It's New. In September. At MECCA
August 24 | 4 minute read
Words by Izzy Wight
School Disco-core
I was recently reminded, by way of my mum’s shared Facebook albums, of the truly groundbreaking beauty choices I made at my 2011 school disco. Accessorised with frangipani hairclips, a pink poncho and a smattering of hormonal spots, it served as a reminder that I really should be wearing glitter more often. Instead of my teenage shade of choice – Shrek green – I’m now leaning towards more sophisticated, sheer metallics, like those offered in NARS’ Sparkling Seduction Liquid Eyeshadows. They’re best paired with a few generous coats of the new smudge-proof, clump-free, lash-lifting Notorious Mascara – in ‘Starstruck Black’ for amped-up drama, or ‘Infamous Brown’ for a subtle, fluttery finish.
Like so many of my fellow Zillennials, my school disco foundation of choice was a) orange and b) a mousse consistency prone to separation, both in the packaging and on my face. Thanks to brands like Tower 28, we no longer have to serve under these conditions. For sensitive types, the new Swipe Serum Foundation is truly revolutionary: a breathable, buildable, skincare-infused formula that smooths over dryness and irritation.
No nostalgic beauty look is complete without a fun lip product, and this month’s arrivals have provided. Somewhere between a gloss, oil and stain, Urban Decay’s Lip Toy Stained Glossing Oil delivers mirror-like shine and hydrating colour (plus, it smells like a strawberry milkshake). Meanwhile, Lanolips has released a lip product inspired by a true school disco icon: the Allen’s Red Frog. The beloved 101 Ointment now comes in a new red shade, which looks and smells exactly like everyone’s favourite lolly.
Textural Trends
While spring has technically sprung, it’s still cold in Melbourne. That’s a fact. Another fact: cosy textures are huge in beauty right now, and I’m choosing to cushion (pun intended) the persistent chill by giving my routine the hygge treatment.
Evoking rolls of plush, deep purple fabric and tufted Chesterfield couches, Dries Van Noten’s Velvet Violet EDP is equal parts comforting and unexpected, with toasted sesame, violet leaf and tonka bean. The original velvet scent, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Oud Velvet Mood, has also had a makeover this month. First launched in 2013, the rich blend of peach skin and oud wood is now available in a luxurious Extrait form – think: a warm-and-fuzzy feeling that stays with you, all day
Other touchably soft beauty products: MECCA MAX’s new brush range, which extends across 22 artistry-grade styles (the Dual-Ended Base Brush is an essential), Half Magic’s ultra-smooth Velvet Flik Longwear Wing + Waterline Eyeliner Pencil, and Go-To's Soft And Creamy Hydrating Cream Cleanser – a triple-threat that works to clean, soften and boost your skin's moisture levels with hydrating glycerin and squalane.
Practical Magic
I recently read an article where a writer experimented with hexing herself hotter via an Etsy witch and something called a ‘beauty spell’. It got me thinking – should I pay a celestial internet stranger to put a curse on my ex-situationship? Also, what are the beauty products that feel like magic?
The first would be from just-landed-at-MECCA Hairstory, a haircare brand leading the anti-shampoo revolution. Dating men has made me instinctively avoid 3-in-1 bathroom products, but Hairstory’s New Wash is different – it’s a rebalancing formula that cleanses the scalp for softer, smoother, healthier-looking hair, all in one step. It’s available in four formulas (original, oily, dry and for sensitive scalps) and has started something of a craze here at MECCA HQ.
Not ready to ditch shampoo just yet? Kérastase’s Chronologiste collection is also something of a haircare miracle worker. Designed to revitalise the hair and scalp, the range has been rebooted with a blend of serious skincare ingredients for smoother, fuller, more youthful-looking locks. The Scalp Longevity Potion gives almost-immediate results and doesn’t require a cauldron, which is always a bonus.
In the land of skincare, the combination of Augustinus Bader’s Overnight Restorative Cream and Alpha-H's Midnight Retinal Eye Cream feels pretty magical. Powered by a potent dose of Prof Bader’s signature Advanced TFC8®, the former works to hydrate, smooth and plump as you snooze, while the latter (exclusive to MECCA online!) has the same firming, brightening benefits, but for your resting peepers.
Have you been listening to Phoebe Bridgers’ new album on repeat? Me too. While I love the queen of melancholy with all my heart, she’s not exactly a mood-booster – so I’m counteracting with uplifting new beauty products. Infused with vitamin C-rich botanicals, kit:’s Wake Up Eye Stick instantly refreshes, depuffs and brightens post-Lost Weekend eyes (I have tested this theory).
And for an instant olfactory pick-me-up, Summer Fridays has released its bestselling Lip Butter Balm scents in mist form; it’s a totally unsubstantiated fact that nobody can be sad while they’re wearing ‘Pink Guava’ or ‘Pistachio Milk’!
