We Ask The MECCA Community For Their Top Foundations
August 5 | 4 minute read
Words by Ruby Devlin
Is NARS number one in NSW? Is Westman Atelier winning in WA? Is Too Faced best overall in Tasmania? Well, we crunched the numbers to bring you this definitive list of the bestselling formulas by state.
But don’t just take it from us, here are the glowing reviews from MECCA makeup lovers across Australia and Aotearoa...
Victoria Loves: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
The near-universal obsession with this complexion icon comes down to its finish: skin looks like your skin, only more luminous and polished. No matter which way you apply it – whether it’s hands, brush or sponge – it’ll glide on seamlessly, leaving the ‘sheen-y’ coverage we’re always searching for.
“Have been using Sheer Glow for 18 months and it is my favourite foundation to date. As someone who has constantly changed foundations over the years, this is a product I have returned to buy. It gives fantastic even and full coverage, is buildable so I can wear it as a light coverage. Overall, I feel it has improved the evenness of my skin, doesn't cause me to break out and is easy to remove after wearing for 12-16 hours each day.” - Caitlin
Queensland Loves: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation
An oil-free foundation with medium- to- full coverage - and a semi-matte finish that blurs and softens - Born This Way Foundation is the secret to that soft-focus effect you’ve always wanted but never quite found.
“I am 47, I have always been lucky to have nice skin but as I am aging my pores are becoming more visible and my combination to dry skin tends to grab onto most foundations and they either look too oily or cakey. I have honestly tried every mineral, liquid, stick foundation that is out there and across every possible brand in the market but have never found the right foundation.
I always looked past this foundation as I thought it would be better suited for more of a younger skin... until today. I dealt with a lovely MECCA consultant in store, and I have finally found my forever foundation... It makes me look so smooth, my pores are less visible, and it makes me glow. I am kicking myself and I have purchased so many products from Too Faced which I am obsessed with, so I can’t believe it didn’t try it earlier!
Please try this foundation you won’t be disappointed.” - Jennifer
New South Wales Loves: NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
Formulated with 70% skincare ingredients and made by the master of complexion, Mr. Nars, this buildable foundation is best applied like your favourite serums, with fingers. Its thin, water-like texture feels weightless on the skin and gives your complexion a radiant, yet blurred, finish.
“I am absolutely in love with this light reflecting foundation. When I use it, I feel like Edward Cullen as he’s standing in the direct sun with millions of tiny sparkles illuminating from his face. It is so lightweight but still covers all my nasty and unwanted blemishes although I swear I am getting less after using this product. I would love to have a lengthy conversation with whoever is responsible for developing this liquid gold to tell them how amazing it is...Ten out of ten would recommend to anyone who wants an ultimate glow!” - Aball
Western Australia Loves: Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation
This suits-all-skin-types formula diffuses light to impart a seamless, soft-focus finish that becomes one with your skin. A favourite among MECCA Makeup Artists, it’s buildable and won’t settle into fine lines, meaning you can add a light tint or layer to build coverage.
“I have been using this product for several years and absolutely love it. Being a matured aged person, I find a lot of foundations to be cakey or don't blend to your skin colour well. The Ellis Faas Skin Veil is amazing and looks great all day...”- Kay
Tasmania Loves: Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation
Hydrating and breathable, this lightweight gel-textured foundation melts into skin for seamless, light-to-medium coverage that lasts beautifully all day – yet appears as though you’re not wearing any foundation at all. It’s as fundamentally Glossier as it gets.
“I got a great colour match from a MECCA staff member and then purchased this foundation. It feels very light, and it doesn't sink into the creases particularly around my mouth as much as other foundations. Definitely buildable and I find one pump goes a long way.” - Elle
Northern Territory Loves: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup
With high humidity and heat that lingers well into the evening, if you’re in the Northern Territory, you need a foundation with serious stamina. Estée Lauder’s Double Wear delivers. It’s a matte foundation that won’t slip and slide or sweat right off, keeping your complexion fresh and flawless for up to 24 hours.
“I’ve been using Double Wear or 6 years! I change from time to time thinking technology may have advanced in other brands, but I always come back to Double Wear. It stays! I’ve worked a night shift, with a mask, had a two-hour nap and gone to brunch and I still got complements on my make up! It looks better the longer it’s on, gets a really nice soft glow - not oily looking, never cakey and not one crease! ... Full coverage yet natural and flawless if applied with wet beauty blender." - Renee
South Australia Loves: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops
Created by the pioneer of no-makeup makeup, Gucci Westman, these cleverly formulated drops work with your skincare, not over it. The cushiony texture starts off as a lightweight oil that sinks into the skin for buildable coverage and a luminous finish.
“... I have been looking for something that was lighter but buildable, if needed. I love Westman products and use the Vital stick and love that but wanted a lighter option to add to my drawer. I love love love these drops. A little goes a long way and it's absolutely everything and more. Just make sure to shake it well before use. It really is the real deal!” - Meri
Australian Capital Territory Loves: Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream
A new take on tinted moisturiser, this refreshing gel cream is almost undetectable on the skin – giving you the ultimate your skin but better finish. Kosas founder Sheena Zadeh calls it “comfy glam”.
“...It blurs what needs to be blurred, is easy to blend and absolutely doesn’t sit in creases and pores. It also makes my skin look and feel soft and plump. It stays put, which is amazing for me as foundation does tend to ‘disappear’ from my face…” – Lisa
Aotearoa/New Zealand Loves: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation
In Aotearoa/New Zealand, where the beauty brief leans natural, and skin-focused (and we can’t forget the outdoorsy lifestyle), it’s no wonder Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin has earned a cult following. Luminous, breathable and infused with hydrating skincare (hyaluronic acid and rose complex), this full-coverage foundation delivers that polished but effortless look the locals do so well.
“I have only used it for a week or so now and compared to any other foundation I have ever used, this is by far the best! I was recommended it by the staff at MECCA for my eczema prone and very dry and flaky skin to help bring some more moisture into my makeup routine and it 100% has. My skin has a gorgeous finish to it, such good coverage and stays on the entire day without clinging to dry patches. As well as its ongoing benefits of continuous usage that I can't wait to see.” - Rosie
