AAFW makeup how-to: MECCA for the First Nations Fashion + Design Show

At the close of last week’s truly joyful AAFW, the First Nations Fashion + Design Show had the audience on its feet – and in the creatives’ and models’ hands. Showcasing eight Indigenous designers - Nungala Creative, Ihraa Swim, Gantharri, Myrrdah, Ikuntji Artists, Paul McCann, Clothing The Gap and Eliverina Johnson X Taking Shape – it was a moment both culturally important and a celebration of style, and MECCA was thrilled to have partnered with the group to create a beauty look that fitted the brief perfectly.
The concept of the show was ‘Our Island, Our Home’, and aimed to raise awareness for the lived experiences of the Torres Strait Islander people, and their powerful campaign to save their motherland from climate change.

For the runway, the makeup brief focused on enhancing the natural beauty of the First Nations models’ skin and features. The looks centred around a fresh complexion, paired with a groomed brow and glossy skin and eyes. Jennifer Horsley, Head of MECCA Artistry, explained her objective, “we really wanted to showcase each individual model’s features to celebrate their uniqueness. We didn't want the makeup to distract from the stunning textures, colours and drama involved in the collections.”

To prep the skin, Jennifer and the MECCA team used:
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Toner
Chantecaille Vital Essence
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream
Mecca Cosmetica Weekend Glow Serum
“It's all about the skin prep with this look, the more hydrated the skin, the more radiant it looks. We really like to massage the Mecca Cosmetica Weekend Skin Glow Serum into the skin to get the circulation going and really plump up the skin and make it nice and bouncy. The more prepped the skin, the better any complexion product looks.”

For the perfect base:
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
NARS Soft Matte Concealer
Mecca Cosmetica Mini Buffing Brush
“We love to work the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer into the areas of the face that need a little evening out and very lightly conceal where needed. I love to use the Mecca Cosmetica Mini Buffing Brush to do this, it just blends everything seamlessly”.

To shape and contour:
Mecca Max Off Duty Contour Stick
Mecca Max Off Duty Glass Stick
“To add shape and definition, we sculpt the cheekbones using the Mecca Max Off Duty Contour Stick and blend this up to give the most natural finish. For a beautiful glossy sheen to the skin, I press the Mecca Max Off Duty Glass Stick onto the high points of the face and across the eye to achieve a natural glisten to the lids. I can’t get enough of the glistening sheen so I always do a few layers until I see the most delicious glowing complexion. I love to use this on the décolletage and body as well to create that juicy looking skin”

To finish the look:
Rae Morris Invisible Mattifier Powder
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze
Kosas Brow Pop Dual-Action Defining Pencils
By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Scrub
Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask
Mecca Max Pout Lip Pencils
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils
A common theme among participating makeup artists and directors this year, Jen is excited about the prospects of experimentation and colour to inspire beauty trends into the latter half of 2022. “I think what I've seen at AAFW this year is a return to joy! People embracing their uniqueness and creativity, beautiful bold use of colour and ornamentation. A celebration of self-expression with no restraints.”