Beauty IQ Uncensored

We’re giving azelaic acid its well-deserved moment in this week's Expert episode.

You’ve probably noticed it popping up everywhere lately — and for good reason. It’s gentle but effective, great for acne, rosacea, pigmentation, and sensitive skin, with fewer side effects than retinol or exfoliating acids.

We break down how it stacks up against niacinamide and salicylic acid, the best strengths to look for, how to layer it with other actives, and bust some myths along the way.

Plus, we’re answering an Adore Anonymous question on how long it actually takes to se...

EOFY is here, and the 3am impulse buys are hitting hard. From portable air purifiers to $500 sleep headphones, we’re exposing each other’s most unhinged shopping moments before diving into this week’s beauty lineup.

First up in Trending, we’re unpacking the latest foodie beauty obsession: Butter Skin.

Like glass skin’s creamier, more attainable cousin, butter skin is all about a velvety, plump complexion with subtle radiance (think soft and smooth, not slick and shiny). We explain what it is, why it’s going viral, and exactly how to achieve it. Plus the products...

That tight, squeaky-clean feeling after washing your face? Yeah… that’s your skin barrier screaming. This week on Expert, we’re talking cleansers: the good, the bad, and the barrier-breaking.

We’ll bust some common myths (foaming doesn’t always mean clean), share the signs your cleanser might be too harsh, and give you our go-to picks for every skin type.

Also on the run sheet: summer-in-Europe beauty packing. Inspired by the viral “5-finger summer faves” TikTok, Sadaf reveals what’s actually going in her suitcase, while Tegan builds her dream Euro glow kit. Think glowy SPF, cream...

We’re talking tubing mascaras, hairdresser heartbreak, and a surprisingly impressive eye serum in this week’s episode of Uncensored.

First up in the Top 3, we’re ranking your most-loved tubing mascaras, based on Adore Beauty data. If you’ve ever struggled with panda eyes, smudging, or mascara flaking off by 3pm, this segment is your eye-opening intro into tubing technology (and which formulas are actually worth your money).

Then, in Beauty IQ Hotline, we help a listener find a new hairdresser after theirs moved interstate (the worst). From sliding into random DMs to saving your colo...

This week on Expert, Sadaf and Tegan are diving into the clinical side of skin longevity – and debunking a few myths along the way.

First up in Win, Bin or Recycle: Should you be using your body lotion on your face? (Spoiler: We have thoughts.)

Then, for our beauty education, skin therapist Tegan shares her top three in-clinic treatments for slow-aging skin. From the low-downtime magic of Laser Genesis, to the collagen-boosting power of skin needling, to the underrated glow-up potential of a vitamin A or C peel, she breaks down what’s worth your mone...

Mel’s officially on baby watch and we’re counting down! But before things get really uncensored in the delivery room, we’ve got a pre-recorded ep packed with beauty tips, TikTok trends, and one very unique facial.

In We Tried It, Mel puts her face (and trust) in the hands of renowned facialist April Brodie for a Buccal Fusion Facial — yep, the one where they massage inside your mouth. She shares exactly what it feels like, what it did for her skin, and why she’s officially obsessed.

Then in Build My Cart, a listener a...

Dry heels? Crusty toes? Feet hiding in socks until further notice? This week on Expert, we’re talking foot care – because your soles deserve better. From exfoliating socks to overnight slugging, we break down an easy, affordable routine to revive neglected feet and keep them soft, smooth, and sandal-ready.

In Win, Bin or Recycle, we revisit a viral hack: setting spray before makeup. Does it actually work? We tried it with the OG: M.A.C. Cosmetics Fix+

In Adore Anonymous, a listener wonders if there’s such a thing as too much hydration. Can you ove...

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-y...

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...

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...

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 questio...

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 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...

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 u...

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.

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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. W...

Centella Asiatica (aka Tiger Grass) has taken over skincare 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:

This week on Uncensored, we bust viral Botox myths (thanks to TikTok’s fave NYC derm), help a listener repair their dry, crusty lips, and test Bondi Sands’ new Ultra Express tan that promises deep colour in just one hour.

Plus, Doechi is making face tape fashion, and we review the Mediheal toner pads all over our TikTok feeds.

Everything Mentioned:

This week on Expert, we're getting real about beauty supplements — what’s changed, what’s next, and which ones are actually worth your cash. From the gut-skin-brain connection to smarter, more sustainable formulas, we’re breaking it all down. Plus, meet the newest cult supplement brand to hit Adore Beauty’s shelves.

In Win, Bin or Recycle, we ask the tough question: why do we still clean our ears with cotton buds when we know it’s a terrible idea? (Guilty.)

Finally, in Adore Anonymous, we help a listener whose skin can’t handle vitamin C serums — and...

This week on Uncensored, we’re talking braces (yes, braces because apparently they're cool again??), Mel's three Brazilian non-negotiables, and Mother’s Day beauty cart builds — all in one jam-packed episode.

First up, it's Top 3, where we dig into Adore Beauty’s data to uncover the most coveted products by category. On the list this week? Hair smoothing essentials to help you fight frizz and flyaways like a pro.

