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

We recently called on our MECCA Chit Chat Facebook community to hit us up with their biggest beauty questions, queries, myths and legends via voicemail, and today, we’re answering them with the help of MECCA’s education managers for skincare and makeup, Lucy Shaw and Jen Horsley.

From pimples and ingrowns to full-coverage foundations and budge-proof winged liner, we’re diving in deep on the details (and the product recommendations to match)!

Want your beauty questions answered on the podcast? Leave a written review with your question, or, send us a 10-30 second voice message here!

Products mentioned in this episode:

MECCA MAX THE BREAK-UP Blemish Busting Serum

MECCA MAX SPOT DOTS Blemish Busting Patches

Perricone MD Blemish Relief Targeted Spot Treatment

By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Foundation

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer

Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick  

Stila One Step Correct

By Terry Baume de Rose

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Oil

Mecca Cosmetica Kissable Lips Smoothing Lip Exfoliant

Chantecaille Lip Chic

This Works Stress Check Mood Manager

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel

Malin+Goetz Ingrown Hair Cream

Smashbox Photo Finish 24 Hour Eye Shadow Primer

Shiseido MicroLiner Ink

Mecca Cosmetica Weekend Skin Glow Serum

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Jen Horsley, Lucy Shaw

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

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

Valentine’s Day is five sleeps away, and in the spirit of romance we’re talking flowers, fragrance, and “love at first sniff”.

MECCA education manager for fragrance Laura Curtis is back on the podcast to talk about the most seductive, stop-you-in-the-streets scents (and how they work!), plus, she drops her top fragrance gifts for Valentine’s Day – and any other day of the year.

Then, we jump on a call with Los Angeles-based ‘Beyoncé of floristry’, the ever-effervescent Maurice Harris of Bloom and Plume, to talk about his phenomenal career as a floral designer, merchandiser, artist, café owner and reality TV judge, his eye for ‘natural opulence’, and his recent collaboration with diptyque in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Eau Rose. Hit play!

Products mentioned in this episode:

diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Parfum

diptyque Eau Rose Eau de Toilette

diptyque Roses Scented Candle

diptyque Camomille Scented Candle

diptyque Litchi Scented Candle

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP

Le Labo Santal 33

Editions de Parfums By Frédéric Malle Une Rose EDP

Le Labo AnOther 13 EDP

Editions de Parfums By Frédéric Malle Portrait of a Lady EDP

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

Friends of MECCA share their non-cliché Valentine’s Day gift picks

Our failproof guide to finding the perfect fragrance

You asked, we answered: how to make your fragrance last longer

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Laura Curtis, Maurice Harris

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit 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, present and emerging. 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 back to MECCA Talks, your access-all-areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.

In today's episode...

Kate and Zara catch up after the holiday break to get into the nitty gritty of SPF as we reach those dreaded 40C days.

Sydney dermatologist Dr Shreya Andric (B. MED. SCI, MBBS (HONS), IFAAD, FACD) joins us to debunk the most common SPF myths, share her top skin safety tips and get us clued up on the ABCs – and Ds and Es – of what to look out for when detecting a potential melanoma.

Then, Naked Sundays founder Sam Brett enters the chat to take us on her journey from acclaimed columnist, journalist and bestselling author to undercover sunscreen brand founder. Her greatest success to date? The near-impossible SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist, which saw Brett meet her year-one target in a single day.

Products and brands mentioned:

Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen Oxybenzone Free Formula

Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist

Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion

Naked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow Crème

Rose Inc Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek Color

Kosas Air Brow Fluff & Hold Treatment Gel

Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle Treatment

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

MECCA meets… Sam Brett from Naked Sundays

The easiest way to reapply sunscreen without ruining your makeup

Why you should never skip SPF with Call Time On Melanoma

The best facial sunscreens at MECCA

What are Australian SPF ratings?

A beginner’s guide to chemical and physical SPF

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Dr Shreya Andric, Sam Brett

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Remember to use sunscreen wisely by always checking the label for directions, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and a chic, sun-blocking hat. Don’t forget to reapply as directed.

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, present and emerging. 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 our final Holiday bonus episode, Kate and Zara chat to inimitable fashion designer, creative and MECCA Collectiva tastemaker Jenny Kee in celebration of the natural beauty of the Australian landscape – and Kee’s prolific career in fashion.

