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Here’s a list of Mecca’s top 15 bestselling products of all time

IMAGE VIA MECCA
WORDS BY SALLY EDWARDS

The beauty buys that have stood the test of time.

Have you ever wondered what products truly stand out in the veritable sea of makeup, skincare, body care and fragrance online and on shelves? What ones defy age and ever-changing beauty trends?


We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more. 


Well, wonder no longer because we’ve consulted the experts at Mecca to uncover the beauty giant’s top-selling 15 products of all time and what makes them so damn good.

Skincare

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

Price: $128

When it launched and updates: C-Firma launched in 2016 and since then it has become one of the brand’s signature products featuring in kits ‘The Littles’ ($131) and ‘Bare With Us’ ($160) and the ‘Time to Wake Up Set’ ($37). 

What the brand is known for: “Drunk Elephant skincare is all about achieving a visible result but without compromising your skin in the process. Their formulas are simple [yet] effective,” says Lucy Shaw, Mecca’s Skincare Education Manager.

Why the product is so popular: “The C-Firma serum features a maximum dose of 15 per cent vitamin c for overall luminosity and skin brightening, fading pigmentation and scars which are common concerns for sun-soaked skin in Australia.”

What the reviews say: With an average of 4.2 out of five stars on Mecca, customers love C-Firma for its ability to make their skin glowy, dewy and smooth while battling pigmentation, scarring and rosacea with little to no irritation.

Who it’s maybe not suited for: “If you’re new to active ingredients, start slow, try the B-Hydra serum first, then work your way into the more active serums thereafter,” says Lucy.

 

Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF 50+ Superscreen

Price: $18 (30g) – $40 (75g)

When it launched: May 2015.

What the brand is known for: Mecca Cosmetica’s products are a more affordable alternative to luxury favourites that don’t stint on results.

Why the product is so popular: “Mecca Cosmetica originally created [its] own SPF products to fill a space that was missing on our bathroom shelves – sun protection in a formula that is first and foremost effective, but enjoyable to use. Think of this product as a sunscreen that has skincare benefits: it is nourishing, hydrating, sits beautifully under makeup and high-performance SPF in a beautifully textured lightweight cream,” says Lucy.

What the reviews say: This much-loved product has a 4.7 average reviewer rating. Why is it so loved? It doesn’t leave that dreaded whitecast, its smooth texture makes it a seamless base for makeup, its scent is non-invasive and, of course, it has an SPF of 50+ which means no sun damage.

Who it’s maybe not suited for: “This is suited for all ages and all skin types [but] if your skin is more oily or congested, try the To Save Face SPF 30+ formulation ($15-$38) which is slightly lighter in consistency,” suggests Lucy.

 

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

Price: $51

When it launched: 2010

What the brand is known for: Origins is widely-acclaimed for its knack for harnessing plants and active ingredients to create potent, science-approved solutions for the skin.

Why the product is so popular: “As skin is a direct reflection of our health, the eye area is always the first place to show the signs of fatigue, stress [and] lack of sleep, but it’s often the last product that we prioritise in our skincare routine. Think of this eye cream as an energising, brightening wake up for your eye area, rich in caffeine and ginseng. A firm favourite at Mecca!”

What the reviews say: This hero eye cream is rated a 4 by Mecca customers due to its undereye-brightening, and puff and line-reducing powers.

Who it’s suited for: “This product is suitable for all skin but specifically those concerned with dark circles or puffiness under the eyes,” says Lucy.

 

Eve Lom Cleanser

Price: $37 (20ml) – $177 (200ml)

When it launched and any updates: “[It hasn’t] changed since day dot, and [it’s] still our favourite,” says Lucy. “It’s the original balm cleanser which has changed all of our cleansing routines since it launched at Mecca in 2010. There was a limited edition version of this for Lunar New year this year, and you can also get it in the travel kit ($76) that we stock too.”