Next, we step into Build My Cart to help a listener find the perfect Mother’s Day foundation—light, dewy coverage for under $90.

And finally, we pe...

We’re giving the skin below your chin some well-deserved love in this week’s Expert episode—from in-clinic treatments that sound like they belong in a sci-fi flick, to at-home body care solutions that actually deliver results. Think firming creams, LED gadgets, and exfoliants that’ll have you feeling dolphin-smooth in no time.

But first, it’s Win, Bin or Recycle—and let’s just say… we’re going full bush this week. No further context needed.

Later, we settle the great neck cream debate: do you really need one, or is your face moisturiser enough...

This week on Uncensored, we chart the rise of Japanese and Korean beauty in Australia, why it's outpacing French cosmetics globally, and the new TikTok-viral brands that just dropped on Adore Beauty.

From glass skin 2.0 to salmon DNA (yes, really), we’re breaking down the skincare and makeup trends you’ll be seeing everywhere in 2025.

In Beauty IQ Hotline, a listener wants to know: What’s the deal with silk pillowcases? We break down the real benefits (and the overhyped claims) for your skin and hair.

And in Stuff We Love, it’s a juicy P...

This week on Expert, we’re tackling a big one: age management during pregnancy. Skin therapist and co-host Tegan breaks down what you can use safely during this stage (hi bakuchiol, vitamin C, and hydrating facials) and what to give a hard pass (goodbye, retinol and high-strength peels).

We’re also covering the clinic treatments that are actually pregnancy-safe—and the best options for glowing, healthy skin with minimal downtime.

But first… Sadaf has a hot take on the Shark FlexStyler. Spoiler: it changed her entire hair routine.

In Win, Bin or Recycle, we’re we...

What happens when you’re away from home with zero makeup and a formal event on the cards? In this week’s Uncensored episode, we put our personal shopper hats on for a listener who needs a full glam look—on a strict $150 budget. From the best drugstore foundation to a smudge-proof mascara and a setting spray that actually works, we build a cart that covers all the essentials (and looks damn good in photos).

Plus, in We Tried It, Mel shares her experience getting a pregnancy-safe lymphatic massage. We unpack what makes this treatment safe for pregna...

In this week’s Expert episode, we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime: menopause and your skin. From perimenopause to post, Skin Therapist Tegan unpacks the science behind hormonal skin changes—think dryness, sensitivity, breakouts—and shares practical tips on how to tweak your skincare routine to match.

Expect expert advice, product swaps, and gut health hacks to help you feel more confident (and less confused) about what your skin needs during this phase of life.

Plus, the Millennial Side Part is apparently making a comeback (did it ever really lea...

Emily Ratajkowski just got the worst haircut of her life—her words, not ours—but somehow turned it into a genius Kérastase ad. We had thoughts, so naturally, we had to kick off this week's Uncensored ep by dissecting the whole thing.

Then, in honour of 25 Years of Adore Beauty, we’re revealing the three best-selling, most iconic products of all time—and trust us, the results might surprise you.

We also sat down with the woman who started it all: Kate Morris, co-founder of Adore Beauty. From launching Australia’s first online beauty retailer at...

This week on Expert, producer Jas gets up close and personal with her VISIA scan results—uncovering her biggest skin concerns and the treatment plan skin therapist (and co-host) Tegan has prescribed to tackle them. Plus, we reveal Jas’ TruSkin Age… and let’s just say, one side of her face has been aging in fast-forward. Yep, a full five years ahead of the other.

Next, we’re diving into skincare through the decades—what your skin actually needs in your 40s, 50s, and 60s. From collagen support in your 40s to deep hydration in your 50s and barrier...

From nose jobs to fox-eye lifts, cosmetic procedures have never felt more accessible—or more tempting. Thanks to social media, we’re no longer just seeing the before and afters. We're watching it all unfold: pre-op consults, the surgery chair, the bruises, the swelling, the recovery. But is this behind-the-scenes access empowering, or is it just another kind of beauty pressure dressed up as transparency? We get into it in this week's Uncensored episode.

Plus, we help a listener build the ultimate $100 barrier repair cart for dehydrated, acne-prone skin—affordable and effective picks only.

And finally...

On TikTok, #GoingBackToSiliconeShampoo has amassed over 89.6 million views, sparking a major beauty debate: why did we turn our backs on silicones in the first place, and why are they making a comeback in our showers?

In this Expert episode, Tegan and Sadaf enter the silicone chat, unpacking why some hair types thrive with them while others don’t. We discuss how hair porosity might have something to do with it—plus, we try the viral TikTok hair porosity test.

And of course, we’ve got another Adore Anonymous dilemma to solve! This time, it’s a skinca...

Would you trust AI with your face? In this Uncensored episode, hosts Hannah and Mel see if ChatGPT could prescribe the perfect AM and PM regimen. Did it nail our skin concerns, or did we end up with a 12-step routine that included dish soap and coconut oil? We compare its suggestions to our current routines to see how they measure up.

Plus, we help a listener repair their broken skin barrier in this week's Beauty IQ Hotline, sharing our top product picks that won't break the bank.

