Beauty IQ Uncensored

This week on Uncensored, we’re diving into all the beauty basics you didn’t know you needed (plus a few you definitely did).

First up, Top 3: we count down the most-coveted scalp scrubs, why they’re so good for hair health, and which ones really deliver clean, flake-free, stronger, and shinier hair.

Next, in Beauty IQ Hotline, we turn our attention to our nails. Builder Gel, Gel X, or SNS: Which one lasts, which one damages your nails less, and which is worth your money? Jas and Hannah break down wear time, maintenance, and salon costs so you can pick the perfect manicure for any occasion (wedding trials included).

Finally, in Stuff We Love, we dig into pregnancy-safe skincare. From serums to SPF, facials to Botox alternatives, we explore what’s genuinely safe, what to avoid, and tips for keeping your skin glowing and comfortable during pregnancy. Plus, Hannah's must-have products that actually work.

Everything Mentioned:

• UNIQLO: C Sweat Wide Pants
• Kmart Long Sleeve Top and Pants Comfort Pyjama Set
• Kérastase Symbiose Micro-Exfoliating Cellular Treatment 200ml | Anti-Dandruff
• Bondi Boost Pink Salt Scalp Scrub - 250ml
• Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt 250ml
• Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
• asap N20 peptide complex
• The Ordinary Argireline 10% Solution
• Medik8 Liquid Peptides Drone-Targeted Peptide Complex 30ml
• COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum 150ml
• Alpha-H Liquid Gold
• Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral SKINSCREEN™
• Dermal Therapy Eczema & Dermatitis Cream 

Submit your Beauty IQ Hotline questions and Build My 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.

If you’ve ever ditched a serum after two weeks because “it wasn’t doing anything,” this Expert episode is for you. We’re breaking down the real timelines for skincare results, from the first day your product starts working biologically to when you’ll actually see a difference in the mirror.

From vitamin C to retinol, acids to peptides, we unpack:

• The average skin cell cycle (and why it slows with age)
• How long common active ingredients take to show visible results
• When to push through and when to give up on a product
• Lifestyle factors that can sabotage your progress (yes, skipping SPF counts)
• Simple ways to track your results without obsessing

But first, Sadaf's back from her European summer vacation and gives us the rundown on her trip, including which beauty products she actually used.

Plus, in Win, Bin or Recycle?, we weigh in on SKIMS’ new controversial “shapewear for your face,” and in Adore Anonymous, we troubleshoot an itchy, bumpy rash that popped up post-Europe trip.

If patience isn’t your skincare strong suit, this might change your perspective.

Everything Mentioned:

• MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Sculpting Palette
• Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint
• Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve in Coca Creme
• Kitsch Satin Wrapped Flexi Rods- 6pc Set
• Disco Stick Hair Wax Stick
• Allkinds Get Slick Flyaways Wand
• Maybelline New York Sunkisser Liquid Blush (City Sizzle)

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.

Blood masks, jelly cleansers, peel-off lip stains... has beauty gone too far, or are some of these viral trends actually worth the hype?

In this Uncensored episode, we’re diving headfirst into the world of so-called “gimmick” beauty — unpacking what’s a cash grab, what actually works, and why we keep getting sucked in.

We chat about the psychology behind our obsession with the shiny and new, and how social media isn’t just influencing our carts, it’s shaping the products themselves.

Plus, in Build My Cart, a listener treats herself to the ultimate post-breakup glow-up haul, and in Stuff We Love, we’re praising Huda Beauty's new lip stain that refuses to budge (in the best way possible).

Whether you're a sceptic or a sucker for the next big thing, this one’s for you.

Everything Mentioned:

• The Key Feature of All Popular Beauty Products | TikTok
• Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
• Biodance Collagen Mask
• LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm
• The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
• Commodity Gold+ Bold 100ml
• Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Vitamin C 100ml
• OPI xPRESS/on Iconic Shades (Big Apple Red)
• Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser 50ml
• Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Powerfoil Mask - 4 Masks
• How To Care For Your Skin When You're Going *Through It*

Submit your Beauty IQ Hotline questions and Build My 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.

This week on Expert, we’re tackling one of skincare’s most confusing topics: ingredient percentages. You know the ones — 10% vitamin C, 20% glycolic acid — but does a bigger number actually mean better results, or just better marketing?

