Skincare We’ve Used To The Last Drop
January 1 | 2 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
Originally published on | February 4
If we ever reach the bottom of the bottle (or jar or tub), it is a true measure of a product’s abilities – because there is always something new and sparkly we just might like better. But the ones we use to the last drop, then go back to (for me, it’s MECCA COSMETICA’s cleansing balm and this elite moisturiser), they are really something else.
Although none of us like to play favourites, we all inevitably have them – here are the ones the MECCA Beauty Board turn to again and again.
A face wash to look forward to
Tatcha The Rice Wash
For MECCA’s Skincare Education Manager Giorgi Strachan, this ticks all the boxes when it comes to an efficient – and satisfying – cleanse. “This acts as a polish, revealing smoother, brighter and more even skin after each use,” she explains. “It’s also the cleanser that I reach for when I am feeling congested, or my skin is in a state of flux – rice powder and Okinawa algae blend really help to bring back balance and hydration.”
The balm of your dreams
kit: Good Night Balm
We’ll take any way to cheat a full eight hours, and this sleep-in wonder balm from Melbourne-made brand kit: will do just that says Shivan Patel, MECCA’s Digital eCommerce Analyst. “It not only soothes and rejuvenates your skin while you sleep, it helps your body wind down in the process – which is perfect for your nighttime routine,” he explains. "I use it after all my skincare to help lock in all the good ingredients.”
The lip product you’ll never be without
Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask
If your lips are chronically dry and flaky, you’ll find yourself constantly reaching for this jelly from Tatcha – Steven Glyde, MECCA’s Fragrance, Hair & Body Education Cadet swears by it! “I have scraped the bottom of this lip mask more times than I care to admit,” he reveals. “It has a thin occlusive texture, so I feel like I’m getting all the benefits of a heavy lip mask, but it’s in a format that means I can comfortably add another layer any time of day.”
Don’t sleep on this night cream – sleep in it!
Verso Night Cream
Many retinols require a restrained approach, but Stockholm-based brand Verso changed the vitamin A game with its Retinol 8 complex, which is said to be eight times more effective than standard retinol and far less likely to cause irritation. The brand’s Night Cream is the product Jordie Johnson, MECCA’s Skincare Education Cadet, recommends to all who are starting their retinol journey. “After just a few nights of use, I saw visible smoothness, it felt plump and no sensitivity occurred,” she shares.
The (unicorn) cream
Augustinus Bader The Cream
Once you’ve tried Professor Bader’s cult-loved moisturising cream, there’s no going back, says Strachan. “The texture and glow that this product gives my skin after a single application is unparalleled,” she reveals, adding, “You know you’re onto a winner when you’re getting stopped in the MECCA HQ halls and asked, ‘What are you using?!”
The serum that does everything
Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum
Imagine being able to hit CTRL+Z on your skin – this Emma Lewisham serum is as close as it gets in the realm of at-home skincare. “It has evened my skin tone, helps fade any discolouration I get after breakouts, and I even started using it on some old scars to help lighten them,” says Glyde. “Emma Lewisham is the benchmark in high-performance skincare, and I will be a lifelong fan – I just know it.”
The one that makes you really glow
Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir
Serums make all kinds of promises – but if it’s brighter, tighter, glowier skin you’re after, then this is one that delivers in spades. “I was really surprised how quickly I noticed changes in my skin,” Patel shares, adding, “After the first week, my skin was glowing and it felt amazing! The vitamin C really helped even out my complexion and my pores were definitely less noticeable.” He recommends using this in the morning before your moisturiser.
The skincare equivalent of a nap
APOTCARE PURE SERUM – Vitamin B3 15%
If you’re impatient and need to see results instantly, a niacinamide serum is for you. But not just any, says Johnson. “With a pure concentration of 15% niacinamide, this serum glides onto the skin, enhancing hydration from the moment you apply it.” And, if you’re consistent, you’ll likely notice reduced redness, she adds. “Over time I noticed and loved how my complexion appeared brighter and calmer, and pre-existing breakout marks began to fade.”
