SPONSORED EDITORIAL
Historically, the beauty industry existed for a predominantly female audience however with a new age of manscaping, manicuring and mansturising upon us, virtually everyone is more into their skin than ever before. Naturally, that makes us far more discerning and knowledgeable about everything that comes near our pores; so the ones responsible for finding the products we want – and more importantly the ones that work – have one hell of a hard task. For part two of a four part series presented by Westfield we spoke to the buying team from the fantastic beauty retailer Mecca Cosmetica who scout the world for the hottest and most innovative products in colour cosmetics, skin care, hair care, body care, perfumes and home fragrance. They gave us an insight into what this crucial role involves, as well as some insider beauty tips…
As a buyer you must feel a great responsibility! How do you pick the products? What’s the process and what factors do you need to consider? Firstly we need to believe in the product, understand how it works and is of the very best quality. We believe Mecca Cosmetica’s customers are very well educated in beauty and demand products that are not only beautiful but driven by performance and purpose.
Understanding the customer must be so important for selecting your specific brands and products. Describe the Mecca Cosmetica customer. The Mecca Cosmetica customer demands the best of beauty. Whether it is skincare for sensitive skin, colour for the adventurous fashion follower, or hair care for the most difficult of manes, the Mecca customer has an expectation to find the solution to all of their beauty requirements in the one store. It is our ambition to cater to all of our customers needs with a fun and engaging shopping experience both on and off line.
What are the top three best selling products at Mecca; and why do you think they’re so popular? Throughout the year we see the favourites vary. Coming into summer the Nars Laguna Bronzer is a favourite bronzer due widely to the fact that it suits pretty much everyone’s colouring. Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face is a much loved SPF, and a new favourite we have seen developing is the Eve Lom cleanser that launched into Mecca this year.
What’s your personal can’t-live-without products from Mecca Cosmetica? We personally love fragrances. We have so many new and exciting fragrances in Mecca and our collection is expanding at a rapid rate. Right now a big favourite is La Tulipe from Byredo and the colognes from Francis Kurkdjian’s including Cologne Pour Le Matin.
Do you make it a rule to ‘try before you buy’? We understand that with beauty purchases you are potentially starting a lifetime relationship with a product, so we certainly like to offer our clients the ability to sample the products. Our in store staff are always able to supply samples of products that you can go home and use, or, with colour, can happily apply in store for you to get an idea of the product.
What trends are you seeing in makeup for the coming season? A strong lip has really settled as a trend to stay and Nars Pure Matte Lipstick reflects the bold colours that are in demand. Nars Pure Matte Vesuvio and Volga, and the Nars Velvet Matte lip pencil in Damned are all fantastic strong lips; Partner with a nude sheer eye such as Ellis Faas 105 and 106 to create the perfect runway look.
Fresh, dewy skin is always in fashion as well, and Chantecailles Just Skin with an spf allows for beautiful, protected skin every day. Mix with Mecca Cosmetica’s Lit From Within to achieve an all over, slightly luminous finish that is right in line with the looks seen on the recent catwalks of New York Fashion Week.
Find Mecca Cosmetica at your nearest Westfield Shopping Centre
