From The MECCA Group Chat: The Best Post-Pilates Skin Hack, Ever
September 16 | 3 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
Although the spring weather has – so far – been predictably unpredictable, we’re choosing a sunnier outlook when it comes to beauty: the shedding of our reptilian skin, a return to light, bright new-season fragrances, and as cliché as it is, an always cathartic beauty cupboard clean-out and reset. Ahead, what’s in at HQ this week.
I cheated on my OG mascara
There were five seconds between me eye-balling the before and after photos from our recent MECCA Tries shoot for Charlotte Tilbury’s new mascara and adding it to my cart. Believe me when I tell you this will give you the biggest, most-lifted lashes ever – and you won’t find any sprinkles of black under your eyes come 5pm. Eyelash extensions are out, anyway, didn’t you know?
The ultimate post-Pilates skincare hack
Hot mat or reformer, Pilates girlies at HQ love the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray post sweat sesh. It’s saving our skin when there’s no time to shower; spritz directly onto your face and the hypochlorous acid will work to kill breakout-causing bacteria from exercising or excessive sweating. No wash-off required. (This also makes it a skin saviour for those in warmer climates.)
Hold on, we’re entering a new fragrance era
Some people like to smell like everyone else. Not me! And I’m not the only one. Thanks to a growing desire for more individuality in scent, perfumers are now taking classic ingredients and pairing them with notes you’ve probably never heard of to craft scents you’ve definitely never smelled before.
No-one does this better than D.S & DURGA who are more like mad scientists in the way they concoct their scents. Black Magenta EDP is a great example; a mix of pink pineapple, pepper and orris concrete (a sweet but powdery note that smells a little like violets) that is so distinct it’s as much of a style statement as a designer bag.
DedCool have also mastered the art of the unusual – their Fragrance 03 “Blonde” is described as smelling like a worn-in leather jacket and squished raspberries. Other scents in this category don’t necessarily use rare ingredients, but are crafted in such a way that they react differently on everyone – it’s one of the reasons Glossier You EDP has such a cult following.
The complexion hot list
I had a little peek at our complexion bestsellers and discovered there’s one thing they all have in common – a dewy, luminous, your-skin-but-better finish. Glossier’s Stretch Fluid Foundation, NARS’ Light Reflecting Foundation, Kosas’ BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream, Tower 28’s SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation – these formulas walk the tightrope between skincare and makeup with all the benefits you could want. Glowy! Hydrating! Buildable! And the best part – they won't mess with your skin. Rather, they’ll improve it, now and over time.
It’s *officially* faux tan season
MECCA’s content team have declared it’s officially acceptable to dive back into our fake tan routines (personally, mine’s not gone anywhere) – which also means body care has re-entered our showers. We’re exfoliating with the Frank Body Glycolic Body Scrub and it’s finally warm enough (ish) to moisturise our whole bodies, and for that our first pick is Glossier’s new Crème de You. Fake tan formula wise, we can’t go past Isle of Paradise’s customisable drops for face and body. These put you in control of the depth of your glow - just add as many drops as you like to your moisturisers. Two for the face, and 6-8 for the body is our recommendation.
True blue
Those palettes you pulled from the back of your cupboard while spring cleaning? It’s time you put them to use. I’ve spied a little (and a lot) of colour on eyes at HQ and MECCA, including 2024’s hottest hue: blue. Try painting a dainty line across the top lash line using VIOLETTE_FR’s Yeux Paint Matte in shade ‘Dieu Bleu’ for a statement gaze that somehow suits everyone.