What the brand is known for: Legendary facialist Eve Lom’s eponymous, multi-award-winning brand counts its cleanser as its hero product. Its formulas are known for being gentle, indulgent and results-driven.

Why the product is so popular: “This cleanser should truly sit in the Mecca hall of fame. It’s a first of its kind; it launched years ago, before we’d even considered putting an oily balm on our face. This cleanser soon had its own Mecca cult following. It’s a cocoa- and shea butter-based cleanser that instantly melts into the skin, dissolving stubborn makeup, SPF and pollution. It’s removed with a softly-woven muslin cloth that gently exfoliates and removes all traces of your day. Using this product each night is like a spa ritual, thanks to the aromas of detoxifying eucalyptus and calming chamomile. You can also take a moment to give your face a quick face massage to help drain toxins and release tension from the day,” says Lucy.

What the reviews say: With an average rating of 4.6, Mecca customers attest to the cleanser’s hype. They say it melts into skin like honey, smells like a spa and leaves your skin as soft as a baby’s toosh.

Who it’s maybe not suited for: For you guys and gals with acne-prone or congested skin, Lucy suggests trying the Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser ($28-$94) instead, “[It] features all of the same hero ingredients encapsulated in a lighter gel formulation”.

 

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Price: $168

When it launched and any updates: “In 2015, our nighttime regimes changed when Sunday Riley dreamed up the most soothing retinol-meets-oil product,” says Lucy. Following this, the brand launched The Power Couple kit ($131), pairing the oil alongside the much-loved Good Genes serum. 

What the brand is known for: Another brand widely adored on Instagram, Sunday Riley skincare features powerful, targeted ingredients designed to improve skin quality.

Why the product is so popular: “Retinol truly is the gold standard of skincare and once you start using a retinol product in your routine, you can really start to see a visible result. Sunday Riley has created this truly unique formulation – this lightweight avocado oil base containing encapsulated retinol that will not irritate or create any of the usual side effects that retinol can be known for. The bluish hue comes from blue tansy which calms, soothes and ensures your skin can take in the benefits of smoothing texture, plumping fine lines and wrinkles, fading acne scars and brightening skin tone – all while you sleep!”

What the reviews say: This oil is hailed in the Mecca reviews section for its long-term effects on skin cell rejuvenation and the alleviation of issues like uneven skin tone, pigmentation, ageing and skin damage. It’s celebrated for its quick fixes too, like clearing and softening skin.

Who it’s maybe not suited for: “Unfortunately if you’re pregnant this product is off-limits, as retinol is not recommended for use during pregnancy,” says Lucy.

 

Makeup 

Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna

Price: $60

When it launched and any updates: “A Mecca top-seller from the day we opened the doors to the first Mecca Cosmetica store on Toorak Road in 1997. It remains untouched until April this year, when it relaunched with new packaging for a new look!” says Mecca’s Makeup, Haircare and Artistry Education Manager, Jennifer Horsley.

What the brand is known for: Created by one of the makeup artist greats, François Nars, Nars is known for its innovations in long-lasting, high-pigment colour (and risque shade names).

Why the product is so popular: “Every customer should have a Nars bronzer in their makeup bag. [Laguna] the perfect tone of bronze to add warmth and glow all year ’round.  You can add and add and it will always look blended and beautiful. It’s great to use as an eyeshadow swept over the eyelids also.”

What the reviews say: With a solid 4.8 score, Laguna a holy grail for Mecca customers, they love this bronzer for its brightening powers, unmatched buildability and timeless shade and formula.

Who it’s maybe not suited for: Jennifer suggests trying a richer shade for darker skin tones.

 

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Price: $62

When it launched and any updates: “This global icon landed at Mecca in February 2019 but has been around for many years and is as iconic as an item gets,” says Jennifer.

What the brand is known for: Laura Mercier is known as the queen of the ‘flawless face’ and her complexion-focused products are regularly acclaimed by celebrity makeup artists globally.

Why the product is so popular:This is a super finely milled powder that sets your makeup flawlessly, it keeps your skin looking poreless all day and is undetectable on the skin.”

