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-powered formulas and viral hits such as the Super Serum Skin Tint and Face Base Milk. Now, Sasha joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to talk about why she’s so focused on formulation and shares more about the innovation behind some of the brand's most beloved products. Host: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Warwick HughesLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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38:36
Isamaya Is The Artist Of The Next Generation
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 extensive beauty experience, background in sculptural art and unique point of view are distilled into every product of her eponymous brand, ISAMAYA, which she launched in 2022.Their range of skin-loving formulas fuse artistry with science-backed innovation to create unique makeup-skincare hybrids: a colour correcting tint that targets dullness and discolouration; a bold, shimmery gloss that deeply nourishes lips; a multi-use sculpting stick packed full of barrier-boosting ceramides. Now, Isamaya's brand is launching at MECCA and she joins Kate in the studio to talk more about her career so far and her innovative approach to skin-enhancing, hybrid makeup.Products mentioned:ISAMAYA Skin Enhancing DuoISAMAYA 5 Point LiftISAMAYA Face GlazeISAMAYA Colour Correcting SerumISAMAYA LiplacqISAMAYA Sculpting StickHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Warwick HughesLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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44:24
Jerrod Blandino Built a Beauty Icon. Now, He’s Doing It Again.
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 already had plenty of viral hits – including Polite Pops: a powder blush in stick form, B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil Gloss: a hybrid lip product for the ultimate plump and More Than A Pretty Face: a medium coverage foundation that looks and feels weightless on the skin, known for its egg-shaped packaging.Today, Jerrod joins us from his L.A. home to tell us more about how he got his start in the beauty industry, what it’s like to ‘begin again’, and even shares a little bit about his friendship with Madonna.Read more on The MECCA Memo:MECCA HQ Tries Polite SocietyThe Biggest Thing In Beauty Has Landed At MECCA: Polite SocietyHay Fever? In Spring? These Mascaras are Groundbreaking5 Beauty Founders on the Best Gifts Under $100Products mentioned:B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil GlossMore Than A Pretty Face Skin-Caring Medium to Full Coverage FoundationPolite Pops Powder Blush StickPolite Pout Glossy Lip BalmGreatest Lashes of All Time MascaraCabana Club Blurring BronzerHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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42:09
Why Katie Jane Hughes Is Everyone’s Favourite Makeup Artist
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 complexion, allowing real skin texture to shine through. This earned her the attention of some of the world’s biggest brands, publications and celebrity clientele.Now, Katie joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to talk about her career so far, the importance of authenticity online and why we should all prime our brushes.Products mentioned:Glossier Stretch Balm ConcealerRMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Powder BlushNARS BlushMAC Cosmetics Fix+ Originalkit: Good Night BalmGlossier Boy Brow ArchTower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial SprayTower28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing MascaraMECCA MAX Pout PencilMECCA MAX Single ShadowHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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41:01
Uni’s Alexandra Keating On Why The Best Body Care Is… Blue!
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 the power of natural ingredients, without negative environmental impact. Inspired by the Australian coast, these ocean-powered formulas contain a unique marine complex designed to deeply hydrate without ever feeling too heavy.Now, AK joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to discuss Uni’s unique approach to formulation, packaging and her ultimate body care routine.Read more on The MECCA Memo:Meet Uni, the Ocean-Powered Brand Changing Up Body CareThe Best Body Moisturisers at MECCA, According To Our TeamIt’s New. In January. At MECCAProducts mentioned:Uni 24-Hour Body SerumUni Restoring Hand WashUni Hydrating ShampooUni Hydrating ConditionerUni Skin Shield Body WashHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Ruby Devlin & Kerri GordonEditor: Warwick HughesLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Introducing MECCA Talks, an access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community. Made by Australia’s biggest beauty retailer—and hosted by MECCA’s chief marketing officer, Kate Blythe—this podcast goes beyond what you see in our 100+ stores, on social media, and on The MECCA Memo to swing open the doors to the global beauty industry, and to our network of friends, founders, and collaborators. Expect conversations with brand founders, industry experts, and our own in-house specialists; deep dives into the history of iconic beauty formulations; and advice for life from our most trusted friends. Hit play! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Australia