You Beauty

Leigh’s back from Vietnam and we have so much to catch up on! Starting with our very BIG feelings about the rise of cigarette-inspired lip products and the hair colour trend that’s skyrocketed 949 per cent on Pinterest searches in 2026. Plus, Christmas has come early in the studio as we unbox some seriously special beauty boxes supporting the Look Good Feel Better Foundation. And make sure to pop November 24th in your diaries because The You Beauty Awards are back for 2026, and we need your help to decide our winners!
And luckily for us, Leigh’s return from holidays means one thing... it’s beauty haul time! She’s spilling the tea on everything she packed for the trip, plus the last-minute treasures she couldn’t resist at the airport. And if you're wondering why everyone is suddenly panic-buying retinal, Kelly our Leigh have some some very useful information to share.
Then in Spendy Savey, Kelly reveals the $117 French tint that’s giving serious model-off-duty vibes and an MVP lip oil that actually goes the distance. Plus, Leigh’s found an underrated $17 lash product that might just be our new obsession.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
LEIGH'S RETINAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 30ml, $99
Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum (0.05%), $54
Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%, $66
Paula's Choice Clinical PRO Retinaldehyde Treatment, $102
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, $25
Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment, $180
Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Multi-Intensive Night Cream ( 0.1% retinal), $74
Go-To Very Amazing Retinal, $85
Alpha-H Midnight Retinal Eye Cream, $125
THE PRODUCTS LEIGH USED ON HOLIDAYS:
Mecca Cosmetica Weekend Skin Hydratint, $60
Mecca Cosmetica In Good Light Illuminating Drops, $45
Revlon Illuminance Serum Concealer, $31
Covergirl Trublend Skin Enhancer Baked Luminous Bronzer, $24.95
No7 Pro Artist Lip & Cheek Multi Use Stick, $29.99
L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist, $30.99
Thanks To Nature Root Concealer in Chic Cocoa, $25
Mecca Max Off Duty Blush Stick in Popsicle Tangerine, $22
Brillo Beauty The Hair Mask, $49
SPENDY:
LEIGH: Aeon C-Bomb Brightening Serum, $129
KELLY: Chanel Water-Fresh Tint $117
SAVEY:
LEIGH: The Ordinary Lash Curl Finisher, $17.20
KELLY: Bioderma Atoderm Crème Nourishing Daily Moisturiser $44.99
MVP:
LEIGH: VIRTUE Frizz Block Smoothing Spray, $69
KELLY: Urban Decay Lip Toy pH Staining Lip Oil $46
HELPFUL LINKS:
Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.
Built to work around your real life, MOVE adapts to whatever season you're in. That's why we've created a brand new collection of feel-good weight workouts, designed for any body, anywhere. No hectic challenges or intimidating gym setups, just simple, easy-to-follow sessions, designed to help you build strength at your own pace. MOVE is feel-good fitness by Mamamia. For less than a coffee a week, get unlimited access to hundreds of workouts, ranging from five to 45 minutes. Plus, you get unlimited access to everything across Mamamia, including subscriber-exclusive podcast episodes, articles, discounts and giveaways. Get your MOVE goodness here
Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.
In case you missed it, check out our Monthly Masterclass on the A-Z of skincare ingredients here
You can shop the Look Good Feel Better Christmas Boxes here
READ MORE:
Want access to all of Leigh's articles? Sign up to be a Mamamia subscriber here.
Subscribe to your exclusive You Beauty newsletter here.
SOCIALS:
Follow Us on Instagram and TikTok to get all our fabulous beauty hacks, tips & tricks!
Join all 87,000 Youbies over in our Facebook Group here to ask questions and get exclusive behind the scenes content.
Got a beauty dilemma you need solved?! Email us youbeauty@mamamia.com.au
And if you want something else to listen to you can find all the Mamamia podcasts here.
CREDITS:
Hosts: @leighacampbell and @kelly_mccarren
Producers: Ali Izzo & Zara Sengstock
Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris
Social Producer: Olivia Colman
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Kelly McCarren is joined by Mamamia’s Beauty and Health Editor, Erin Docherty, to dish on the latest beauty news, including why retail giants Mecca and Sephora are among eight brands forced to pull products containing banned microbeads from their shelves.
Then we’re tackling your burning beauty questions, from how to banish stubborn blackheads once and for all to how to nail a sleek, slicked-back bun without snapping your strands.
