Beauty IQ Uncensored - podcast cover

Beauty IQ Uncensored

Adore Beautywww.adorebeauty.com.au

Beauty IQ Uncensored is Adore Beauty’s must-listen podcast for straight-talking beauty lovers. Each week, we bring you two episodes filled with product reviews, skincare deep dives, and unfiltered beauty chat—because beauty should be fun, not confusing.

Mondays – Beauty IQ Uncensored: Beauty journos Mel and Hannah get into the good, the bad, and the unhinged of beauty. Expect trending product road tests, viral beauty deep dives, and your most hilarious beauty confessions.

Wednesdays – Beauty IQ Expert: Beauty editor Sadaf and skin therapist Tegan tackle the science of beauty. From skincare myths to ingredient breakdowns and pro tips, this is your go-to for expert-backed beauty advice.

DM us your questions @adorebeauty

www.adorebeauty.com.au

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Episodes

339. Is Your Cleanser Wrecking Your Skin Barrier? + Euro Summer Essentials

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 g...

Jun 24, 202534 minEp. 339

338. Top Tubing Mascaras, Finding a New Hairdresser & Mel’s PWDKWN Eye 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...

Jun 22, 202530 minEp. 338

337. The Best In-Clinic Skin Treatments for Slow-Aging (According to a Skin Therapist)

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 ...

Jun 17, 202521 minEp. 337

336. Buccal Facials, Curly Hair Routines & The “Australian Bun” Debate

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 Bui...

Jun 15, 202532 minEp. 336

335. How to Fix Dry, Crusty Feet at Home: Best Foot Creams, Slugging Tips & Easy Expert Hacks

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...

Jun 10, 202520 minEp. 335

334. Unregulated Beauty Products, Teen Skincare Routine & Mel’s Baby Countdown Begins!

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...

Jun 09, 202537 minEp. 334

333. Should You Stop Exfoliating in Winter? (And Other Skincare Myths Busted)

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...

Jun 03, 202521 minEp. 333

332. Hyaluronic Acid Serums Under $100, SPF Top-Ups & Hannah's Steam Iron

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 b...

Jun 01, 202537 minEp. 332

331. Do LED Face Masks Actually Work? The Truth About Red Light Therapy

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...

May 27, 202528 minEp. 331

330. Dry Skin Saviours, Liquid Gold 2.0 & The Cleaning TikToks We Can't Stop Watching

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 budg...

May 25, 202530 minEp. 330

329. The Reason Your Lips Are Always Dry (And It’s Not the Weather)

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...

May 20, 202523 minEp. 329

328. Unpacking "Recession Hair" & Your Retinol Questions Answered by Medik8’s Daniel Isaacs

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 quest...

May 18, 202534 minEp. 328

327. Sensitive or Sensitised Skin? How to Tell and What to Do About It

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 y...

May 13, 202528 minEp. 327

326. Skin Prep, Sleeping Masks, Serums & "Hot Man Smell" Hair Masks

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 pe...

May 11, 202537 minEp. 326

325. Centella Asiatica: K-Beauty’s Skin Barrier Hero or TikTok Hype?

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 tal...

May 06, 202519 minEp. 325

324. Botox Myths, Crusty Lips & We Try Bondi Sands’ New 1-Hour Tan

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: Bondi Sands Ultra Express Ultra Dark Foam 200ml Torriden Solid-In Ceramide Lip Essence La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levres Lips Repairing Lip Balm Medih...

May 04, 202526 minEp. 324

323. Beauty Supplements in 2025: Gut Health, Sustainability & Smarter Formulas

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 hel...

Apr 29, 202530 minEp. 323

322. Inside Makeup Artist Elizabeth Cee’s Beauty Bag + Viral Haircare Routine

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...

Apr 27, 202546 minEp. 322

321. The Best Body Skin Care & Treatments in 2025: Smooth, Firm & Sculpt Your Skin

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 ...

Apr 22, 202523 minEp. 321

320. The Best K-Beauty & J-Beauty Products Now Available in Australia

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 a...

Apr 20, 202532 minEp. 320

319. Pregnancy-Safe Skincare 101: Products & Clinic Treatments to Try

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:...

Apr 15, 202519 minEp. 319

318. We Build the Ultimate $150 Drugstore Makeup Haul & Review Pregnancy-Safe Lymphatic Massage

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 massag...

Apr 13, 202529 minEp. 318

317. What Menopause Really Does to Your Skin (And How to Deal With It)

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. Plu...

Apr 08, 202519 minEp. 317

316. Kate Morris on 25 Years in Beauty, Her Holy Grails & The Iconic Adore Beauty Tim Tam

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...

Apr 06, 202547 minEp. 316

315. Skincare in Your 40s, 50s & 60s: The Best Products & Ingredients for Every Decade

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 i...

Apr 01, 202532 minEp. 315

314. Is Social Media Making Us Want More Cosmetic Procedures?

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 ultimat...

Mar 30, 202534 minEp. 314

313. The Silicone Shampoo Comeback & TikTok's Viral Hair Porosity Test

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 Ado...

Mar 25, 202522 minEp. 313

312. We Let ChatGPT Prescribe Our Skincare Routines – Is AI the Future of Beauty?

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 t...

Mar 23, 202537 minEp. 312

311. How to Create an Irresistible Scent: Pheromone Perfumes and Layering Tips

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 ha...

Mar 18, 202524 minEp. 311

310. Inside the Vanity of Maddison Brown: Actress & Founder of SPF Brand, Outside Beauty

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 an...

Mar 16, 202542 minEp. 310
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