Mecca Cosmetica - Katharina

When I received Katharina, as part of the Melbourne Beauty Blogger Event, I was fully 'meh'. A pink? Been there. Done that. Got the bored stares of onlookers to show for it.  I fully got my ungrateful wretch on.

Sometimes, though, a lacquer will surprise you. And this one certainly has.

This is a perfect mix, on the nail, of coral and pink.   I tried to Brangelina the mix.  Corink?  Piral?  Let me work on that some more.

In short, superb formula and universally flattering shade.  I heart, and am somewhat embarrassed at my initial reaction, because, really, this is fab.

This lacquer was provided to me for review.  For more information on YGN's Disclosure Policy, please click here.

Mecca Cosmetica - Roman Holiday Collection

When I first saw the Roman Holiday Collection on the Mecca website, I think I let out an audible sigh. What a disappointing collection. Only two lacquers: one a red and the other a pale, sheer looking pink.

I steadfastly refused to buy this.  For a whole two seconds because I have an addiction to Mecca that cannot be tamed.

This collection is going to set no-one on fire.  But these are classic shades that should be considered staples, not unlike a good leather jacket.  You may not always wear it but you know that it will look good when you do.

Anyway, enough of me faffing about.  Click on the jump to see this lovely collection. All photos are taken in diffused light.

American Apparel - Peacock

 Diffused Light

I gave you guys a break from my American Apparel fetish but it's back!

This time, it's Peacock which is a fabulous teal. Two coats and it's opaque and super shiny (this is sans topcoat).  So shiny, in fact, that you can actually see me in the photos - I'm on the left and you can see the camera on the right.  I love it when I can use a lacquer as a mirror.

When I tried this, I instantly wondered if it could be a dupe for Mecca Cosmetica's Lychorinda.  I've lined the two up side-by-side after the jump.

Mecca Cosmetica - Autumn 2010

Now, I should mention that Mecca Cosmetica aren't calling this their Autumn 2010 Collection.  That's just what I'm calling these new lacquers.  Because it's sexy that way.

I've put all the swatches under the jump because the photos are large and take a while to load.

The colours in this collection are gorgeous.  These are three of the most fabulous lacquers I own.  They are beautiful and elegant cremes, not to mention the fact that the orange and pink remind me of Darrell Lea Licorice Allsorts, which are my favourite sweeties.

But the formula - and it pains me to say this because I LOVE Mecca lacquers - is dire.  On the plus side, these are opaque in one coat.  On the downside, the formula is very thick, gluggy and has a weird magnet-like attraction to cuticles.  The grey was ok, but the orange and pink were particularly difficult.  Not insurmountable, but annoying and very unusual for Mecca.

Application pain aside, this is a lovely collection.  Check them out after the jump!

Hey There, Wait A Minute Mr Postman - Mecca Cosmetica Autumn 2010 Collection

Oh, how I resisted the Mecca Cosmetica Autumn 2010 Collection.

I ordered these online a million times but never quite went through with the purchase.

Until today.

I was walking past the Mecca Cosmetica store (on Little Collins Street, for all my Melbourne lovelies who want to know) and saw them winking at me through the window.  No jokes.  They were winking at me.  I looked away.  Then back again.  Then I walked into a lamp post and smacked my head, which entertained the young twenty-something boys at the cafe next door.

And then I went in and bought them.  From left to right: Emilia, Violenta and Perdita

This may just be the concussion talking but I regret nothing. I'll swatch these next week.

Mecca Cosmetica - Lychorinda

Mecca Cosmetica's Lychorinda is all Nea's fault.  Blame her for this amazing lacquer.

Nea won my January giveaway and, when selecting some great Aussie lacquers as part of her prize, she chose Lychorinda.  As soon as I saw it in the shop, I fell in love with it.  I fought the urge to buy it for over a week (I really don't need any new lacquers at the moment), but finally gave in.

