We’ve been so lucky to host global skin pioneers on our podcast, from dermatologist-founder hybrids like Dr. Dennis Gross and Dr. Courtney Rubin, to groundbreaking luxury formulators such as Professor Augustinus Bader and most recently, pharmacist and Cosmetics 27 founder Michele Evrard. Today, we spotlight the latest gamechanger revolutionising the world’s approach to skin, MECCA’s newest high-performance skin brand, Element Eight. Developed by a team of surgeons and scientists, this clinically...
Jul 02, 2025•36 min
In today’s episode, Kate is joined by French pharmacist and Cosmetics 27 founder Michèle Evrard. If you’ve ever walked into a MECCA store looking for something to soothe sensitive or irritated skin, it’s likely our team has shown you the Cosmetics 27 range. Since launching at MECCA over 10 years ago, the brand has earned cult status thanks to their gentle yet efficacious formulas. When a knee injury left her with a large scar, Michèle began looking for an ingredient that would help improve its a...
May 14, 2025•55 min
In today’s episode, Kate is joined by ILIA founder and beauty pioneer, Sasha Plavsic. Sasha was in her early 30’s when she launched ILIA from her grandmothers’ garage over 14 years ago. While working full-time as a branding executive, she took a closer look at the ingredient lists of her favourite beauty products and realised a gap for high-performance formulas with plant-derived ingredients. Since launching in 2011, ILIA has established itself as a beauty pioneer, known for their skincare-power...
Apr 30, 2025•39 min
British born makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench has spent more than a decade bringing her avant-garde looks to life on some of the most recognisable faces. From Kate Moss to Rihanna, Zendaya to Cher. Her distinctive style and non-conformist approach to beauty has also made her one of the most sought-after artists for fashion shows and editorial campaigns. Her collaborations with Byredo, Burberry, Vogue, Nike and Gucci featuring on magazines, runways and billboards all over the world. Isamaya’s extens...
Apr 16, 2025•44 min
In today’s episode Kate is joined by Polite Society founder, Jerrod Blandino. If the name sounds familiar, you’d be right – before founding Polite Society with his husband Jeremy Johnson, the two were best known for creating Too Faced in the late ’90s and building it into the beauty juggernaut it is today. Less than two years ago, the duo launched Polite Society, a brand focused on high-pigment, skincare-forward makeup that proves good skin and glam makeup can go hand-in hand. Polite Society has...
Apr 02, 2025•42 min
In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by one of the industry's most beloved makeup artists, Katie Jane Hughes. 10 years ago the UK-born artist started an Instagram account to showcase her work as a nail technician. After pivoting from manicures to makeup, Katie began to build a following of loyal beauty enthusiasts, thanks to her approachable tutorials and dedication to educating her audience. Katie’s playful approach to artistry sees her seamlessly blending bold colours with a glowing...
Mar 26, 2025•41 min
In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by tech-entrepreneur turned beauty founder, Uni’s Alexandra Keating. After starting not one, but two successful tech startups, Sydney born and LA-based Alexandra Keating (or as she prefers, AK) took a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with her husband Rupert. Realising how much the reef had changed since her last visit, AK was struck by the idea of a body care brand that both aligned to Australian attitudes around active lifestyles and also harnessed ...
Mar 19, 2025•26 min
In today’s episode Kate is joined by one of Australia’s most acclaimed makeup artists and founder of her eponymous brand, Rae Morris . Rae’s work with international brands, countless celebrities and major magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and I.D. has earned her the title of Australian Makeup Artist of the Year – four times. With a passion for true artistry, right down to the way her tools are created, she travelled the world to design and develop an innovative magnetic brush collection. The...
Mar 05, 2025•37 min
In today’s episode, Kate is joined in the MECCA Talks studio by Flamingo Estate founder Richard Christiansen. You may remember their first conversation in 2022, where they spoke about Richard’s journey from growing up in rural NSW to a career in fashion, publishing and advertising in New York – and finally to the COVID-induced ‘pivot’ that led him to turn his L.A. home – Flamingo Estate – into the iconic lifestyle brand it is today. Now, three years later, Richard is back to discuss his new book...
Feb 19, 2025•31 min
In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by Summer Fridays co-founder Marianna Hewitt. After growing a loyal audience as a beauty blogger, Marianna (alongside co-founder and fellow content creator Lauren Ireland) noticed a gap in the skincare space for a range of efficacious products that combine aesthetically pleasing packaging and consciously curated ingredient lists. Together, under the name Summer Fridays, the pair launched the Jet Lag Mask which became an instant hit thanks to its mu...
