Mecca: The Ultimate Destination for Beauty Lovers

By Your Beauty Plug
February 8, 2024

If you are a beauty enthusiast, chances are you have heard of Mecca, the number one prestige beauty retailer in Australia and New Zealand. Mecca offers a curated selection of over 180 of the best global beauty brands, from makeup and skincare to fragrance and haircare. Whether you are looking for a new lipstick, a cult-favorite serum, or a niche perfume, Mecca has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the history, products, reviews, dupes, discounts, and FAQs of this amazing beauty destination.

Background of the brand

Mecca was founded in 1997 by Jo Horgan, who had a bold idea: to trek the global beauty path and find emerging makeup brands, niche fragrances and cutting-edge skincare, and bring them home for Australians to enjoy. She opened the first Mecca Cosmetica store in Melbourne, offering a personalised and expert service to customers. Since then, Mecca has grown to over 100 stores across Australia and New Zealand, operating eight unique and innovative beauty concepts: Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima, MECCA, MECCA Resort, mecca.com.au / meccabeauty.co.nz, in China on mecca.tmall.hk and most recently the MECCA App.

Beyond beauty retail, Mecca’s commitment to providing the best in beauty has extended into three brands: MECCA COSMETICA, launched in 2003 and thoughtfully crafted by beauty enthusiasts for beauty lovers; MECCA MAX – a collection of vibrant pigments and essential makeup and skincare for all – which emerged in 2017; and in 2022, kit:, a reimagining of the Kit: Cosmetics store concept that offers modern skincare and body care solutions made with premium, plant-derived ingredients and sustainable practices.

Mecca’s mission is simple: to help customers look, feel and be their best. Mecca is also passionate about giving back to the community, supporting causes such as mental health, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability through its MECCA M-Power initiative.

Best-selling products

With so many brands and products to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to buy at Mecca. To help you out, here are some of the best-selling products that have rave reviews from customers and beauty experts alike.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum: This vitamin C serum is a cult-favourite for brightening, firming, and protecting the skin from environmental damage. It contains a potent blend of antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients that work together to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven texture. It also has a pH level of 3.3, which makes it effective and stable.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder: This powder is not your typical setting powder. It is designed to mimic different types of natural light, creating a soft-focus and flattering effect on the skin. It comes in six shades, each with a different luminosity and tone. You can use it all over the face, or as a subtle highlighter or bronzer. It is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: This mascara claims to be better than sex, and many customers agree. It has an hourglass-shaped brush that coats every lash with a volumising, lengthening, and curling formula. It is also smudge-proof, flake-proof, and long-lasting. It comes in both regular and waterproof versions, as well as a mini size for travel or trial.
Tatcha The Water Cream: This moisturiser is a best-seller for a reason. It has a lightweight and refreshing texture that hydrates and balances the skin without clogging the pores. It is infused with Japanese botanicals, such as green tea, rice, and algae, that nourish and protect the skin. It also has a subtle scent of wild rose and jasmine that adds to the sensory experience.
Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum: This fragrance is a modern classic, inspired by the nomadic lifestyle and free spirit of the gypsies. It has a woody and aromatic scent, with notes of bergamot, lemon, pepper, juniper berries, incense, pine needles, orris, amber, vanilla, and sandalwood. It is sophisticated, mysterious, and captivating.

Reviews

If you are still not convinced by the best-selling products, you can always check out the reviews from other customers and beauty experts on Mecca’s website or app. Mecca has over 250,000 reviews on its products, with ratings, pros and cons, and detailed feedback. You can also filter the reviews by skin type, skin tone, age, and concern, to find the ones that are most relevant to you. Here are some examples of reviews from real customers:

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum: “I have been using this product for about 6 months now and I absolutely love it. It has made such a difference to my skin, it is brighter, smoother, and more even. I use it every morning after cleansing and before moisturising. It sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave any sticky residue. It is pricey, but worth every cent. Highly recommend.” – Sarah, 35, combination skin, medium skin tone, concerned about dullness and uneven texture.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder: “This powder is amazing. It gives such a beautiful glow to the skin, without being glittery or cakey. I use it as a finishing powder, and it makes my makeup look flawless and natural. I have the shade Dim Light, which is perfect for my light-medium skin tone. It is expensive, but it lasts a long time and the quality is superb. A must-have for any makeup lover.” – Jessica, 28, dry skin, light-medium skin tone, concerned about dryness and redness.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: “This mascara is my holy grail. It makes my lashes look so long, thick, and curled, without clumping or flaking. It is easy to apply and remove, and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. I have tried many mascaras, but this one is the best. I always get compliments on my lashes when I wear it. It is definitely better than sex.” – Emily, 23, normal skin, fair skin tone, concerned about lash volume and length.
Tatcha The Water Cream: “This moisturiser is a dream. It is so hydrating and soothing, but not greasy or heavy. It feels like water on the skin, but it leaves it plump and smooth. It also smells divine, like a spa. I have oily skin, and this moisturiser doesn’t break me out or make me shiny. It is perfect for summer, or any season. I love it.” – Anna, 32, oily skin, medium-dark skin tone, concerned about oiliness and pores.
Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum: “This perfume is my signature scent. It is so unique and captivating, I always get asked what I’m wearing. It is woody and spicy, but also fresh and clean. It is not overpowering, but it lasts all day. It suits any occasion, day or night. It is expensive, but worth every penny. I can’t live without it.” – Laura, 29, normal skin, medium skin tone, concerned about fragrance longevity and versatility.

