MECCA Talks

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 BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved 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.

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 SerumElement Eight O2 Exosome Eight Active CreamElement Eight O2 Retinol Resurface Refine SerumElement Eight O2 Vitamin C Brighten Defend SerumElement Eight O2 Hyaluronic Acid Hydrate Correct CreamElement Eight O2 Caffeine Eight Active Eye CreamHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved 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.

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 FormulaCosmetics 27 Cleanser 27Cosmetics 27 Essence 27 Bio-Vitalising Cell Hydrating FluidCosmetics 27 Baume 27 Crème CorpsCosmetics 27 Baume 27 Serum Host: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Warwick HughesLoved 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.

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 BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Warwick HughesLoved 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.

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 DuoISAMAYA 5 Point LiftISAMAYA Face GlazeISAMAYA Colour Correcting SerumISAMAYA LiplacqISAMAYA Sculpting StickHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Warwick HughesLoved 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.

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 SocietyThe Biggest Thing In Beauty Has Landed At MECCA: Polite SocietyHay Fever? In Spring? These Mascaras are Groundbreaking5 Beauty Founders on the Best Gifts Under $100Products mentioned:B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil GlossMore Than A Pretty Face Skin-Caring Medium to Full Coverage FoundationPolite Pops Powder Blush StickPolite Pout Glossy Lip BalmGreatest Lashes of All Time MascaraCabana Club Blurring BronzerHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved 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.

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 ConcealerRMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Powder BlushNARS BlushMAC Cosmetics Fix+ Originalkit: Good Night BalmGlossier Boy Brow ArchTower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial SprayTower28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing MascaraMECCA MAX Pout PencilMECCA MAX Single ShadowHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved 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.

In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by tech-entrepreneur turned beauty founder, Uni’s Alexandra Keating.After starting not one, but two successful tech startups, Sydney born and LA-based Alexandra Keating (or as she prefers, AK) took a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with her husband Rupert.  Realising how much the reef had changed since her last visit, AK was struck by the idea of a body care brand that both aligned to Australian attitudes around active lifestyles and also harnessed the power of natural ingredients, without negative environmental impact. Inspired by the Australian coast, these ocean-powered formulas contain a unique marine complex designed to deeply hydrate without ever feeling too heavy.Now, AK joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to discuss Uni’s unique approach to formulation, packaging and her ultimate body care routine.Read more on The MECCA Memo:Meet Uni, the Ocean-Powered Brand Changing Up Body CareThe Best Body Moisturisers at MECCA, According To Our TeamIt’s New. In January. At MECCAProducts mentioned:Uni 24-Hour Body SerumUni Restoring Hand WashUni Hydrating ShampooUni Hydrating ConditionerUni Skin Shield Body WashHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Ruby Devlin & Kerri GordonEditor: Warwick HughesLoved 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.

In today’s episode Kate is joined by one of Australia’s most acclaimed makeup artists and founder of her eponymous brand, Rae Morris. Rae’s work with international brands, countless celebrities and major magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and I.D. has earned her the title of Australian Makeup Artist of the Year – four times. With a passion for true artistry, right down to the way her tools are created, she travelled the world to design and develop an innovative magnetic brush collection. The award-winning range is handcrafted in Japan and pays homage to the craft of calligraphy.Now, she joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to share her insider beauty tips, the brush everyone needs, and the non-negotiable products that belong in every beauty bag.Read more on The MECCA Memo:Over 40? These Makeup Tips Are for YouThe Ultimate Eye Makeup Masterclass with Rae MorrisProducts mentioned:Rae Morris Travel Set DeluxeRae Morris Travel SetThe Rae FrameRae Morris Pro-Liner Set 5 PieceRae Morris Personal SetRae Morris Pro Starter SetRae Morris Invisible Mattifier PowderRae Morris Makeup Masterclass BookHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved 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.