Welcome to MECCA Talks, your access-all-areas pass to the beauty, business and lifestyle experts we call our community. 

Cousins and California natives Greg Gonzalez and Joe Cloyes grew up in a family obsessed with beauty. Their grandmother was a pioneer in high-performance skincare, and they count five aestheticians and cosmetologists among their extended family. So, starting a skincare brand came naturally. 

Together, the pair founded Youth To The People. All about powerful ingredients and real results, the plant-based formulations sound like superfood smoothies (think kale, spinach, ginger and berries) made for the skin. 

In this episode of MECCA Talks, the duo discusses their beauty-based childhood, blending their family’s heritage with modern values, and the importance of authenticity and community when building a brand.

Click here to shop Youth To The People at MECCA.

Host: Kate Blythe

Show Producer: Kerri Gordon

Technical Producer: Nicole Cooper

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to MECCA Talks, your access-all-areas pass to the beauty, business and lifestyle experts we call our community. 

Few names embody modern beauty quite like Chriselle Lim. From pioneering in the digital fashion and blogging space to redefining fragrance as former owner and current Creative Director of PHLUR, Chriselle has not just an entrepreneurial spirit, but a knack for turning trends into something more tangible.  

In this episode of MECCA Talks, she opens up about her creative process, how the viral success of Missing Person changed everything, and what it means to make fragrance feel personal again. Expect reflections on reinvention, modern perfumery as self-expression and the beauty of scent that tells a story. 

Click here to shop PHLUR exclusively at MECCA.

Host: Kate Blythe

Show Producer: Kerri Gordon

Technical Producer: Nicole Cooper

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning beauty journalist turned brand founder, Joanna Ellner, has spent her career exploring the intersection of science, ritual and skin. After more than a decade writing for some of the world’s leading beauty publications — and consulting within the luxury skincare space — she channeled her deep industry insight into creating REOME, a regenerative skincare line redefining modern repair. 

In this episode of MECCA Talks, Joanna shares her journey from journalist to formulator, how her studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine shaped her philosophy, and why she believes true skincare goes beyond trend — it’s about balance, rhythm, and results. 

Join us as we dive into the science, spirituality and story behind REOME’s insider-loved formulas. 

Click here to shop REOME exclusively at MECCA

Host: Kate Blythe

Show Producer: Kerri Gordon

Technical Producer: Nicole Cooper

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes of one of the most iconic parts of the MECCA experience: MECCA Beauty Loop. 

Launched over a decade ago, MECCA Beauty Loop began as a bold reimagining of what a loyalty program could be - not just a reward system, but a community - one that celebrates discovery, surprise and a shared love of beauty. Since then, the release of MECCA Beauty Loop boxes, bonuses and gifts have become a moment of excitement and discovery for all our customers.  

With over four million members across Australia and New Zealand, the boxes are just one of the program's secrets to success. MECCA Beauty Loop is designed to reward and connect our customers in the most meaningful of ways; from exclusive services and events catered to your beauty obsessions, to insider access to your favourite brand's newest products, and a gift every time your birthday rolls around. 

Listen as MECCA’s Head of Loyalty, Rosie McFarlane, joins Kate in the studio to talk more about Australia's most loved loyalty program. 

Want to be in the loop? Sign up to MECCA Beauty Loop here.

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Ruby Devlin

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve been so lucky to host global skin pioneers on our podcast, from dermatologist-founder hybrids like Dr. Dennis Gross and Dr. Courtney Rubin, to groundbreaking luxury formulators such as Professor Augustinus Bader and most recently, pharmacist and Cosmetics 27 founder Michele Evrard. 

Today, we spotlight the latest gamechanger revolutionising the world’s approach to skin, MECCA’s newest high-performance skin brand, Element Eight. 

Developed by a team of surgeons and scientists, this clinically proven line uses groundbreaking technology to deliver liquid oxygen to the skin, resulting in plumper, smoother complexions. And it really, truly works; try Element Eight once and you’ll soon realise why you need oxygen in your skincare, too. 

Listen as Element Eight’s CEO, Gerard Camme, joins Kate in the studio to tell us more about the science and innovation behind the brand. 

Products mentioned:

Element Eight O2 Niacinamide Eight Active Serum

Element Eight O2 Exosome Eight Active Cream

Element Eight O2 Retinol Resurface Refine Serum

Element Eight O2 Vitamin C Brighten Defend Serum

Element Eight O2 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrate Correct Cream

Element Eight O2 Caffeine Eight Active Eye Cream

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Ruby Devlin

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by French pharmacist and Cosmetics 27 founder Michèle Evrard. 

If you’ve ever walked into a MECCA store looking for something to soothe sensitive or irritated skin, it’s likely our team has shown you the Cosmetics 27 range. Since launching at MECCA over 10 years ago, the brand has earned cult status thanks to their gentle yet efficacious formulas.

