The Skincare Routines MECCA HQ Swear By
May 13 | 4 minute read
As told to Ruby Devlin
Breakouts, dehydration, pigmentation, ageing, uneven texture and sensitivity affect almost everyone, at some point in their lives. However, 28 years of curating the very best in beauty means we know skin.
The MECCA team doesn't let just any product into their bathroom cabinets (or on their faces). That precious real estate is reserved only for the true game-changers: unique formulations backed by the world's greatest dermatologists and clinically proven ingredients that target our specific skin concerns. Skincare that really, truly works.
We asked five team members to reveal their tested, trusted and transformative skin routines. Here’s what they told us…
Shivan, Digital Insights Analyst
Concern: Pigmentation
Type: Combination
“Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation are two of my biggest skin concerns, both of which are common for deeper skin tones.
“I like to keep my skincare routine simple but powerful and I really trust these products every day to keep my skin fit.”
Shivan’s Routine:
1. Cleanse with Kiehl’s Calendula Foaming Wash
Gentle, refreshing and leaves my skin feeling clean but never overly-stripped: it’s the perfect first step. I love how the Calendula extract calms my skin, especially after workouts or shaving.
2. Treat with MECCA COSMETICA Skin Brightening Vitamin C Serum
Containing the highest possible concentration of stabilised vitamin C, this serum helps brighten the look of any dark spots, evens my complexion and gives me a fresh, healthy glow.
3. Hydrate with Origins GinZing™ Ultra-Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream
Like your first coffee of the day, this moisturiser helps skin appear more awake. Niacinamide, caffeine and ginseng provide an instant boost of radiance and hydration. Then, I apply my sunscreen.
Ruby, Junior Content Editor
Concern: Uneven texture
Type: Dry
“While I’ve finally got my breakouts under control, I’m now dealing with the aftermath. Reducing texture and clearing bumpy post-breakout marks are my priority.
“Once upon a time I loved a 12-step skin routine, now my skin barrier and I prefer something much more pared back.”
Ruby’s Routine:
1. Cleanse with Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
A cleanser and chemical exfoliator in one, this gel helps to treat texture and breakouts at the source. Excessive oil production and the growth of certain bacteria on the skin are limited, while glycolic acid and mandelic acid remove dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth and bright.
2. Treat with Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum
This brightening serum keeps my skin radiant and even by helping fade the appearance of dark spots and slowing melanin production to prevent new ones forming. This is thanks to vitamin C, niacinamide, licorice and patented plant stem cell extracts, which each target a different phase of the pigmentation process.
3. Hydrate with kit: Universal Face Lotion
I recommend this moisturiser to literally everybody. It’s a lightweight milky texture that sinks in instantly and contains Centella asiatica (an antioxidant that helps soothe irritated skin) and aloe leaf juice, leaving my skin feeling deeply hydrated and plump. Of course, I always finish with SPF.
Courtney, Senior Brand Manager
Concern: Dehydration
Type: Combination
“Hydration is a big priority for me. Basically, I just want to look like I’ve had eight hours of sleep, a green juice and three litres of water, even when I haven’t!
“I want products that are effective and a routine that can be complete in under three minutes. If something isn’t helping my skin feel hydrated and fresh or is too complicated, it doesn’t stick around.”
Courtney’s Routine:
1. Cleanse with Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser
Hydrating skin by drawing water from the atmosphere, silk amino acids act as a humectant while also soothing skin.
2. Treat with Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Designed for deeper, longer-lasting hydration, my skin drinks up this concentrated, seven ingredient serum. The key ingredient, hyaluronic acid, holds 1000 times its weight in water, so make sure to apply onto damp skin.
3. Hydrate with Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Advanced Formula
An ultra-nourishing blend of Centella asiatica and prebiotics, this moisturiser is truly one of a kind. Soothing and replenishing, my skin always feels better for having it on and it’s a staple when travelling too. Then I apply sunscreen, because no skin routine is complete without it.
Joe, Digital Marketing
Concern: Breakouts
Type: Combination
“Simple is best when it comes to my routine. I like to make sure I’m not over complicating anything so my oily T-zone and breakouts stay in check.”
Joe’s Routine:
1. Cleanse with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
This is the quintessential, no-fuss face wash. It easily removes dirt and debris while leaving my skin soft, hydrated and ready for the next part of my routine.
2. Treat with Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel
To prevent future breakouts and help smooth skin texture I use this two-step exfoliating system, once or twice a week. AHAs, BHAs and retinol remove dead skin cells and refine pores while calming extracts help soothe and treat freshly exfoliated skin.
3. Hydrate with MECCA COSMETICA Gel Cream
Before I apply my SPF, I apply this oil-free moisturiser that hydrates without ever feeling greasy. The amino acid complex reduces the appearance of pores while niacinamide prevents excess oil production, which helps stop new breakouts from popping up.
Sunny, Brand Marketing Lead
Concern: Sensitivity
Type: Balanced
“Keeping skin happy and healthy is the most important part of my routine. For me, this looks like a consistent routine full of soothing, calming ingredients and rich textures.
“My skin doesn’t like added fragrance, so I try to avoid it where possible.”
Sunny’s Routine:
1. Cleanse with ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm
A nourishing, fragrance-free balm that melts like butter, instantly dissolves my makeup and leaves my skin silky soft.
2. Treat with Kate Somerville DeliKate® Recovery Serum
Omegas and ceramides instantly reduce any redness and alleviate dry or tight skin. This lightweight serum also works over time to support and repair my skin’s protective barrier.
3. Hydrate with Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Intense-Cream
Containing actual Greek yoghurt to soothe, this moisturiser keeps my skin hydrated and plump at all times. I then finish off by applying a mineral sunscreen.
