You Beauty Awards: The Makeup Finalists That Sparked Chaos

From "clean beauty" fairy tales experts wish you’d forget to the marketing myths clogging your feed, today’s guest is stripping away the bullshit to reveal the cold, hard science of skin. On this week's episode of The Formula, content creator and evidence-based advocate Sam [By The Counter] breaks down why reading an ingredient list is like trying to guess a cake recipe without the measurements, the truth about who actually pays for "cruelty-free" research, and why your favourite luxury products might actually be worth the splurge. Plus, Sam explains why fragrance isn't the enemy, the "moral superiority" trap in sustainable packaging, and the indie products he swears by for a perfect barrier. PRODUCTS MENTIONED: build [skincare] b-cream, $30. Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, $260. Rationale #5 The Milk Concentrate, $214. DAB by Augustinus Bader Science Supercharged Glow Complex, $138. CHANEL SUBLIMAGE LA CRÈME TEXTURE SUPRÊME Ultimate Cream, $670. CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE Foaming Shower Gel, $215. The Eco Well (Jen Novakovic) Lab Muffin Beauty Science (Michelle Wong) FOR MORE WHERE THIS CAME FROM: Hosts: Kelly McCarren Guest: Sam [By The Counter] Producer: Sophie Campbell Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris 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 we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Jan 23min

Is your foundation actually settling into your pores, or are you just using it all wrong? Kelly and Amy are back for 2026 to rescue your routine from the "crusty" depths, starting with a foundation hack that doubles as a full-body airbrusher for your limbs. We’re deep-diving into the lip stains that won't leave your pout feeling like actual cardboard, the color-depositing masks that save lackluster hair, and the summer habits we’re refusing to quit. Whether you're trying to look less "corpsey" or just want a base that survives the humidity, consider this your official beauty reset. Plus, in The Beauty Edit we dive into the "Halo Lip" trend, the Hollywood MUA everyone is stalking, and why Mecca is taking over the Australian Open! EVERYTHING MENTIONED: Read Amy's, 'I read 78 "basic bitch" books in 2025. There are only a few I can't stop thinking about.' Here. Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup, $79. IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF50, $82. MECCA MAX Life Proof Satin Blur Foundation, $38. MCoBeauty Illuminating CC Cream, $28. Maybelline Superstay Lumi Matte 30H Liquid Foundation, $34.99. The Ordinary Serum Foundation, $12.70 L'Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum, $44.99. Revlon Illuminance Tinted Serum, $19.99. Holme Beauty Lip Lock, $42. Sephora Collection Soft Matte Easy Lip Stain (matte), $26. Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lipstick, $26. Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick, $47. M·A·C Cosmetics Velvet Blur Slim Stick Lipstick (powder kiss), $49. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip Newsfeed, $17.99. Glossier Ultralip High Shine Lipstick with Hyaluronic Acid, $38. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer, $37 Dior Addict Lip Glow 48-Hour Hydrating Lip Balm, $65. Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care - Chic Copper 250ml, $67. Goldwell Dualsenses Color Revive Conditioner, $44. Josh Wood Colour Hair Glosses, $46. GET IN TOUCH: Watch & Subscribe on YouTube – Our Q&A episode drops tonight at 7pm! Catch it here. Follow us on Instagram: @youbeautypodcast Follow us on TikTok: @youbeautypod Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here For our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more - sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter here Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note on Instagram! CREDITS: Hosts: Amy Clark & Kelly McCarren The Beauty Edit Hosts: Cass Green & Mollie Harwood Producer: Sophie Campbell Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris 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 we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Jan 37min

