Plus, producer Jas gives an update on her wedding skin journey, and the team shares their top skin barrier savers and affordable winter product picks under $100.

From hot shower mistakes to misunderstood hydration hacks, this ep will have your winter skin covered – literally.

Everything Mentioned:

• Cosmedix Opti Crystal- Liquid Crystal Eye Serum
• L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil 500ml
• Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil
• Société Rejuvenating Peptide Mask - 5pc
• BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask 4pk
• Cosmedix Micro Defense Microbiome Sheet Mask 5 pack
• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mask B5 Sheet Masks 5 Pack 5x25g
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Cream Dermo No Rinse Cleanser 200ml
• Medik8 Cream Cleanse 175ml
• PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser
• Cosmedix Rescue Intense Hydrating Balm & Mask 30g
• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ 40ml
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% - 30ml
• Skinstitut L-Lactic Cleanser 200mL
• Weleda Skin Food
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100ml
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Moisturiser
• Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hada Labo. Shop the cult Japanese brand's new Premium range now at Adore Beauty.

Credits:

• Hosts: Tegan Mac and Sadaf Razi
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s Uncensored ep is serving hydration hits, sun safety smarts, and... a surprise steamer rec you didn’t know you needed (but definitely do).

The Top 3: We’re spotlighting the most-loved hyaluronic acid serums under $100, based on what Adore Beauty customers are actually buying. Think grippy textures, glow-boosting formulas, and beauty editor go-tos.

Beauty IQ Hotline: “How do I reapply SPF during the day without wrecking my makeup?” We’ve got you. From SPF mists to microfibre beauty blenders, we’re sharing smart hacks to keep your base intact and your skin protected.

Stuff We Love: Hannah’s waging war on wrinkles — fabric ones, that is. She’s found the handheld steamer that’s completely changed her life (and her outfits).

Everything Mentioned:

• Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum 30mL
• La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum
• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - 30ml
• https://www.tiktok.com/@labmuffinbeautyscience/video/7375681388369988882
• Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist SKINSCREEN
• The Quick Flick Quick Shield
• Philips PerfectCare 6000 Series Steam Station
• Sunbeam SG1000 Power Steam Handheld Garment Steamer

Submit your questions and cart challenges for Hannah and Mel @adorebeauty on IG.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hada Labo. Shop the cult Japanese brand's new Premium range now at Adore Beauty.

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows.

Credits:

• Hosts: Hannah Furst and Melissa Mason
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve seen them all over your feed: those glowing, slightly terrifying LED face masks that promise clearer, firmer, glowier skin. But do they actually work? And if so, which one is worth your dollars?

In this Expert episode, we’re diving into the booming world of red light therapy and LED face masks. Skin therapist Tegan breaks down the science behind the trend, explains what each colour of light actually does (spoiler: red = collagen, blue = breakouts), and reveals her top picks—from luxe full-face masks to budget-friendly buys.

We also answer an anonymous listener’s question about skin purging vs. a bad reaction, and in Win, Bin or Recycle, we ask the important question: Is cutting your toenails on the couch ever OK?

Products Mentioned:

• K18 Dry shampoo Airwash
• Qure Q-Rejuvalight Pro Facewear
• Therabody Theraface LED Mask
• Kahlia Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
• Kahlia Skin LED Silicone Radiant Mask

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hada Labo. Shop the cult Japanese brand's new Premium range now at Adore Beauty.

Credits:

• Hosts: Tegan Mac and Sadaf Razi
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mel’s leaky boobs, a skincare cult classic gets a glow-up, and a listener begs for a winter skin rescue — it’s all happening on Uncensored this week.

In We Tried It, we get our hands on the new and improved Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Vitamin C. The original cult exfoliant just got a brightening, antioxidant-rich upgrade, but is it better? We discuss.

Then in Build My Cart, we help a listener overhaul her dry, flaky skin (and foundation that refuses to blend) with a $300 budget and a dream of glowier, smoother winter skin. We’re talking clever layering, glow-boosting skincare, and makeup that won’t cling to crusty bits.

In Stuff We Love, we spiral about the joy of jewellery cleaning (seriously) — featuring an Aldi find and a very satisfying before-and-after.

Everything Mentioned:

• Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Vitamin C 100ml
• It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream Supercharged
• Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
• Laniege Cream Skin Cerapeptide toner/moisturiser
• DB Cosmetics Luminous Hydrating Foundation
• Make Up For Ever HD Skin Foundation
• How to Prep My Dry Skin Before I Put on Makeup
• https://connoisseurs.com/shop/

Submit your questions and cart challenges for Hannah and Mel @adorebeauty on IG.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hada Labo. Shop the cult Japanese brand's new Premium range now at Adore Beauty.

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows.

Credits:

• Hosts: Hannah Furst and Melissa Mason
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back with part two of our skin barrier series in this week’s Expert ep. This time, we’re zooming in on your lips. If you’re reapplying lip balm 17 times a day and still waking up with crusty, cracked lips… we need to talk.

Co-hosts Tegan and Sadaf break down the science behind lip barrier damage, why your trusty balm might be making things worse (yep, really), and what to do if you want soft, actually hydrated lips—not just a glossy coating.

