MECCA Talks

MECCA Talks discusses the winners of the 2022 MECCA Beauty Election, including a cult-favorite foundation and a whipped moisturizer. They also talk about their recent trip to Italy for a cosmetics trade show, their favorite beauty products, and the value of historic makeup palettes. They share personal experiences and tips on using the best beauty products of 2022.

From star signs to tarot cards and crystals, we’re exploring the new frontier of self-care with Yasmin Sewell, founder of wellness-meets-fragrance brand, Vyrao, and Alice Bell, NYC’s chicest astrologer and our go-to person for anything star- (and sun, and moon!) related.First, Yasmin joins Kate and Zara in the studio to take us on her journey from Sydney to London, where she opened inimitable fashion boutique Yasmin Cho in her early twenties, and later became one of fashion’s top tastemakers for the likes of Browns, Liberty and Farfetch. Then, of course, we jump into the present, where Yasmin finds herself homing in on her long-time passion for energetic healing, connection and master perfumery through Vyrao – a fragrance brand unlike any other.Zara then jumps on the line with Alice, a US Vogue fashion assistant-turned-astrologer whose initial interest in better understanding her identity, purpose, quirks and love life became a full-time career. Between chart readings, mentoring, education, digital content, brand partnerships and her podcast, Alice is giving us the 411 on Astrology 101 – and, how best to handle Mercury’s current retrograde. Products mentioned in this episode: Vyrao Witchy Woo EDP Vyrao Free 00 EDP Vyrao I Am Verdant EDP Vyrao Georgette EDP Vyrao Magnetic 70 EDP Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector RMS Beauty Lip2CheekRead more on The MECCA Memo:Meet the first 5 scents from vibe-enhancing perfumery, Vyrao 4 modern astrologers on how their star signs influence their beauty routines Mercury retrograde is here: channel your calmest self with these astrologist-approved candles Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Yasmin Sewell, Alice BellProducers: 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 episode of MECCA Talks, we’re transporting you to Paris – no passport necessary! Join us on Kate’s recent trip to the city of love, flowers, fragrance and pastries for a sit-down chat with L’Officine Universelle Buly 1803 (also known as just Buly) co-founder, Victoire de Taillac.Get inspired by the eclectic, time-travelling worldliness of de Taillac and her partner, Ramdane Touhami, who reinvigorated and reinvented a 19th century apothecary that once flourished by way of its “vinegar with a thousand virtues.”De Taillac also talks about her time at prolific Parisian fashion boutique, Colette, tells us what makes Buly’s unique water-based fragrances so good, and shares the tourist and patisserie-flecked joys of Paris post-pandemic. Products mentioned in this episode: Officine Universelle Buly Eau Triple Mexican Tuberose Perfume Officine Universelle Buly Huile Antique Scottish Lichen Dry Body Oil Officine Universelle Buly Huile Lait Virginal Berkane Orange Blossom Body Milk Officine Universelle Buly Opiat Dentaire Mint Coriander Cucumber Toothpaste Officine Universelle Buly Pommade Virginale Face Moisturiser Officine Universelle Buly Scented Candle Sacre Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Bio-Energising Cell Repair Balm 111SKIN Read more:Alcohol-free perfumes are a thing: everything you need to know about the water-based alternative Why this French apothecary brand is our new obsession Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Victoire de TaillacProducers: 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 elements of 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 episode of MECCA Talks, Kate and Zara tap into their TikTok ‘For You’ pages to unpack two internet success stories: ‘the Euphoria foundation’ and Carla Rockmore.The first story we hear is that of the Chantecaille Future Skin foundation, a MECCA icon that flew off our shelves the moment Euphoria makeup designer Donni Davy mentioned it was her go-to base on the HBO show. Alex Chantecaille, VP of sales and promotions at Chantecaille (and daughter of the brand’s founder, Sylvie), shares her reaction to the 13-year-old foundation’s newfound virality, and tells us how the brand is – and always was – making waves in formulation and environmental philanthropy. Then, Carla Rockmore – or as Vogue likes to call her, ‘the real-life Carrie Bradshaw’ – joins Kate and Zara from her now-famous closet to talk TikTok success at age 54, pivoting from jewellery designer to content creator when the pandemic left her in a pickle, and utilising fashion and social media as a form of self-expression. This conversation had us falling in love with Carla all over again!Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review!Products mentioned in this episode: Chantecaille Future Skin Chantecaille Vital EssenceChantecaille Mascara Faux Cils Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask Chantecaille Stress Repair Concentrate + Chantecaille Pure Rosewater Chantecaille Just Skin Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops Westman Atelier Lip Suede Hourglass 1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eye Liner 3 Pack Read more:Here’s how to recreate Euphoria S2’s biggest trends  MECCA COLLECTIVA: Carla Rockmore approaches beauty with as much energy as her TikToksCarla Rockmore on TikTokHosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Alex Chantecaille, Carla RockmoreProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale 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 this episode, MECCA makeup expert Jen Horsley discusses the iconic red lip and shares her top picks for the perfect crimson pout. New York-based artist and poet Amber Vittoria joins to talk about designing MECCA's new visual identity and staying inspired through the pandemic. They also delve into their love for nature, favorite beauty products, and the challenges of wearing red lipstick with masks.

