Hello Friends! It's the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!! Expect lots of makeup/beauty porn in this article.
Here are some photos and a vlog on the "must-have" exclusive to Mecca Holiday 2018 Limited Edition collections.
On 6th September 2018, I was invited to preview the Mecca Holiday 2018 collections. Here in Australia, there is almost a strict delineation between brands that are exclusive to Mecca (Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima) and those that are exclusive to Sephora. So not quite like how it is Overseas.
It is a lot of #makeupporn and I've also included some commentary on my picks from the bunch. I also hope you enjoy the vlog as I often get requests to do more vlogs.
This year's Mecca limited edition packaging has been designed by Rebecca Baumann as part of Mecca's on-going partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria.
The displays were divided up into (1) Colour; (2) Skincare Kits; (4) Stocking Stuffers; (5) Luxury gift sets; (6) Mecca Maxima; (7) Mecca Cosmetica; and finally (9) home scents and fragrances.
I do not as yet have the press kit with the prices but I hope this will help you decide on what to get.
The release dates that I have been give are: 25 October 2018 - a pre-release of some of the products; and a full release of everything on 8 November 2018.
I believe that prices will be about the same as last year, so hopefully that gives you a good idea for budgeting.
Vlog
I hope you will enjoy this article and vlog . Drop me an email (tashi@teacupofmakeup.com) and follow me on my Instagram (@teacupofmakeup) and let me know what you would like an in-depth review of. I hope you found this review useful. Please do subscribe to my blog so that you get non-obnoxious alerts of new posts. Subscribe by using the box below.
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I have a few more photos of what the Showing Space looks like. I've also included, below, a lot of photos of products that caught my eye and that are on my wish list.
The Colour Collection
Admittedly, I went straight for this table. My makeup hoarder/addiction leans towards colour products. Everything about them fascinates me. The packaging, the formulas, the names... heavenly.
Of course, I had to start with NARS. The collection is incredible and I really don't know how they come up with even "better than last year's" collections. Usually the limited edition collection is a collaboration with an artist/fashion designer/photographer. I think in my excitement over the collection, I totally forgot about this most crucial part. I've been collecting NARS since 2010, so I am sorry. I am quite disappointed in myself. I did manage to find a VIMEO video by Bruno Ilogti below which is supposed to be about the 2018 Holiday collection.
The collection is edgy; punk and extremely covetable. I think most of my budget is going to be spent on this collection.
Oddly enough, they did not have the just released NARS Infatuation palette on display. This palette has been released in the USA (see photo below).
The palettes in this collection had the similar encrusted lids. The two that I saw had a black lid and a deep red lid. I just went "shuddubalreadytakemymoneynow". There are kits of velvet lip pencils, the Power Matte Lip Pigments (in METALLIC, OMG) and lip glides.
Next on my wishlist are the Hourglass palettes. In addition to the annual "mix of powders" set, they have a 6 pan strobe powder set. I need both in my life. Basically I need everything you see in the photo in my life.
The table of dreams
I definitely want to get the Rae Morris set. Her brushes are expensive but so worth it. The set above comes with one of her face brushes and her recently released setting powder. I also collect Chantecaille palettes and was delighted to see that they are bringing out a special edition one for the Holidays.
The Kevyn Aucoin palette seemed to be a huge hit with everyone. I'm not sure how much it is but I want it (currently looking around the house for things to sell).
Next on my wishlist is everything Too Faced. The Peach Tinsel collection is so cute and I am dying to get my hands on the Gingerbread palette. SO PRETTY.
There did not seem to be many sets from Urban Decay. Usually Urban Decay comes out with a special palette - the Vice Palettes; during the holiday period. I was told that not all products from the Holiday collection were on display.
Gahhhhh... the Smashbox palettes are SO pretty. You will see more of them in my vlog. We were only given 1 hour sessions but I think I was there for at least 3 hours. There's lots of additional videos on my Instagram Highlights "MECCAXMAS" https://www.instagram.com/teacupofmakeup/
The Stila kits are a given. They are an absolute must have. Such good value. I think I have three years worth and I still can't get enough.
Bare Minerals also comes out with some very good kits. I like Bare Minerals. The quality of the products are generally very good and they work well for me.
The Skincare Sets
The Skincare Sets this year are amazing. My money is on the Tatcha and Drunk Elephant sets are being the ones to sell out first.
Skincare Sets are a great way to try out different brands in a fairly affordable manner. The smaller versions also make the highly desirable for travel.
I also liked the skincare sets you see above, and I have a few on my wishlist.
The Stocking Stuffers
They may not look like much, but there are many options that range from the fairly affordable to the luxe. Note the presence of a few By Terry gems.
Luxury Gift Sets
Uhh... they were not kidding about the luxury gift sets. Expect to pay up from $200 for each one. I do have my eye on some of them especially the Diptyque Advent Calendar (which could only happen if pigs could fly).
Is it just me or are the names of (some) luxe brands really hard to pronounce?
Mecca Max
Since the successful launch of Mecca Max plus the fact that it is now 100% vegan, I've seen Mecca Maxima (a house brand of makeup products from Mecca Maxima) grow from strength to strength. Their products are remarkably good, in fact amazinglybeyondbelief good for the price point. I think as a general rule all of their products are meant to be less than A$30-A$40 each.
Mecca Max is a brand that is aimed at tweens; teenagers and those in their early twenties who just want to have fun with their makeup. The sets I saw were really lovely and the giant palettes are excellent and very pigmented. From experience, I have yet to find a Mecca Max product that I did not like.
Expect lots of fun colours and affordable sets. The Advent Calendar in the shape of a star is super cute.
Mecca Cosmetica
Mecca Cosmetica is also an in-house brand exclusive to Mecca Cosmetica Stores. It tailors to a slightly older audience and is packaged in simple minimalistic chic with rose gold accents.
The sets have a more muted but still colourful look to them. Admittedly, I was immediately drawn to the RED ACRYLIC CASE filled with "stuff". I just thought, wow, that's going to make such a nice prop. So that's on my wish list. Other faves are the highlighters, skincare and lip balms.
Yup, I was talking about this red acrylic case filled with goodies. I NEED it in my life.
Home Scents and Fragrances
Right. I must tell you a secret. I HOARD luxe candles. I CANNOT bring myself to burning them. I have a collection that I store in airtight boxes. Yup, estimated value of said collection (spread around the house) close to about $10K. That was when I was still working as a lawyer and when I worked into the early mornings and was the only person left in the office working on ridiculous comments on clauses in contracts, I sort relief and escape by ordering expensive home fragrances from mecca.com.au
I suppose if our house were ever to go up in flames (which is ok as we are fully insured); it would burn brightly and smell absolutely delightful and... calming - a wonderful thing for everyone.
Diptyque has come out with a slightly bigger version of last year's popular carousel (I think that one sold out within the hour online). This year's carousel is meant to fit the regular sized candles.
My Wishlist
Well, with a much reduced amount of income, it is going to be hard to narrow it down. I want a bit of everything but I definitely want the NARS Collection; Hourglass palettes; the Too Faced Gingerbreadman palette and that cute shiny peach set. I haven't tried much Tatcha, so it would be nice to get one of their sets. I would also want to get the Rae Morris brush and powder set. From the Luxe Collection, I am eyeing the Maison Francis Kurkdjian roller ball set. True to my selfish hoarding tendencies, I really want everything. OH yes, and that gorgeous Kevyn Aucoin palette. And... And... And...
Unfortunately for me, my husband NEVER reads my blog posts nor watches my youtube videos. SO... it'll be left to me to do all the buying.
I've included some photos of things I want. Basically, everything in the photos below.