Finally, we talk go-to niacinamide serums for...

This week on Expert, we’re tackling one of beauty’s most debated topics: pheromone perfumes. Can they really make you more irresistible, or is the secret to an unforgettable scent all about how you layer? Our Experts break down the science behind fragrance chemistry, reveal why some scents get more compliments, and share the best fragrance combos for a signature scent that lasts.

In Win, Bin, or Recycle, we settle the great rain shower head debate—are they a decor dream or just an overhyped hassle? Tegan has some thoughts to share.

And in Adore A...

Lip balms, butters, and oils are everywhere right now, and we’re kicking off this week’s Uncensored episode by unpacking why these little luxuries are dominating our feeds (and our handbags). Plus, in this week's Top 3, we're revealing the most coveted beauty sleep essentials according to Adore Beauty’s data.

Then, we’re joined by Dynasty star Maddison Brown to chat about launching Outside Beauty, the SPF brand she co-founded with her sister. She spills on her ride-or-die skincare essentials and the best beauty hacks she’s learned from the pros for our On My Shelf series.

Salmon sperm skincare (aka PDRN) is one of the biggest beauty trends of 2025. From under-eye injections to topical skincare, our Experts break down why this DNA-derived ingredient is making waves in the beauty world and whether or not you should add it to your regimen, too.

Plus, in this week’s Adore Anonymous, we’re helping a listener tackle a summer skincare conundrum: Why do ingrown hairs seem to flare up in the heat, and what’s the best way to actually banish them for good?

Products Mentioned:

We kick off this week's Uncensored episode with a nod to our favourite female-founded beauty brands in honour of International Women’s Day (IWD) over the weekend.

Then, we bring you part two of Mel's fertility journey, answering listener questions and sharing more about her pregnancy experience—covering the highs and lows, managing physical changes, the impact of stress, and our viral IG moment.

Plus, we put Ultra Violette's new mineral sunscreen Future Fluid to the test (TGA-approved, of course), and reveal the wellness and lifestyle apps we keep coming back to.

Products Ment...

Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 people with a uterus, yet many struggle for years before getting a diagnosis. In this week’s Expert episode, Sadaf opens up about her own journey with endo and shares practical tips on how to support loved ones navigating this debilitating condition.

Plus, we dive into the latest celebrity shower debate—are Tegan and Sadaf firmly on team “wash your legs,” or is the trickle-down method enough?

And for this week’s Adore Anonymous, we’re settling a skincare dilemma: Is it better to target each skin concern with a dedicated product, or go for a...

This week on Uncensored, we try the viral TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation—is it the comeback of cushion foundations, or just another TikTok trend? Hannah and Mel weigh in.

Next, we help a listener build the ultimate blonde haircare routine for under $200 in Build My Cart. Whether you’ve recently gone blonde or are thinking about it, we share must-haves for keeping your tresses fresh.

Finally, in Stuff We Love, Mel’s mum goes all-in on a cult favourite: Clarins Double Serum. Is it really as magical as everyone says? We discuss whether it live...

This week, Tegan and Sadaf are diving into the science of pH—what it is, why it matters, and how it can make or break your skincare routine. If you’ve ever wondered whether your cleanser is too harsh, why some products claim to be “pH-balanced,” or if your skin’s pH could be the reason for irritation, this episode has the answers.

But first—Win, Bin, or Recycle? We're debating the ultimate bathroom upgrade: bidets. Life-changing hygiene essential or unnecessary splash zone? You decide.

Plus, we tackle an Adore Anonymous question about the dreaded red wine flus...

It wouldn't be an episode of Uncensored without an embarrassing story to kick off the week—this time, involving a little, um, wet pants situation. But we'll let Mel take it from here...

Next up, we’re diving into the Top 3, where we uncover the most coveted products at Adore Beauty, as chosen by YOU. This week, we're talking all about tinted lip balms under $30.

Then, for this week's Beauty IQ Hotline, we’re handing the mic to Mel as she opens up about her IVF journey and the financial costs of fertility, responding to listen...

In this Expert episode, Tegan and Sadaf take you on a deep dive into the world of peptides—one of the hottest skincare trends for 2025. From wallet-friendly peptide serums under $100 to some irresistible splurge-worthy picks, we’ve got you covered with our top recommendations.

This week’s Win, Bin or Recycle is all about that secretly satisfying beauty moment we all love: peeling off gel nail polish. And in an Adore Anonymous, we tackle the age-old question: “Can you actually get rid of stretch marks?” Spoiler alert: it’s all about prevention, treatments, and managing your expectations.

This week on Uncensored, Hannah and Mel dive into the cutting-edge world of Longevity Hacking, exploring how this wellness trend is revolutionising beauty and anti-aging. From biohacking to Blue Zone-inspired skincare, we're breaking down the science behind extending your "beautyspan".

We’re also bringing back Beauty IQ Hotline with a self-tanner SOS: What happens when your fake tan becomes part of your identity? Plus, we’re sharing our current serum obsessions from AestheticsRx.

Products Mentioned:

Join the conv...