Tegan and Jas break down when high percentages truly make a difference, when they just cause irritation, and why more isn’t always better. We’re diving into actives, skin barrier health, and the myths brands love to sell — plus the unsung product heroes quietly doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

Plus, we reveal what really makes a product work (spoiler: it’s not just the star ingredient) and share how to read labels like a pro, beyond the percentages.

In Beauty IQ Hotline, we help a listener whose makeup keeps sliding off by 11 a.m. — uncovering the sneaky culprits behind separation and quick fixes to keep your look fresh all day.

And in Win, Bin or Recycle, we weigh in on the surprisingly controversial trend of… duck nails. Yes, really.

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: 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… Producer Jas is back again – but the big news? Hannah’s pregnant! So naturally, it only felt right to kick things off with a throwback to Cringey Convo, where she shares the most unexpected parts of early pregnancy: supersized boobs, vivid baby poo dreams, green apple cravings, and the joys of 24/7 nausea. Gas and Google Forums? Say less.

Then, in We Tried It, we dive into a new frontier of skincare: Korean-engineered skin clinics. We visited NU28 — a sleek Melbourne space combining AI skin diagnostics and medical-grade energy devices to build personalised skin journeys (with plush toys for moral support).

Jas tried the Potenza RF microneedling and pigment-brightening laser treatments, and Hannah had a go at… well, you’ll have to listen in. We break down the science, the vibes, and whether it’s the future of Australian skin clinics.

Finally, would you sit in a crusty mask that makes your face itch for 40 minutes in the name of beauty? We discuss DMK Enzyme Therapy and whether we’re too claustrophobic to cope.

Everything Mentioned:

• https://www.nu28.com.au/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@allure/video/752732369553092127

Submit your Beauty IQ Hotline questions and Build My 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 Expert episode, Tegan is joined by producer Jas (filling in while Sadaf soaks up the Euro sun) to unpack the real role of toner in a modern skincare routine. But first, a beauty holiday debrief, featuring the best (and worst) moments from our trips to Bali and Thailand...

Then, we dive into the toner territory: from old-school stingy astringents to today’s hydrating milky lotions and acid-soaked exfoliating pads. Is toner a must-have or just a fancy water step? Plus, we settle the toner vs mist vs essence debate, recommend some bargain-to-bougie options (including the cult K-beauty pick that’s gone viral).

Also in this episode: toe rings in WBR (Win, Bin, or Recycle?), and an Adore Anonymous asking if snail mucin is skincare magic or marketing fluff.

Everything Mentioned:

• I'm From Rice Toner 150ml
• Medik8 Daily Refresh Balancing Toner
• tbh Skincare rebound skin milk activated cica toner 100ml
• I Tried Hailey Bieber's Viral Foundation & Toner Hack
• COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

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 was proudly sponsored by Wella Professionals: trusted by salon pros and haircare lovers for over 140 years.

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.

We’re talking all things glow this week on Uncensored, from cult-status serums under $100 to the surprise return of permanent hair straightening. (Seriously, where is the Melbourne version of that GC/Sydney salon? Hannah needs answers.)

Producer Jas is back with the latest and greatest from Adore HQ, including a $14 freckle pen that fakes summer skin in seconds, Laneige’s new donut-shaped lip serum, and a foundation brush she’s borderline evangelical about.

Plus, a listener calls in about their stubborn melasma, and we get expert advice from our go-to skin queen, Dermal Clinician Yads, on what actually works long-term.

Oh, and in breaking news: Hannah’s partner Nick has fallen off the skincare wagon. But don’t worry, she’s devised a system involving strong visual cues. You’ll want to take notes.

Everything Mentioned:

• Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum 30ml
• BEAUTY OF JOSEON Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% - 30ml 
• The Ordinary GF 15% Solution - 30ml
• MCoBeauty Freckle Face Pen - Natural Brown
• Laneige Tinted Lip Serum
• IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Spatula Foundation Brush 
• Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Hair Oil 
• VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot Lifting Eye Cream

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

This episode was proudly sponsored by Wella Professionals: trusted by salon pros and haircare lovers for over 140 years.

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.

This week on Expert, Tegan shares her ultimate guide to faking that effortless summer glow no matter the season — no sunbathing required. If you’re feeling pale, dry, or just missing that lit-from-within radiance, this episode is your go-to survival kit for skin that looks healthy and glowing from head to toe.