Dupes

If you are on a budget, or you just want to try something new, you might be interested in finding dupes for some of the best-selling products at Mecca. Dupes are products that have similar ingredients, performance, or results, but at a lower price point. Of course, dupes are not exact replicas, and they might have some differences in quality, packaging, or availability. But they can still be a great alternative if you want to save some money or experiment with different brands. Here are some examples of dupes for some of the best-selling products at Mecca:

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum: A possible dupe for this serum is The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. This product also contains vitamin C, in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid, which is the most potent and effective form of vitamin C. It also has hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin. However, this product has a higher concentration of vitamin C, which might be too strong for some skin types, and it has a gritty texture, which might feel unpleasant on the skin. It also has a lower pH level, which makes it more acidic and potentially irritating. It is much cheaper than the Drunk Elephant serum, but it might not be as gentle or stable.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder: A possible dupe for this powder is Revlon PhotoReady Candid Anti-Pollution Setting Powder. This product also has a silky and lightweight texture that sets the makeup and blurs the imperfections. It also has anti-pollution and anti-blue light ingredients, which protect the skin from environmental damage. However, this product does not have the same luminosity or variety of shades as the Hourglass powder, and it might look chalky or powdery on some skin tones. It is more affordable than the Hourglass powder, but it might not be as flattering or versatile.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: A possible dupe for this mascara is L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara. This product also has an hourglass-shaped brush that coats every lash with a volumising, lengthening, and curling formula. It is also smudge-proof, flake-proof, and long-lasting. It comes in both regular and waterproof versions, as well as a mini size for travel or trial. However, this product might be drier or clumpier than the Too Faced mascara, and it might not give the same dramatic effect or separation. It is much cheaper than the Too Faced mascara, but it might not be as smooth or luxurious.
Tatcha The Water Cream: A possible dupe for this moisturiser is Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. This product also has a lightweight and refreshing texture that hydrates and balances the skin without clogging the pores. It is infused with hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It also has a subtle scent of cucumber and green tea that adds to the sensory experience. However, this product does not have the same botanical ingredients or antioxidants as the Tatcha cream, and it might contain alcohol, fragrance, or dye, which might irritate some skin types. It is much more affordable than the Tatcha cream, but it might not be as nourishing or protective.
Byredo Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum: A possible dupe for this perfume is Zara Emotions Collection N°01 Vetiver Pamplemousse Eau de Parfum. This product also has a woody and aromatic scent, with notes of grapefruit, mandarin, vetiver, and cedar. It is fresh and clean, but also sophisticated and mysterious. It is not overpowering, but it lasts for a decent amount of time. However, this product does not have the same complexity or depth as the Byredo perfume, and it might not have the same quality or longevity. It is much more budget-friendly than the Byredo perfume, but it might not be as captivating or unique.

Coupon codes and loyalty programs

If you are looking for ways to save money or get more benefits from shopping at Mecca, you might want to check out their coupon codes and loyalty programs. Mecca offers various promotions and discounts throughout the year, such as free shipping, free samples, gift cards, and exclusive offers. You can find the latest coupon codes and deals on their website, app, social media, or newsletter. You can also use sites like Finder, OzBargain, or Honey to search for valid and verified coupon codes for Mecca.

Mecca also has a loyalty program called Beauty Loop, which rewards you for every dollar you spend at Mecca. You can join Beauty Loop for free by creating an online account or signing up in-store. You can earn points by shopping online or in-store, and you can redeem them for rewards such as free products, samples, services, events, and more. You can also enjoy perks such as birthday treats, complimentary makeup applications, and access to exclusive content and offers. There are four levels of Beauty Loop, depending on how much you spend in a year: Level 1 ($300-$599), Level 2 ($600-$1199), Level 3 ($1200+), and Level 4 (by invitation only). The higher your level, the more rewards and benefits you get.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Mecca, and their answers:

What is Mecca’s return policy? Mecca has a generous return policy, which allows you to return or exchange any product within 30 days of purchase, even if you have used it. You can return or exchange your product online or in-store, as long as you have your receipt or proof of purchase. You can also contact their customer service team for any queries or issues regarding your return or exchange.
How can I track my online order? You can track your online order by logging into your Mecca account and clicking on ‘My Orders’. You will see the status and tracking number of your order, which you can use to track your parcel on the courier’s website. You will also receive an email confirmation and a text message when your order is shipped and delivered.
How can I get free shipping? You can get free shipping on your online order if you spend over $35 in Australia or $50 in New Zealand. You can also get free express shipping if you spend over $75 in Australia or $140 in New Zealand. You can also use coupon codes or promotions to get free shipping on your order, if available.
How can I find out about new products and offers? You can find out about new products and offers by subscribing to Mecca’s newsletter, following Mecca on social media, downloading the Mecca app, or visiting Mecca’s website or blog. You will also receive exclusive offers and invitations as a Beauty Loop member, depending on your level.
How can I contact Mecca’s customer service? You can contact Mecca’s customer service by phone, email, live chat, or social media. You can find the contact details and operating hours on Mecca’s website. You can also visit Mecca’s help centre for more information and answers to common questions.

Conclusion

Mecca is more than just a beauty retailer. It is a destination for beauty lovers, where you can discover, explore, and enjoy the best in beauty. Mecca offers a wide range of products, brands, and services, as well as rewards, benefits, and experiences for its loyal customers. Whether you are looking for a new product, a dupe, a coupon code, or a review, Mecca has it all. Mecca is the ultimate destination for beauty lovers, and you can be part of it. Visit Mecca’s website or app, or find your nearest store, and start your beauty journey today.