Is there a microfiber hair towel so secure you could literally go for a jog in it? On today's Spendy Savey, Kelly and Amy are revealing the summer staples they’ve been gatekeeping, including a "molasses" liner that is the ultimate answer to the 90s brown lip. We’re testing a pharmacy find that’s a total dupe for high-end cult favorites, the "skinfused" liquid blushes from Go-To, and a luxury body range born on London’s West End stages. Plus, Amy reveals the glow-getting body wash that’s officially replaced her expensive luxury favourites. EVERYTHING MENTIONED: SPENDY: Kelly: Kosas Revealer Concealer, $55. Amy: STRAAND Microfibre Hair Towel, $35. SAVEY: Kelly: SEPHORA COLLECTION 8H Colorful Lip Liner (Molasses), $20. Amy: Rimmel London, Oh My Gloss! Butter Me Up Lip Butter (Red Velvet), $25.95. NEWBIES: Kelly: AKT London Natural Deodorant Amy: Go-To Glowy Liquid Blush, $26. SHOP MY STASH/EMPTY: Kelly: NATURIUM The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter, $38. Amy: NATURIUM The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash, $32. DON'T FORGET: Watch & Subscribe on YouTube, this episode drops tonight at 7pm! Catch it here. Follow us on Instagram: @youbeautypodcast Follow us on TikTok: @youbeautypod Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note on Instagram! You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. For our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more - sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter here Subscribe to Mamamia here CREDITS: Hosts: Kelly McCarren & Leigh Campbell Producer: Sophie Campbell Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris 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 we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Jan 26min

Straight from the vault and into your ears for Summer listening series, we’re coming in hot with sage beauty advice… and the beauty lessons we’ve learnt the hard way. On today’s episode, Leigh and Kelly share the must-know tips and beauty truths they’ve learnt from decades working in the beauty industry. From non-negotiable steps for flawless makeup to skincare myths and buzzy trends, this episode is packed with game-changing knowledge from our beauty experts. PRODUCTS MENTIONED: 'I'm a beauty editor. Here are the 9 most surprising beauty tips I've learnt over the years.' DON'T FORGET: Watch & Subscribe on YouTube, this episode drops tonight at 7pm! Catch it here. Follow us on Instagram: @youbeautypodcast Follow us on TikTok: @youbeautypod Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note on Instagram! You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. For our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more - sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter here Subscribe to Mamamia here CREDITS: Hosts: Leigh Campbell & Kelly McCarren Producer: Sophie Campbell Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris Catch our new summer listening series - with new episodes dropping every Monday and Friday! This Monday where bringing you our best beauty tips of all time. This Friday, where dropping a special summer Spendy Savey ep. You Beauty returns Monday, January 12th! 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 we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4 Jan 29min

We’re back for another summer listening episode, ready to call out some beauty BS! On today’s episode, Leigh and Kelly debunk the most common beauty myths and misconceptions. Does shaving really make hair grow back darker? Is SPF 50 foundation enough? Can you pop your pimples? And is air-drying your hair better or worse than blow-drying? We’ve checked the facts to bring you the definitive answers. MENTIONS: New Regulations in China Allow for Cruelty-Free Cosmetics DON'T FORGET: Watch & Subscribe on YouTube, this episode drops tonight at 7pm! Catch it here. Follow us on Instagram: @youbeautypodcast Follow us on TikTok: @youbeautypod Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note on Instagram! You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. For our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more - sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter here Subscribe to Mamamia here CREDITS: Hosts: Leigh Campbell & Kelly McCarren Producer: Sophie Campbell Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris Catch our new summer listening series - with new episodes dropping every Monday and Friday! This Monday where bringing you our best beauty tips of all time. You Beauty returns Monday, January 12th! 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 we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 Jan 23min

