The top makeup and skincare buys in Australia have been named in the annual Mecca Beauty Election – and there’s some stand-out new players this year.
Based on votes by more than 42,000 beauty aficionados across the country, the election names the most effective and in-demand products from a shortlist of 114 bestsellers.
This year there was a record 19 categories in play including three new ones: Best Kept Secret, Best Newcomer and Best Self-Care.
Winners include NARS Sheer Glow, ILIA’s Limitless Lash Mascara and Tatcha The Rice Wash Cleanser.
Drunk Elephant’s famous Lala Retro Whipped Cream also came out on top for Best Moisturiser while Glow Recipe’s viral Watermelon Dew Drops took out the Best Oil/Serum crown.
1. BEST COMPLEXION: NARS SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION
One of the most iconic foundations on the market, it’s no surprise this $75 buy took out the top spot once again.
The Sheer Glow foundation boasts an average of 4.6 stars out of five from more than 4,000 customers and is famous for its buildable, natural finish that evens the skin tone in a matter of seconds.
The formula also includes glycerin – a humectant that maintains moisture throughout the day – and Vitamin C, which brightens skin and diminishes the appearance of discolouration.
It also includes turmeric extract which is known to be a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
‘I have spent many many years trying to find a foundation that doesn’t make my skin break out. Finally in my 49th year I discovered NARS sheer glow,’ a reviewer wrote. ‘My skin is finally happy and it gives such a nice smooth look and covers my uneven complexion.’
2. BEST MASCARA: ILIA LIMITLESS LASH MASCARA
This $21 buy is 99 per cent naturally derived and is famous for thickening and lengthening the lashes.
The formula is infused with shea butter to condition and the brush is dual-sided so you can use the shorter side to curl and volumise and the longer side to build length and separate the lashes.
It’s also cruelty and sulphate-free and hydrates the lashes without compromising on performance.
‘So obsessed with how my lashes look after using this, I hate clumpy looking mascara caused by the wands but this one is perfect,’ one reviewer wrote.
‘I purchased this last minute in an airport and I love it. I got the smaller size and it makes my lashes look so long and the applicator makes it so there aren’t any clumps at all. It stays on all day and keeps my lashes lifted even though I have straight lashes,’ another wrote.
3. BEST OIL/SERUM: GLOW RECIPE WATERMELON DEW DROPS
If you spend any time on Instagram or TikTok, chances are you’ve come across this cult $56 buy.
Famous for creating an instant dewy glow without the added nasties of glitter or pearls, the Glow Recipe dew drops are hydrating, brightening and highlighting all in one.
The ingredients include Hyaluronic acid which promises bouncy skin and Niacinamide to help brighten dullness, minimise pores and improve barrier function.
‘This is the perfect product,’ one reviewer wrote.
‘I am now on my second bottle of these glow drops and I just love them. They make my skin so glowy and fresh-faced. They look perfect under makeup or on clean skin. They have really helped me transition from using foundation to just a little concealer as they make your skin look so good.’
4. BEST MOISTURISER: DRUNK ELEPHANT LALA RETRO WHIPPED CREAM
Another viral buy, this $99 product might have a hefty price tag but the results speak for themselves.
Known for its many awards and rave reviews, this restorative moisturiser is made with a blend of six cold-pressed African oils to deliver instant and sustained hydration.
It’s a lightweight formula and includes plantain extract for skin firmness and fermented green tea seed to fight ageing, inflammation and protect against environmental aggressors.
‘I bought the mini version to see how the product was and how it would be on my skin and it was amazing so I bought the bigger version and now my skin is glowing. ‘It’s amazing and everyone is commenting on my skin,’ one reviewer wrote.
‘I bought this product with all the hype around it and it doesn’t disappoint… buy it ASAP it is the best moisturiser ever,’ another added.
5. BEST CLEANSER: TATCHA THE RICE WASH
Tatcha is known for its high-end price tags, but this Japanese skincare has been a staple for thousands for many years.
This $64 cleanser harnesses the centuries-old Japanese practice of using rice in beauty rituals, which results in clear, bright and dewy skin.
Like many of Tatcha’s products, the cream cleanser is formulated with Hadasei-3, a fermented antioxidant-rich essence of Japanese superfoods, which floods the skin with moisture.
The formula also includes a Japanese algae and Hyaluronic acid blend which helps restore a health skin barrier and rice powder to revive the complexion.
‘I love this cleanser as it doesn’t strip my skin when using it,’ a reviewer wrote.
‘You only need a pea sized amount for every wash and it feels so luxurious. The wash has tiny rice particles which dissolve once you wet it and apply it on your face. I have repurchased this many times in the past and will continue to do so.’
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