MECCA Talks – Details, episodes & analysis

Award-winning beauty journalist turned brand founder, Joanna Ellner, has spent her career exploring the intersection of science, ritual and skin. After more than a decade writing for some of the world’s leading beauty publications — and consulting within the luxury skincare space — she channeled her deep industry insight into creating REOME, a regenerative skincare line redefining modern repair. 

In this episode of MECCA Talks, Joanna shares her journey from journalist to formulator, how her studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine shaped her philosophy, and why she believes true skincare goes beyond trend — it’s about balance, rhythm, and results. 

Join us as we dive into the science, spirituality and story behind REOME’s insider-loved formulas. 

Click here to shop REOME exclusively at MECCA

Host: Kate Blythe

Show Producer: Kerri Gordon

Technical Producer: Nicole Cooper

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes of one of the most iconic parts of the MECCA experience: MECCA Beauty Loop. 

Launched over a decade ago, MECCA Beauty Loop began as a bold reimagining of what a loyalty program could be - not just a reward system, but a community - one that celebrates discovery, surprise and a shared love of beauty. Since then, the release of MECCA Beauty Loop boxes, bonuses and gifts have become a moment of excitement and discovery for all our customers.  

With over four million members across Australia and New Zealand, the boxes are just one of the program's secrets to success. MECCA Beauty Loop is designed to reward and connect our customers in the most meaningful of ways; from exclusive services and events catered to your beauty obsessions, to insider access to your favourite brand's newest products, and a gift every time your birthday rolls around. 

Listen as MECCA’s Head of Loyalty, Rosie McFarlane, joins Kate in the studio to talk more about Australia's most loved loyalty program. 

Want to be in the loop? Sign up to MECCA Beauty Loop here.

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Ruby Devlin

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Estate

The Australian Spots That Feel Like Home To Flamingo Estate’s Richard Christiansen

Cult-Status Candles for the Fragrance-Obsessed

Products mentioned:

The Guide to Becoming Alive

Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick

Flamingo Estate Euphoria Body Wash

Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle

Flamingo Estate Tomato Body Lotion

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Ruby Devlin

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Without

The Latest Status Symbol? Lip Balm

Dewy In-Flight Skin? Unheard Of, Unless You’re Summer Fridays’ Lauren Ireland

Products mentioned:

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Deep Hydration Serum

Summer Fridays Super Amino Gel Cleanser

Summer 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 Tint

Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen™ All-In-One Face Oil

Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Ruby Devlin

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Skin

It’s New. In May. At MECCA

WATCH: Behind the Beauty with Tower 28

Products mentioned:

Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream No. 1

Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream No. 2

Fig.1 Retinol Night Cream No. 3

Fig.1 Micellar Oil Cleanser

Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer

Fig.1 Glycolic Glow Treatment 

Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon

Host: Kate Blythe

Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin

Editor: Ruby Devlin

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 28

MECCA HQ’s Most Sensitive Try Tower 28

If You Want To Try Tower 28, Start With These Three Products

Products mentioned:

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly

Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

Tower 28 Swipe Serum Concealer

Tower 28 BeachPlease Lip + Cheek Cream Blush

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

Host: Kate Blythe

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Assistant Producer: Ruby Devlin

Editor: Warwick Hughes

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Illuminator

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate 3.0

Shiseido Limited Edition Daiya Fude Face Duo Brush

Read more on the MECCA Memo:

This is Hunter Schafer’s Favourite Foundation. Ever.

WATCH: Behind the Beauty with Tsu Lange Yor

WATCH: Behind the Beauty with Half Magic

Host: Kate Blythe

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Editors: Warwick Hughes and Ruby Devlin

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by globally recognised makeup artist and Morphe collaborator, Ariel Tejada – or as he’s known by beauty lovers around the world, @makeupbyariel.

In the mid-2010s, the self-taught artist started sharing his work on Instagram, quickly capturing the attention of the beauty world with his unique approach to soft glam. Kylie Jenner was fast to slide into his Instagram DMs, and it was this correspondence changed everything. The two became fast friends, working together consistently over the past decade, with the artist responsible for some of Kylie’s most iconic beauty looks.

Today, Ariel is one of the most sought-after creatives in the industry, painting the faces of A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Gwen Stefani and Rosalía.

Fast forward a few years, and Ariel partnered with Morphe to develop, test and perfect a brush collection that, since its release in 2021, has become an essential part of any beauty lover's kit.

Now, he’s here to talk to MECCA about all things Morphe and, of course, makeup!

Products mentioned:

Morphe X Ariel Signature Look 12-Piece Face & Eye Brush Set

Morphe x Ariel Signature 5-Piece Face Brush Set

Morphe X Ariel Signature Eyes 8-Piece Eye Brush Set

Host: Kate Blythe

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Assistant Producer: Ruby Devlin

Editor: Warwick Hughes

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Tara and Kerri discuss the birthday makeup trend, share their thoughts on the newest SPF launches and debate whether glitter or smoky eyes are the easiest look. Plus, they share what International Day of the Girl (coming up on Friday 11 October!) means to them.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.

The Mini Must-Haves:

What we're obsessed with:

Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Concealer

RMS beauty Sun Coverup Super Tint SPF 50

MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum

What we've rediscovered:

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream

MECCA MAX Zoom Shadow Stick Matte in 'Taupe'

What's on our wishlist:

TSU LANGE YOR Sala Eau de Parfum

Glossier Boy Brow Arch

Glossier Boy Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel-Pomade

Products Mentioned:

Violette_FR Yeux Paint Matte in 'Nuage de Lilas'

Violette_FR Bisou Balm in 'Amour Fou'

MECCA COSMETICA In A Good Light Illuminating Drops SPF30

Naked Sundays Beautyscreen SPF 50 Foundation Tint

Go-To Nifty Fifty

Go-To Nifty Fifty Mineral

Go-To Nifty Fifty Fluid

Read more on the MECCA MEMO:

MECCA’s Founder Jo Horgan, on International Day of the Girl

The Best Birthday Gifts From MECCA

Hosts: Tara Lamont-Djite & Kerri Gordon

Producer & Editor: Ruby Devlin

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, Kate is joined by one of our most highly requested guests, Kosas founder Sheena Zadeh.

By combining her love of biology, business and colour theory, Sheena created a makeup brand that not only has the most flattering and easy to use shades and formulations, but is just as good for your skin as your favourite skincare.

Almost a decade on from the brand's launch – with bestselling products like Revealer Concealer, Wet Lip Oil and Air Brow Gel – and a fan club that includes Hailey Bieber, Alix Earle and Gwyneth Paltrow – Kosas is just getting started. Sheena's on the podcast to share her tips for the best makeup of your life – and what goes down when your products go viral.

Products mentioned:

Kosas Blush is Life Baked Dimensional and Brightening Blush

Kosas BB Burst Tinted Gel Cream

Kosas Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss

Kosas Plump + Juicy Vegan Collagen Spray-On Serum

Kosas Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss

Host: Kate Blythe

Producer: Kerri Gordon

Assistant Producer: Ruby Devlin

Editor: Warwick Hughes

Loved 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.