Leigh and Kelly are calling it: These are the top 10 best new beauty products of 2025. On today’s summer listening episode, our beauty experts take on the somewhat stressful task of narrowing down the year’s beauty launches to deliver the best of the best (it’s a tough gig, but someone’s got to do it). Featuring spendy and savey products from Aussie and international brands across makeup, skincare, haircare, bodycare and fragrance, these are the new products that impressed us the most. PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Kelly: Olay Regenerist Super Collagen Peptides Soft Moisturiser, $70. Leigh: The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum, $14.60. Kelly: Aeon Skin Liquid Magic,$90. Leigh: Bioderma Atoderm 2-in-1 Oil Nourishing Dry Body Oil, $54.99 Kelly: Holme Beauty Lip Lock, $42. Leigh: Merit Great Skin Double Cleanse, $51. Kelly: Go-To Very Glowy Primer, $48. Leigh: Givenchy Prisme Libre Glow Serum Foundation, $100. Kelly: Soma Body Wash, $18. Leigh: Maybelline Lifter Stix Multi-Use Face Sculpting Stick, $29.99 (shade 45) DON'T FORGET: Watch & Subscribe on YouTube, this episode drops tonight at 7pm! Catch it here. Follow us on Instagram: @youbeautypodcast Follow us on TikTok: @youbeautypod Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note on Instagram! You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. For our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more - sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter here Subscribe to Mamamia here CREDITS: Hosts: Leigh Campbell & Kelly McCarren Producer: Sophie Campbell Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris Catch our new summer listening series - with new episodes dropping every Monday and Friday! This Friday, we’re debunking your biggest beauty myths.You Beauty returns Monday, January 12. 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 we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Des 202518min

Leigh and Kelly are back in your ears, sorting Youbie beauty dilemmas in record time. Today’s summer listening episode is quick and dirty; from a blush rule worth breaking and the science behind those pesky black dots on your nose, to reversing self tan mistakes and whether $400 Japanese head spas are worth the price, we’ve got you covered. PRODUCTS MENTIONED: JisuLife Handheld Fan Life10S, $29.99. Kmart Portable Fan, $15. Noosa Bronze Gradual Tan, $39.95. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Face Drops, $42. Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops Dark, $19.95. Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder, $28. Thanks To Nature Haircare Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup Foundation, $79. TARTE Amazonian Clay 16-Hour Full Coverage Foundation, $68. L’Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear Foundation, $39.99. NARS Light Reflecting Foundation, $90. The Ordinary Serum Foundation, $12.70. Revlon Illuminance Tinted Serum, $40. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation, $79. Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $54. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Since 1%, $9.50. NYK1 CONCENTRATED Eyelash Growth Serum, $74.95. LEIGH CAMPBELL: 'There are 3 lash serums that will actually give you results.' DON'T FORGET: Watch & Subscribe on YouTube, this episode drops tonight at 7pm! Catch it here. Follow us on Instagram: @youbeautypodcast Follow us on TikTok: @youbeautypod Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note on Instagram! You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. For our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more - sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter here Subscribe to Mamamia here CREDITS: Hosts: Leigh Campbell & Kelly McCarren Producer: Sophie Campbell Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris Catch our new summer listening series - with new episodes dropping every Monday and Friday! This Monday, we’re rounding up the best product launches of 2025.You Beauty returns Monday, January 12. 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 we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Des 202526min

Our summer listening series is here to keep you company (and entertained), wherever you are this summer! On today’s episode… would one of your You Beauty hosts get their bits pierced if they body-swapped? Did the other have an explosive bowel malfunction while driving to a major photoshoot? From jealousy, job interview fails and everything in between, Leigh and Kelly are answering all your burning non-beauty questions in this massive 'Ask Us Anything' session. DON'T FORGET: Watch & Subscribe on YouTube, this episode drops tonight at 7pm! Catch it here. Follow us on Instagram: @youbeautypodcast Follow us on TikTok: @youbeautypod Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note on Instagram! You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. For our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more - sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter here Subscribe to Mamamia here CREDITS: Hosts: Leigh Campbell & Kelly McCarren Producer: Sophie Campbell Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris Catch our new summer listening series - with new episodes dropping every Monday and Friday! This Friday, we’re bringing you 10 fast Q&As. You Beauty returns Monday, January 12th! 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 we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Des 202528min