New in at Mecca this month

I’ve been trying out quite a few new products over the last few weeks, and I thought instead of trying to recap it all in my end of month beauty edit, I’d break things up a little. So today I’m rounding up five of my favourite new launches at Mecca for April, across skincare, makeup and fragrance.

Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser

Up until now, I’ve been incredibly loyal to my Drunk Elephant gel cleanser. But Perricone MD is one of those brands I’ve always had success with in the past, so I decided to swap this out and do you know what? I think I may have a new favourite. Similar to the Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser, the Nutritive Cleanser from Perricone MD has a gel formula that lathers up on contact with water. It doesn’t feel harsh on my complexion, does a good job of breaking down any remaining makeup, and I adore the powdery rose scent. This is a great option if you have an oily skin type. What drew me to this most were the key ingredients; ALA’s (which reduce the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores; AHAs (a chemical exfoliant which penetrates the skin and sloughs away dead cells); and Copper Complex (which improves skin elasticity).

Eve Lom Rescue Toner

During my pregnancy, toner was one of the skincare steps I dropped from my routine. My old favourites were no longer working for me, and given how exhausted I was each evening, it was nice to reduce the amount of time before I could curl up in bed. Since returning home from hospital with the baby, this was one of the steps that I immediately re-introduced. My complexion all of a sudden felt a lot more parched; something I wholly put down to a change in hormones, and nursing.

The Eve Lom Rescue Toner ticked a number of boxes for me. Again, it’s loaded with AHAs which both exfoliate and hydrate at the same time. There’s witch hazel, which reduces irritation and targets blemishes. And finally, Centella Asiatica Extract, which stimulates healthy skin cell growth. I’ll usually shake a few drops into the palm of my hand, and gently press this into my skin all over, avoiding the eyes. It’s worked a treat to add in another layer of hydration. Plus, I’d argue that it’s been helping to keep my skin blemish-free (despite all the sugar I’ve had in my diet recently!).

RMS Beauty Kakadu Evening Beauty Elixir

If there’s one thing I’ve really come to appreciate since having a baby, it’s excellent skincare. Most days I’m generally makeup free (aside from mascara and maybe a little lippie), so looking after my complexion has become more of a focus for me. It’s very rare than an oil-based skincare product will work for me. My complexion is oily/combination, but lacking in hydration, so my go-to moisture booster is typically a hyaluronic acid.

The RMS beauty elixir has been a total game changer. I’ve been using this after my MZ Skin serum, as an oil/moisturiser combo. I’ll use around four drops, focused mostly across my cheeks, forehead, chin and areas which are prone to eczema. And it’s been working a treat. My complexion feels hydrated and refreshed, and like it’s much less tired. I love that the oil is formulated with certified organic natural ingredients, including two of my favourites; Jojoba Seed Oil (to calm and balance the skin), and Turmeric Root Extract (to reduce redness – exceptional for those with dermatitis or eczema).

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick

Confession time. I’m a lipstick addict. Despite wearing lippie only occasionally, they’re one of my favourite makeup items to buy (along with eyeshadow…). So I was really excited to see this new liquid lipstick launch from Smashbox. I’ve got three shades; one a mauve-toned pink, the other two more neutral brown-nudes, and it’s hard to pick a favourite. Though if I did have to choose? “Yes Honey” is the perfect every day hue. It’s a deep nude wiht a peachy brown undertone.

As far as liquid lipsticks go, these thoroughly impressed me. The formula is opaque with one swipe, and sets down fast. The applicator makes getting a precise finish effortless, as it’s quite large, with a pointed tip. As for comfort? The finish feels a little smooth and powdery on the lips, and it just does not budge. It’ll withstand multiple coffees thoughout the day, and while it’s a dry finish, I don’t feel like my lips are aching for a bit of lip balm.

Maison Margiela Replica Bubble Bath EDT

My final pick is a fragrance from Maison Margiela. Their Replica fragrance line is incredibly unique, in that each scent invokes aromas from a memory; whether that’s the smokey, heady vibe of a Jazz Club, or the smell of crisp cotton sheets on a Lazy Sunday Morning. Clever doesn’t even cut it. Their latest launch is “Bubble Bath”, which replicates that feeling of when you dip your toes into the tub for a nice long soak. It’s a little soapy, but overall smells very fresh and clean. The top notes are aldehydes, bergamot and pink pepper; middle notes are jasmine, rose and lavender; and base notes are white musk, patchouli and coconut.