We cover everything from prepping your skin with gentle exfoliation and hydration to choosing the perfect hybrid tints, illuminating SPFs, and makeup that layers like a dream. Plus, beauty editor Sadaf spills her favourite product recommendations that make glow-up easy and natural, sans the sun damage.

In Win, Bin or Recycle, we weigh in on the latest press-on nail trends — are they worth the hype or just a quick fix?

Over in Adore Anonymous, a listener wonders how long they should pause retinol before a skin appointment, and Tegan offers practical advice so you don’t end up with a skincare disaster.

If you’re craving that summer radiance all year long, this episode has everything you need to glow smart and glow safe.

Everything Mentioned:

• Giorgio Armani Sì Passione Eau De Parfum Intense
• Commodity Milk Expressive 100ml
• Goldfield & Banks SILKY WOODS Perfume 100ml
• M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Radiance Moisturizing & Illuminating Silk Primer
• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer 30ml

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 was proudly sponsored by Wella Professionals: trusted by salon pros and haircare lovers for over 140 years.

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, Hannah and Producer Jas try the viral Japanese Head Spa treatment flooding your TikTok feed. Cascading basin taps, a scalp massage that borders on hypnotic, and the kind of lather ASMR dreams are made of — we road test The Head Spa by Hikari in Melbourne and ask: is it worth the $260 hype?

But first, we’re diving into a hot topic (literally): Is Love Island promoting a dangerous tanning culture? From sunbed confessions to tan accelerators, we unpack how this trend is playing out on social media and what it could mean for Gen Z sun safety.

In Build My Cart, we’re personal shopping for a listener heading off on a Euro summer, with our tried-and-tested picks for surviving 40-degree heat.

Plus, in Stuff We Love, we put Wella Professionals’ new Ultimate Smooth range to the frizz-fighting test… and yes, we have thoughts on The Devil Wears Prada sequel news.

Everything Mentioned:

• Is Love Island Is Promoting Harmful Tanning Culture?
• The Head Spa by Hikari
• Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+ 50ml Luminising SKINSCREEN™
• Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral SKINSCREEN™
• Bondi Sands Sunny Daze Hydrating Spf 50+ Face Fluid Drops 30ml
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 50ml
• ColorWOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray 200ml
• ALTERNA HAIR Smoothing Anti-Frizz Blowout Butter 150ml
• VIRTUE Un-Frizz Cream 120ml
• Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup SPF 20
• MCoBeauty Miracle Flawless Setting Spray 100ml
• Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturiser 50ml
• AB LAB by Adore Beauty Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk 75mL
• The Quick Flick Quick Screen SPF50+ 3 in 1 Sunscreen, Setting Spray & Hydration Mist Mini
• Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm Mini 18g
• Esmi Skin Minerals Refreshing + Hydrating Skin Snack Mist
• Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Hair Mask 75ml
• IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF50
• Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint
• Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Oil 100ml
• Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Shampoo 250ml
• Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Conditioner 200ml
• Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Mask 150ml
• The Devil Wears Prada 2 is officially under way. Here’s everything we know

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

This episode was proudly sponsored by Wella Professionals: trusted by salon pros and haircare lovers for 140 years.

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.

From Parisian pharmacies to the local laser clinic — we’re talking French skincare staples and laser FAQs in this week's Expert episode. We kick off with a Bastille Day-inspired chat about our all-time favourite French pharmacy buys (think: Bioderma, Cicaplast, Nuxe). Then, it’s time to talk lasers.

As a skin therapist and laser tech, Tegan’s heard it all, from “Can I laser bruises?” to “Can you laser nipple hair?” Today, we’re breaking down exactly what you can (and can’t) treat with lasers. From pigmentation and spider veins to acne scars and body hair in unexpected places (yes, even your toes), we bust myths, explain how lasers work for different skin tones, and share the prep and aftercare rules you really need to follow.

Later, in Adore Anonymous, a listener asks: Are fragrance-free products always better for sensitive skin? Plus, we weigh in on social media's “Collagen Banking” for this week's Win, Bin or Recycle – is it a legit preventative strategy, or just another beauty buzzword?

Everything Mentioned:

• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ 40ml
• Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser
• Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
• Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
• NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi Purpose Dry Oil

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 was proudly sponsored by Wella Professionals: trusted by salon pros and haircare lovers for over 140 years.

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.