HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN: my picks from MECCA MAX’s glorious gifting lineup

Famed for their hard-working formulas to their killer price points, it’s no secret that I am a HUGE fan of the MECCA MAX brand. From their lip stains to their eye shadow sticks and blush, almost everything they release eventually makes its way into my kit – and inevitably, becomes a repeat buy.
So it’s no surprise whatsoever that the MECCA-MADE brand has made its way on to my Holiday Countdown, and is destined to feature (spoiler alert!) more than once. But first up, for the fellow raving fans – here’s my pick of their inspired holiday gifting options.

BLEND TOGETHER
Because every beauty freak needs a quality brush kit, and this 11-Piece Brush & Sponge Set with premium Brush Case most definitely fits the brief. Give your own -or a loved one’s - beauty game the ultimate upgrade with this set of ultra-fluffy vegan brushes that seriously perform. The set includes five eye brushes, five complexion brushes, and a beauty bullet (all neatly packed in a travel case that unclips to transform into a brush holder), and includes my all-time favourite: the Complexion Buffing Brush. I have two permanently on the go – the domed brush shape is ideal for applying cream and liquid foundation, bronzer or blush, and it’s super soft.

MINIS TO THE MAX
Count your way down to summer with 12 beauty-filled treats to open day-by-day (or all at once!) in this insanely cute Beauty Advent Calendar. The perfect gift for any beauty lover and filled with travel-ready goodies, who doesn’t love a mini?

FLYING COLOURS
This 25-Shade Eyeshadow Palette is all you need for a summer of fun creating multiple beauty looks using a single palette. Bright and beautiful, it will take you from the beach to the bar, from cocktails to festivals in just a few swipes of the pigment-heavy shades. Go bold or go cool, with this marvel the choice is yours.

PARTY CHEEKS
I was an instant fan of MECCA MAX’s Off Duty Contour and Blush sticks, and this duo is the dream for creating a summer-y, dewy glow even when the weather isn’t behaving. You can wear them alone or layered for a fresh faced, glass skin vibe – just add a pop on the lips or eyes and you’re hot to go.

POUT PERFECT
The Pout Pencil & Pout Pop Lipstick Duo is perfect for the lipstick fan in your life – or as a non-negotiable gift to self. Both formulas are up there with many of the luxe brands at an insanely good price point, and I can honestly say they perform under pressure as well as delivering serious pigment payoff.

SHOW-TOPPER
The MECCA MAX Holographic Eyeshadow Toppers are a dream trio for festival days and nights, as well as for creating a beautiful wash of colour when the invitation calls for a little shimmer. The stack system makes them perfect for travel and popping into handbags or beach bags too.

Lastly, MECCA’s holiday campaign packaging has become as iconic as the limited-edition gift releases adorning their shelves, as each year, the beauty powerhouse - along with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) - chooses an artist of significance to collaborate with, who will create the artwork that adorns the iconic boxes and bags destined to be placed under Christmas trees across Australia and Aotearoa. This year, they’ve chosen a talented woman from Queensland for the honour: Brisbane-based multidisciplinary artist Natalya Hughes. Exploring the connections to femininity and the body through decorative design, her inspired artwork makes each of the above a joy to look at — and unwrap.

Check out the full line-up in store and online here.