Plus, an Adore Anonymous listener suspects their fake tan is behind a sudden blackhead breakout, and Win, Bin or Recycle takes an unexpected (and slightly gross) turn in the bathroom.

Everything Mentioned:

• PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster 6g
• LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
• Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 50
• The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hada Labo. Shop the cult Japanese brand's new Premium range now at Adore Beauty.

Credits:

• Hosts: Tegan Mac and Sadaf Razi
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is “Recession Hair” the new quiet luxury? This week on Uncensored, we’re unpacking one of 2025’s biggest beauty trends — born from tighter budgets, longer salon gaps, and a shift toward healthy, low-maintenance hair.

From grown-out roots to DIY glosses, Hannah and Mel explore how economic uncertainty is shaping the way we colour, cut, and care for our hair.

Then, in Beauty IQ Hotline, Medik8 Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer Daniel Isaacs joins us to answer your most asked vitamin A questions.

From how to layer it correctly to busting retinol myths (yes, you can use it under your eyes), this segment is a must-listen for anyone curious about the cult-favourite Crystal Retinal or building an age management routine.

Everything Mentioned:

• Olaplex, K18, Virtue – for healthy, shiny hair that doesn’t break the bank
• Revlon Nutri Color Filter – the at-home gloss going viral
• Christophe Robin, Color Wow – for colour maintenance on a budget
• Medik8 Crystal Retinal – cult Vitamin A serum loved by derms
• Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Serum – the perfect pairing

Submit your questions and cart challenges for Hannah and Mel @adorebeauty on IG.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hada Labo. Shop the cult Japanese brand's new Premium range now at Adore Beauty.

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows.

Credits:

• Hosts: Hannah Furst and Melissa Mason
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think your skin is sensitive? It might be… but it might also just be sensitised. And yes, there’s a big difference – one that could totally change how you treat your skin.

In this Expert episode, Sadaf and Tegan unpack the key differences between true sensitive skin (like eczema, rosacea or a lifelong reactive skin type) and sensitised skin (which is often the result of overdoing it with actives, harsh products or environmental stress). We break down the signs, the triggers, and how to rebuild your skin barrier so your face stops freaking out at literally everything.

Plus, we share:

• Affordable ways to fade post-acne scarring
• Our own dirty little beauty secrets (you’re not alone)
• A few confessions that maybe should’ve stayed off-mic…

If your skin’s been moody, red, stingy, or just off, this one’s for you.

Products Mentioned:

• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
• The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
• Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
• Dermalogica Ultracalming Mist or Serum
• d'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum 100ml

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hada Labo. Shop the cult Japanese brand's new Premium range now at Adore Beauty.

Credits:

• Hosts: Tegan Mac and Sadaf Razi
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Uncensored, we're asking the big questions: how many skin prep steps is too many before makeup? Mikayla Nogueira’s five-step routine has us spiralling (and yes, we read the ingredient lists). Also, intrusive beauty thoughts—lash trimming? Bangs?? Help.

Then, we’re diving into the Top 3 sleeping masks trending on Adore Beauty right now. They’re the ultimate lazy-girl skincare hack: no rinsing, no fuss, just glowy skin by morning.

In Build My Cart, we each get $500 to spend on the perfect day and night serum lineup – and honestly, we came to impress. Whether your skin's dry, oily, or somewhere in between, we’ve got options.

And finally... “hot man smell” hair masks. Two spicy-scented picks that smell so good, you’ll want to marinate in them.

Everything Mentioned:

• Mikayla Nogueira’s skin prep line: People.com Interview
• Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask 60ml
• BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask 4pk
• Aspect Probiotic Mask 118ml
• Boost Lab Vitamin C Brightening Serum
• Hada Labo Lotion No. 1 Super Hydrator
• Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
• SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
• SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF
• Alpha-H Midnight Reboot Serum
• L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Mask
• Kérastase Chronologiste Masque Intense Régénérant

Submit your questions and cart challenges for Hannah and Mel @adorebeauty on IG.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hada Labo. Shop the cult Japanese brand's new Premium range now at Adore Beauty.

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows.

Credits:

• Hosts: Hannah Furst and Melissa Mason
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Centella skincare (aka Tiger Grass) has taken over our shelves, but what does it actually do? This week on Expert, we break down the science behind this centuries-old ingredient and why it's a barrier repair MVP. From healing support to anti-inflammatory power, we explain why it’s trending (again) and who should use it.

Plus, in Adore Anonymous, we help a listener dealing with hormonal breakouts before their period, offering tips for prevention and calming inflammation. And yep, we’re talking about the jellyfish haircut. Because why not?

Everything Mentioned:

• Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer
• This Concealer Is One of the Best I’ve Ever Tried on My Dark Circles
• Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer 6ml 
• Mixsoon Centella Asiatica Toner
• Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pad
• BEAUTY OF JOSEON Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
• The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

Join the conversation in our Beauty IQ Uncensored Facebook Group to discuss this episode, swap beauty tips, and submit your questions for future shows. Or drop us a DM @adorebeauty on Instagram.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hada Labo. Shop the cult Japanese brand's new Premium range now at Adore Beauty.

Credits:

• Hosts: Tegan Mac and Sadaf Razi
• Producer: Jasmine Riley

For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.au

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Adore Beauty acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and podcast. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.