Make-up artist student camps overnight to be first in new Mecca Maxima

MAKE-UP company Mecca has opened a mega store at Westfield Marion and an estimated 2000 people queued to get in.

Stephanie Tingey and Braydan Irish at the opening of the first Mecca Maxima in Adelaide at Westfield Marion Picture: Dylan Coker

YOU little beauty — 50 South Australians now have a job at Adelaide’s newest make-up store Mecca Maxima.

And they’re not the only ones excited about the Australian company Mecca setting up shop at Westfield Marion — an estimated 2000 people lined up for the opening.

They included Stephanie Tingley, 17, who is studying make-up artistry at Tafe SA, and boyfriend Braydan Irish, 19.

At the front of the long queue which stretched out into the carpark, the couple camped overnight to be first through the doors.

“We got here at 3pm yesterday,” she said. “I liked the idea of being part of something brand new and for me it’s really important to be in on what’s happening around Adelaide.”

While there are Mecca outlets in Myer Rundle Mall, City Cross and Burnside Village, the store, spanning more than 350 square metres, is the first Mecca Maxima in SA, boasting a larger size, product range and self-service option.

Stocking more than 60 brands, many of which have previously been unavailable in SA such as Too Faced, Urban Decay, Frank Body and Drunk Elephant, the store also offers group make-up application and skin care lessons. While the most expensive item — the Clarisonic Mia Fit cleansing brush — is $315, it also sells $2 face masks.

Mecca’s Jacob Stanley said expert advice was always available from staff, but customers were also free to use testers and select products by themselves.

“You can explore with friends and play in a fun environment,” he said.