373. Retinol vs. Tretinoin (vs. Bakuchiol): Which Vitamin A Is Right For Me?

This week on Beauty IQ Expert, we tackle the topic of morning versus nighttime skincare routines, revealing our non-negotiables (see: SPF) and the common mistakes to avoid. Skin therapist Tegan explains the differences between AM and PM routines, breaking down what products to use, when to use them, and why. Plus, we give our two (scents) on the juicy fragrances we’ve been loving lately, and the hydrating mists we think are slept on. Brows before or after foundation? Hair or makeup first? In Win, Bin or Recycle, we settle the beauty debates that have the internet divided. Then, our Adore Anonymous listener asks: Am I wrecking my skin by skipping a morning cleanse?   Everything mentioned: Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDP Intense who is elijah MORNING AFTER Eau De Parfum who is elijah HAZE Eau De Parfum Prada Paradoxe Radical Essence Parfum who is elijah HIS|HER Eau De Parfum who is elijah MUSE Eau De Parfum La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral SKINSCREEN™ People4Ocean SPF 50+ BIOACTIVE SHIELD Pearlescent Mineral Sunscreen Huda Beauty #FAUXFILTER Color Corrector M.A.C Fix+ Original Huda Beauty Blush Filter Qure Dermal Mist d'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum esmi Skin Minerals Refreshing + Hydrating Skin Snack Mist   Credits: Hosts: Tegan Mac and Sadaf Razi Producer: Jasmine Riley For more beauty insights and exclusive offers, visit adorebeauty.com.auDisclaimer | Privacy PolicySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Uncensored, we reveal our *hot* takes on bathhouses and spa rituals, diving in on the good, the weird, and the newsworthy (two words: damp hay). We also sit down with Kaitlyn Shin – Director of NU28 Medical Aesthetics – to unpack the global fascination with Korean skincare, and the trending treatments millennials and Gen Z are travelling the globe for. For those who can’t just jet off to Seoul (read: most of us), Kaitlyn shares her tips for recreating a Korean spa experience at home, and maintaining consistent results. Plus, we chat about the cult K-beauty products writer Juna Xu has been using for over 10 years. Are they actually worth the hype? If you’ve ever thought about turning on-the-go makeup application into an extreme sport, tune in until the end. Just don’t try this at home. Everything mentioned: Beauty IQ article: https://www.adorebeauty.com.au/beautyiq/skincare/best-korean-skincare-to-shop/ Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot 300 Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum   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.auDisclaimer | Privacy PolicySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Expert, we’re breaking down one of skincare’s most powerful ingredients: Vitamin A, helping you figure out which version is right for your skin. From over-the-counter retinols to prescription-strength tretinoin and gentle plant-based bakuchiol, skin therapist Tegan explains how each one works, who they suit best, and how to use them safely without wrecking your barrier. Plus, we bust common Vitamin A myths, including whether it actually thins your skin and if it’s safe to use in summer. In Win, Bin or Recycle, we’re talking retinol body care and whether your limbs really need their own age management routine. Plus, in Adore Anonymous, a listener asks: Do I actually need a different sunscreen for my face than my body? Everything mentioned: Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment 100ml  Cosmedix Define Age-Defying Treatment - Retinol Serum Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 30ml INNISFREE Retinol Cica Repair Pad 60ea 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, we’re diving nose-first into the world of scent, from newborn heads and fireplace smoke to… whole-body deodorant. We kick off with a chat about things that smell good but aren’t perfume before getting into the week’s Cringey Convo: the rise of whole-body deodorant. Are we over-sanitising ourselves? Or just chasing freshness a little too far? Then, we sit down with Dr Chris Callewaert — better known as Dr Armpit — one of the world’s leading odour researchers, to unpack: What actually causes body odour (hint: it’s your bacteria’s fault) Why some people smell stronger than others What happens to our natural scent after pregnancy And whether deodorant is secretly messing with your microbiome Plus, we share our favourite products for staying fresh without smelling like Lynx Africa — from gentle feminine washes and gel deodorants to bougie room sprays and minty mouthwash that actually works. Everything mentioned: You’re Probably Wearing Too Much Deodorant - The Atlantic I’m sensitive to the scents my children’s friend brings into the house. What do I do? | Well actually | The Guardian What's something that smells good but isn't a perfume? : r/perfumesthatfeellike Femfresh Daily Wash 600mL Gem Mouthwash (Mild Mint) Juliette Has A Gun Not A Room Spray KEVIN.MURPHY Hair Resort Spray 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 Beauty IQ Expert, we’re diving into preventative skincare: the products, ingredients, and routines to start in your 20s to keep skin healthy, radiant, and resilient for years to come. Skin therapist Tegan explains why prevention is smarter (and cheaper) than reversing damage later, covering SPF, hydration, antioxidants, and barrier support. From daily sunscreen to antioxidant serums and gentle exfoliation, we break down the must-dos, nice-to-dos, and the mistakes to avoid. We also answer an Adore Anonymous dilemma: the sweaty underboob — is there a skincare-safe fix? In Win, Bin or Recycle, we explore preventative injectables, weighing what’s trending and what’s worth your time. Plus, co-host Sadaf spills the best tips from skincare royalty Melanie Grant after sitting down with her at the Adore Beauty event. Everything mentioned: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin 150ml Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser 500ml  Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ 50ml SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum Viviology Vitamin C Serum 30mL Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum CeraVe Moisturising