There are two very important elections happening in Australia right now, and if you need a break from federal politics, it’s time to read up on the less known one: MECCA Beauty Election nominees (you can catch up on last year’s winners here). If you’re keen to participate in it, you can cast your vote here, but, in the meantime, read up on the products POPSUGAR Australia will be voting for below.
Amanda Bardas, Publisher
Best Complexion: ILIA, Super Serum Skin Tint, SPF40
I recently discovered the ILIA, Super Serum Skin Tint, SPF40 ($72) and it’s quickly become my go-to each day. It gives me even coverage, but without feeling like I’m wearing any make-up at all. My skin looks like skin — which is always my ultimate goal.
Best Blush: Westman Atelier, Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in “Couchette”
Westman Atelier, Baby Cheeks Blush Stick ($72) has been an MVP in my handbag for years. It makes my face come to life. I wear it on my cheeks, eyelids, and on the bridge of my nose. I like looking as though I’ve just hopped off the reformer bed and have a healthy glow.
Valentina Todoroska, Managing Editor
Best Mascara: Kevyn Aucoin, The Volume Mascara
I’ve been using Kevyn Aucoin, The Volume Mascara ($42) for years now and I don’t think I could go back to another. Being tubular it doesn’t smudge or move around after application, an important quality for me as I have oily eyelids. The tiny wand makes it easy to coat all of your lashes and leaves them looking super thick and long. I also love how easy it is to remove, it comes off in tiny clumps with warm water.
Icons Edit: Mecca Cosmetica, To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen Oxybenzone Free Formula
I use To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen Oxybenzone Free ($42) every single day between skincare and makeup and love the texture. It feels more like a moisturiser than a sunscreen, absorbs quickly and easily into the skin and doesn’t leave a white cast on the face. It acts as the perfect base for makeup and doesn’t leave me feeling more oily after application as someone with oily/combo skin.
Most Innovative: Drunk Elephant, C-Firma Fresh Day Serum
I’m on my second bottle of Drunk Elephant, C-Firma Serum ($117) and find it so easy to work into my morning skincare routine. I like that you can mix the formulation so it’s the freshest it can possibly be when you put it on your skin (hence the name). the consistency isn’t too thick or thin, it’s just right and layers well with sunscreen and makeup. After using it, I’ve noticed my skin is brighter and more even in texture.
Ange Law, Commercial Content and Shopping Editor
Most Innovative: Charlotte Tilbury, Hollywood Flawless Filter
After scouring the list — twice — it has to be Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter ($65).
I bought the CT Hollywood Flawless Filter on a whim when doing a duty-free run a couple of years ago and what started as a holiday love affair, quickly transitioned into a long term relationship. I’ve been using it daily ever since (and still haven’t finished the bottle!). My skin is prone to breakouts and has the rare ability to still make my skin glow without highlighting blemishes, plus, it evens out my skin tone and gives me that coveted “lit from within” look with no effort. Some days I mix it with foundation, others I wear it on its own with a bit of concealer and a brow.
Ruby Feneley, Beauty and Wellness Producer
Best Blush: Nars, Powder Blush in “Bumpy Ride”
There are some beautifully thought out colours in the NARS Powder Blush range with something to suit every skin tone – from the burnt copper Taj Mahal to the universal, crisp red Exhibit A that looks natural on the lightest and deepest skin tones. My favourite shade is Bumpy Ride, ($45). Think of this as Orgasm’s demure sister. The soft, ballet-slipper pink blush has a very fine pearl that gives it a luminous finish. Applied to cheeks, lids and the nose bridge Bumpy Ride will give you a Pride and Prejudice running-through-a-field level healthy flush.
