Road Test: I tried a new two-step hydrating skincare routine from Mecca

A dewy duo.

Perfecting your skincare regime is no easy task. It requires patience, practice and hours of dedicated research – because there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all approach. That is unless you’re genetically gifted, or (like so many men) achieve glowing skin by simply splashing water on your face and applying the same drugstore moisturiser you’ve been using for the past three years.

Now, my sensitive skin loves simple ingredients. The fewer products, the better. In saying this, I’ve always envied other people’s luxuriously long skincare routines – but that will never be me. I’ve had to accept too many steps will lead to an irritated face, which defeats the purpose of skincare altogether.

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I usually avoid gazing at beautifully packaged bottles of serums and oils (I’m an impulsive spender) because I will buy them without checking what’s actually inside. But, when Mecca partnered with Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey for its 2023 Holiday Collection, I couldn’t help myself. In the interest of self-preservation, I grabbed a moisturiser and hydrating serum that wouldn’t compromise my delicate skin barrier.

Whiskey’s vibrant artworks honour ‘kungka kunpu’ (strong women) and adorn Mecca’s limited-edition holiday packaging (which is still available, by the way). The Hydrating Heroes set includes two of Mecca’s best-selling products, and I was excited to try the duo on my sensitive skin. Plus, with the start of a new year, I was interested in the opportunity to change up my current routine. Scroll on to read my thoughts.

Mecca-morphosis Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum

This hydrating serum is for morning use. So, after cleansing and toning, I used my fingertips to apply it to my face and neck. A pro tip I discovered is that hyaluronic serums work best when applied to damp skin, not dry. This way, the product helps lock in moisture, keeping your skin dewy throughout the day.

Its key ingredients include a one per cent hyaluronic acid complex for deep hydration and two per cent niacinamide. If you’re unfamiliar with niacinamide, it’s a potent ingredient within the vitamin B family, commonly praised for its ability to tackle multiple skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, reduced skin elasticity and redness.

Mecca recommends you apply two pumps of this serum, but I started with a little less just to be safe. After a few days of use, I’m happy to report it didn’t irritate my skin and left it moist and soft as I’d anticipated.

Mecca-morphosis Hydrating Moisturiser

For the second and final step, I massaged the hydrating moisturiser onto my clean skin in the morning and evening. While Mecca’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum was tackier in texture, this moisturiser felt super creamy and smooth. Together, the duo helped my skin achieve an initial healthy glow without needing a dozen products.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients. Its formula includes rice peptide, which is a vegan protein isolate that improves the skin’s moisture barrier and combats dehydration. The other ingredient is sodium hyaluronate, known to help plump fine lines and wrinkles by boosting your skin’s overall hydration.

After using the two products for a week, I noticed my skin retained a healthy radiance for longer than usual. While I frequently struggle with chronically dry skin, the Hydrating Heroes set worked wonders with its simple ingredients and two-step approach. When it comes to skincare, sometimes less really is more, and we don’t have to complicate things unless our skin calls for those few extra steps. 

For more on the benefits of hyaluronic acid, head here.