Last month I drove past what looked like a never ending queue down Queen Street. I had no idea what it was leading to. At first I thought perhaps there was some kind of celebrity book signing, but upon closer inspection I realised that these people were lining up to get into a store - I had inadvertently stumbled across the opening day of beauty giant MECCA’s Mecca Maxima Auckland store.
MECCA’s ‘Maxima’ at 191 Queen Street, is Auckland’s first (and New Zealand’s third) beauty concept store under that brand (not to be confused with Mecca Cosmetica, which is slightly different). Mecca Maxima is the brighter, bubblier little sister to Mecca Cosmetica, and whilst there is brand crossover, there are a few great skincare and makeup brands that are exclusive to Maxima.
Not one to pass up the opportunity to check out products to improve the way I look, I popped into Mecca Maxima this weekend and took down a list of a few things that I personally I have my eye on:
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater, 250ml, $18
I am a sucker for a facial spray - especially in Summer. Part of me feels like it’s stupid to spend money on a mist for my face, but the larger part of me absolutely loves the feeling of it. Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with ‘Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater’ caught my eye firstly, because it’s a light pink colour which SEEMS like it would be super refreshing and soothing for the skin (obviously this is all just my perception, not a scientific opinion) and secondly because there was a ‘BEST SELLING!’ sign next to it in the store. The masses had spoken. Sold as a pick me up for dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable skin, Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray is a gentle, non irritating, hydrating mist for use anytime.
Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial, $59
I’m a big fan of a mask. There’s something nice about taking the time to do one. This Korres one looks pretty easy - you put it on at night and sleep with it on, then wake up the next morning looking incredible (or so they say). I’ve looked through some reviews online and people rave. It’s infused with rose oil, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid so it’s very hydrating. Keen to try it!
Too Faced Sweet Peach Creamy Peach Oil Lip Gloss, $29
Lipstick I am not good at, so I am always partial to tinted lip glosses, stains and balms. These Too Faced Sweet Peach ones are really nourishing and have a great smell (obviously), with a flush of colour - it’s not too full on, great for people who are into sheer and high shine.
Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid, $71
Originally I was looking at a tinted SPF moisturiser from Josie Maran (it said one shade suits all which was blowing my mind), but upon discussion with a Mecca staff member, was soon converted to checking out the foundation. It’s a super hydrating and nourishing foundation which is good for sensitive skin types (me). It’s argan oil based and I’m told the finish gives you that ‘inner glow’ look - dewy, and fresh - what’s more to love?
Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder for Face and Body, $57
Whilst I think I feel a bit old for sparkles, I can’t ever go past a bit of glitter in a store, if even just to take a look. I love the idea of luminescent, glowy, highlighted skin, and I think that’s just a step away from sparkles. I tried this Urban Decay powder on in the store and it is FULL of shimmer. It’s a very light powder, and just a small dust of it twinkles in the light. Would be great for events or evening, as you can brush it across your collarbones and down the fronts of your shins to make everything pop.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $166
People have been raving about this Sunday Riley product to me for months. It’s a face treatment/mask with lactic acid (one of the more gentler acids) and is said to exfoliate, plump, de-wrinkle, produce a more refined complexion… Basically it’s good skin genes in a 30ml, $166 bottle. I’ve actually had this product in my online shopping cart for around 12 weeks now, but hadn’t pulled the trigger until my visit to Mecca Maxima yesterday. They have a pack that includes Sunday Riley’s Good Genes product in 15ml, and Luna Sleeping Night Oil (also 15ml) in one, for $124. Perfect for trying out both products, with a smaller financial commitment. I purchased it and started using both last night. It’s a bit early to say how they’re going to go but I have high hopes!
Finally, it's not a new to me product but I have to give a special shout out to the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer with SPF15 because it glides on and feels like no other primer I've ever used! Check it out if you go in to the store.
Mecca Maxima is located at 191 Queen Street and is open Monday - Thursday, 9am - 6.30pm, Friday 9am - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 6pm and Sunday 10am - 6pm.