You can understand why though.  What's not to love with a creme teal that is as luscious as it is on trend?

I'm so glad I gave into my lemming and bought this.  The quality is, as always with Mecca, spot on.  Two coats, high shine, intuitive application and.... well you can't really argue with that colour payoff.  It's exquisite.

What do you guys think?  Is this teal a-stealin' your heart? (ok the rhyme doesn't quite work but I live to give you guys things to laugh at)

Happy Australia Day!

Australia is a pretty good place to live.

We have great weather, Vegemite, Tim Tams, Hugh Jackman and, of course, the Gum Leaf Mafia.

But possibly the best thing to ever come out of Australia is Haigh's Chocolates.  My work building is right across the road from Haigh's. This is a very bad thing because, on a daily basis, I am haunting the shop, prowling for new flavours and thrills. 

Today, I bought some handmade dark chocolates.  And promptly ate them all.  My favourites were the Rose Cream, Strawberry Cream and the Lemon Myrtle Cream. They were just so cute and delicious that I decided to create a nail art tribute to celebrate a classic Australian brand and to celebrate Australia Day.

To create this, I used RBL's Au Chocolat as the base. Of course.

For the flower, I used Mecca Cosmetica's Luciana and Helen with Sportgirl's Nail It! Apple. To create the flower, I used the end of my nail art brush as a dotting tool and then brushed the leaf on.  It's not the Mona Lisa, but it's definitely not a train wreck.  So I'm happy.

To all of the Gum Leaf Mafia, have a wonderful Australia Day.  To all my international readers, there's nothing in the Australia Day rule book that says that internationals can't celebrate also.   So lift your glasses and toast a great country that provides the world with a plethora of great food, hot men and superfly nail bloggers.

Mecca Cosmetica - Hippolyta

The final lacquer, and my personal favourite since I love reds, in Mecca's Paint toYour Heart's Content Collection is Hippolyta.

This is a rich, blue red that, like Essie's Lollipop, is old school Hollywood glamour in a bottle. This is probably marginally more 'blue' than Lollipop, which I like.  Mmmm, blue reds.

As with all the other lacquers, the formula with this is amazing.  Aside from the dodgy application on my ring finger (I was drunk or tired, I can't remember which.  This is definitely an example of operator error), this glides on like a dream, dries quickly and is wonderfully shiny. 

So which blogger is this dedicated to?

I decided to dedicate Hippolyta to two great nail bloggers - Nixxy and Kaz.  For no other reason than reds make me happy, and both Nixxy and Kaz always make me smile.

Mecca Cosmetica - Lavinia

Lavinia is a stunning purple.

Similar to Miranda, this has a dusty look to it, which I rather like. Dusty but still uber shiny.  How does that work?

It also looks like it's straight out of a Banarama video circa 1988.  Which makes me like it even more.

When I started to swatch this, there was one nail blogger that I had in mind the whole time, and that person was...... Pink Ginger.

Pink Ginger is one of those people for whom EVERY lacquer looks hot.  She just has a gorgeous skin tone that lacquers seem to love. 

I especially love how her nails look in purple. So that's why I'm dedicating this quintessential purple to the person who rocks this amazing colour better than anyone out there.

Mecca Cosmetica - Audrey

Mmmm, a dark, glamorous, vampy plum with a largish dose of sophistication?

I think that can only mean one nail blogger.... Evil Angel.  This is a fearless and bold colour and, really, Evil Angel is one of the boldest, fiercest people I know.

Audrey is such a beautiful plum.  Look at that shine!  That's two coats without a top coat.  I think it's extraordinary.  I can even make out an image of the light umbrella in the my index finger!

This is a great colour for Christmas, regardless of whether you live in the northern or southern hemisphere.  It's sophisticated, easy to wear, will go with pretty much any outfit, and lasts forever on the nail.

What do you ladies think?  Approve?  Disapprove?