From selling £10 vintage Chanel to the likes of Mick Jagger in London’s swinging ‘60s to collaborating with Karl Lagerfeld, starting Flamingo Park with Linda Jackson and having her designs worn (and loved) by Diana, Princess of Wales, Kee’s anecdotes make for an episode not to be missed.

With gifts that glitter, glow, sparkle and spark joy – the celebration (and gifting) starts at MECCA! Discover our guide to the most spectacular beauty gifts of the year here.

Brands and products mentioned by Jenny:

Le Labo

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips 2.0 in ‘Patsy Red’

M.A.C. Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in ‘Ruby Woo’

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

Mecca Cosmetica Mecca Athletica Ultra-Firming Body Lotion

REN Clean Skincare Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

MECCA Collectiva: Meet Jenny Kee

WATCH: MECCA’s spectacular Holiday artist, Naomi Hobson, lives in colour

How to pick a fragrance gift for the non-committal person in your life

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guest: Jenny Kee

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit 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, present and emerging. 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 Holiday bonus episode of MECCA Talks, Kate and Zara hand over the mic to MECCA HQ’s Tony Baumann and Julia Zigan to share their top picks from this year’s spectacular offering of iconic and limited-edition beauty gifts.

From sharing their favourite holiday memories at MECCA to their tried-and-tested tips for gifting makeup, skincare, fragrance and more, this is a not-to-be-missed episode if you’re yet to tick off your shopping list.

Products mentioned by Tony and Julia:

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Beautifying Eye Filter

NARS Bijoux Eyeshadow Palette

NARS Full Access Cheek Set

NARS Unwrapped Mini Eyeshadow Palette

MECCA MAX The Big Blend Eye & Complexion Brush Set

MECCA MAX Maxed Out 12 Piece Mini Must Haves

goop GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Skincare Kit

Tatcha Award-Winning Favourites

Mecca Cosmetica The Radiance Ritual

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01

D.S. & DURGA Smash Hits Vol.2

Le Labo EDP Discovery Set 3 x 5ml

Diptyque Holiday Advent Calendar

Diptyque Sapin Candle

Diptyque Basile Lantern Accessory

Diptyque Mini Candle Set

Frank Body Buff Marshmallow Body Scrub

Glow Recipe Glossy Skin Spell

Drunk Elephant Trunk 5.0

Briogeo Vegan Apple Honey Hydration Don't Despair, Repair! Hair Repair Kit

Gisou Honey Infused Haircare Set

Sol de Janeiro Stellar Celebration

The MECCA Gift Card

MECCA Services

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, present and emerging. 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.

The most spectacular time of the year is here! We’re taking you behind the scenes of Holiday 2021 at MECCA in a conversation with Amrita Hepi, an award-winning First Nations dancer and choreographer, and one of the stars of this year’s campaign, ‘The Beauty Spectacular’.

With gifts that glitter, glow, sparkle and spark joy – the celebration (and gifting) starts at MECCA! Discover our guide to the most spectacular beauty gifts of the year here, and spot Amrita online and in real life on billboards, bus stops and more this festive season.

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

WATCH: The MECCA Beauty Spectacular is here

WATCH: MECCA’s spectacular Holiday artist, Naomi Hobson, lives in colour

Our limited-edition holiday collection has landed — here’s what to add to your wishlist

Emerged from lockdown with a (beauty) identity crisis? Add these products to your wishlist

Win at gift-giving with these limited-edition holiday sets

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guest: Amrita Hepi

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit 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, present and emerging. 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 back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.

In today’s episode…

Kate and Zara are back on the topic of ‘making it’, this time with financial advisor and She’s on the Money podcast host and author, Victoria Devine.

Victoria takes the overwhelm out of managing your personal finances with tips and tricks that won’t leave you skimping on your morning coffee or fortnightly MECCA haul.

If you’re considering investing in shares (or a new business idea!) this episode might just be the inspiration you need to get stuck in – pair that with Zoë Foster Blake’s career advice in part one of ‘Making It’, and soon enough, you’ll be on a roll.

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

6 tips to having it all: the serums, the shoes and the savings

Zoë Foster Blake’s life advice for real life

Thoughts, advice and inspiration from our female brand founders this International Day of the Girl

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Victoria Devine

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Founded by financial advisor, author and creator of Australia’s #1 finance podcast, Victoria Devine, She’s on the Money is the one-stop destination for millennials who want financial freedom (without skimping on brunch). She’s on the Money aims to empower women to make smart money decisions through relatable hacks you can implement right away. Find out more here!

