MECCA Talks

In today’s episode, Kate is in the studio with Donni Davy to celebrate the launch of her sparkly new makeup brand, Half Magic, at MECCA.

Occasionally, a makeup artist comes along and changes beauty culture – which is what Donni did when HBO’s Euphoria first aired in 2019. She went on to win two Emmys for her work on the iconic series, and kickstarted a movement of bold, glittery eye makeup and lived-in skin, now known simply as ‘Euphoria makeup’. In partnership with A24 Films, which produced the show, her viral bejewelled wings, Technicolor lids and glitter tears inspired the creation of Half Magic, which gives everyone the tools to recreate magical beauty looks, every day.

With Donni in Australia to spread the magic of her makeup line, she tells us more about her career, inspirations and the Half Magic must-haves we need to try.

Products mentioned:

Half Magic Face Gems

Half Magic Glitterpuck Multi-Use Pressed Fairy Dust

Half Magic Glitterpill Glitter Eye Paint & Liner

Half Magic Magic Flik Eyeliner

Half Magic Wing Magician Eyeliner Stencil

Half Magic Flik Eraser Makeup Correcting Pen

Half Magic Beam Trap Illuminating Balm

Half Magic Cheek Fluff Soft Blur Blush

Half Magic Mouth Cloud Soft Matte Lip Cream

Half Magic Eyeshadow Singles

Half Magic The "Forever" Palette

Host: Kate Blythe

Producer: Kerri Gordon

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.

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.

Celebrated creative Richard Christiansen’s home is not a restaurant, though Chrissy Teigen might have you fooled otherwise!

In this episode of MECCA Talks, Kate and Zara are joined by the man of many life chapters, whose quirky LA residence evolved into a salt-of-the-earth produce, wellness, home and body care brand during the pandemic – and fast resonated with Hollywood (including the aforementioned Chrissy, as well as likes of Oprah, Ellen, Martha Stewart and Hailey Bieber), and now, the rest of the world.

Listen as Christiansen generously shares the journey from his farm-style upbringing in rural NSW to a law career in London, to fashion, publishing and advertising in New York – and finally to the COVID-induced ‘pivot’ that turned everything on its head. This is the pleasure-filled story of Flamingo Estate, now available at MECCA.

Brands and products mentioned in this episode:

Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle

Flamingo Estate Garden Essentials Garden Soap Set

Flamingo Estate Garden Essentials Body Wash

Flamingo Estate Clarity Mineral Soak

Shop all Flamingo Estate

Read more on The MECCA Memo:

Keen to try Flamingo Estate? Start with these 5 products

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Richard Christiansen

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, leave a review, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in our official Facebook group, MECCA Chit 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, present and emerging. 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.

Welcome back to MECCA Talks, your access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community.

In today’s episode...

Zara is taking us back in time for a history lesson on the origins of moisturiser (and we learn that women in Ancient Rome sought after a ‘super-ingredient’ of crocodile excrement).

MECCA education manager for skincare Lucy Shaw gives us her top tips for keeping your skin glowing and hydrated (not dull and dry!) in the treachery of winter.

And, acclaimed naturopath Anthia Koullouros (BHSC ND DBM DH MATMS) explains what happens to our wellbeing in winter, and what we can do to protect our immunity, energy levels, and skin. Turns out, hibernation is a thing.

Products mentioned:

Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream

Chantecaille Vital Essence

Cosmetics 27 Baume 27

sans [ceuticals] Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil

More on winter skin...

The winter skin survival guide: a solution for every complexion concern

What does stronger skin mean, anyway? And why does it matter?

Should you be updating your cleanser for winter? (Yes—here’s why)

With diplomas in botanical medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, and a degree in health science, Anthia Koullouros is a qualified practitioner with 25 years of clinical experience, and one of the pre-eminent naturopathic experts in Australia. For assistance with stress relief, sleep health, skin conditions, digestion, and hormonal imbalance, book a consult with Anthia at our Sydney flagship service suites here, or virtually, here.

Hosts: Kate Blythe, Zara Wong

Guests: Lucy Shaw, Anthia Koullouros

Producers: Kerri Gordon, Michael Liberale

Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat). If you’ve got any questions or suggestions, send a DM our way via our Instagram, @meccabeauty, or spark a conversation in

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