On another note, I've had a few of you email me asking what camera I am using to take my photos.  I use a Canon EOS 450D SLR camera.  Which I like because it takes great photos and is easy to use.  I'm no photography expert so I like that I can just set this up on the tripod and - bang - good photos just emerge.

Mecca Cosmetica - Jessica

Mecca Cosmetica's Jessica is an adorable pink.

Where Rosaline was a light, milky pink, this is darker with hints of coral in it.  I think it is the sweetest colour out of the entire Paint to Your Heart's Content Collection.  And, while it works beautifully on the hands, it is THE most perfect colour for a pedicure.  I wore this today for work and I had three different ladies come up to me on the train and ask what I was wearing.

When I swatched this colour, I thought of two lovely nail bloggers.

So.... I am dedicating Jessica to..... Kellie Gonzo and Brooke.

Kellie Gonzo is just a sweetheart and one of the nicest nail bloggers out there.  And she's super hot, just like this colour.

Brooke is like the Patron Saint of Nail Bloggers.  When I first started blogging, she gave my blog a shoutout and the rest was history.  Thanks to Brooke, people began to read YGN.  So, if Jessica is a sweet colour, then I'm dedicating it to the sweetest person in the nail blogosphere.

Oh god, I think I need some macaroni with my cheese! 

Mecca Cosmetica - Miranda

I am dedicating Miranda to..... Leanne!  This colour reminds me of being  young (a long time ago) and kinda happy go lucky.  Which is what I think of when I think of Leanne.

This is a beautiful dark coral that is, literally, perfection in a bottle.

I love this colour.  It's got a 'dusty' look to it.  Almost a shabby chic vibe.  And I suspect it would look fabulous on pretty much every skin tone.

Regarding the quality of these lacquers, I can safely say that Mecca have hit pay dirt in terms of their formula.  They are simply awesome.  Beautifully creamy.  Two coats and you're done.  High shine.  Gorgeous colours that are utterly feminine and girly.

I just wish they were a little cheaper because, right now, they are killing my wallet.

What do you guys think? 

Mecca Cosmetica - Rosaline

The other set of colours I'm trying this week is Mecca's Paint to Your Heart's Content Collection.


You know, when I'm swatching lacquers, I think in my head 'Oooh, Brooke is going to love this' or 'Pink Ginger is going to go mad with this purple'.  I think of who amongst my readers / other nail bloggers might love a certain colour.

So, at the risk of over-dosing the cheese factor by a million, I am dedicating each of these lacquers to a nail blogger (or bloggers) who I believe is represented by the colour.

It's my way of spreading Christmas cheer and I'd love you guys to do the same.  The next time you swatch a colour, think of another nail blogger and dedicate that colour to them.  Post the link in the comments below so that we can all have a lovely virtual group hug before Christmas.  :-)

So, without further delay, I am dedicating Mecca Cosmetica's Rosaline to..... Gilded Angel.  This is a stunning pink that is super glossy, opaque in two coats and lasts on the nail for days.  I think of my lovely Gilded Angel when I wear this because it's super sweet and super cute - just like her!

Mecca Cosmetica - Dionyza - Part II

For this look, I used Dionyza as the base and Helen as the Konad Stamp (the stamp is from a sample pack).

I'm really annoyed that the photo of this just didn't turn out the way I wanted because this is a gorgeous manicure. Definitely click on the photo and have a look at my middle finger.

The yellow flower pattern is delicate against the strong and bright blue. It's a great contrast of colours and is the perfect summer manicure.

So, sign me up to the Mecca Cosmetica Lacquer Fan Club. Whilst I have been skeptical of these in the past, believing that they're overpriced and unoriginal, my mind has been completely turned around.

The formula on these is up there with the best. They're luscious, the colours are on trend, and I just want every single one of them.

Mecca Cosmetica - Dionyza - Part I

Be still my beating heart.

Allow me to present..... Dionyza.

