MECCA Talks

In today’s episode Kate is joined by Polite Society founder, Jerrod Blandino. If the name sounds familiar, you’d be right – before founding Polite Society with his husband Jeremy Johnson, the two were best known for creating Too Faced in the late ’90s and building it into the beauty juggernaut it is today. Less than two years ago, the duo launched Polite Society, a brand focused on high-pigment, skincare-forward makeup that proves good skin and glam makeup can go hand-in hand. Polite Society has already had plenty of viral hits – including Polite Pops: a powder blush in stick form, B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil Gloss: a hybrid lip product for the ultimate plump and More Than A Pretty Face: a medium coverage foundation that looks and feels weightless on the skin, known for its egg-shaped packaging.Today, Jerrod joins us from his L.A. home to tell us more about how he got his start in the beauty industry, what it’s like to ‘begin again’, and even shares a little bit about his friendship with Madonna.Read more on The MECCA Memo:MECCA HQ Tries Polite SocietyThe Biggest Thing In Beauty Has Landed At MECCA: Polite SocietyHay Fever? In Spring? These Mascaras are Groundbreaking5 Beauty Founders on the Best Gifts Under $100Products mentioned:B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil GlossMore Than A Pretty Face Skin-Caring Medium to Full Coverage FoundationPolite Pops Powder Blush StickPolite Pout Glossy Lip BalmGreatest Lashes of All Time MascaraCabana Club Blurring BronzerHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by one of the industry's most beloved makeup artists, Katie Jane Hughes.10 years ago the UK-born artist started an Instagram account to showcase her work as a nail technician. After pivoting from manicures to makeup, Katie began to build a following of loyal beauty enthusiasts, thanks to her approachable tutorials and dedication to educating her audience.Katie’s playful approach to artistry sees her seamlessly blending bold colours with a glowing complexion, allowing real skin texture to shine through. This earned her the attention of some of the world’s biggest brands, publications and celebrity clientele.Now, Katie joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to talk about her career so far, the importance of authenticity online and why we should all prime our brushes.Products mentioned:Glossier Stretch Balm ConcealerRMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Powder BlushNARS BlushMAC Cosmetics Fix+ Originalkit: Good Night BalmGlossier Boy Brow ArchTower28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial SprayTower28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing MascaraMECCA MAX Pout PencilMECCA MAX Single ShadowHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by tech-entrepreneur turned beauty founder, Uni’s Alexandra Keating.After starting not one, but two successful tech startups, Sydney born and LA-based Alexandra Keating (or as she prefers, AK) took a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with her husband Rupert.  Realising how much the reef had changed since her last visit, AK was struck by the idea of a body care brand that both aligned to Australian attitudes around active lifestyles and also harnessed the power of natural ingredients, without negative environmental impact. Inspired by the Australian coast, these ocean-powered formulas contain a unique marine complex designed to deeply hydrate without ever feeling too heavy.Now, AK joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to discuss Uni’s unique approach to formulation, packaging and her ultimate body care routine.Read more on The MECCA Memo:Meet Uni, the Ocean-Powered Brand Changing Up Body CareThe Best Body Moisturisers at MECCA, According To Our TeamIt’s New. In January. At MECCAProducts mentioned:Uni 24-Hour Body SerumUni Restoring Hand WashUni Hydrating ShampooUni Hydrating ConditionerUni Skin Shield Body WashHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Ruby Devlin & Kerri GordonEditor: Warwick HughesLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

In today’s episode Kate is joined by one of Australia’s most acclaimed makeup artists and founder of her eponymous brand, Rae Morris. Rae’s work with international brands, countless celebrities and major magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and I.D. has earned her the title of Australian Makeup Artist of the Year – four times. With a passion for true artistry, right down to the way her tools are created, she travelled the world to design and develop an innovative magnetic brush collection. The award-winning range is handcrafted in Japan and pays homage to the craft of calligraphy.Now, she joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to share her insider beauty tips, the brush everyone needs, and the non-negotiable products that belong in every beauty bag.Read more on The MECCA Memo:Over 40? These Makeup Tips Are for YouThe Ultimate Eye Makeup Masterclass with Rae MorrisProducts mentioned:Rae Morris Travel Set DeluxeRae Morris Travel SetThe Rae FrameRae Morris Pro-Liner Set 5 PieceRae Morris Personal SetRae Morris Pro Starter SetRae Morris Invisible Mattifier PowderRae Morris Makeup Masterclass BookHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

