Road Test: I replaced my makeup routine with Mecca’s Beauty Election winners

Is this the cure for beauty decision fatigue?

I’m a level two Mecca Beauty Loop member, so while my beauty knowledge isn’t completely non-existent, I’m by no means an expert when it comes to makeup. I get easily intimidated and my makeup bag is almost overflowing with old, impulsive purchases. From half-empty bottles of foundation to a collection of concealers that somehow managed to make my undereye circles worse, the sheer quantity of products I’ve accumulated feels overwhelming.

Having combatted decision fatigue when it comes to my wardrobe by culling a large amount of unworn clothing, I was curious to see how I could streamline my makeup routine as well. Eager to start fresh and get back to basics, I turned to the only place I knew: Mecca.

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Mecca is known for hosting an annual Beauty Election, where the most highly rated beauty products get rounded up and voted on. From makeup and skin to haircare and fragrance, the winners are, according to shoppers, the best of the best. Curious to see not only if the winners lived up to the hype, but whether they could work when combined, I swapped out my whole routine for the week.

The 2023 winners

• Complexion: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
• Concealer: Kosas Revealer Concealer
• Blush: Nars Blush
• Brows: Mecca Max Brow Guru Clear Control Gel
• Eyes: Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette
• Mascara: Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
• Lips: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution

Daytime routine

For my new daily routine, I stuck to four winners: concealer, brow gel, mascara and lipstick. Growing up with acne-prone skin, my usual instinct is to try and cover up blemishes and scarring. Although I’m now more comfortable with letting my skin breathe, it still felt strange to ditch my tinted moisturiser.

Right off the bat, I can say the Kosas Revealer Conealer well and truly lives up to the hype. I tested out tone 3.5W and I found where previous concealers have dried me out and appeared flaky, this one was creamy and hydrating. I also religiously fill in my brows, so initially it felt strange to use a clear gel. I was surprised Mecca’s brow winner didn’t have a coloured tint, but I soon realised that not only did it hold well, but it’s also great value at $18.

To finish it off, I applied the Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara and Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Pillowtalk Lipstick. This was another new introduction but as the week wore on, there was something about wearing lipstick that upped my confidence. Lip liner has always intimidated me, and I usually opt for my failsafe Lucas Papaw for a dose of hydration and shine. This was a welcome step outside my comfort zone.

Night-out look

On Saturday night, I decided to see how every item worked together. I was surprised there wasn’t a primer category in the winners, and it physically pained me not to use one before I tested out the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation. I’d first tried this years ago but had to use the online colour match this time to find my shade, basing it off two of my most-used tinted moisturisers. Though the colour was a little too tan, it went on smoothly and blended easily.

I followed this with concealer and the Nars Blush in Orgasm. Despite being $51, the blush is regarded by many as a cult classic. I had extremely high hopes for it and instantly fell in love – not only did it cast a nice colour, but the shimmer meant it worked nicely as a highlighter as well.

I’ve always been wary of anything that’s not mascara when it comes to eye makeup but longed for the ability to quickly whip up a smokey eye. One of the (many) things I loved most about the Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette was the four steps instructions on the back of the product. You can use the Prime and Enhance shades for a daytime look but for a bold, night-out look, I tried all four steps, including the Smoke and Pop shades.

Considering how out of my depth I feel with dressy, going-out makeup, I left the house feeling proud of my new skills. Despite using five different brands, each product worked seamlessly with one another.

Verdict

Knowing the seven beauty products had been tested and vetted by the Mecca community automatically instilled a level of trust. But having properly tested them out myself, I can see why they’re winners.

The Mecca Max Brow Guru Clear Control Gel and Kosas Revealer Concealer were standouts. The gel is affordable and effective, while the concealer is soothing and brightening (I will 100 per cent be buying both again). Having used the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation before, I knew what to expect. It didn’t completely blur my skin (the Light Reflecting Foundation ‘Newcomer’ winner might’ve been better suited for this), but gave a natural finish.

The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick and Nars Blush were easily the biggest surprises. While they’re by no means cheap, they felt like a nice indulgence that enhanced the overall look. The Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara was also nice to use but didn’t stand out too much.

The Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette was another welcome surprise. It’s not one I envision using often, and I’m not an expert when it comes to grading pigmentation, but I like the idea of it being a one-stop shop for easy eye makeup. Part of me is longing for primer and bronzer categories, but the winners did exactly what I hoped they would – they helped narrow down my day and night makeup routine with seven key products.

For a full list of this year’s Beauty Election winners, head here.