As with yellows, I find blues pretty hard to deal with. However - and I'm sorry to break your hearts on this, because I know some of you are lemming these something fierce but can't get hold of them - this is the perfect blue.

Application is a breeze. You could get away with one coat, but stick with two coats and you will be in opaque heaven.

This dries without streaks. Without bald spots. Evenly. Shiny. It really is absolutely faultless.

And the blue? It's a beautiful, bright, almost neon blue. It's like having a beautiful, clear sky on your nails.

I have no idea what Mecca are doing with their formulas, but the new collection is seriously up there with Chanel and Co. It's improved out of sight and the result is lacquers that, for me, anyway, are now worth their hefty price tag.

Mecca Cosmetica - Helen - Part II

The Part I should have given it away that there might be a Part II of Mecca Cosmetica's Helen.

And here it is! I have reached for the Konad again and I think I might be onto a winner.

This is Helen as the base, with Dionyza (the blue colour) used for the Konad stamp (plate #57). Definitely click to see the larger image.

I think this looks so cute. It's absolute perfect for the lovely, warmer weather we're having here in Australia as we head into summer. I can see myself using this manicure alot.

As for how Mecca lacquers fare with the Konad, they do remarkably well. Because they are quite thin lacquers and not opaque on the first coat, they tend to take on the colour of the base. So, you don't get the blue in all its glory. You get the blue with a hint of yellow peaking through.

I love this because it makes the manicure look more natural - if that makes sense - but it may not suit those of you who love bold, opaque designs.

All up, despite my Konading skills (and I am getting better at this everytime, so it's true that practice makes perfect), this is s great little manicure.

Mecca Cosmetica - Helen - Part I

When Mecca Cosmetica released their new collection, I wasn't overly impressed. At least two of the colours appear to be repackaged hues from the Spring 2009 Collection, which I've reviewed previously.

However, I couldn't resist the yellow and blue from this collection.

Helen is a creamy, lemon-esque yellow.

Now, I don't know about you guys but I struggle with yellow hues. They never get fully opaque and the finish is always.... off. Plus, they make me looked jaundiced which I don't think is ever a good look.

This is the first yellow I've tried that is opaque in two coats and looks glorious, shiny, stunning. I absolutely love it.

Typical of Mecca, the formula is perfect. It's creamy without being too gloopy. It dries to a high shine and it lasts for as long as I want it to (I wore this for five days before I saw minor tip wear. And when I say, minor, I mean micro).

All up, I'd say this is a must have for anyone who loves yellow. It's certainly going into my favourites collection!

Hey There, Wait A Minute Mr Postman - Essie + Mecca

I've hauled two lots of lovely lacquer products in the last few days.

The first is Essie's Matte About You top coat. Now, I'll admit that I have not really understood the matte trend. I like my lacquers to look super glossy and shiny. Why would anyone want their nails to look matte?

I understand now. I tried this yesterday on my new Asos Paint Pots, and I'm in love. How good do lacquers look when they're matte? Especially the glitters. Colour me convinced ladies.

My second haulage was yesterday when I went into Mecca Cosmetica. Which is, without fail, always a mistake on my part because I can never resist buying something.

I trialled some Nars Sheer Matte which I liked but I think I will also give the Sheer Glow a try. If any of you have tried both, what did you think? Here in Australia, it costs $100 a bottle so I want to make sure I get the right formula for me!

Anyway, I spotted some of the new Mecca lacquers and, yes, I ended up buying two: Dionyza (which is the blue) and Helen (which is the creamy lemon). The other two in this collection - Adriana and Margaret, are just repackaged Celia and Luciana from their Spring 2009 Collection - hence I didn't buy those.

Aren't these just beautiful, though? And check out the too cute bag they came in (I'm such a sucker for packaging). I'm tempted to compare them to RBL's Spongebob Squarepants lacquers, but they are different. I think.

So that's my haulage. What do you guys think?

