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Turning Lewks

Turning Lewks
Author: Darren Mew
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© Darren Mew
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A chat show coming from 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.
28 Episodes
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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 - @TurningLewksPodFollow Lexi/Josh on instagram - @lexi.blacFollow our host - @MxDarren_
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 us on instagram - @TurningLewksPodFollow Byron on instagram - @byron_londonFollow our host - @MxDarren_Find out more about Not a Phase here: https://notaphase.org/
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 - @TurningLewksPodFollow Yshee on instagram - @ysheeblackFollow our host - @MxDarren_
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 - @TurningLewksPodFollow Grace on instagram - @graceinsolemuaFollow our host - @MxDarren_
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 - @TurningLewksPodFollow Jess on instagram - @1tsjustjessFollow our host - @MxDarren_
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 - @TurningLewksPodFollow Dylan on instagram - @sheisdylan
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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:
Instagram
Drag Account
Gender Swap website
Their short story
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
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