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-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.
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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 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.
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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 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.
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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 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.
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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 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.
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