Plus, Erin’s jumped back on the retinol train with a new MVP she can’t stop raving about, and Kelly reckons she’s found the ultimate setting spray that promises to lock your makeup in place. So, of course, we put it to the test live in the studio.
ALL PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
Shark FacialPro Glow, $499
Jo Malone London Christmas Kist Advent Calendar, $895
Benefit Cosmetics The Hotel Beneville Advent Calendar (24 days), $299
Disco Stick Hair Wax Stick, $24.99
FRAIM Curved Smoothing Brush, $18
NEUU The Slick Formula, $46
Slip Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchies Set of 6 in Multi, $61
FRAIM Satin Skinny Scrunchies 6 Pack, $12
Epres Bond Repair Treatment Starter Kit, $97
Bristle Hair Brush, $17.69
KMS Hair Stay Anti-Humid Seal 150ml, $42
Medik8 Blemish Control Pads, $64
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum 30ml, $65.99
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution 30ml, $10.70
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $54
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ 40ml, $26.99
SPENDY:
ERIN: TARTE CC Color-Correcting Tinted Serum, $63
KELLY: Florietta Blossom Boar Bristle Hairbrush, $99
SAVEY:
ERIN: day:three no water shampoo, $39.95
KELLY: L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist $39.95
MVP:
ERIN: Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Cream, $156
KELLY: medicube Toner Pads Zero Pore Pad 2.0 $32
HELPFUL LINKS:
Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.
Built to work around your real life, MOVE adapts to whatever season you're in. That's why we've created a brand new collection of feel-good weight workouts, designed for any body, anywhere. No hectic challenges or intimidating gym setups, just simple, easy-to-follow sessions, designed to help you build strength at your own pace. MOVE is feel-good fitness by Mamamia. For less than a coffee a week, get unlimited access to hundreds of workouts, ranging from five to 45 minutes. Plus, you get unlimited access to everything across Mamamia, including subscriber-exclusive podcast episodes, articles, discounts and giveaways. Get your MOVE goodness here
Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.
In case you missed it, check out our Monthly Masterclass on the A-Z of skincare ingredients here
READ MORE:
Want access to all of Leigh's articles? Sign up to be a Mamamia subscriber here.
Subscribe to your exclusive You Beauty newsletter here.
More information on products containing microbeads can be found here
'I put this viral $21 balm on my nose to see if it got rid of my blackheads.'
SOCIALS:
Follow Us on Instagram and TikTok to get all our fabulous beauty hacks, tips & tricks!
Join all 87,000 Youbies over in our Facebook Group here to ask questions and get exclusive behind the scenes content.
Got a beauty dilemma you need solved?! Email us youbeauty@mamamia.com.au
And if you want something else to listen to you can find all the Mamamia podcasts here.
CREDITS:
Hosts: @kelly_mccarren and @erin.docherty
Producers: Ali Izzo & Zara Sengstock
Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris
Social Producer: Olivia Colman
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WANT TO WIN A YOU BEAUTY GIFT BUNDLE?!
Kelly and Leigh have bundled together their all-time favourite beauty products and two Mamamia subscribers are winning the lot. Subscribe to Mamamia to be automatically entered to win. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. Competition closes Friday 2nd October at 11:59PM AEST T&Cs apply.
Merit has officially landed in Sephora Australia (yay!) and to celebrate we asked the Global Head of Brand, Vanessa Krooss, what to try first. Plus, how on earth did multiple brands launch near-identical looking twist-and-slice eye patch dispensers in the same week? Leigh's back with another advent calendar unboxing, this time from The Body Shop and Kelly has a very important apology to make to a Youbie.
Then, with Prime Day sales upon us, Leigh and Kelly break down how to navigate the deals, revealing what's actually made it into their cart this year. And we're also tackling your top five burning questions on face shaving and the #1 golden rule to prevent razor burn.
And it wouldn't be Friday without Spendy Savey! Kelly shares the $57 tanning spray she can't stop using over makeup and a powerful overnight peel that resets your skin while you sleep.
ALL PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
The Body Shop Classic Beauty Advent Calendar, $99
Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar, $515
The Cult Beauty Advent Calendar Signature Edition, $465
Gillette Fusion Proglide 5 Manual Razor Blades, $68.50
d'Alba Italian White Truffle Double Serum & Cream, $58
Jessup Makeup Brushes 14Pcs, $113.95
BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser Makeup Remover, $23.99
BIODERMA Atoderm Shower Oil Ultra Nourishing Body Wash for Dry Skin, $46.99
Kitsch Dermaplane Razor for Women Face, $17.00
9Pcs Triangle Powder Puffs, $9.99
Onlyall Wispy Lashes Natural Look Short Eyelashes, $12.99
SPENDY:
LEIGH: MUTHA Up All Night Eye Cream $148
KELLY: By Terry Tea to Tan, $57.