When a knee injury left her with a large scar, Michèle began looking for an ingredient that would help improve its appearance. She then came across the regenerative properties of Centella asiatica, an ancient plant used in Ayurvedic medicines.

Harnessing the restorative power of the ‘longevity plant’, Michèle created her first (and most iconic) product, Baume 27, a moisturiser loved for its rich texture and deeply nourishing results. Now, Michèle joins us on MECCA Talks to chat about the French pharmacy space, taking care of skin as you age and reformulating a cult-favourite product.

Products mentioned:

Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Advanced Formula

Cosmetics 27 Cleanser 27

Cosmetics 27 Essence 27 Bio-Vitalising Cell Hydrating Fluid

Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Crème Corps

Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Serum 

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Warwick Hughes

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by ILIA  founder and beauty pioneer, Sasha Plavsic.

Sasha was in her early 30’s when she launched ILIA from her grandmothers’ garage over 14 years ago. While working full-time as a branding executive, she took a closer look at the ingredient lists of her favourite beauty products and realised a gap for high-performance formulas with plant-derived ingredients.

Since launching in 2011, ILIA has established itself as a beauty pioneer, known for their skincare-powered formulas and viral hits such as the Super Serum Skin Tint and Face Base Milk. Now, Sasha joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to talk about why she’s so focused on formulation and shares more about the innovation behind some of the brand's most beloved products. 

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Warwick Hughes

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British born makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench has spent more than a decade bringing her avant-garde looks to life on some of the most recognisable faces. From Kate Moss to Rihanna, Zendaya to Cher.

Her distinctive style and non-conformist approach to beauty has also made her one of the most sought-after artists for fashion shows and editorial campaigns. Her collaborations with Byredo, Burberry, Vogue, Nike and Gucci featuring on magazines, runways and billboards all over the world.

Isamaya’s extensive beauty experience, background in sculptural art and unique point of view are distilled into every product of her eponymous brand, ISAMAYA, which she launched in 2022.

Their range of skin-loving formulas fuse artistry with science-backed innovation to create unique makeup-skincare hybrids: a colour correcting tint that targets dullness and discolouration; a bold, shimmery gloss that deeply nourishes lips; a multi-use sculpting stick packed full of barrier-boosting ceramides.  

Now, Isamaya's brand is launching at MECCA and she joins Kate in the studio to talk more about her career so far and her innovative approach to skin-enhancing, hybrid makeup.

Products mentioned:

ISAMAYA Skin Enhancing Duo

ISAMAYA 5 Point Lift

ISAMAYA Face Glaze

ISAMAYA Colour Correcting Serum

ISAMAYA Liplacq

ISAMAYA Sculpting Stick

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Warwick Hughes

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Kate is joined by Polite Society founder, Jerrod Blandino. 

If the name sounds familiar, you’d be right – before founding Polite Society with his husband Jeremy Johnson, the two were best known for creating Too Faced in the late ’90s and building it into the beauty juggernaut it is today. 

Less than two years ago, the duo launched Polite Society, a brand focused on high-pigment, skincare-forward makeup that proves good skin and glam makeup can go hand-in hand. Polite Society has already had plenty of viral hits – including Polite Pops: a powder blush in stick form, B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil Gloss: a hybrid lip product for the ultimate plump and More Than A Pretty Face: a medium coverage foundation that looks and feels weightless on the skin, known for its egg-shaped packaging.

Today, Jerrod joins us from his L.A. home to tell us more about how he got his start in the beauty industry, what it’s like to ‘begin again’, and even shares a little bit about his friendship with Madonna.

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

MECCA HQ Tries Polite Society

The Biggest Thing In Beauty Has Landed At MECCA: Polite Society

Hay Fever? In Spring? These Mascaras are Groundbreaking

5 Beauty Founders on the Best Gifts Under $100

Products mentioned:

B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil Gloss

More Than A Pretty Face Skin-Caring Medium to Full Coverage Foundation

Polite Pops Powder Blush Stick

Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm

Greatest Lashes of All Time Mascara

Cabana Club Blurring Bronzer

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Ruby Devlin

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by one of the industry's most beloved makeup artists, Katie Jane Hughes.

10 years ago the UK-born artist started an Instagram account to showcase her work as a nail technician. After pivoting from manicures to makeup, Katie began to build a following of loyal beauty enthusiasts, thanks to her approachable tutorials and dedication to educating her audience.

Katie’s playful approach to artistry sees her seamlessly blending bold colours with a glowing complexion, allowing real skin texture to shine through. This earned her the attention of some of the world’s biggest brands, publications and celebrity clientele.

Now, Katie joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to talk about her career so far, the importance of authenticity online and why we should all prime our brushes.

Products mentioned:

Glossier Stretch Balm Concealer

RMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush

NARS Blush

MAC Cosmetics Fix+ Original

kit: Good Night Balm

Glossier Boy Brow Arch

Tower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Tower28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

MECCA MAX Pout Pencil

MECCA MAX Single Shadow

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Ruby Devlin

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).

MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.