Pre, pro and post-biotic extracts are increasingly appearing on the ingredient lists of new skincare formulas, so we’ve got MECCA skincare expert Lucy Shaw and Cultured founder Rob Calcraft on the podcast to tell us why.First, Lucy gives us the lingo low-down on all things microbiome; she explains what the term ‘skin barrier’ actually means, how the probiotics in our skincare differ to those in our yoghurt, and why we should start thinking about our skin as an ‘ecosystem’.Then, Rob – who also co-founded REN Clean Skincare – chats to Kate and Zara about his journey into (and out of, and back into) skincare following a new-found fixation on the microbiome, in what might be our most hilarious and scintillating conversation yet.Loved this episode? Learn something new? Got a question on the tip of your tongue? Let us know by leaving a review! Products mentioned in this episode: Cultured Biome One SerumCultured Resilience Facial OilCultured Vitality Cleansing MilkCultured Biome One Cleansing BalmJuice BeautyGallinée Body MilkRose Inc Radiant Reveal Brightening SerumCharlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal ElixirCharlotte Tilbury Magic CreamSunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid TreatmentTULA 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night CreamRead more:MECCA Meets… Rob Calcraft, founder of CulturedEverything you need to know about the microbiomeThe top 5 products from microbiome skincare brand CulturedHosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Lucy Shaw, Rob CalcraftProducers: 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.

Dr. Dennis Gross and Stephanie Horton are on the show today to tell us!Kate and Zara are looking into the crystal ball of beauty and online shopping, with the help of skincare icon and founder Dr. Dennis Gross, and Google’s Global Consumer Marketing Director for Shopping, Stephanie Horton. After revolutionising the clinical peel and at-home skincare treatments (from his cult-favourite Alpha Beta peel pads to the Spectralite Faceware Pro LED device) Dr. Dennis Gross, of the eponymous brand, is sharing scientific intel on our favourite skincare ingredients, direct from his NYC lab. Then, Stephanie Horton jumps on the line to talk us through her glass-ceiling shattering career across marketing and eCommerce – from The New York Times to Farfetch, Alexander Wang and Google – as well as how she has overcome imposter syndrome, and now paves the way for women of colour in fashion and tech. Products mentioned in this episode: Dr. Dennis Gross Spectralite Faceware ProDr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Peel DailyDr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum NuFACE Trinity DeviceChantecaille Read more: A demystifying guide to our 6 favourite skincare devices Women in Arts: Mikaela Stafford, the digital artist behind MECCA’s ‘Future Beautiful’ campaign The effect of stress on your skin and how to avoid itThe Fifteen Percent PledgeFashion Tech Connects Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Dr. Dennis Gross, Stephanie HortonProducers: 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.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 GelMalin+Goetz Ingrown Hair CreamSmashbox Photo Finish 24 Hour Eye Shadow PrimerShiseido MicroLiner Ink Mecca Cosmetica Weekend Skin Glow SerumHosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Jen Horsley, Lucy ShawProducers: 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 Toilettediptyque Roses Scented Candle diptyque Camomille Scented Candle diptyque Litchi Scented Candle Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 EDPLe 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 EDPRead more on The MECCA Memo:Friends of MECCA share their non-cliché Valentine’s Day gift picks Our failproof guide to finding the perfect fragranceYou asked, we answered: how to make your fragrance last longerHosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Laura Curtis, Maurice HarrisProducers: 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 FormulaNaked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow MistNaked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming LotionNaked Sundays SPF50+ Collagen Glow CrèmeRose Inc Blush Divine Radiant Lip & Cheek ColorKosas Air Brow Fluff & Hold Treatment GelEllis Faas Skin Veil FoundationDr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal SerumDr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Wrinkle TreatmentRead more on The MECCA Memo:MECCA meets… Sam Brett from Naked SundaysThe easiest way to reapply sunscreen without ruining your makeupWhy you should never skip SPF with Call Time On Melanoma The best facial sunscreens at MECCAWhat are Australian SPF ratings?A beginner’s guide to chemical and physical SPF  Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara WongGuests: Dr Shreya Andric, Sam BrettProducers: Kerri Gordon, Michael LiberaleRemember 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.