Beauty Diary: My guilty secret exposed by Mecca’s Beauty Election winners
An Australian retailer has just made a huge announcement, inadvertently unmasking a long-hidden skeleton in my closet.
The most anticipated event on the Australian beauty calendar each year is here: Mecca’s Beauty Election winners.
The annual contest sees shoppers vote in their hundreds of thousands from a selection of products which are chosen based on the retail giant’s sale data.
Now in its 15th year, brands who win big in the competition receive instant “elite” status, with sales also spiking as a direct result.
Kate Blythe, Mecca’s chief marketing officer, told news.com.au’s The Beauty Diary the event allowed the retailer’s community to “uncover and discover” new brands and cult products.
“It’s the Oscars of beauty! It’s a time when we get to connect and engage with our community to unearth icons, classics and heroes that have become staples in everyone’s routine,” she said. “Mecca’s Beauty Election gives our customers a voice where they can name their most loved products and is where the newest and biggest names in beauty are crowned.
“We first launched the competition in 2009 in partnership with Vogue Australia. Beauty lovers could vote for their favourite products and the winners were chosen by an influential judging panel including the magazine’s editor at the time, Kirstie Clements.”
Back then, there were 11 voting categories and this year there were 23, showing just how much the annual event has grown.
“Our community is highly engaged, and customers love to support one another by sharing their own experiences and recommendations,” Ms Blythe shared.
“This year, we had over 60,000 votes which just goes to show how beauty-obsessed our community is.”
Many of the winners, which include NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer or Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C Glycolic Serum, Ms Blythe said they become “must-haves that can’t be topped”.
But anyone who follows #BeautyTok will know, the real kick comes in scouring the list and checking off what products you already have in your collection, because there’s noting more satisfying than knowing you’re ahead of the game.
As I poured through Mecca’s the recent winners announcement, I found multiple beauty buys I’ve personally recommended here in The Beauty Diary, but I also realised there were a few I’ve been guilty of gatekeeping from you. Oops.
With my secret well and truly exposed, I’ve rounded up my top picks from Mecca’s 2024 Beauty Election. Please accept my apologies for not sharing some of these sooner.
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Price: $70
As you can see from the state of my bottle, I use this primer almost every day, and while other people haven’t been shy in recommending it (it’s a TikTok fave) – I’ve kept this baddie close to my chest. It’s just won the ‘instant glow-up’ award, with experts declaring it “makes your skin appear picture-perfect at all times”, which is hands down the reason why I love it too. If you’ve not tried it before, take this as your sign.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Price: $468
Before you come for me over the absurd price tag of this moisturiser, I already hate myself for loving it so much, see above Instagram post from last year. But, I feel validated after it scooped the ‘the VIP of me-time’ gong, as clearly I am not alone in my madness. Be warned though, if you have the cash to splash on trying this, you’re going to be hooked because it is disgustingly good. Sadly I don’t have the budget to re-buy this, but if I win big on the lottery I totally would, it is next-level good.
Diptyque Orphéon EDP
Price: $298 (for 75ml)
It’s no secret, Diptyque are the leaders in world-class fragrance, and it’s never been more evident that when I wear this perfume. Not to be dramatic or anything, but people have literally stopped me in the street to ask what I’m wearing, it’s that bloody good. I’m obsessed with it.
NARS Light Reflecting Foundation
Price: $86
The first time I used this, it reminded me of the soft, dewy finish of my all-time favourite foundation, the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation. But while that costs $120, this comes in at under $90, a saving that is not to be sniffed at in this economy.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
Price: $50
You know the drill with sunscreen, due to regulations in the industry, we can’t share real-life testimonials anymore. But I can confirm, I use this regularly. Please use SPF as directed, reapply often and stay out of the sun where possible.
If you have a question about a beauty product or an item you’d like to see road-tested in The Beauty Diary, jump into our official Facebook group where you can join like-minded beauty junkies. You can also catch me on Instagram and TikTok.