MECCA HQ Spill Their Beauty Bag Essentials

While it’s no surprise that MECCA team members always have a bundle of beauty on hand, we recently discovered that many are carrying enough to stock a new store opening.

Curious to get to the bottom of their bags – and discover the ‘emotional support beauty’ they keep on them at all times – we asked four team members to spill.

“I’m known for having the biggest ‘on-the-go’ beauty bag in HQ – perfumes, dry shampoo, hair ties, sharpeners, setting spray… You name it, it’s in there. Oh, and lip products! I carry 16 with me at all times.

“My most reached-for combo starts with the Kylie Cosmetics Precision Pout Lip Liner in ‘Comes Naturally’. Creamy, long-lasting and the perfect nude, it’s an essential. I’ve sharpened it so much that the lid nearly covers the whole length of the pencil!

“I’ll usually follow that up with one of my many glosses, balms, or oils. My favourite has to be the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm of which I have no less than five. Whether I’m driving, working or sleeping, it’s always by my side.”

“Look, I may overpack, but really I’m performing an act of public service! My beauty bag philosophy is ‘always be prepared’ because you never know which beauty dilemma you – or someone you know – could face.

“Need a confidence boost at work? Top up your fragrance and swipe on a lip liner. Skin feeling dry while travelling? A quick facial mist or moisturiser does the trick. Midday breakout emergency? A touch of concealer has you covered, literally.

“You will never catch me out of the house without my Go-To Lips!. I’ve used this soothing, barrier boosting, no-fuss balm for forever and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.”

“I would say my bag is less a perfectly organised system and more a random assortment of well-loved must-haves.

“My most prized possession is without a doubt my never-quite-empty Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in ‘Brown Sugar’. It gives me the perfect wash of colour while feeling silky and light on the lips. Some say mine is looking a little worse for wear but it’s become a safety blanket I can’t bear to part with.

“I also carry multiple mini perfumes so I always smell my best. Right now I’m loving skin scents like Glossier You EDP and D.S. & DURGA’s I Don’t Know What.”

“I am a notorious overpacker so I try to keep my bag as simple as possible – the key word here is try. This is why I love minis, because I cover all bases without running out of space.

“There are some products, however, that are worth keeping in a full size. Like the La Mer Lip Balm which is worth every cent and every bit of precious real estate it takes up. Infused with Miracle Broth™ for hydration and protection, a little bit of this clear, shimmer-free balm goes a long way. Which is probably why despite using it everyday for years, I’m nowhere near close to running out!

“Honourable mention goes to the M·A·C Cosmetics Lip Liner and Macximal Matte Lipstick, both in ‘Whirl’. I reach for this combo on days I’m trying to channel my inner ’90s supermodel. It results in the perfect moody lip that guarantees compliments every time.”