Our Beauty Editors Reveal Their MECCA Beauty Election Votes
May 19 | 4 minute read
Words by Ruby Devlin
The only thing we love more than trying a viral lip oil or a miracle moisturiser is talking about it – and the MECCA Beauty Election is our annual excuse to scream about our favourite products from the rooftops.
With the 15th election in full swing, we're sharing our personal-favourite nominees; the five-star products that our routines would feel incomplete without.
KERRI. PRESIDENT OF THE DR. AUGUSTINUS BADER FAN CLUB.
The product: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
What it does: “Everything. I didn’t want to believe the hype, but this cream soothed the red, irritated skin on the lower half of my face, softened the lines that were starting to form across my forehead and improved my skin’s radiance and hydration levels – even after I had washed it off. If I’m honest, The Rich Cream sent the rest of my skincare routine packing for redundancy; I’m now the proud beneficiary of a one-step regimen (two, in the morning, if I count SPF).”
Why I’m voting for it: “I was fortunate to meet Co-CEOs of the brand, Professor Augustinus Bader and Charles Rosier, earlier in the year, and they are the real deal. Prof Bader is a kind and unassuming scientific genius, and his intention to provide the population with tools that make them feel their most confident, capable self is so pure! This cream changed my life.”
How to use it: “I smear a pump or two directly onto dry, cleansed skin, morning and night.”
Honourable mentions: “The MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum (I cried when I arrived in Europe and my luggage – containing this silky, glowy, skin-protecting serum – did not), and VIOLETTE_FR’s Bisou Balm, which is miraculously sheer, matte and hydrating. Unheard of!”
RUBY. A DIE-HARD BLUSH STAN.
The product: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush
What it does: “In one swipe, this blush gives me a flush that would make Sabrina Carpenter jealous."
Why I’m voting for it: “Baby Cheeks converted me from blush avoidant to blush superfan. It has the creamiest, dreamiest formula, plus, it comes in a range of shades to suit every skin tone (and mood). My personal favourite is ‘Chouchette’ (a neutral peach shade) but I’ve been known to reach for the hot pink ‘Poppet’ on the days when I’m channelling my inner Sabrina Carpenter.”
How to use it: “No fancy application methods required. You can swipe it straight onto your cheeks, or apply with your fingers, brush or sponge – whatever you prefer!”
Honourable mentions: “If I could only use one serum for the rest of my life, it would be the Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions 3D Visible Fill + Repair. Lightweight, hydrating and plumping, there’s a reason it’s in a gold bottle. I also love the gentle, never-stripping formula of the Nécessaire The Body Wash – it’s perfect for my sensitive skin.”
CHRISTIE. LOVES A DO-IT-ALL PRODUCT.
The product: Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitale Face Elixir
What it does: “If you want the softest, smoothest, most hydrated skin of your life – instantly – this is for you. The serum sinks into lines, creases and wrinkles and superficially fills them (while also helping to prevent them in the first place) using an advanced and incredibly hydrating hyaluronic acid complex and peptides. Magic!”
Why I’m voting for it: “Watching as your skin instantly tightens (in a good way) is thrilling. And the 'filling' effect is almost as good as an invasive treatment – I know this because I have tried both, and not only is this a far more convenient route, this serum delivers a kind of deep hydration I have never experienced. I’m talking post-facial glow. Need to know more? I recorded all my thoughts here.”
How to use it: “Apply 1 – 2 pumps after cleansing both morning and evening. For best results, the Emma Lewisham’s recommends following with the Skin Reset Eye Crème, Supernatural Face Crème Riche and then Supernatural Face Oil.”
Honourable mentions: “MECCA COSMETICA’s Mecca-Morphosis Purifying Cleansing Balm – I shudder when I think back to the rigmarole I put my face through to remove my makeup prior to discovering this – and La Mer’s The Treatment Lotion which, along with Emma Lewisham’s elixir I mentioned above, has breathed new life into my skin.”
SAM. KNOWN FOR MAKEUP THAT DOESN’T BUDGE.
The product: Too Faced Born This Way Concealer
What it does: “This is the one I always go back to, no matter how many concealers I've tried. The brand said it best when they describe it as providing 'super coverage'.”
Why I’m voting for it: “As someone with the kind of skin that flushes if you so much as look at it wrong, I need coverage that can withstand the heat of my cheeks. And, because I lean towards lighter coverage when it comes to foundation, I rely on my concealer to do all the heavy lifting (read: cover redness, breakouts and dark circles).”
How to use it: “I layer this one over my skincare and foundation, blending in with my fingers to create a blurred, natural-looking effect. Once set with powder, it's not going anywhere, lasting me from long days at the office through to post-work dinners.”
Honourable mentions: “As I said, I love products that stay all day (and night) which is why I’ll always adore the VIOLETTE_FR Yeux Paint and Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajád Extrait De Parfum.”
ARABELLA. TAKES SCALP CARE SERIOUSLY.
The product: ARKIVE The Crown Scalp Scrub
What it does: “Your scalp will never feel cleaner than it does after using this non-gritty scrub. Not only does it remove product build-up, flaky skin and excess oil, it also promotes a balanced, moisturised scalp (ideal if you’re committed to growing your hair long, which I am!). Once you try it, you won’t be able to live without it.”
Why I’m voting for it: “Ever since I had the pleasure of meeting ARKIVE founder Adam Reed at a Melbourne salon in 2023, I've been a convert to his haircare collection. Never one to really think twice about my 'wash day' routine, I had no idea what I was missing out on – until Adam washed my hair, the ARKIVE way. The Crown Scalp Scrub in particular was a revelation; I realised my hair had *never* felt so, well, clean, and the oily roots-bone dry ends problem I'd always struggled with (as someone who has fine, straight hair) was a thing of the past.”
How to use it: “Once a week, I add it as the 'step two' after my shampoo (ARKIVE’s All Day Extra Shampoo) and before my conditioner (All Day Extra Conditioner), massaging it in and enjoying the pepperminty tingle as it gets to work.”
Honourable mentions: “Kosas Revealer Concealer – dark circles who? – and Le Labo Thé Noir 29 EDP, the latest addition to my fragrance wardrobe, where it sits proudly next to Byredo Bal D’Afrique EDP and Diptyque Philosykos EDP. Fresh, woody scents are my signature, and Thé Noir 29 is like the autumn to Philosykos’ summer.”
