Kitchens, Athletic Tracks, Mosh Pits: This Beauty Can Handle Anything
January 26 | 5 minute read
Words by The MECCA Memo
Most of us put on makeup for work expecting it to last until the end of the day, at a minimum. But what if ‘work’ is a commercial kitchen, athletics track or a stage under blazing lights?
For chefs, athletes and musicians in high-pressure environments, their beauty has to keep up. So, what are they wearing and how do they make it last? Read on to find out.
Charley, Pop Chanteuse
What does ‘show-proof’ makeup look mean to you?
C: “’Show-proof makeup’ means makeup that stays through me running around on stage getting sweaty, and lipstick that won’t budge while holding a mic up to my mouth for a LONG time. Sometimes my makeup holds so well and when I see photos that people have taken of me on stage with sweat all over my face – but the makeup still intact – I want to give myself a big pat on the back and buy myself a sweet treat.”
Do you approach your on-stage makeup differently to your everyday look? What changes when it’s showtime?
C: “Gosh yes. I love experimenting with eye makeup and gems and glitter and eyeliner. I feel way more ‘Charley’ on stage when I’m wearing crazy eye makeup. I grew up doing dancing and musicals, and you learn from a very young age that more is better!”
What’s the one makeup step you never skip before a performance?
C: “There are a thousand steps I could never ever miss… But if I don’t wear false lashes, I feel naked. I [also] LOOOVE the MECCA MAX Pout Pencil in shade 'Classy' and then using the Glaze Phase Lip Oil in shade 'Blackberry Glaze' in the middle.”
Do you have a post-show beauty ritual, or a wind -down routine you swear by?
C: “For years, since working at MECCA MAXIMA in Bondi, I became obsessed with the Eve Lom Cleanser. I use that one and it takes off ALL my makeup so easily, especially as it comes with the muslin cloth. I’ll then do my Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser, Perricone MD High Potency Classics Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream as I like to keep my skincare routine quite simple! Then I’ll eat some food and sleep listening to ‘rain on a porch + deep green noise frequency’ as I do every night! It's AMAZING.”
C: “’Show-proof makeup’ means makeup that stays through me running around on stage getting sweaty, and lipstick that won’t budge while holding a mic up to my mouth for a LONG time. Sometimes my makeup holds so well and when I see photos that people have taken of me on stage with sweat all over my face – but the makeup still intact – I want to give myself a big pat on the back and buy myself a sweet treat.”
Do you approach your on-stage makeup differently to your everyday look? What changes when it’s showtime?
C: “Gosh yes. I love experimenting with eye makeup and gems and glitter and eyeliner. I feel way more ‘Charley’ on stage when I’m wearing crazy eye makeup. I grew up doing dancing and musicals, and you learn from a very young age that more is better!”
What’s the one makeup step you never skip before a performance?
C: “There are a thousand steps I could never ever miss… But if I don’t wear false lashes, I feel naked. I [also] LOOOVE the MECCA MAX Pout Pencil in shade 'Classy' and then using the Glaze Phase Lip Oil in shade 'Blackberry Glaze' in the middle.”
Do you have a post-show beauty ritual, or a wind -down routine you swear by?
C: “For years, since working at MECCA MAXIMA in Bondi, I became obsessed with the Eve Lom Cleanser. I use that one and it takes off ALL my makeup so easily, especially as it comes with the muslin cloth. I’ll then do my Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser, Perricone MD High Potency Classics Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream as I like to keep my skincare routine quite simple! Then I’ll eat some food and sleep listening to ‘rain on a porch + deep green noise frequency’ as I do every night! It's AMAZING.”
Morgan Mitchell, Track & Field Athlete
What do you expect from your makeup on competition day?
MM: “It needs to deliver sweat/waterproof elements! We are always sweating out on the track, and there’s nothing better than makeup that looks flawless and is long lasting, no matter the weather.”
What's the one makeup step you never skip?
MM: “SPF! I feel like it’s quite cliché, but it really does give my skin the glow I’m after. If I want a ‘glossy sheen’ look, I go for the MECCA COSMETICA In A Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30.”
What do you use to keep everything locked in?
MM: “The MECCA COSMETICA Fresh Faced Hydrating Primer. My bestie got me onto it. Even if I’m not wearing makeup, I like to use it as a general moisturiser.”
Do you have a post-race beauty ritual, or a wind-down routine you swear by?
MM: “Yes! My favourite part of the day is my skincare routine. I’ll cleanse and exfoliate in the shower and use my LED face mask straight after. I then apply a hydrating sheet mask and eye mask followed by another cream mask. To finish, I use a serum and oil on my face, plus an overnight lip balm. I wake up with the softest skin.”
