The Beauty With Gemma Dimond’s Stamp of Approval
January 1 | 3 minute read
Words by Kerri Gordon
Originally published on | May 12
Meanwhile, one of the country’s most crazed beauty fans was making her vote count – and has continued to do so for the past decade and a half. Gemma Dimond (nee Watts) is a beauty writer, MC, podcast host and, to add to her byline, the type of person who can convince you to buy anything (editor’s note: she put me on to Charlotte Tilbury in the back row of a university class long before the brand launched in Australia, and boy was she onto something).
“MECCA Beauty Election is my Super Bowl,” she tells us, adding, “For context, the Super Bowl is an event that Taylor Swift’s boyfriend is involved with in some capacity.”
If anyone knows their beauty, it’s Gemma, so we couldn’t help but wonder – and then more explicitly, ask – which products would be getting her vote in this year’s election.
Luckily, she’s as nosy as us: “As simple as it sounds, I love seeing what other people are loving," she says. "I’m nosy! I’m a real pest to have in a makeup artist’s chair because I just want to look through their kit. If you’ve ever bumped into me in a public bathroom while you were touching up your makeup, I guarantee I’ve asked what you’re using,” she preaches.
“Seeing the Beauty Election results allows me to do that without pestering people.”
Make nosy like Gemma and peep some of her votes for the 2024 MECCA Beauty Election.
CATEGORY: THE INSTANT GLOW-UP
Gemma’s vote: By Terry Brightening CC Serum
“I have loved this for so, so many years now, in every shade (my most worn are 'Apricot Glow' for a real 'your skin, but better' finish, and 'Sunny Flash' to get my face to match my fake tan). I don’t even need a full pump – it’s glowing skin with minimum effort and minimal product, which we love.”
CATEGORY: THE MOST ACE BASE
Gemma’s vote: NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
“This foundation ticks so many boxes for me. Texturally it’s a beautiful light fluid, the coverage is buildable which makes it really versatile, and the finish on the skin is really fresh and radiant.”
CATEGORY: THE HYDRATION HERO
Gemma’s vote: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
“This is an icon for a reason. I have at least one full tub of this in my house at all times because it’s such an easy, really failsafe hydration hero for me. My husband uses it too, and while he won’t admit it, he’s fussy with skincare.”
CATEGORY: MAKEUP PREP THAT GOES THE DISTANCE
Gemma’s vote: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream™
“This product was created after Charlotte spent years backstage at fashion shows mixing her own pre-makeup concoction for the models, and they subsequently begged her to make more. I bought my first jar back in 2015 and have never looked back.”
CATEGORY: THE ONE FOR THE SUN
Gemma’s vote: MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
“I wear sunscreen every day of my life (rain, hail, or shine), so I’ve tried a LOT. The texture of this really is that of a serum, and it gives the skin a beautiful, radiant glow.”
CATEGORY: THE SCENT TAKING THE WORLD BY SPRITZ
Gemma’s vote: Le Labo Thé Noir 29 EDP
“I am a big proponent of the 'fragrance wardrobe' as opposed to a singular signature scent, but if I had to play favourites… This is my favourite. I wear it the most and I continually repurchase it. That, in and of itself, is a huge call. Please don’t tell my other perfumes.”
CATEGORY: THE BEAUTY BREAKTHROUGH OF 2024
Gemma’s vote: Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajád Extrait de Parfum
“I had the pleasure of sitting down with Thibaud Crivelli at MECCA HQ on his most recent trip to Australia, and the way he describes scent is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. He’s a visionary! This is a floral unlike any other – it was inspired by the taste of hibiscus tea in a gemstone market. Genius!”
Now, it’s your turn. Weigh in on your beauty bests by voting in the 2024 MECCA Beauty Election here.
