Why Jessica Sepel Puts Apple Cider Vinegar On Her Pimples

Ever dreamed of a full day spa experience without needing to take a single step outside the house? This week on The Formula, Kelly is joined by multi-award-winning skin expert Karla McDiarmid—the woman behind the globally recognised Macquarie Medispa in regional NSW. With over 26 years in the industry (and a trophy shelf to prove it), Karla shares exactly how to replicate medispa-style results at home using the right combination of skincare, tech, and technique. We chat about the rise of non-invasive treatments, how your gut health might be affecting your face, and why sometimes all your skin really needs… is hydration.Plus, Karla reveals her go-to products, the most overrated skincare trends, and her glow-inducing personal routine. Whether you're a skincare minimalist or a full-glam maximalist, this ep is your cheat sheet to getting that post-facial glow from your own bathroom. Nivea Q10 is 50% Off at Coles from 9.4.25 to 15.04.25 and 50% Off at Woolworths from 16.4.25 to 22.4.25Disclaimer: Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently. Pure Q10: absorbed deep within the skin* LINKS TO EVERYTHING MENTIONED: Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel $74 Daily Resurfacer (Discontinued)​ Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30 $82 Sothys Paris (In Clinic Purchase) Hydra3Ha Intensive Hydrating Serum Omega Lipid Replenishing Cream Hydra3Ha Professional Facial Treatment Inskin Cosmedics Hydrating Plump Sheet Masks (Box of 30) $55 SUBSCRIBE: Watch us on Youtube Subscribe to Mamamia Sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter for our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more! GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here. You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Hosts: Kelly McCarren Guest: Karla McDiarmid Producer: Stef MacFie & Mollie Harwood Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler 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.

14 Apr 26min

Thanks to everyone who voted in the You Beauty Awards, we are taking a short break so are bringing you one of our fave episodes! Check out the winners here: The 2025 You Beauty Award Winners!Beauty Best Bits: You wanted affordable dupes for those pricey, viral skincare products—and we’ve got the perfect picks! But trust us, these aren't the ones you’d expect. We're also diving into how our makeup game has evolved from our 20s to our 30s and 40s. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about technique—this is a lesson in caring less. Plus, Leigh's ultimate multi masking hack for ALL Skin types is going to give your skin an upgrade. Nivea Q10 is 50% Off at Coles from 9.4.25 to 15.04.25 and 50% Off at Woolworths from 16.4.25 to 22.4.25Disclaimer: Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently. Pure Q10: absorbed deep within the skin* LINKS TO EVERYTHING MENTIONED: Vitamin C Complex Serum $41 ESK Reverse C Serum $99 Go-To Very Luxe Face Cream $79 CeraVe Moisturising Cream $19.39 Alpha-H High Tide Water Cream with Australian River Mint $79 Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream $60 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel $38 Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer $72 Neostrata Skin Active Cellular Restoration Night Cream $45 The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA $14 Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant $50 SUBSCRIBE: Watch us on Youtube Subscribe to Mamamia Sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter for our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more! GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here. You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Hosts: Kelly McCarren & Leigh Campbell Producer: Cassie Merritt Audio Producer: Lu Hill & Tegan Sadler 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.