What the reviews say: Mecca customers approve giving this setting powder an average of 4.8 stars. It’s silky smooth, doesn’t get cakey, sets makeup like no other and doesn’t leave any white cast. 

Who it’s maybe not suited for:Someone who is particularly dry, especially under the eyes, might not love this,” says Jennifer.

 

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15

Price: $32 (8.95ml) – $120 (59ml)

When it launched and any updates:The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer launched April 2010 and very quickly cemented itself as the primer for a flawless finish,” says Jennifer.

What the brand is known for: Founded by a beauty veteran, Hourglass is the epitome of innovation meets luxury. 

Why the product is so popular: It smooths the skin, waterproofs anything you put on top of it (which is fantastic in the Australian summer), soothes and blurs redness and pores, and keeps your foundation looking fresh all day. It’s also got an SPF of 15 to protect your skin.” 

What the reviews say: At 4.2 stars, Mecca customers love this primer for its ability to make skin radiant and smooth. And many attest that with this one, a little goes a long way. 

Who it’s maybe not suited for: Someone who requires a higher SPF factor.

 

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer 

Price: $48

When it launched and any updates: The Radiant Creamy Concealer has been a cornerstone of the Nars brand since its launch 23 years ago. There hasn’t been a time when this has not been a top seller for both Nars and Mecca,” says Jennifer.

What the brand is known for: Nars is known for having some of the most infallible formulas and pigmented shades on the market. 

Why the product is so popular: This is the perfect concealer for someone who finds it hard to apply concealer. It is a medium-full coverage with the ability to build on application. It is seamless and doesn’t crease; it blends beautifully with fingers or a brush and has a beautiful colour range.”

What the reviews say: With 4.6 stars in a review section with over 2,100 posts, this concealer is an icon all of its own. Mecca customers rave about its lightening and brightening powers and breezy buildability.

Who it’s maybe not suited for: This product is great for brightening, but it doesn’t work for everyone when it comes to concealing blemishes and acne.

 

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara 

Price: $21 (4.8ml) – $39 (8ml)

When it launched and any updates: “This pocket rocket joined the Mecca family in 2013 and quickly took the throne as our number one mascara. It has not gotten off since!” says Jennifer.

What the brand is known for: Too Faced is an industry game-changer, founded on making makeup fun again with ingenious products like glitter shadow and lip plumping gloss.

Why the product is so popular: “This is like a push-up bra for your lashes. It adds major volume and drama and lengthens the lashes as well. 

What the reviews say: Mecca reviewers give this mascara an average star rating of 4.1. It’s widely adored for giving the appearance of falsies with minimal clumping.

Who it’s maybe not suited for: “Someone who prefers a natural look with their lashes,” suggests Jennifer. 

 

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray 

Price: $25 (30ml) – $53 (118ml)

When it launched and any updates: “The All Nighter Setting Spray landed at Mecca in February 2017 and ” says Jennifer.

What the brand is known for: Urban Decay is known for celebrating individuality and beauty with an edge. Their colour range is paramount and it shows in the popularity of their iconic Naked palettes.

Why the product is so popular: This is the makeup setting spray that everyone needs for a night out. Its patented temperature control technology is unbeatable, it keeps the surface of the skin regulated to make your makeup last all night and still look fresh. No matter the weather or environment our makeup will stay put.” 

What the reviews say: Customers love this bestselling spray, and with a rating of 4.7, it shows. It’s sworn by for its ability to keep makeup in place like no other.

Who it’s maybe not suited for: According to Jennifer, this is a must-have for anyone who wears makeup.

Fragrance

 

Diptyque Baies Candle

Price: $53 (70g) – $89 (190g)

When it launched and any updates: “This has been our bestselling candle since its launch in 2011,” says Mecca’s WA State Training Manager, Laura Curtis. 

What the brand is known for: Diptyque is like the French muse of the beauty world. Through the senses, the brand merges luxury and the art of living (and the candles that make the chicest brush holders when they’re done). 

