Walking into any fluorescent cosmetic store can often be an intimidating experience, but not when…read morewalking into Mecca Cosmetica's newest family member, the James Street store. I'm promptly greeted by two friendly faces and upon mentioning that for the moment "'I'm just looking.", I am left to my own devices to wander through the store. I notice a sign on the counters saying they can match you to your "perfect foundation" in 10 minutes. Challenge Accepted. Even though I'm here looking at skincare (the sudden change of season means my skin is protesting severely and I'm ready to meet its demands). Lauren, my sales assistant for the visit, sits me down and begins to prep my skin. The products she uses (REN and Darphin for those playing at home) let my skin breathe a hydrated sigh of relief. I make a mental note to follow up these products later. She then asks me a few questions about my preferences in a foundation and my daily tasks. We settle upon trying the new NARS tinted moisturiser. She primes me by saying that I'll be surprised how much coverage this baby gives. After application I'm flawed. She was right. This tinted moisturiser packs a little more punch than the average tinted moisturiser and I think their signage was right. They can match you to your perfect foundation in 10 minutes. Mecca Cosmetica is home to one of Australia's best ranges of skincare and cosmetics. The prices are a little high when you compare them to international prices but come on ladies, we're used to that by now. Plus for the extra advice and insight you gain from their staff it is more than worth it. This store is slightly smaller than their Queen Street store, however, that's ok with me. The staff were helpful, knowledgeable and if you're looking for a special occasion makeup I'd suggest popping in and saying hello to Mecca Cosmetica.

James Street is an absolute mess at the moment. There is construction happening everywhere you…read moreturn, so it was a miracle I found Mecca Cosmetica hidden amongst the rubble. The new Fortitude Valley store is much smaller than it's store in the city, but it gives it a more intimate and less intimidating feel. It has pretty much anything in the way of cosmetics that a girl (or boy, if you're into that sort of thing) may need. With brands that are often difficult to find such as By Terry, Nars and Kevyn Aucoin, it's nice to know that Mecca usually have all of their products in stock. To date, it is the only place in Australia I have been able to find the Nars multiple in Maldives (that is a BIG secret I've just shared with you people!). The staff were a little caught up when I was there and I wasn't really attended to, but it was nice to just stroll around the store at my own pace. If you are in need of a new skin care regime, a new palette for your face, or even a new fragrance, Mecca Cosmetica should be on your "to go to" list. The only downside is that if they have a product they're not selling much of they often discontinue it, which is sad when you were that one person buying it! Nevertheless, it's a great store to pop in and feel immediately girly.