Best Cleanser and Toner: Eve Lom, Cleanser
Eve Lom Cleanser ($175) is the first oil cleanser I ever used! On one of my first visits to Mecca, a skin specialist sat me down and explained the concept of double cleansing (mind blown) and sent me home with a sample of this product. Life, and my skin, haven’t been the same since. This is still the perfect oil/balm cleanser. Eucalyptus and clove oils (both naturally antiseptic) and calming camomile create a totally transportation spa experience in a pot. The sumptuous formula provides enough “grip” to perform a facial massage – a technique founder and facialist Eve Lom was famous for. Jojoba beads provide gentle exfoliation and help loosen makeup from every nook and cranny. The most luxurious way to say goodbye to a full face of makeup.
Most Innovative: Charlotte Tilbury, Hollywood Flawless Filter
CT, Hollywood Flawless Filter ($65) is stocked in the kit of every pro MUA I know because the versatile shade range brings believable luminosity to every skin tone. It gives a true “glass” glow – the cushioning gel-baume erases texture, leaving skin believably bright, rather than shiny or shimmery. The formula contains blurring polymers and finely milled powders which means the product softens the appearance of imperfections on its own and enhances rather than dilutes the coverage of concealer and foundation when mixed. I use Hollywood Flawless under foundation, then mix with a full coverage concealer for under my eyes – but on days when my skin is particularly dull and wretched, I blend with a foundation to look like I’ve been sipping on green juice and Vida Glow all week.
Basmah Qazi, Entertainment Producer
Best Complexion: Estée Lauder, Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup
I’ve used Estée Lauder, Double Wear ($62) for over 10 years now (really showing my age here), and it still stands the test of time. I’ve tried so many other foundations in between and while I’ve definitely found some winners, nothing compares to this. Full coverage, long-lasting and keeps my oil at bay. What more can you ask for?
Most Innovative: Charlotte Tilbury, Hollywood Flawless Filter
Okay, seriously, if I ever meet Queen Charlotte Tilbury herself then I’m going to give her a huge hug because this product is UNREAL. I apply CT Hollywood Flawless Filter ($65) underneath my foundation and it gives me a perfectly healthy lit from within glow. Plus, on days where I don’t want to apply a full face of makeup, I just slap this on and it makes it look like I’ve drank four litres of water in one sitting.
Best Fragrance: Maison Francis Kurkdijan, Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP
My wallet may have cried when I bought Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP ($376) four years ago (I’m still going through it, despite using it every single day) but it’s all worth it. Every single time I wear this fragrance I get compliments, with so many people wanting to know what it is. The woody blend of cedar and amber accord, combined with notes of jasmine and saffron make for a unique scent, that really cannot be replicated.
Sangeeta Kocharekar, Lifestyle Editor
Most Innovative: Naked Sundays SPF50+ Hydrating Glow Mist
There is so much to love about Naked Sundays, Hydrating Glow Mist, SPF50+ ($40) — I don’t even know where to start. I love its cute purple and white bottle, how easy it is to apply, how glowy it makes my skin look (with no white cast like some sunscreens give you!) and its smell. The fact it’s vegan0friendly and cruelty-free is icing on the cake. The threat of getting skin cancer is very real, especially here in Australia, so I love that Naked Sundays are making the act of wearing sunscreen ‘cool’.
Laura Roscioli, Culture Producer
Best Fragrance: LeLabo, Santal 33
You just can’t go past LeLabo, Santal33 ($433) It’s the smell of one of my favourite streets in Melbourne, and it’s a unisex scent that smells both sexy and comforting, whether I’m wearing it, or my boyfriend is wearing it. It’s one of the most classic new scents I’ve smelt; I just know it will be around for generations to come. Plus, the Le Labo stores are a true experience; the definition of what it should be to shop retail.
Alana Young, Gaming Producer
Best Cleanser and Toner: Tatcha, The Rice Wash
I’m voting for the Tatcha, The Rice Wash ($81) cleanser because it literally saved my skin from an unhinged breakout. I have really sensitive skin and it’s hard to find products that won’t cause it to flare up but are still effective enough to clean my face, which is criminally oily and prone to blackheads. The Rice Wash is super gentle but leaves my face feeling fresh and clean. It’s my ride or die.