In today’s episode, Kate is joined in the MECCA Talks studio by Flamingo Estate founder Richard Christiansen. You may remember their first conversation in 2022, where they spoke about Richard’s journey from growing up in rural NSW to a career in fashion, publishing and advertising in New York – and finally to the COVID-induced ‘pivot’ that led him to turn his L.A. home – Flamingo Estate – into the iconic lifestyle brand it is today.Now, three years later, Richard is back to discuss his new book titled, Flamingo Estate: The Guide to Becoming Alive, featuring stories from the estate and interviews with the people Richard admires most, including Martha Stewart, Jane Goodall and MECCA founder Jo Horgan.Read more on The MECCA Memo:WATCH: Behind The Beauty With Flamingo EstateThe Australian Spots That Feel Like Home To Flamingo Estate’s Richard ChristiansenCult-Status Candles for the Fragrance-ObsessedProducts mentioned:The Guide to Becoming AliveFlamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap BrickFlamingo Estate Euphoria Body WashFlamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato CandleFlamingo Estate Tomato Body LotionHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by Summer Fridays co-founder Marianna Hewitt. After growing a loyal audience as a beauty blogger, Marianna (alongside co-founder and fellow content creator Lauren Ireland) noticed a gap in the skincare space for a range of efficacious products that combine aesthetically pleasing packaging and consciously curated ingredient lists.Together, under the name Summer Fridays, the pair launched the Jet Lag Mask which became an instant hit thanks to its multipurpose, nourishing formula and iconic blue packaging.In the seven years since, the LA-based brand has released countless other viral hits, including the mega-popular Lip Butter Balms, aiming to create beauty bag essentials that look cute and work effortlessly.Marianna joins us to share the inspirations behind the now-iconic Jet Lag Mask, her personal beauty routine and the story of how she met MECCA Founder Jo Horgan.Read more on The MECCA Memo:The Beauty Marianna Hewitt Won’t Travel WithoutThe Latest Status Symbol? Lip BalmDewy In-Flight Skin? Unheard Of, Unless You’re Summer Fridays’ Lauren IrelandProducts mentioned:Summer Fridays Lip Butter BalmSummer Fridays Jet Lag MaskSummer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration SerumSummer Fridays Super Amino Gel CleanserSummer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream Summer Fridays Shade Drops Mineral Milk Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturiser Summer Fridays Sheer Skin TintSummer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen™ All-In-One Face OilSummer Fridays Dream Lip OilHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

In today’s episode Kate is joined by US board-certified dermatologist and Fig.1 co-founder, Dr Courtney Rubin. In 2021, drawing on her degrees from Yale, Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, as well her experience treating patients in her clinic, Dr Rubin co-founded skincare brand Fig.1 alongside entrepreneurial powerhouse Kimmy Scotti.With a focus on efficacy, accessibility and reusability, Fig.1’s high-performance, science-backed products – like their easy-to-use retinol system, rich Ceramide Moisturizer and Micellar Oil Cleanser – became must-haves. Now, she’s here to talk about her journey from dermatologist to brand founder, and to share her top skincare tips.Read more on The MECCA Memo:Actress Phoebe Tonkin Shares Her Cleansing Secret For Glowing SkinIt’s New. In May. At MECCAWATCH: Behind the Beauty with Tower 28Products mentioned:Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream No. 1Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream No. 2Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream No. 3Fig.1 Micellar Oil CleanserFig.1 Ceramide MoisturizerFig.1 Glycolic Glow Treatment Tower 28 ShineOn Lip JellyTower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial SprayCharlotte Tilbury Colour ChameleonHost: Kate BlytheProducers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby DevlinEditor: Ruby DevlinLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!). MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by Tower 28 founder Amy Liu. Having experienced chronic eczema for most of her adult life, the former beauty executive struggled to find makeup that didn’t worsen her skin sensitivities, often feeling confined to boring, uninspiring products.Leaning on her wealth of knowledge after 15-plus years of experience in the beauty industry - and her love of LA beach culture - Amy set out to create the brand she wished she always had; a colourful range of makeup with gentle, non-irritating formulas, that felt accessible and inspiring.Launching in 2019, Tower 28 shook up the beauty world and became one of the fastest growing brands in the US, loved for their viral SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray and effortless makeup essentials like the ShineOn Lip Jelly.Read more on The MECCA Memo: WATCH: Behind the Beauty with Tower 28MECCA HQ’s Most Sensitive Try Tower 28If You Want To Try Tower 28, Start With These Three ProductsProducts mentioned:Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial SprayTower 28 ShineOn Lip JellyTower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing MascaraTower 28 Swipe Serum ConcealerTower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream BlushTower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen FoundationHost: Kate BlytheProducer: Kerri GordonAssistant Producer: Ruby DevlinEditor: Warwick HughesLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!). MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.

In today’s episode, Kate is chatting with celebrated actor Hunter Schafer, best known for her roles in HBO’s Euphoria, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and in the near future, the epic mini-series that will be Blade Runner 2099. From her hotel room in Barcelona, Hunter filled us in on her role as Global Brand Ambassador for Shiseido, the process of developing a collection with the brand - as well as an anime short film with Melbourne’s CHOP Studio - her deep love for art, the inside word on Euphoria season three, and her penchant for Melbourne-based creatives (with a hook-up from Troye Sivan).Products mentioned:Shiseido Aura Dew IlluminatorShiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate 3.0Shiseido Limited Edition Daiya Fude Face Duo BrushRead more on the MECCA Memo:This is Hunter Schafer’s Favourite Foundation. Ever.WATCH: Behind the Beauty with Tsu Lange YorWATCH: Behind the Beauty with Half MagicHost: Kate BlytheProducer: Kerri GordonEditors: Warwick Hughes and Ruby DevlinLoved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!). MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.