Show Notes
Forgot about Halloween until roughly five minutes ago? Same. Kelly’s here to save you (and your wallet) with last minute spooky looks you can create with what’s already in your makeup bag. Think dental floss cobwebs, toilet paper ‘wounds’ and a fishnet stocking trick that turns Leigh into a mermaid in 20 seconds flat.
Poor Leigh is not coping... mostly while Kelly cycles through three increasingly unhinged alter-egos thanks to her three-for-the-price-of-one costume this year. Plus, how do lash serums work? We break down what’s on Aussie shelves, with a list of budget picks under $30. And sure, it’s technically still October, but that’s not stopping Leigh from cracking open the gorgeous Go-To 12-day advent calendar.
Then in Spendy Savey, Kelly’s found the new tubular version of a cult mascara that’s been selling out everywhere. And Leigh’s frothing over a $12 Kmart eyeshadow stick pack that you're going to want to add to cart immediately. 2026 YOU BEAUTY AWARDS Thousands of products. Hours of testing. Several impaired skin barriers. The You Beauty team are putting their faces (and hair, and bodies) on the line to bring you the 2026 You Beauty Awards. We want your votes, too. Simply click here to nominate your Spendy (expensive, but worth it), Savey (it ought to cost more) and MVP (you’d be lost without) beauty product. One lucky Youbie will win a bumper beauty pack of the judges favourite short-listed products, worth $990*. To be in the running, simply share the ‘why’ behind your nominations, and sign up to the very excellent You Beauty newsletter. Voting lines close at 11:59pm on the 1st of November and then tune back on the 24th of November, to see the final winners list! *Terms and conditions apply LEIGH’S ADVENT CALENDAR OF THE WEEK: Go-To Twelve Days Of Go-To, $175 LEIGH’S LASH SERUM RECOMMENDATIONS: Uklash Lash Growth Serum, $57.60 Uklash Sensitive Lash Growth Serum, $72 L'Oreal Paris Clinically Proven Lash Serum, $15.99 The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum 5mL, $25.90 1000HOUR Lash & Brow Growth Serum, $19.99 Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum, $122 Lash Therapy Australia Eyelash Serum, $89.95 Lash Rehab Eyelash Growth Serum, $79.95 SPENDY: LEIGH: Fara Homidi Beauty Essential Bronzer Compact 3.5g, $128 KELLY: Dermalogica Smart Eye Density Serum 15ml $216 SAVEY: LEIGH: OXX Beauty 5 Piece Eyeshadow Cream Sticks, $12 KELLY: Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes Tubing Mascara Black 7mL $28.99 MVP: LEIGH: Mud Organics Sea Buckthorn Serum - 30ml, $89.95 KELLY: Basics By B The Cream Palette $75 HELPFUL LINKS: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so if a check-up has been sitting on your to-do list, Cancer Council’s ‘Guide To Breast Screening’ is a great resource, with helpful info and a way to see if you’re eligible for a free mammogram. Check out our October Monthly Masterclass covering the biggest beauty controversies of 2026 In case you missed it, check out our September Monthly Masterclass on the A-Z of skincare ingredients here. Take our three minute survey for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher AND help shape what we do here at Mamamia.
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 goodn
More from You Beauty
The beauty industry has had a busy year... From Kylie Jenner wearing Victoria’s Secret’s multi-million-dollar Fantasy Bra to Hailey Bieber’s controversial stance on overconsumption—meanwhile several celebrity brands quietly shut their doors. In today's Monthly Masterclass, Leigh Campbell, Erin Docherty, and Ali Izzo deep dive into the biggest beauty controversies of the last 12 months. The ones that blew up your feed, divided the comments section, and in a few cases, sent brand founders straight to their socials to do damage control. They unpack the rise of extreme beauty tourism, from Aussie influencers travelling to Seoul for a facelift and Bali for rib contouring. Plus, a look at the beauty brands who beefed this year and is the TGA about to scrap SPF numbers on sunscreens? 2026 YOU BEAUTY AWARDS Thousands of products. Hours of testing. Several impaired skin barriers. The You Beauty team are putting their faces (and hair, and bodies) on the line to bring you the 2026 You Beauty Awards. We want your votes, too. Simply click here to nominate your Spendy (expensive, but worth it), Savey (it ought to cost more) and MVP (you’d be lost without) beauty product. One lucky Youbie will win a bumper beauty pack of the judges favourite short-listed products, worth $990*. To be in the running, simply share the ‘why’ behind your nominations, and sign up to the very excellent You Beauty newsletter. Voting lines close at 11:59pm on the 1st of November and then tune back on the 24th of November, to see the final winners list! *Terms and conditions apply HELPFUL LINKS: Take our three minute survey for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher AND help shape what we do here at Mamamia.
Mamamia’s Head of You Beauty, Ali Izzo, is joining Leigh today while poor Kelly rests her completely non-existent voice, and Ali's here with a very special announcement! The voting lines for the Youbies Choice Categories in the 2026 You Beauty Awards are officially open, and you have until 11:59pm Sunday the 1st of November to cast your votes! In Beauty News Leigh debriefs her recent appearance on a very special Mamamia Out Loud bonus episode for World Menopause Day and because we couldn't resist... We’re unboxing another beauty advent calendar this time from Oz Hair and Beauty. Then in Q&A, we’re talking next-level blonde maintenance tips to keep the brass tone at bay and where on earth did cupid's bows go in 2026?! Then it's Ali's very first time doing Spendy Savey and she's brought in her favourites to show you, including the 'Tomato Blush' that left Leigh's poker face looking highly questionable... 2026 YOU BEAUTY AWARDS Thousands of products. Hours of testing. Several impaired skin barriers. The You Beauty team are putting their faces (and hair, and bodies) on the line to bring you the 2026 You Beauty Awards. We want your votes, too. Simply click here to nominate your Spendy (expensive, but worth it), Savey (it ought to cost more) and MVP (you’d be lost without) beauty product. One lucky Youbie will win a bumper beauty pack of the judges favourite short-listed products, worth $990*. To be in the running, simply share the ‘why’ behind your nominations, and sign up to the very excellent You Beauty newsletter. Voting lines close at 11:59pm on the 1st of November and then tune back on the 24th of November, to see the final winners list! *Terms and conditions apply PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS: Oz Hair and Beauty Advent Calendar, $199.95. Fudge Professional Clean Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo, $24. Daily Naturals Blonde Toning Shampoo, $26.95. NAK Platinum Blonde Anti-Yellow Shampoo, $39.95. Kérastase Blond Absolu Bain Lumière Hydrating Illuminating Shampoo, $64. K18 Detox Shampoo, $59.95. HairShots Perfectly Blonde, $44. LEIGH'S TOP PICKS: SPENDY: Clarins Double Serum Eye, $150. SAVEY: the breakout hack Skin Glaze Gel Cream Moisturiser, $29.95. MVP: NARS Insatiable Liquid Blush in Orgasm, $59.
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 Intensive Baume Barrier-replenishing 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 Youb
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 Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, $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 [email protected] 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 Just so you know — some of the links in these notes are affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anyt
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 [email protected] 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 Just so you know — some of the links in these notes are affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support the show. Happy shopping! 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