From The MECCA Group Chat: Sheer Skin, Opaque Blush
July 15 | 3 minute read
Words by Christie Sinclair
And ICYMI, we’re living through the ‘great blush revival’, which has spawned the next (and slightly unexpected) micro-trend sweeping cheeks everywhere. Everything worth knowing from MECCA HQ this week? You’ll read it here first.
Sheer genius
“Your skin looks so good, what are you wearing?” I heard a colleague remark to another in the office kitchen this week, which reminded me: a good complexion product can be measured by a spike in unsolicited compliments about your skin – not your makeup. That’s where skin tints win. The part-makeup, part-skincare hybrid requires the bare minimum to achieve just the right amount of light, dewy coverage – and many of them improve skin even after being washed off.
If you’re new to tints, try bareMinerals’ Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint, the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser or MECCA MAX’s Off Duty Serum Skin Tint. Meanwhile, the complexion stick has been upgraded for this decade thanks to Anastasia Beverly Hills’ new Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint and Charlotte Tilbury’s latest launch, the Unreal Sheer Glow Tint, which is almost like Hollywood Flawless Filter in solid form (plus light-mapping mesh technology and Collageneer™ to give you a fresh, plumped look).
Everyone's blushing
All it took was a little nudge from Sabrina Carpenter and Hailey Bieber, and suddenly every cheek is sporting a pink hue of some description. There is always, *always* room for more blush in your kit and if you’re looking to add to your collection, allow me to inspire you by exposing some of our team’s favourites – directly from the group chat...
One team member has been wearing the classic NARS Blush in ‘Orgasm’ since time began (naturally), while another is more of a NARS Afterglow girly – it's the balmy sheerness for them. Cantecaille’s Cheek Gelee Blush is a dewy dream for dry skin types, and as always, there is overwhelming love for Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks – we all need to try it layered with the MECCA MAX Cheek Crush Powder Blush, apparently!
For me, the perfect glowy flush is earned after a brisk walk on an icy morning – or (if you’d rather pull the covers up and roll right over) a dab of MECCA COSMETICA’s Hydra Cheek Tint and Illuminating Balm Duo in ‘Rose’.
Blush’s new (old) wingwoman
Speaking of cheeks, they’re not only looking more flushed than usual – they’re gleaming. We’ve seen a resurrection of highlighter, and it seems to have coincided with the recent release of Bridgerton Season 3 in which debutantes attempt to (both literally and figuratively) outshine one another with charm and decidedly sheeny skin. What makes Regency-era London radiance so covetable? The subtle sheerness of it, akin to a sprightly promenade – or perhaps something a little more risqué… Either way, dear readers, it’s a hallmark of youth, health and wealth that one can make believe with glossy formulas like VIOLETTE_FR Baume Shine, Kevyn Aucoin’s Glass Glow and Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick.
Something’s in the water
We know the benefits of simmering in mineral-rich waters once in a while – but what about slathering it on our skin every day? Some of the most innovative skincare players are not looking to the future, but to the complete opposite, like Hungarian brand Omorovicza. The founders were amazed at the restorative effects Budapest’s ancient thermal baths had on their skin and found a way to deliver the good stuff in a concentrated form right where we need it most. The idea of dousing yourself in a luxurious mist or mud mask made from miracle waters, syphoned from below the storied streets of an ancient European city feels fabulous and exciting, but can also help soothe irritated skin and even slow the onset of fine lines and wrinkles. Sign me up!
There's a serum for that
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference to your skin – like slipping a new serum into your routine. We love a serum because the high concentrations of active ingredients allow you to get really specific about tackling your concerns. For example, if your skin is perpetually dry, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum has a cult-like following for its instant hydrating effect. If you want brighter skin (not lighter, but more vibrant and radiant) you would add vitamin C, and Allies of Skin’s 35% Vitamin C+ Perfecting Serum means serious business.
For red or breakout-prone skin past adolescence, you may have heard the hosts of our new MECCA Talks: The Mini podcast gush over Emma Lewisham’ Supernatural Blemish Face Serum with Live Skin Probiotic. The results I’ve seen around HQ are quite remarkable, plus the packaging means you get to ‘cocktail’ it yourself! And finally, fine lines have no chance against Augustinus Bader’s The Retinol Serum.
Never leave home without your LED
As a devout LED convert, having to part with my mask whenever I travel truly hurts my heart – and certainly does not benefit my skin. As most of the southern hemisphere plans their escape north to warmer climes, a hot HQ topic this week was a nifty little device from Lonvitalité who saw our struggle and developed the most convenient solution. The Pro-LED Facial Wand is a palm-sized LED that can slip easily in your carry-on, handbag or pocket, ready to whip out at just about any time or place. If you saw me LED-ing in the departure lounge, no you didn’t.