13 Apr 19min

You Voted. The You Beauty Cast Debated. And Here it is...Drum Roll Please...The 2025 You Beauty Award Winners!The Best Makeup of 2025.BEST PRIMER: HOST CHOICE: elf Cosmetics Power Grip Primer, $24. WINNER: Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base, $104. BEST CONCEALER: HOST CHOICE: Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector, $54. WINNER: Rimmel Multi Tasker Wake Me Up Concealer & Foundation, $32.95. BEST FOUNDATION: HOST CHOICE: Image Skincare Conceal Flawless Foundation, $89.95. WINNER: NARS Light Reflecting Foundation, $89. BEST MASCARA: HOST CHOICE: Benefit BADGal Bang Volumising Mascara, $49. WINNER: Revlon All In Tubing Mascara Brown, $25.95. BEST LIP PRODUCT: HOST CHOICE: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, $27.95. WINNER: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Pillow Talk Lipstick, $54. BEST BROW PRODUCT: HOST CHOICE: Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Eyebrow Pencil, $28. WINNER: Benefit Cosmetics Precisely My Brow Eyebrow Pencil, $28. BEST CHEEK PRODUCT: HOST CHOICE: Morphe Hot Shot Blush Drops, $23. WINNER: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $27. The Best Body and Fragrance Products of 2025.BEST BODY FINISHING PRODUCT: HOST CHOICE: Sun Escape Instant Self Tan Mousse, $44.95. WINNER: MCoBeauty Super Glow All Over Luminising Tint, $35. BEST MOISTURISER: HOST CHOICE: Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Dewy Radiance Body Lotion, $10.99. WINNER: Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Lotion, $9.49. BEST BODY SCRUB: HOST CHOICE: Epzen Energise Glow Body Scrub, $16. WINNER: L'Occitane Almond Shower Scrub, $45. BEST FRAGRANCE: HOST CHOICE: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum, $194 - $270. WINNER: Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne, $$60 - $256. The Best Skincare of 2025.BEST CLEANSER: HOST CHOICE: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil, $33.99. WINNER: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $17.99. BEST SERUM: HOST CHOICE: Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum, $199. WINNER: TBH The Rebound Serum, $49.95. BEST FACE CREAM: HOST CHOICE: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Moisturiser, $10.70 - $22.30. WINNER: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+, $42.95. BEST FACE OIL: HOST CHOICE: Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil, $40 - $98. WINNER: Go-To Face Hero, $45. BEST EYE PRODUCT: HOST CHOICE: No7 Future Renew™ Eye Serum, $44.95. WINNER: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Eye Serum, $39.50. BEST EXFOLIANT: HOST CHOICE: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $49. WINNER: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, $32 - $109. BEST MASK: HOST CHOICE: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque Hydrating Facial Mask, $111. WINNER: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mask B5 Sheet Masks, $55.95. BEST LIP BALM: HOST CHOICE: Lanolips 101 Ointment, $14.95 - $18.95. WINNER: CARMEX Classic Jar, $6.26. The Best Haircare of 2025BEST SHAMPOO: HOST CHOICE: Evo The Therapist Hydrating Shampoo, $41. WINNER: TRESemme Hair Shampoo Lamellar Shine, $17. BEST CONDITIONER: HOST CHOICE: Kerasilk Smoothing Conditioner, $46. WINNER: Pantene 3 Minute Miracle Repair & Protect Conditioner, $7.99. BEST HAIR TOOL: HOST CHOICE: Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System Hair Styler, $499. WINNER: ghd chronos max wide plate straightener, $495. BEST HAIR TREATMENT: HOST CHOICE: Garnier Pineapple Hair Drink, $17.99. WINNER: Moroccanoil Hair Treatment Oil, $79. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to Mamamia Sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter for our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more! GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here. You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Hosts: Leigh Campbell, Kelly McCarren, Erin Docherty, Emily Vernem & Sarah Marie Fahd Producer: Lee Stamps & Stephanie MacFie Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti 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 Apr 28min

Leigh is absolutely obsessed with Revolution Beauty's new Skin Silk Under Eye Brightener and Concealer that's flying off Priceline shelves. With its cooling metal applicator and sheer, hydrating formula that doesn't settle into fine lines, it's the under-eye savior we've all been waiting for. And, we need to talk about the Ex Nihilo Paris Blue Talisman fragrance that literally had Kelly wanting to "jump" Leigh in the studio. This $350 unisex perfume with its unique smoky notes might just be your new signature scent. Plus, for just $16, People Haircare's All-In-One Shampoo & Conditioner is the affordable multitasker that protects against heat, adds shine, controls frizz, and strengthens - all in one bottle. Don't forget! The You Beauty Awards winners will be announced tomorrow, April 12th! LINKS TO EVERYTHING MENTIONED: Leigh's Products:Savey: Revolution Beauty Skin Silk Under Eye Brightener and Concealer $18Spendy: Ex Nihilo Paris Blue Talisman EDP $350Newbie: Givenchy Prisme Libre Glow Serum Foundation $100Kelly's Products:Spendy: Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Mask $109Savey: People Haircare All In One Shampoo & Conditioner $16Newbie: Bubble Micellar Milk Cleanser $25 Watch us on Youtube SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to Mamamia Sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter for our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more! GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here. You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Hosts: Kelly McCarren & Leigh Campbell Producer: Stef MacFie & Lee Stamps Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti 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.

10 Apr 17min

As the temperatures drop and the knits come out, it's time to refresh your beauty routine for autumn! From skincare saviours to seasonal makeup trends, Sarah Marie and Kelly guide you through the essential seasonal swaps your face is begging for. Plus, Sarah Marie predicts a surprising nail colour trend that will be everywhere this season (hint: it's not what you'd expect!). Don't forget, Myer You Beauty Awards Winner Announced this Saturday! LINKS TO EVERYTHING MENTIONED:Skincare Saviours: Naturium Multi-Peptide Rich Cream $49.95 Bubble Magic Melt Micellar Milk $14.99 The Ordinary Serum Foundation $12.70 Body & Lip Care: Badger Cuticle Care Shea Butter $12.94 NOW Foods Sweet Almond Oil (Unscented) $10.57 Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex $54.95 Autumn Makeup: Milani Blushes (Balm, Cream & Baked formulas) Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil $43 Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette $88 Fragrance & Nails: Nest Vanilla Bourbon Eau de Parfum $165 OPI Nail Lacquer in Midnight in Moscow $21.95 OPI Lincoln Park After Dark $21.95 Essie Bordeaux $15.99 Jin Soon Cool Blue $30 SUBSCRIBE: Watch us on Youtube Subscribe to Mamamia Sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter for our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more! GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here. You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Hosts: Kelly McCarren & Sarah Marie Fahd Producer: Stef MacFie & Lee Stamps Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti 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.