Feb 05, 2025•38 min
In today’s episode Kate is joined by US board-certified dermatologist and Fig.1 co-founder, Dr Courtney Rubin. In 2021, drawing on her degrees from Yale, Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, as well her experience treating patients in her clinic, Dr Rubin co-founded skincare brand Fig.1 alongside entrepreneurial powerhouse Kimmy Scotti. With a focus on efficacy, accessibility and reusability, Fig.1’s high-performance, science-backed products – like their easy-to-use retinol system, rich C...
Dec 18, 2024•37 min
In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by Tower 28 founder Amy Liu. Having experienced chronic eczema for most of her adult life, the former beauty executive struggled to find makeup that didn’t worsen her skin sensitivities, often feeling confined to boring, uninspiring products. Leaning on her wealth of knowledge after 15-plus years of experience in the beauty industry - and her love of LA beach culture - Amy set out to create the brand she wished she always had; a colourful range of ...
Dec 04, 2024•47 min
In today’s episode, Kate is chatting with celebrated actor Hunter Schafer, best known for her roles in HBO’s Euphoria, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and in the near future, the epic mini-series that will be Blade Runner 2099. From her hotel room in Barcelona, Hunter filled us in on her role as Global Brand Ambassador for Shiseido, the process of developing a collection with the brand - as well as an anime short film with Melbourne’s CHOP Studio - her deep love for art, th...
Nov 20, 2024•22 min
In today’s episode, Kate is joined by globally recognised makeup artist and Morphe collaborator, Ariel Tejada – or as he’s known by beauty lovers around the world, @makeupbyariel. In the mid-2010s, the self-taught artist started sharing his work on Instagram, quickly capturing the attention of the beauty world with his unique approach to soft glam. Kylie Jenner was fast to slide into his Instagram DMs, and it was this correspondence changed everything. The two became fast friends, working togeth...
Nov 06, 2024•32 min
This week, Tara and Kerri discuss the birthday makeup trend, share their thoughts on the newest SPF launches and debate whether glitter or smoky eyes are the easiest look. Plus, they share what International Day of the Girl (coming up on Friday 11 October!) means to them. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed. The Mini Must-Haves: What we're obsessed with: Westman Atelier Vital S...
Oct 02, 2024•24 min
In today’s episode, Kate is joined by one of our most highly requested guests, Kosas founder Sheena Zadeh. By combining her love of biology, business and colour theory, Sheena created a makeup brand that not only has the most flattering and easy to use shades and formulations, but is just as good for your skin as your favourite skincare. Almost a decade on from the brand's launch – with bestselling products like Revealer Concealer, Wet Lip Oil and Air Brow Gel – and a fan club that includes Hail...
Sep 18, 2024•44 min
This week, Tara and Kerri decode ‘blonzing’ (the blush-bronzer hybrid trend you will love ), share life-changing makeup tips from the founder of Kosas, and get real about the struggles of sensitive skin. Plus, they chat about the products you need to make room for on your bathroom shelf. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed. The Mini Must-Haves: What we're obsessed with: Dries V...
Sep 04, 2024•22 min
In today’s episode, Kate is in the studio with Donni Davy to celebrate the launch of her sparkly new makeup brand, Half Magic , at MECCA. Occasionally, a makeup artist comes along and changes beauty culture – which is what Donni did when HBO’s Euphoria first aired in 2019. She went on to win two Emmys for her work on the iconic series, and kickstarted a movement of bold, glittery eye makeup and lived-in skin, now known simply as ‘Euphoria makeup’. In partnership with A24 Films, which produced th...
Aug 21, 2024•38 min
In this episode, our Head of Content, Tara, and Editorial Content Manager, Kerri, chat about their favourite Olympic beauty looks and the Kérastase hair oil worthy of gold. Plus, they reveal the Tower 28 products (coming soon to MECCA) at the top of their wishlist and Kerri’s long-lost lip liner. The Mini Must-Haves: What we’re obsessed with: NARS Light Reflecting Foundation TSU LANGE YOR Luca Eau de Parfum What we’ve rediscovered: Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask Glossier Balm Dotcom Li...
Aug 07, 2024•22 min
In today’s episode, Kate is joined by Emily Weiss, founder of Glossier, to celebrate the launch of her cult-loved brand into Australia and New Zealand, exclusively at MECCA. After leaving a career in fashion to work full-time on her popular beauty blog, Into The Gloss, Emily saw a gap in the market for a brand that had a customer-focused, “Skin First. Makeup Second.” philosophy. It was that idea that led to the launch of Glossier in 2014, which quickly became the NYC ‘it’ brand beauty lovers glo...