You've Got Duped - Skin Food Pink Milk Vs Mecca Cosmetica Celia

I did the side by side of Skin Food Pink vs Mecca Cosmetica Celia. I was really hoping that Pink Milk would be a dupe because it's under $5 and available to my overseas readers, versus Mecca, which is only available in Australia and is $22.

Whilst the lighting is different in these photos, I can say with a good level of certainty that Pink Milk is a great colour dupe, albeit it is, like I suspected, marginally lighter. But both are cremes. Both are deep-ish pinks.

However, given the application problems I've had with both Skin Food lacquers this week, I've got to be honest when I say I'd prefer to use Mecca Cosmetica, even though it's hideously expensive. The formula is better on Mecca and I much prefer the finish.

So what do you think, ladies. If you loved Celia, and I know alot of you did, then Pink Milk is a cheap alternative. But could you tolerate the application issues to get that colour payoff?

Mecca Cosmetica - Spring 2009 Collection

**A very warm welcome to everyone who is visiting from Getcha Nails Did. I hope you enjoy YGN! Stay tuned as, next week, I will be launching my very first giveaway to coincide with my birthday.**

Spring has arrived in Australia and, with it, comes Mecca Cosmetica's Spring Collection 2009.

At first I wasn't sure about this collection. I walked past it in Myer about ten times before I finally decided to take the plunge. The poor shop assistant, who had been cajoling me to buy them for days, must have breathed a sigh of relief when I finally said 'Ok, I'll take them'.

Part of the reason for my reticence is the price. These are a very steep $22 each, which definitely places them up there amongst my more expensive polishes.

Secondly, I wasn't that thrilled with the colour section. A pink, a grey and a coral? These are colours my mother wears (sometimes all at once, and sometimes paired with faux leather fringed boots, which is the equivalent of her declaring war on my retinas). In short, I am biased against these colours.

In the end, these surprised me. In a good way. And perhaps cured me of my general dislike of coral. Perhaps.

Celia

Celia is a two-coat pink.

The key with this is the application. The first coat goes on reasonably streaky, which made me panic at first. Flashbacks of pinks that take five coats to become opaque started to flash through my mind.

But all was forgiven on the second coat. The streaks disappeared and I was left with what you see. A glossy, liquid-like pink.

This also has a hidden depth to it. Through each of these colours is a very faint, almost invisible gold shimmer. The shimmer takes this from being a creme, to a creme with a difference.

Of the three, this is the one that is the most wearable. I can see myself wearing this for work, on the weekends, weddings. Anywhere.

Celia is a colour that will offend no-one, but will delight many!

Francisca

Francisca is the colour that initially drew me into the collection.

I've never been a big fan of greys, but I was hopeful that this one, with the same gold shimmer running through it that Celia has, might change my mind.

And it did.

Like Celia, this is a two coat and you're opaque lacquer (I'm wearing one in the swatch and you can see a visible nail line).

Unlike Celia, however, it applies like a dream (no streaks!) and dries almost instantly.

If Celia is the most wearable colour, then this is the most versatile. It goes with almost everything in my closet, and is the perfect accompaniment when I'm wearing a suit to work and want to scare people (hey, I'm an auditor, scaring people is what I do).

And I feel sexy when I'm wearing it. Which means it's doing its job.

Luciana

Mmmm, Luciana.

This was my problem child when I bought it. I think, besides orange, coral is my most hated colour. It just never looks good on my hands. The colour always seems insipid, like a watered down hot pink.

Luciana, though, has turned my mind around on the whole coral issue. Out of all the colours, this is the one I love the most.

Like the others, this has a gold shimmer running through it, which seems to give it a warmth and oomph that other creme corals don't have.

So, ladies, all that remains to be answered (beside the perennial question of why the heck my mother makes such poor colour choices, and the answer is she's menopausal and doesn't give a hoot), is which of these is your favourite?

Celia, Francisca, Luciana?