9 Apr 17min

Em tests an emergency beauty hack after finding herself in a hotel room with a full face and no cleanser. Can moisturiser effectively remove makeup when you're in a pinch? She compares the results to micellar water to determine if this old-school trick deserves its viral TikTok revival. Meanwhile, Erin continues her glycolic acid experiments by testing whether it can replace your deodorant. After recruiting her husband for an extra sweaty test run, she reveals if these chemical exfoliant pads can truly combat underarm odour and hyperpigmentation as social media dermatologists claim. NIVEA Q10 is 50% Off at Coles from 9.4.25 to 15.04.25 Disclaimer: On sale until 15/04/2025. While stocks last. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently. Pure Q10: absorbed deep within the skin* LINKS TO EVERYTHING MENTIONED: Skin Control Peel Pads with Salicylic, Glycolic & Hyaluronic Acid $12.80 Medik8 Daily Facial Cream $89 Watch us on Youtube SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to Mamamia Sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter for our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more! GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here. You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Hosts: Erin Docherty & Emily Vernem Producer: Stef MacFie & Lee Stamps Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler Video Producer: Marlena Cacciotti 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 Apr 13min

Kelly McCarren sits in for Erin (who's "prepping to exit a human out of her body") to get the "pervy intel" on what really happens behind the scenes of a beauty launch. We speak with Georgia South, from Skinterest, as she pulls back the curtain on why influencer beauty brands are so successful (and so controversial). From the true cost of formulation to strategic sell-outs, Georgia explains why some people love to hate influencer brands despite their massive success. Whether you're curious about white-label products, what "5 years in development" actually means, or which celebrity beauty products are genuinely worth your money, this insider's perspective reveals the business formulas behind the beauty formulas. NIVEA Q10 is 50% Off at Woolworths from the 02/04/25 to 08/04/25 and 50% Off at Coles from 9.4.25 to 15.04.25 Disclaimer: On sale until 15/04/2025. While stocks last. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently. Pure Q10: absorbed deep within the skin* LINKS TO EVERYTHING MENTIONED: Influencer Beauty Brands Discussed: Point of View Glossier NaturiumRhodeSummer Fridays SUBSCRIBE: Watch us on Youtube Subscribe to Mamamia Sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter for our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more! GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here. You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Hosts: Kelly McCarren Guest: Georgia South Producer: Stef MacFie & Lee Stamps Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler 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.

7 Apr 20min

A question from an "elder millennial" has Leigh and Kelly breaking down the retinol strength debate: is it better to use a mild formula more frequently or a stronger one just once a week? Sharing their personal experiences and product recommendations for different retinol strengths that might work for sensitive skin. Plus, they tackle why fragrances might be disappearing too quickly. Is your perfume actually vanishing within hours, or is something else happening? (Spoiler: your nose might be playing tricks on you!) Leigh and Kelly offer recommendations for long-lasting formulations that won't fade away by lunchtime. And don't miss their genius host hacks - Kelly's trick for making black eyeshadow truly black (not blue!) and Leigh's emergency solution for covering grey roots when you're running late! NIVEA Q10 is 50% Off at Woolworths from the 02/04/25 to 08/04/25 and 50% Off at Coles from 9.4.25 to 15.04.25 Disclaimer: On sale until 15/04/2025. While stocks last. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently. Pure Q10: absorbed deep within the skin* LINKS TO EVERYTHING MENTIONED: Retinol Recommendations:Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream $165First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25 Pure Concentrate $99.95Kiehl's Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Microdose Serum $161Medik8 Crystal Retinal $99Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro Plus Night Cream $65Ole Henriksen Double Rewind Pro Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum $105Go-To Very Amazing Retinal $85CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol $43.99 Long-Lasting Fragrance Recommendations:Perfume Skincare Company Fig and Olive Fragrance Oil $27.50 (10ml roll-on)Gentle Habits Tasmania Perfume Oil $50More Snow Gardenia Perfume Oil $22.95 AYU Roomy Oil $90Nest Vanilla Bourbon EDP $55 (8ml at Sephora)Chloe Atelier Defleur Cedra $216 YOU BEAUTY AWARDS: Winners to be announced THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 12! SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to Mamamia Sign up for our free You Beauty weekly newsletter for our product recommendations, exclusive beauty news, reviews, articles, deals and much more! GET IN TOUCH: Got a beauty question you want answered? Email us at youbeauty@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice message, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. Join our You Beauty Facebook Group here. You Beauty is a podcast by Mamamia. Listen to more Mamamia podcasts here. CREDITS: Hosts: Kelly McCarren & Leigh Campbell Producer: Stef MacFie & Lee Stamps Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler 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.

6 Apr 19min