Why the product is so popular: “Diptyque’s Baies candle is a true Parisian classic. Inspired by an armful of freshly-cut roses and a basket of berries, its uplifting scent will create a warm environment in any home.”

What the reviews say: Mecca customers love Baies as a ‘treat yourself’ moment or as a gift for someone else you love. With 4.7 stars, the scent is luxurious and fresh while not being too sweet or overwhelming. 

Who it’s maybe not suited for: “For someone who would like to scent an open-plan living space or larger room, try the Baies Room Spray ($89) instead,” suggests Laura. 

 

Le Labo Santal 33

Price: $131 (15ml) – $440 (100ml)

When it launched and any updates: “This unisex scent launched in 2011 however, it has gained a cult following over the last few years,” says Laura. 

What the brand is known for: If Diptyque is the French muse, Le Labo is her even cooler New York sister. The brand breaks all the rules of the scent industry: its fragrances incorporate notes like leather, cumin, sandalwood and moss and are blended by hand to ensure each is truly unique. 

Why the product is so popular: “Santal 33 is an unforgettable signature scent for both men and women. Its scent is warm and musky with notes of sandalwood, iris and musk. Featuring sustainable Australian sandalwood from the southwest of WA at its heart, it lingers on the skin all day. All Le Labo perfumes and candles are personalised and hand-labelled by our Mecca hosts in-store.”

What the reviews say: Santal 33 has a rating of 4.7 stars on Mecca and is celebrated in the reviews for its beautiful packaging, long-lasting formula and sexy, woody scent that becomes any gender. 

Who it’s maybe not suited for: “If you prefer a softer, more feminine scent, you will love Le Labo’s delicate Jasmin 17 ($303-$440)” recommends Jennifer.

 

Hair and body care

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream 

Price: $32 – $72

When it launched and any updates: “Since launching in August 2018, this cult cream has been almost impossible to keep on the shelves. Its scent immediately takes you to your favourite summer destination while hydrating your skin with its buttery rich formula,” says Lucy.

What the brand is known for: Brazilian brand Sol de Janeiro is known for its antioxidant-charged body products that aim to leave your assets perky and glowing. 

Why the product is so popular: “The Bum Bum Cream has become a cult favourite among customers and the Mecca team for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the delicious and uplifting scent of vanilla and pistachio makes you feel like you’re on a Brazilian holiday. Secondly, it is an incredibly nourishing, protective body butter rich in coconut oil and cupuacu butter that instantly soothes dry skin, locking in moisture long-term. Perfect for winter.”

What the reviews say: This cream is a hit with reviewers. They love its tropical scent, hydrating formula and the subtle shimmer that it leaves. It’s worth the price and the 4.7 stars. 

Who it’s maybe not suited for: If you are sensitive to fragrance or like to fly under the radar with your day-to-day scent, Lucy thinks this one might not be your cup of tea.

 

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo 

Price: $22 (92ml) – $40 (198ml)

When it launched and any updates: September 2015. “Since its launch into Mecca this has been the go-to dry shampoo and once you try it there is no going back,” says Lucy.

What the brand is known for: Developed by a suite of scientists and beauty pros, Living Proof’s products feature breakthrough ingredients and technologies that aim to make every day a good hair day.

Why the product is so popular: “It is one of the only dry shampoos that actually cleans your hair rather than just masking oil, and leaves it fresh without any crunchy residue. It’s great for extending your blow-dry for a few more days and also adds volume. It’s a dry shampoo and styler in one.”

What the reviews say: Mecca reviewers give this dry shampoo a 4.5 for doing “what it says on the tin”, and who could argue with that? It smells good, absorbs oil and sweat, and for most, it doesn’t leave any residue. 

Who it’s maybe not suited for: “Someone [who] doesn’t love fragrance in their haircare,” says Lucy.

This article was originally published on June 5 2020.

For more Mecca favourites, head here.

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