SAVEY:
LEIGH: Natio Blur Line Erase Undereye Jelly, $27.95
KELLY: NYX Duck Plump Lip Liner $19.99
MVP:
LEIGH: Carmex shimmer Lip Gloss in Raspberry, $10.99
KELLY: Skinstitut Glycolic 10% Overnight Peel, $69.95
HELPFUL LINKS:
Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.
Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.
In case you missed it, have a look at our Monthly Masterclass on the A-Z of skincare ingredients here
READ MORE:
Want access to all of Leigh's articles? Sign up to be a Mamamia subscriber here.
Subscribe to your exclusive You Beauty newsletter here.
'I restock this every single time.' 18 beauty products we're picking up in the sales this week.
'I'm a beauty editor and if you're only going to buy one MERIT product, make it this.'
SOCIALS:
Follow Us on Instagram and TikTok to get all our fabulous beauty hacks, tips & tricks!
Join all 87,000 Youbies over in our Facebook Group here to ask questions and get exclusive behind the scenes content.
Got a beauty dilemma you need solved?! Email us youbeauty@mamamia.com.au
And if you want something else to listen to you can find all the Mamamia podcasts here.
CREDITS:
Hosts: @leighacampbell and @kelly_mccarren.
Producers: Ali Izzo & Zara Sengstock
Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris
Social Producer: Olivia Colman
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever find yourself staring at your bathroom cabinet full of skincare and wonder to yourself... What do all of these ingredients actually do?! Well grab your notepad and pen because class is officially in session and in today's Monthly Masterclass, your resident skincare professors Leigh Campbell and Kelly McCarren are stripping away the confusing jargon and taking us back to school with the ultimate A to Z of skincare ingredients.
From heavy hitters like Retinoids and vitamin C to trending overachievers like Azelaic Acid, Ceramides and PDRN, Leigh and Kelly break down what 12 of the most common ingredients actually do for your skin, and how to mix them without wrecking your skin barrier.
Plus, they're busting 10 of the biggest skincare myths floating around the schoolyard.
WANT TO WIN A YOU BEAUTY GIFT BUNDLE?!
Kelly and Leigh have bundled together their all-time favourite beauty products and two Mamamia subscribers are winning the lot. Subscribe to Mamamia to be automatically entered to win. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.
PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
AZELAIC ACID:
Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid 10% Booster $64
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% $19.40
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum $40
AHA & BHA:
Medik8 Press & Clear Exfoliating Toner 150ml, $71
Skinstitut 8% Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel 30ml, $59
Aesop Lucent Facial Refiner 60ml, $123
CERAMIDES:
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsule, $165
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore 50ml, $142
Dermal Therapy Overnight Face Repair 40g, $21.99
CICA:
Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule $39
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Soothing Camo Drops $80
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream $26.99
Aestura A-Cica 365 Soothing Relief Serum pH 4.5 $57
VITAMIN C:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum 30ml, $258
Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum 30ml, $52.99
Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum 30ml, $26.55
HYALURONIC ACID:
TORRIDEN Dive-In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum $32
Image Skincare AGELESS Total Pure Hyaluronic 6 Filler $159.95
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum $23.39
NIACINAMIDE:
Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides $105
ASAP N20 Peptide Complex $148.20
Olay Luminous Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Super Face Serum $59.95
PANTHENOL:
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Spray 100ml, $36.99
BYOMA Milky Moisture Cleanser 175ml, $14.99
Dr.Melaxin Cactox Pore Relief Jelly Serum Mist 80ml, $33
PEPTIDES:
Olay Super Collagen-Peptides Moisturiser $69.95
Paula’s Choice Plumping Peptide Cream $74
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Peptide Serum $216
PDRN:
Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ $160
Rejuran Turnover Ampoule $120
Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum $32
RETINOIDS:
Olay Retinol 24 Eye Cream 15ml, $60
Skinbetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream 30ml, $215
K-SECRET Seoul 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng 30ml, $26.40
SQUALENE/SQUALANE:
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream, $94
Thayers Barrier Bestie Ultra Whip Cream 59ml, $34.99
HELPFUL LINKS:
Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.
Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.
READ MORE:
Want access to all of Leigh's articles? Sign up to be a Mamamia subscriber here.
Subscribe to your exclusive You Beauty newsletter here.
SOCIALS:
Follow Us on Instagram and TikTok to get all our fabulous beauty hacks, tips & tricks!
Join all 87,000 Youbies over in our Facebook Group here to ask questions and get exclusive behind the scenes content.
Got a beauty dilemma you need solved?! Email us youbeauty@mamamia.com.au
And if you want something else to listen to you can find all the Mamamia podcasts here.
CREDITS:
Hosts: @leighacampbell and @kelly_mccarren.
Producers: Talissa Bazaz, Ali Izzo & Zara Sengstock
Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris
Socials Producer: Liv Colman
Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WANT TO WIN A YOU BEAUTY GIFT BUNDLE?!
Kelly and Leigh have bundled together their all-time favourite beauty products and two Mamamia subscribers are winning the lot. Subscribe to Mamamia to be automatically entered to win. Current subscriber? You're already in the draw. T&Cs apply.
Unlock the ultimate skin prep routine with Leigh Campbell and Kelly McCarren! From decoding step-by-step skin prep secrets to breaking down the best non-sticky gradual tanners, this episode covers all your spring beauty essentials.
Plus, it's been a big week in Australian beauty brand launches - we unpack Go-To's latest sensitive skincare range, Lara Worthington’s new brand Ommage, and supermarket accessories from Twist—alongside a sneak peek inside the 2026 Jurlique Advent Calendar.
And, as the weather warms up we are diving into the world of gradual tan. Leigh and Kelly share their favourite products and how they get that summery glow without actually risking the dangers of UV.
PRODUCTS / BRANDS MENTIONED:
Go To Sensitive Skin Products
Ommage
Twist Haircare
Kind Collective The Icon Edit Beauty Bag Set, $39
Jurlique 2026 Advent Calendar, $220
ASOS Face + Body Advent Calendar 2026, $210
PRIMER RECCOMENDATIONS:
NP Auto Pilot Skin Primer, $45
E.L.F Power Grip Primer, $26.95
Go-To Very Glowy Primer, $50
Stila One Step Correct, $59
Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Primer, $57
Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer, $68
e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, $22
GRADUAL TANNER RECOMMENDATIONS:
Kopari Beauty Gradual Self-Tanning Mousse, $71
St Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion, $38
The Quick Flick Quick Glow 2-in-1 Whipped Gradual Tan & Body Moisturiser Mousse, $29
Jergens Natural Glow Skin Brightening Moisturiser, $11.99
TANOLOGIST Self Tan Drops, $23.99
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion, $23.99
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream, $43
SPENDY:
LEIGH: Gucci Beauty Flora Eye Palette (Limited Edition), $131
KELLY: Marc Jacobs Born Star Eyeshadow ‘Serving’ $48
SAVEY:
LEIGH: Rimmel cream bronzer, $29.95
Revlon Glimmer Super Balm, $34
KELLY: Skin Control Mask $13
MVP:
LEIGH: Biodance Pore Perfecting Collagen Peptide Serum, $44
KELLY: Daily Naturals Blonde Toning Shampoo $26.95
HELPFUL LINKS:
Become a Mamamia subscriber and get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts and early listening, subscriber-only articles, monthly giveaways and our home workout app, MOVE.
Get access to Very Peri, Mamamia's exclusive perimenopause series, for just $59. 25 world-leading experts, over 20 on-demand sessions, available now. We’ve sorted through the noise so you don't have to. Go to veryperi.com.au today. You hot? Same.
READ MORE:
Want access to all of Leigh's articles? Sign up to be a Mamamia subscriber here.
Subscribe to your exclusive You Beauty newsletter here.
SOCIALS:
Follow Us on Instagram and TikTok to get all our fabulous beauty hacks, tips & tricks!
Join all 87,000 Youbies over in our Facebook Group here to ask questions and get exclusive behind the scenes content.
Got a beauty dilemma you need solved?! Email us youbeauty@mamamia.com.au
And if you want something else to listen to you can find all the Mamamia podcasts here.
CREDITS:
Hosts: @leighacampbell and @kelly_mccarren.
Producers: Talissa Bazaz & Zara Sengstock
Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris
Mamamia acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we have recorded this podcast.
Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.