Explore every episode of the podcast Turning Lewks
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When Artists Lead: MUA Power & Product Innovation with Grace Insole | 18 May 2025 | 00:31:09 | |
In this episode of Turning Lewks, we’re joined by makeup artist Grace Insole to explore the growing influence of MUAs in shaping the beauty industry from the inside out. We unpack why having artists at the helm of brands—like Lisa Eldridge, Pat McGrath, and Hindash—is changing the game in product innovation, color stories, and artistry-led formulas. Grace shares her thoughts on what sets MUA-led brands apart, the gaps in the market they’re filling, and the dream products she wishes existed. Plus, we get into whether traditional beauty brands are playing it too safe, how social media is driving the new wave of artist entrepreneurship, and what her ultimate dream collab would look like. Follow us on instagram - @TurningLewksPod Follow Grace on instagram - @graceinsolemua Follow our host - @MxDarren_ | |||
| Cosplay & Creativity: The Art of Character Makeup with Jessica Sebastiao | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:28:31 | |
In this episode of Turning Lewks, we’re diving into the world of cosplay makeup with Jessica Sebastiao, semi-finalist from Glow Up Series 6 and a master of character transformations. From bringing animated icons to life to perfecting long-wear techniques for comic cons, Jessica shares how cosplay makeup is more than just a look—it’s an art form. We chat about the skills needed to create bold, theatrical beauty, how the cosplay and makeup communities intersect, and whether the beauty industry is finally taking notice of this highly creative world. Plus, Jessica spills behind-the-scenes moments from Glow Up, her dream character transformations, and what it really takes to stand out in cosplay. Grab your brushes and get ready to geek out over makeup magic! Follow us on instagram - @TurningLewksPod Follow Jess on instagram - @1tsjustjess Follow our host - @MxDarren_ | |||
| Part 1 | Navigating an MUA career and Thriving with Tourette Syndrome with James Mac | 06 May 2024 | 00:25:32 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode twelve of Turning Lewks! This month they are joined by James Mac! They talk about growing up in ireland and their secret love of makeup, having their very own gallery exhibition and life as an MUA with Tourette Syndrome. This is the first part of the conversation with James so make sure to tune in next month for part two! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod Follow Joseph: Instagram - @jmac_mua | |||
| Beauty News | Is Selena Gomez selling Rare Beauty? And more | 12 Apr 2024 | 00:11:06 | |
In our first solo episode of beauty news, we chat through some of the biggest and most shocking stories to come out over the past few weeks: Age restrictions on skincare, Makeup price freezes, Selena Gomez selling Rare Beauty, New Sephora UK stores, Glow Up UK is BACK! Listen now to keep up to date with the makeup industry. | |||
| No such thing as too much blush with MUA Joseph Tiernan | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:30:08 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode eleven of Turning Lewks! This month they are joined by Joseph Tiernan! They talk about working in makeup retail, their love for blush, how Cheryl Cole was a makeup inspiration and so much more! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod Follow Joseph: Instagram - @jpt.beauty | |||
| Facing your prosthetic fears with BBC's Glow Up finalist Axel Brown | 05 Mar 2024 | 00:43:08 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode ten of Turning Lewks! This month they are joined by Axel Brown, finalist of season 5 of BBC Three's Glow Up! They talk about their time on the show, their love for prosthetics, drag and so much more! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod Follow Axel: Instagram - @Axelartistry | |||
| Makeup as activism with Gender Swap founder Santi S | 05 Feb 2024 | 00:40:14 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode nine of Turning Lewks! This month they are joined by Santi S who is the founder of Gender Swap, a trans style outreach organisation, where they talk about their time at Mac cosmetics, makeup as a form of activism and their newly found drag persona! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod Follow Santi: | |||
| The future of makeup with Darren Mew | 04 Jan 2024 | 00:23:24 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode eight of Turning Lewks! This month they sit down and talk all about the future of makeup, trends for 2024 and what they want to leave in 2023! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| What its like to be a beauty content creator with Hautemess Tom | 27 Dec 2023 | 00:42:46 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode seven of Turning Lewks! This month they sit down with beauty content creator Hautemess Tom (they/them). This month they talk all things from what its like getting PR, growing your content channels and the change in the online beauty space over the past 10 years! Watch Tom's Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@hautemesstom Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| Behind the scenes of the makeup world with MUA Grace Insole | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:36:54 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode six of Turning Lewks! This month they sit down with makeup artist Grace Insole (She/Her). This month they talk all things from finding the ingredients that go into your makeup, makeup artists brands and what its like working for some of your favourite makeup gurus! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| Reality TV, Makeup for on screen and stress with BBC's Glow UP star On-May Yeung | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:29:13 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode five of Turning Lewks! This month they sit down with makeup artist and BBC's Glow Up season 5 contestant, On-May Yeung. This month they talk all things from competing on a reality TV show, being a self taught makeup artist and so much more! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| Feeling fabulous in your makeup style with Triple Minor | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:37:50 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode four of Turning Lewks! This month they sit down with fashion icon and beauty influencer, Triple Minor. This month they talk all things from finding your fabulous, your sense of self with makeup and what its like seeing yourself on TV! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| Runway to Drag Way: FW25 Beauty Trends & UK Drag with Miss Dylan | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:34:54 | |
This month on Turning Lewks, I’m joined by the fabulous Drag Queen, Miss Dylan, to break down the biggest makeup trends from A/W 25 Fashion Month. We’re spilling all the tea on our favorite runway looks, the trends we think will take over, and how high fashion influences drag artistry. Plus, we’re diving into the UK drag scene—its evolution, challenges, and the beauty of self-expression through performance. Grab your brushes and tune in! 🎨💄✨ Follow us on instagram - @TurningLewksPod Follow Dylan on instagram - @sheisdylan | |||
| Bonus episode | Summer Makeup Trends | 28 Jul 2023 | 00:14:17 | |
Join Darren in this short BONUS episode as they chat through some of the summer 2023 makeup trends, exploring industry and social media trends to figure out what makeup is "in" right now. Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| Makeup, beauty, glam and where they all meet with Patti Baston | 28 May 2023 | 00:40:39 | |
Join makeup artist, Ed Mellor (he/they), and makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode three of Turning Lewks! This week they sit down with business owner and makeup artist, Patti Baston. This month they talk all things from hiding makeup under the bed, being chased down the street, the Met Gala and so much more! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| Self expression through the power of makeup with Glow Up Ireland winner Glen Edward | 23 Apr 2023 | 00:39:54 | |
Join makeup artist, Ed Mellor (he/they), and makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in the second episode of Turning Lewks! This week they sit down with the WINNER of the first ever season of Glow Up Ireland, Glen Edward, to talk about their makeup journey, how they find a sense of self through their makeup and dealing with online criticism plus so much more! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| Episode one | Why we LOVE makeup | 26 Mar 2023 | 00:28:56 | |
Join makeup artist, Ed Mellor (he/they), and makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in the first episode of Turning Lewks! This week they sit down together and talk about all things makeup: from how they fell in love with cosmetics, their favourite makeup artists and so much more. They even talk about some of the latest beauty news such as Sephora UK's opening and London Fashion Week. Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| Turning Lewks Trailer | 16 Mar 2023 | 00:00:44 | |
Turning Lewks is a brand new podcast chat show coming from pro makeup artists, Ed Mellor, and makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew. Each month they'll be sitting down to talk all things makeup, cosmetics and beauty, exploring and sharing our opinions on the latest trends, new in beauty, tips and tricks, as well as, sitting down with industry leaders to talk about their passions in this ever changing and growing industry. Basically this podcast is going to be your one stop shop for all things makeup as well as finding out more about some incredible people working in beauty. | |||
| Painting the Town Proud: Makeup, Drag, and Queer Self-Discovery with Joey Fafia | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:33:49 | |
This LGBT+ History Month, we’re celebrating queer expression through the power of makeup! I’m joined by the fabulous Joey Fafia to talk about exploring makeup in queer nightlife, how it aids in self-discovery, and the drag icons that inspire us. Get ready for an inspiring, glam-filled conversation about identity, creativity, and the safe haven of queer beauty. Tune in and celebrate with us! Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod
Follow Joey: Instagram - @joeyfafia | |||
| Makeup trends for 2025 | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:13:22 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew, in episode EIGHTEEN of Turning Lewks! This month they talk all about the makeup and beauty trends popping up for 2025. Let us know in the comments what your excited about most in beauty for 2025!
Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod | |||
| Controversial makeup opinions with Hautemess Tom | 18 Nov 2024 | 00:29:33 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode SEVENTEEN of Turning Lewks! This month they are joined by Hautemess Tom! Together they talk about their unpopular and controversial makeup opinion on MUA makeup brands, clean beauty and makeup pricing.
Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod
Follow Tom: Instagram - @hautemesstom YouTube - Hautemess Tom | |||
| The best makeup lewks from Fashion Month SS25 discussed with MUA Natalia Conde-Flores | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:30:52 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode sixteen of Turning Lewks! This month they are joined by makeup artist, Natalia Conde-Flores! Together they talk over the makeup trends and favourite lewks coming from London, New York, Paris and Milan Fashion weeks, as well as so much more!
Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod
Follow Natalia: Instagram - @nataliacondeartistry | |||
| Darren and Tom drag the entire makeup industry for 30 mins | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:29:03 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode FIFTEEN of Turning Lewks! This month they are joined by Hautemess Tom! Together they talk about their unpopular and controversial makeup opinion on content creators, makeup brands and the only beauty community.
Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod
Follow Tom: Instagram - @hautemesstom YouTube - Hautemess Tom | |||
| Keeping up with trends and staying true to yourself as a beauty influencer with Nancè Chel | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:29:17 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode FOURTEEN of Turning Lewks! This month they are joined by Nancè Chel! They talk about what it's like being a content creator in the 2020s, finding your vibe on instagram, tiktok and snapchat, and finding your voice as a POC content creator. Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod Follow Nancè: Instagram - @nancychel.makeup TikTok - @.nancychel YouTube - @NancyChel | |||
| Part 2 | Hitting the London drag scene to BBC 3's Glow Up and beyond with James Mac | 03 Jun 2024 | 00:26:06 | |
Join makeup enthusiast, Darren Mew (they/she), in episode thirteen of Turning Lewks! This month they are joined by James Mac - again! They talk about their time on the London drag scene, getting to the finale of BBC's MUA competition show Glow Up and what's in-store for their future. This is the second part of the conversation with James. Make sure to follow the podcast on: Instagram - @TurningLewksPod TikTok - @TurningLewksPod Follow Joseph: Instagram - @jmac_mua | |||
| Redefining Queer & Drag-Inspired Beauty with Joshua Longshaw | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:33:20 | |
This month on Turning Lewks, we’re joined by Glow Up Series 7 star Joshua - Glow Up Series 7 contestant, drag queen extraordinaire, and a makeup artist with dreams as bold as his brushstrokes. We chat about his journey from drag as Lexi Blac to building a MUA career, the queer and drag-inspired artistry that defines his style, and what it was really like competing on Glow Up. Expect stories from behind the scenes, candid reflections on creativity under pressure, and Joshua’s vision for bringing colour back into the makeup industry. Follow us on instagram - @TurningLewksPod Follow Lexi/Josh on instagram - @lexi.blac Follow our host - @MxDarren_ | |||
| Alt-Glam, Attitude & It Girl Energy with Byron London | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:38:44 | |
In this episode of Turning Lewks, we dive into the new wave of beauty with celebrity MUA Byron London, whose work on Julia Fox, Bimini, Self Esteem, and Jade Thirwall has helped define a rebellious aesthetic that’s anything but polished. Byron joins us to break down the 90s alt-inspired resurgence—think thin brows, bleached edges, grungy tones, and cool-toned contour—and why this look feels like a bold response to both “clean girl” minimalism and hyper-glam perfectionism. We talk about the rise of the It Girl as a vibe, not a look, and how individuality, attitude, and anti-trend glamour are shaping the future of beauty. Plus: Byron spills about their favourite lewks from film, and what the next generation of rule-breaking beauty really looks like. Follow Byron on instagram - @byron_london Follow our host - @MxDarren_ Find out more about Not a Phase here: https://notaphase.org/ | |||
| Glow Up Series 7 Recap with Yshee Black | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:34:38 | |
In this Turning Lewks bonus episode, we’re getting our glitter magnifying glasses out and diving deep into BBC’s Glow Up Series 7—and joining us for the ride is none other than the camp icon herself, Yshee Black. From standout transformations to the spiciest critiques, we’re breaking down the boldest moments, most gag-worthy looks, and all the backstage drama. Yshee brings her signature wit and drag wisdom to the table as we discuss who served, who swerved, and who we’re still thinking about. Whether you’re a Glow Up superfan or just here for the high-stakes lashes and liner, this episode is a riot of colour, commentary, and charisma. Lewk lovers, let’s get into it. Follow us on instagram - @TurningLewksPod Follow Yshee on instagram - @ysheeblack Follow our host - @MxDarren_ | |||