MM: “It needs to deliver sweat/waterproof elements! We are always sweating out on the track, and there’s nothing better than makeup that looks flawless and is long lasting, no matter the weather.”
What's the one makeup step you never skip?
MM: “SPF! I feel like it’s quite cliché, but it really does give my skin the glow I’m after. If I want a ‘glossy sheen’ look, I go for the MECCA COSMETICA In A Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30.”
What do you use to keep everything locked in?
MM: “The MECCA COSMETICA Fresh Faced Hydrating Primer. My bestie got me onto it. Even if I’m not wearing makeup, I like to use it as a general moisturiser.”
Do you have a post-race beauty ritual, or a wind-down routine you swear by?
MM: “Yes! My favourite part of the day is my skincare routine. I’ll cleanse and exfoliate in the shower and use my LED face mask straight after. I then apply a hydrating sheet mask and eye mask followed by another cream mask. To finish, I use a serum and oil on my face, plus an overnight lip balm. I wake up with the softest skin.”
Jemima Lester, Chef
What does long-lasting makeup need to deliver during a shift in the kitchen?
JL: “Working in a kitchen often means a long stint in a hot, confined, high-intensity space, so makeup is definitely tested. Proper skin prep so that makeup lasts without the need for heavy application is really important, [as well as] light products that won't leave my skin congested or oily – but at the same time go the distance and make me look and feel fresh. I love a lip stain, a skin tint and this Tower 28 facial spray for throughout the day.”
How does your workday makeup routine differ from your everyday look?
JL: “I think they are quite similar; I like to keep it quite light in both every day and for work. I do more to ensure my makeup stays properly when it’s for work as I know I'll have far less time for reapplication. I spend a lot of focus on my skin so that my makeup has less heavy lifting to do, but for work I'll make sure to use a primer and setting spray for longevity.”
Is there a product you rely on for long-lasting makeup?
JL: “The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base has made a huge difference in both how my makeup sits and how it lasts. I also purchased the Tower 28 Daily Rescue Spray and now do not leave the house without it. It refreshes even the lightest of makeup and just makes everything feel as though it sits better and melts together. It's become an absolute mainstay after being something I thought I didn't need.”
Do you have a post-work beauty ritual, or a wind-down routine you swear by?
JL: “I do! I find a big day in the kitchen can be really overstimulating and so winding down afterwards is really important. Winding down makes a huge difference to the quality of my sleep. I take my time with taking off makeup and with my nighttime skincare, then shower with no big lights. I have a DIPTYQUE candle in our bathroom that I'll light for a shower and though it sounds very ‘woo woo’, I think it makes a big difference!”
JL: “Working in a kitchen often means a long stint in a hot, confined, high-intensity space, so makeup is definitely tested. Proper skin prep so that makeup lasts without the need for heavy application is really important, [as well as] light products that won't leave my skin congested or oily – but at the same time go the distance and make me look and feel fresh. I love a lip stain, a skin tint and this Tower 28 facial spray for throughout the day.”
How does your workday makeup routine differ from your everyday look?
JL: “I think they are quite similar; I like to keep it quite light in both every day and for work. I do more to ensure my makeup stays properly when it’s for work as I know I'll have far less time for reapplication. I spend a lot of focus on my skin so that my makeup has less heavy lifting to do, but for work I'll make sure to use a primer and setting spray for longevity.”
Is there a product you rely on for long-lasting makeup?
JL: “The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base has made a huge difference in both how my makeup sits and how it lasts. I also purchased the Tower 28 Daily Rescue Spray and now do not leave the house without it. It refreshes even the lightest of makeup and just makes everything feel as though it sits better and melts together. It's become an absolute mainstay after being something I thought I didn't need.”
Do you have a post-work beauty ritual, or a wind-down routine you swear by?
JL: “I do! I find a big day in the kitchen can be really overstimulating and so winding down afterwards is really important. Winding down makes a huge difference to the quality of my sleep. I take my time with taking off makeup and with my nighttime skincare, then shower with no big lights. I have a DIPTYQUE candle in our bathroom that I'll light for a shower and though it sounds very ‘woo woo’, I think it makes a big difference!”
Davis Atkin, Hockey Player
What does ‘game-proof’ makeup look mean to you?
DA: “To me, a ‘game-proof’ makeup look is something that can withstand all the movement, sweat and long periods of wear without requiring touch-ups. This, to me, is a pop of colour on my eyes with protected skin. Most importantly, it allows me to feel confident and like myself throughout a full game, regardless of the conditions.”
Do you approach game-day makeup differently to your everyday look? What changes?