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit 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, present and emerging. 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 back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.

In today’s episode…

We had so much good to give, we split it into two! In part one of ‘Making It’, Kate and Zara talk career and creativity with beauty’s golden go-getter and founder of Go-To, the one and only Zoë Foster Blake.

From balancing book-writing, blogging, beauty and babies to formulating skincare and founding a brand that all members of the family can love, Zoë’s open, honest chat (and coffee confession) is one we can all relate to and learn from.

Return next week for part two of ‘Making It’, where Kate and Zara get fiscal with financial advisor and She’s on the Money podcast host, Victoria Devine. Take notes and you’ll be set up to start your own beauty brand in no time.

Brands and products mentioned:

Go-To

Go-To Face Hero

Go-To Transformazing

Go-To Much Brighter Skin

Bro-To

Sodashi

Drunk Elephant

Le Labo Santal 33

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

WATCH: Zoë Foster Blake’s entire beauty routine

Zoë Foster Blake’s life advice for real life

5 things Zoë Foster Blake wants you to know about Go-To’s Beauty Election-winning Face Hero

Thoughts, advice and inspiration from our female brand founders this International Day of the Girl

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Zoë Foster Blake

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit 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, present and emerging. 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 back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.

In today’s episode…

Kate and Zara discuss their journey to finding a sense of beauty identity, and how access to digital technologies can lead women and girls to greater equality. More on that here!

Then, Tony Baumann, MECCA’s head of artistry and fabulosity, shares how he discovered beauty, and lets us in on his best advice for building confidence through beauty, kindness, and sharp interpersonal skills (6:22).

The model activist 'kicking the hornet’s nest', Mahalia Handley then joins Kate and Zara to share her experiences as a curve model of Irish and Maori heritage, and how she champions body and ethnic diversity through modelling, social media, creative direction, and consultancy (19:46).

Through M-Power, MECCA aims to help 10,000 girls finish secondary school by the year 2025, and we will achieve this through our work locally in Victoria with The Skyline Education Foundation, nationally with Stars Foundation and internationally with CAMFED. Learn more about MECCA M-Power here.

Brands and products mentioned:

NARS

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

Ellis Faas

Rae Morris

Rae Morris The Rae Frame

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

WATCH: Self not the selfie - in conversation with our MECCALIFE power panel

QUIZ: How do you beauty? Our guide to finding your beauty ID

How MECCA M-Power helps improve the lives of women and girls

7 trailblazing women on the advice they’d give their younger selves

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Tony Baumann, Mahalia Handley

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit Chat. https://bit.ly/3mctrAI

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

In today’s episode…

Kate and Zara decode the taboo around ‘getting work done’ to your face – namely injectables like Botox and filler – and the effect social media filters have had on the phenomenon.

MECCA skin expert Lucy Shaw is back (10:25) to share her top skincare, device and technique recommendations to emulate the smoothing, sculpting and plumping results of aesthetic treatments without going near a needle.

Then, celebrated cosmetic physician Dr Van Park takes us on her journey from makeup artistry to aesthetics (31:13). In this fascinating chat with Kate and Zara, Dr Van Park explains why women (and men!) are increasingly opting for injectable beauty treatments, and her preferred methods for wrinkle-prevention and natural-looking enhancement.

Products and brands mentioned in this episode:

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme

NuFACE Trinity Device

Dr. Dennis Gross Spectralite Faceware Pro

Angela Caglia La Vie En Rose Face Roller

Chantecaille Stress Repair Concentrate +

Goldfaden MD Liquid Face Lift

FOREO BEAR

BeautyBio GloPRO® Facial Microneedling Regeneration Tool

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

MECCA Presents: facial aesthetics with Dr Van Park, exclusive to MECCA’s first flagship

A demystifying guide to our 6 favourite skincare devices

The spa can wait: the DIY alternatives for your favourite skin treatments

We try the latest TikTok trend for getting plumped up lips – minus the downtime

Dr Van Park's highly sought-after injectable treatments are administered with industry-leading professionalism and are personalised to suit each individual's facial structure for a perfectly balanced, refreshed look. Find Dr Van Park at MECCA’s George Street flagship on level one, and book an appointment with her at MECCA here. Appointments are available one Wednesday a month. Please look for bookings on October 13, November 17, or December 15.

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Lucy Shaw, Dr Van Park

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit 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, present and emerging. 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.