Cream Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum with 5% Niacinamide 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, we’re diving into the wild world of cosmetic treatments: the myths, the regrets, and the reality behind what’s “in” and what’s out in 2025. From Reddit threads questioning whether we’ll one day look back at filler and BBLs like we do tanning beds, to TikTok’s obsession with “baby botox” and skin boosters, the beauty landscape is shifting fast. Hannah and Mel share their predictions (think: suntans and anti-aging culture might not age well), before sitting down with Sydney cosmetic doctor Dr Phoebe Jones to separate fact from fearmongering. Dr Phoebe breaks down the biggest treatment shifts of the past year, why the “natural look” is officially here to stay, and what you really need to know before booking your first tweakment. She also shares the red flags to look for in a clinic, what transparency should look like in a good consultation, and her golden rule for cosmetic treatments in 2025. In Stuff We Love, we’re talking cosmetic prep — the soothing, derm-approved products that keep your skin happy post-laser, peel, or treatment. Everything mentioned: Skinstitut Laser Aid mesoestetic Hydra-Vital Factor K 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 Beauty IQ Expert, Tegan and Sadaf are shining a light on the body parts we too often forget — starting with your scalp. We spend so much time caring for the skin on our face, but what about our scalp, ears, elbows, and chest? Skin Therapist Tegan breaks down why scalp exfoliation is trending for all the right reasons, from improving scalp health and reducing build-up to helping your haircare products actually work harder. You’ll also learn how to care for those often-overlooked areas (and why your elbows deserve more love than they get). In Win, Bin or Recycle, we’re talking celebrity skincare brands. The hits, the misses, and the ones that actually earn their spot in your routine (no shade, just facts). Plus, in Adore Anonymous, a listener asks the million-dollar question: Does exfoliating your scalp really make your hair grow faster, or is that just marketing? And if you’ve ever fallen in love with a product sample — same. We share the ones that turned into full-size obsessions, including a volumising paste you’ll want, immediately. Everything mentioned: Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumising Paste KEVIN.MURPHY Doo Over 250mL STRAAND HeavenScent Hair Perfume + Gloss NAK Hair ROH Scalp Scrub Brush Kérastase Symbiose Micro-Exfoliating Cellular Treatment Black Chicken Remedies HairOM™ Scalp Brush Alpha-H Healthy Exfoliating Scalp Treatment AVEDA Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment VIRTUE Exfoliating Scalp Treatment Virtue Flourish & Manta Brush The Beauty Chef Perfect Poo 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, Mel puts her money where her hair is with a $750 Texture Haircut by celebrity hairstylist John Pulitano. Was it worth the hype (and the price tag)? We get the full breakdown — from the salon chair nerves, to how it looks five months later, to whether it actually lives up to the promise of being the ultimate low-maintenance cut. Then, Mel sits down with John himself, co-owner and creative director of Headcase Hair, to talk all things texture. He shares what makes this cut different, why lifestyle matters more than inspo pics, and how the right haircut can genuinely change how you feel about yourself. Plus, John’s advice on what to think about before booking a texture cut — especially if $750 isn’t in your budget. Plus, Mel shares her surprising new gut health obsession for PWDKWN: The Beauty Chef Perfect Poo (yes, really). Spoiler: it tastes way better than it sounds. Everything mentioned: Texture Haircut by John Pulitano, Headcase Hair The Beauty Chef The Perfect Poo™ Kmart Cotton Stretch Full Briefs (5 pack) 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 Uncensored, Producer Jas turns up the heat (literally) with a live try-on of the VT Reedle Shot Lip Plumper. Tegan braves the Expert strength while Sadaf takes on the Beginner, both powered by teeny-tiny silica needles designed to boost circulation and volume. Sounds cute – until your lips feel like they’ve been sipping on a spicy Szechuan soup. Next up in Win, Bin or Recycle, we’re debating a beauty tool everyone owns but probably shouldn’t be sharing: your razor. Apologies in advance to Tegan's dad, if you're listening.  Then, Tegan and Sadaf break down exactly how much product you really need for your face, hair, and body. From the pea-sized retinol rule to the surprising amount of SPF you’re underusing, we’re cutting through the guesswork so your routine works harder (and your products last longer). Plus, in Adore Anonymous, we tackle the age-old mystery: why does your skin look amazing on holiday — and can you recreate that glow at home? Everything mentioned: VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot Lip Plumper Beginner VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot Lip Plumper Expert 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: concealer tubes done right, Kris Jenner’s facelifted MAC debut, and why your greys deserve a little more love. Trending takes on MAC’s headline-making I Only Wear MAC campaign: Kris Jenner, Doja Cat, and Martha Stewart all included. Is it iconic or just unhinged? Then, a listener in her 20s rings the Beauty IQ Hotline about going grey. We’ve got silver inspo, grey-blending tricks, and the low-effort cover-ups that won’t drain your wallet. And in PWDKWN, Mel shares her Medik8 dream duo, while Hannah comes armed with the most unexpected government resource to help toilet-anxious girlies everywhere. Everything mentioned: Kris Jenner Fronts Her First M.A.C Campaign https://www.instagram.com/maayan.zilberman?igsh=MXR5ZzZremJzcmtyNg==  https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSD9vCMQV/ ttps://vt.tiktok.com/ZSD9cJouk/  https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSD93nWTM/ https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSD9ckyK1/ Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced 30ml Medik8 Advanced Night Restore 50ml https://toiletmap.gov.au/ 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.