DA: “I do, yes. Game-day makeup for me is much simpler, normally involving only one to three products. Playing a full game of hockey does result in a lot of sweat, so keeping it minimal but targeted to what I feel on the day is important to me.”
What’s the one makeup step you never skip before a game?
DA: “I know we are talking makeup here, but I wanted to mention that sunscreen is always a non-negotiable for me before a game during the day. This is really important to me with being in the sun more often than not, for training and games, when the UV can get to very high levels.
“For makeup, eyeliner has quickly become a staple in my pre-game routine. I’ve started to incorporate different styles of eyeliner, depending on how I’m feeling that day. My teammates and friends like to call them my ‘wings’ as more often than not I love to create a winged look which I think adds a great touch of colour and fun.”
Is there a particular product you rely on to keep everything locked in?
DA: “A good quality setting spray is key to keeping everything on both during a game and something more every day. For me, that is the OG Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. This has been in my collection for a while now and it is always something I can rely on to make sure all of my ‘face’ stays on, no matter the amount of sweat.”
DA: “To me, a ‘game-proof’ makeup look is something that can withstand all the movement, sweat and long periods of wear without requiring touch-ups. This, to me, is a pop of colour on my eyes with protected skin. Most importantly, it allows me to feel confident and like myself throughout a full game, regardless of the conditions.”
Do you approach game-day makeup differently to your everyday look? What changes?
DA: “I do, yes. Game-day makeup for me is much simpler, normally involving only one to three products. Playing a full game of hockey does result in a lot of sweat, so keeping it minimal but targeted to what I feel on the day is important to me.”
What’s the one makeup step you never skip before a game?
DA: “I know we are talking makeup here, but I wanted to mention that sunscreen is always a non-negotiable for me before a game during the day. This is really important to me with being in the sun more often than not, for training and games, when the UV can get to very high levels.
“For makeup, eyeliner has quickly become a staple in my pre-game routine. I’ve started to incorporate different styles of eyeliner, depending on how I’m feeling that day. My teammates and friends like to call them my ‘wings’ as more often than not I love to create a winged look which I think adds a great touch of colour and fun.”
Is there a particular product you rely on to keep everything locked in?
DA: “A good quality setting spray is key to keeping everything on both during a game and something more every day. For me, that is the OG Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. This has been in my collection for a while now and it is always something I can rely on to make sure all of my ‘face’ stays on, no matter the amount of sweat.”
Meg Mac, Singer-Songwriter
What does ‘show-proof’ makeup look mean to you?
MM: “I feel like the makeup is when everything comes together and it makes me believe that I can actually do a show. It’s weird, but once the mascara and lips are on, I feel like I can do anything.”
Do you approach your on-stage makeup differently to your everyday look? What changes when it’s showtime?
MM: “Absolutely – I’m almost a different person when I’m on stage. I can be more dramatic, eccentric and over the top, which is how I probably would be in my everyday life if I had the confidence!”
What’s the one makeup step you never skip before a performance?
MM: “My brows! My face is defined by my brows, so when I forget to do them, I’m so annoyed with myself. They are a bit wild and like to move around. Honestly, couldn’t live without M·A·C Cosmetics Pro Brow Pro Locked Brow Gel.”
Do you have a post-show beauty ritual, or a wind-down routine you swear by?
MM: “I hate taking my makeup off (don’t worry, I do it!) but I love the feeling of a clean face and when I’ve put all my moisturiser on and I’m ready for bed. When I have an extra special show, I love to bring a sheet mask to do at the hotel. I will get the Go-To Transformazing 6-pack for me and the girls to do.”
MM: “I feel like the makeup is when everything comes together and it makes me believe that I can actually do a show. It’s weird, but once the mascara and lips are on, I feel like I can do anything.”
Do you approach your on-stage makeup differently to your everyday look? What changes when it’s showtime?
MM: “Absolutely – I’m almost a different person when I’m on stage. I can be more dramatic, eccentric and over the top, which is how I probably would be in my everyday life if I had the confidence!”
What’s the one makeup step you never skip before a performance?
MM: “My brows! My face is defined by my brows, so when I forget to do them, I’m so annoyed with myself. They are a bit wild and like to move around. Honestly, couldn’t live without M·A·C Cosmetics Pro Brow Pro Locked Brow Gel.”
Do you have a post-show beauty ritual, or a wind-down routine you swear by?
MM: “I hate taking my makeup off (don’t worry, I do it!) but I love the feeling of a clean face and when I’ve put all my moisturiser on and I’m ready for bed. When I have an extra special show, I love to bring a sheet mask to do at the hotel. I will get the Go-To Transformazing 6-pack for me and the girls to do.”
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
