Beauty Q+A with Joanna Fleming and Hannah Furst from Beauty IQ: Uncensored

In case you haven't heard, online beauty supply juggernaut Adore Beauty are now also taking the podcast world by storm. Their podcast Beauty IQ Uncensored, hosted by Joanna Fleming and Hannah Furst, was launched in 2019 and has quickly become a huge success. A “No topic is off-limit” approach to chatting about beauty and skincare makes for a refreshing insight into a fascinating industry that usually keeps its cards close to its chest.

We were lucky enough to chat to hosts Joanna and Hannah, and ask them a few questions about the best ways to take care of your skin this winter.

What are the main skin concerns you experience over the winter months?

Joanna: I have rosacea, so the indoor heating, wind and fluctuation in temperature can sometimes mess with my skin and lead to a bit of a flare-up of redness and sensitivity. I also have normal to dry skin, and the dryness really peaks in the cooler months.

Hannah: I have oily skin so my biggest concern in winter is lacklustre and dull skin. I love a healthy glow (faux of course), and I find winter kills my vibe and destroys my soul (mostly because I HATE cold weather) and this shows on my skin.

What products do you recommend to address these issues?

Joanna: For the dryness, I love leaving Aspect’s Probiotic Mask on overnight. It’s got heaps of botanical extracts, oils, antioxidants and hydrators to replenish dry skin. Managing a condition like rosacea is less influenced by products in many cases, and more by ongoing lifestyle factors. Supporting my barrier is really important, so I usually employ a richer moisturiser in winter and mix in a facial oil, use my at-home LED device (I have three different ones – excessive, I know), and I regularly go to James Vivian in Toorak for Laser Genesis, which keeps my redness under control.

Hannah: I love a good face tan – I mix my Tuscan Tan Tanning Drops with a hydrating serum in winter. Oh, and leaving Australia for winter, although that’s less practical right now ;)

What are your top skincare/beauty rules for winter?

Joanna: 1. Listen to your skin – If the same skincare you always use isn’t cutting it and you feel tight and/or flaky, you may need to introduce some richer products or more hydrating/ moisturising ingredients to your routine. Don’t ignore the signs your skin is giving you.

2. Don’t ditch the SPF – It’s time for the narrative around sunscreen use to change. It’s not a summer necessity, it’s something that should be worn all year round. If the UV rating is above

3. you need to throw on your SPF. 3. Have a good lip balm – My lips always dry out in winter, so I like to have a good lip balm on hand at my desk, in my car, in my handbag etc. I love Lanolips 101 Ointment and Innisfree Green Tea Lip Sleeping Mask.

Hannah: 1. SPF, always. It can be freezing cold, raining, and poof, then it’s sunny. Bloody Melbourne weather, am I right? So, never forget your SPF.

2. Fake it till you make it. I really hate looking at my sick-looking skin during winter, so I need to fake a summer holiday to get me through.

In your opinion, what are the most common beauty mistakes women make during winter?

Joanna: I know a hot shower sounds like a nice idea when it’s cold, but it can further dry out the skin, which may already be compromised by the climate, so avoid overly hot showers and cleanse with lukewarm water at the basin if you can.

Hannah: I am guilty of being too cold to get out of bed to cleanse my face at night. Oops! Always, always, always cleanse before bed.

What makeup or skincare trends do you see yourself following for winter this year?

Joanna: I don’t really buy into skincare “trends” as such, but I am excited by some new products that I think will be great for dull winter skin this year, like Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturiser and Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial, which are hitting shelves soon.

Hannah: I’m the same as Jo, I don’t really follow trends. I listen to my skin and create a routine centred around my specific concerns.

Should people change their makeup/ skincare routine during the winter months? If yes, what kinds of products should we be swapping in and out?

Joanna: It does depend on their skin type and concerns, but generally yes, some minor tweaks can be really beneficial in keeping dryness and dehydration at bay. If you use a lightweight, gel-based moisturiser in the summer, it might be worth adding a richer moisturiser to your winter skincare routine, and/or introducing a facial oil. It’s all about protecting your skin’s barrier, which is easily affected by the climate.

Hannah: I definitely go for a heavier moisturiser in winter, because my skin can feel tighter and more sensitive. I also tend to be well out of the sun during winter, so ramp up my retinol and AHAs!

What exciting products are you loving at the moment that we should know about?

Joanna: We have a segment on the podcast called PWDKWN (Product We Didn’t Know We Needed), so we have pretty extensive lists at all times of the things we’re trying. Lately I’ve been loving Bobbi Brown’s CrushedOil Infused Gloss. I have the shade In The Buff. I’ve also been loving Inika Radiant Glow Veil, Avene Thermal Spring Water, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze and Aspect’s new mineral makeup range.

Hannah: I’m really loving the Skin Virtue skincare brand – it’s a new brand at Adore. I love trying new skincare – I’m like a kid in a candy store.