From The MECCA Group Chat: Slow Burns and Glass Skin, Quick
August 19 | 3 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
I have something to confess: I can’t stop buying blush. But also, I won’t stop buying blush. Every time I swipe on a new hue I feel a little jolt of happiness – and nothing brings me more joy than being able to play with Glossier’s Cloud Paints IRL. They’re a lot like a moisturiser with a tint that blends out into a slightly translucent finish. There's nothing else like it. Ahead, from the MECCA Group Chat, more beauty discoveries giving us the mid-year mood boost we’re craving...
Skin first, makeup second
While everyone’s gushing over Balm Dotcom, Boy Brow and Glossier You EDP (and rightly so) I’m stockpiling Glossier skincare like it’s the toilet paper crisis of 2020. Which comes as no surprise since three of the four products the brand first launched back in 2014 were skincare – supporting its mantra, ‘Skin first, makeup second.’
What am I buying? Everything, starting with the Milky Jelly cleanser which is so hydrating, it wouldn’t be a complete disaster if you skipped your serums. Speaking of which, what I love most about the Super Bounce Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin B5 Hydrating Face Serum is the absence of any tackiness you tend to get from a hydrating serum. And the Priming Moisturizer Rich Face Cream with Ceramides is the unfussy everyday moisturiser for dry skin I’ve been searching for.
On our minds – and our eyes….
Just when we feel like we might have Brat fatigue (maybe it’s the lack of summer here?) a new remix drops and we realise this apple will never rot right to the core. We’re still pairing our puffer jackets with a Charli XCX-inspired messy, smoky wing using our most-loved black eye liner (mine is RMS Beauty’s Straight Line Kohl Eye Pencil in 'HD Black’) sharpened to the tiniest stub. Take it to the top and bottom water lines, then thickly across lids from corner to corner, gently pulling the excess with fingers in an outward and slightly upward direction to create a smudged wing. Add the Morphe Morphe 2 Gloss Pop Face & Eye Gloss to the centre of your lids and a few coats of smoky mascara (NARS Climax Mascara feels appropriate).
The slow burn
I enjoy using inclement weather as an excuse to barricade myself indoors with a hair mask, face mask, good book and a candle that sweeps me to a place where the lack of sunshine can’t bother me. Byredo’s Bibliothèque Candle immediately makes me feel better about cancelling my plans in favour of playing out my deepest ‘dark academia’ fantasy (just add soaring bookshelves and a violinist in the corner). Troye Sivan was not wrong when he said there is power in a home “meticulously designed for comfort” and his brand Tsu Lange Yor’s Sassafras Candle is manifestation of this very idea. With notes of smoked cade, juniper berries, Australian sandalwood and leather, it evokes a slow, grounding calmness, akin to that of being immersed in the landscape of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges.
A quick ‘glass skin’ win
Hands up if you want skin that looks so silken, so supple, it’s like it’s been earthside for minutes rather than decades? Not new, just really good, K-Beauty's ‘glass skin’ is one of few trends to have survived the algorithm. Despite what you may have seen while scrolling, you don’t need to go to extreme steps for a juicy, bouncy complexion. Glow Recipe’s OG viral duo, Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner and Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops™, applied in that order, is responsible for taking the trend mainstream and can be easily added to your routine without messing with your existing products.
The never-ending cleanser
I’ve been using the Dr.Jart+ Pore Remedy™ Renewing Foam Cleanser every night as my second-step cleanse since October 2023 (10 months!) and only this week had to repurchase it. Maximum beauty, minimum spend at its very best.