Jul 26, 2024•30 min
In this conversation our Head of Content, Tara, and Editorial Content Manager, Kerri, chat about their travel beauty essentials, their obsession with ‘ Brat Girl Summer’ and the makeup products they just can’t get enough of. The Mini Must-Haves: What we’re obsessed with: Rituel de Fille Celestial Sphere Gelée Eye Gloss Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick What we’ve rediscovered: Kate Sommerville DeliKate® Recovery Cream Stressed Skin Relief NARS Laguna Bronzing Cream What is on our wishlist...
Jul 10, 2024•23 min
In today’s episode, we’re in the studio with Dr Lara Devgan, US board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Dr. Lara Devgan skincare. After opening her own practice on New York’s Upper East Side – and quickly becoming one of the city’s most sought-after aesthetic specialists – Dr Lara added ‘CEO’ to her already impressive resume when she founded her science-focused brand. With an enviable A-list fanbase including Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid and Jennifer Aniston, her eponymous line distils her...
Jul 04, 2024•30 min
In today’s episode, Kate is in the studio with Urban Decay’s Head of Global Artistry and celebrity makeup artist, Steve Kassajikian. In this short but sweet conversation, they discuss the history of this iconic brand, the legacy of Naked Palettes, his ultimate beauty muses and why everyone needs to try the 24/7 Moondust Eyeshadow in ‘Space Cowboy’. Plus, Steve shares his top tips for levelling up your makeup. Products mentioned in this episode: Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette Urban Decay 2...
Jun 26, 2024•14 min
Welcome to MECCA Talks: The Mini, our new sample-sized podcast reporting on the biggest things in beauty right now. Tune into each episode as our Head of Content, Tara Lamont-Djite, and Editorial Content Manager, Kerri Gordon, dissect the latest beauty news making the rounds at MECCA HQ. Think: emerging trends, under-the-radar products and the new brands about to change the beauty game. In this candid conversation, Tara and Kerri chat about the Glossier products they're most excited for (have yo...
Jun 20, 2024•23 min
Welcome back to MECCA Talks , your access-all-areas pass to the beauty, business and lifestyle experts we call our community. In today’s episode, Kate is handing over the hosting mic to MECCA’s Head of Fabulosity, Tony Baumann, and Makeup Education Manager, Hannah Daniel, to talk through the best of the best in beauty. In this conversation, our self-proclaimed “beauty nerds” take you behind the curtain, discussing how beauty icons are made and how the industry is evolving. Plus, they reveal the ...
Jun 06, 2024•26 min
In today’s episode of MECCA Talks, Kate Blythe is joined in the studio by Elise Loehnen. Elise is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Editor, Podcast Host and the former Chief Content Officer for GOOP (you might recognise her from their podcast or Netflix series). From serums to psychedelics, juices and drips, Elise has explored every corner of the wellness industry, but now she’s redefining the concept of wellness to ‘wholeness’ - through historical, traditional and cultural research and criti...
May 22, 2024•42 min
In today’s episode of MECCA Talks – recorded live and in front of a studio audience at MECCA George Street – Kate is joined by Professor Augustinus Bader and Charles Rosier, Co-Founders and CEO, respectively, of the brand responsible for Hollywood’s picture perfect complexions, Augustinus Bader. A globally recognized biomedical scientist and physician, and leading expert in the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, Professor Bader co-founded the line of “too good to be true” form...
Mar 06, 2024•42 min
In today’s episode, Kate is joined by the legendary Dr. Barbara Sturm, whose eponymous skincare brand supercharged celebrity-status skincare into the mainstream. Recorded in the service suites of Dr. Sturm’s London spa and boutique, this exclusive conversation covers Dr. Sturm’s journey from orthopaedics to skincare, the creation of the famous ‘vampire’ facial and ‘blood’ cream – also known as MC1 Cream – and how word got out around Hollywood about her game- (or shall we say skin-) changing bran...
Jan 31, 2024•27 min
In today’s episode, Kate is in the studio with celebrated multidisciplinary designer and recipient of the 2023 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, Bethan Laura Wood. The MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission is a major series inviting internationally renowned female designers and architects to create a significant new work for the NGV Collection. Bethan’s radical approach to materiality, colour and pattern through furniture, objects and installations has garnered a cult following, and prese...
Dec 06, 2023•31 min
In today’s episode, Kate is in New York visiting the Brooklyn HQ of Kavi and David Moltz, the creative brains (and noses) behind non-traditional fragrance house, D.S. & Durga. David, a musician and self-taught perfumer, alongside Kavi, an architect and designer, work together approaching scent like music or art – breaking the boundaries of the very exclusive, illusive and traditional fragrance industry while they’re at it. Over a cup of fresh-brewed tea (David’s other great passion), they sp...
Nov 22, 2023•32 min
